Kerala's Golden Triangle: Backwaters, Tea Hills & Colonial Charm
Complete Journey Overview
Kerala's Golden Triangle: Backwaters, Tea Hills & Colonial Charm
Kerala's Golden Triangle: Backwaters, Tea Hills & Colonial Charm
Embark on an unforgettable adventure filled with amazing experiences
Day 1: Arrival in Kochi & Fort Kochi's Colonial Past
Arrival at Cochin International Airport (COK)
Welcome to Kerala! Upon arrival, collect your luggage and proceed to the arrivals hall to meet your pre-booked driver or take a prepaid airport taxi to your hotel in Fort Kochi.
Check-in at a Heritage Hotel
Check into your hotel in the charming Fort Kochi area. This area is known for its colonial-era bungalows and heritage properties, offering a unique and atmospheric stay.
Lunch at a Local Cafe
Enjoy a light lunch at one of the many quaint cafes in Fort Kochi. Kashi Art Cafe is a popular choice, known for its artistic ambiance and delicious food.
Sunset at the Chinese Fishing Nets
Take a leisurely stroll along the coast to witness the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets. The best time to visit is during sunset, as the view is spectacular. You can interact with the fishermen and even try operating the nets for a small fee.
Kathakali Performance
Experience the vibrant and dramatic classical Indian dance-drama, Kathakali. Arrive early (around 5:30 PM) to watch the intricate makeup application process, which is a performance in itself.
Seafood Dinner at Oceanos Restaurant
Indulge in a delicious seafood dinner. Oceanos is highly rated for its fresh catch and authentic preparations of Keralan and continental seafood dishes.
Day 2: Kochi's Rich History & Culture
Explore Fort Kochi's Heritage
Start your day with a walking tour. Visit St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India and the original burial site of Vasco da Gama. Then, admire the beautiful frescoes at the Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica.
Discover Jew Town & Paradesi Synagogue
Take an auto-rickshaw to the Mattancherry area to explore Jew Town. Walk through its narrow streets lined with antique shops and spice stores. Visit the Paradesi Synagogue, built in 1568, known for its hand-painted Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers.
Lunch in Mattancherry
Have lunch at a cafe in Jew Town. Ginger House Museum Hotel has a lovely waterfront restaurant with a unique ambiance, surrounded by antiques.
Visit the Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace)
Explore the Mattancherry Palace, gifted by the Portuguese to the Raja of Cochin. It's famous for its stunning murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana and other Hindu legends.
Dinner at The Rice Boat
For a special dinner, dine at The Rice Boat at Taj Malabar Resort & Spa. This floating restaurant offers exquisite seafood and stunning views of the Kochi harbour.
Day 3: Scenic Drive to the Tea Hills of Munnar
Journey from Kochi to Munnar
After breakfast, check out from your hotel and begin the scenic drive to Munnar. The journey takes you from the coastal plains to the rolling hills of the Western Ghats, offering breathtaking views.
En Route: Cheeyappara & Valara Waterfalls
On the way to Munnar, stop at the beautiful Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls. These are located right by the highway and are great spots for photos and a refreshing break.
Spice Plantation Tour
Visit a local spice plantation to see how spices like cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, and cloves are grown. A guided tour will explain the uses of various plants in cooking and traditional medicine.
Check-in at Munnar Resort
Arrive in Munnar and check into your hotel or resort. Choose a property with views of the tea plantations for a truly immersive experience.
Dinner in Munnar Town
Head into Munnar town for dinner. Saravana Bhavan is a great choice for authentic and affordable South Indian vegetarian cuisine.
Day 4: Munnar's Tea Gardens & Majestic Peaks
Eravikulam National Park
Start your day early with a visit to Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. The park offers stunning views of the surrounding tea-covered hills. Visitors are taken up the hill in park buses.
Tata Tea Museum (Kanan Devan Hills)
Learn about the history and process of tea making in Munnar. The museum has a demonstration area where you can see the different stages of tea processing. The tour ends with a tea tasting session.
Lunch in Munnar Town
Have lunch at a local restaurant. Rapsy Restaurant is famous for its Malabar Biryani and Parottas.
Mattupetty Dam & Echo Point
In the afternoon, drive to Mattupetty Dam, a beautiful spot for boating and sightseeing. A little further down the road is Echo Point, a scenic spot where you can have fun shouting and hearing your voice echo back from the surrounding hills.
Dinner at the Resort
Enjoy a relaxing dinner at your resort's restaurant, soaking in the peaceful mountain atmosphere.
Day 5: Journey to the Backwaters of Alleppey
Drive from Munnar to Alleppey
After an early breakfast, check out and start your journey from the hills of Munnar to the serene backwaters of Alleppey (Alappuzha). The drive descends through rubber and pineapple plantations.
Check-in to a Private Houseboat
Board your private houseboat from the Alleppey finishing point. You'll be welcomed with a refreshing drink. Settle in as the boat begins its gentle cruise through the enchanting network of canals, lakes, and lagoons.
Traditional Keralan Lunch on Board
Enjoy a delicious, freshly prepared Keralan lunch served on a banana leaf. The meal typically includes rice, sambar, various vegetable dishes, and fresh fish fry (Karimeen - Pearl Spot fish is a local delicacy).
Backwater Cruise
Spend the afternoon cruising through the serene backwaters. Observe the local way of life: children playing, people farming on the banks, and toddy tappers at work. This is a unique opportunity to witness the harmony between man and nature.
Dinner Under the Stars
Enjoy a peaceful dinner on the deck of your anchored houseboat. The chef will prepare another delightful meal, often featuring chicken curry or other local specialties.
Day 6: Alleppey's Local Life & Coastal Charm
Disembark and Check-in to a Resort
Wake up to the gentle sounds of the backwaters. After breakfast on board, the houseboat will cruise for about an hour before returning to the jetty. Disembark around 9:00 AM and check into a backwater resort or homestay.
Canoe or Shikara Ride in Narrow Canals
Experience the backwaters from a different perspective. Hire a smaller boat like a canoe or a shikara to explore the narrow, intricate canals where the large houseboats cannot go. This offers a more intimate glimpse into village life.
Authentic Lunch at a Toddy Shop
For an adventurous and authentic culinary experience, have lunch at a local toddy shop (Kallu Shaap). These places serve spicy, delicious Keralan food, especially seafood, alongside fresh toddy (palm wine).
Relax at Alappuzha Beach & Lighthouse
In the late afternoon, head to Alappuzha Beach. Walk along the 150-year-old pier and enjoy the sea breeze. You can also visit the nearby Alappuzha Lighthouse for a panoramic view of the coastline and the town.
Farewell Dinner at Cassia
Enjoy a farewell dinner at Cassia, a highly-regarded restaurant known for its continental and Keralan fusion cuisine in a beautiful setting.
Day 7: Departure from God's Own Country
Final Keralan Breakfast
Enjoy a final breakfast at your resort, perhaps trying some local specialties like Appam with stew or Puttu with kadala curry.
Travel to Cochin International Airport (COK)
Check out from your hotel and travel back to Cochin International Airport for your flight home. The journey will take around 2 to 2.5 hours.
Optional: Last-Minute Shopping at Lulu Mall
If you have ample time before your flight, you can stop at Lulu Mall, one of India's largest malls, located near the airport. It's a good place for last-minute souvenir shopping or to grab a coffee.
