Kerala, India · Route map
Kerala's Hills, Waters, and Culture
This relaxed journey focuses entirely on the tropical south, as seven days is the perfect amount of time to truly experience Kerala's lush hills and iconic backwaters.
- 1
Kochi
arriving Kochi Airport
2 nights
Historic spice port and vibrant culinary hub
- 2
Munnar
2 nights
Emerald tea plantations and cool mountain air
- 3
Kumarakom
2 nights
Luxe lakefront wellness on the tranquil backwaters
- 4
Kochi
departing Kochi Airport
Depart from Kochi International Airport
- ✦4 stops · 6 nights
A sample from our journal — written by Waypora, kept as inspiration
Use this as a starting pointThe day-by-day
Welcome to Historic Fort Kochi
Arrive into Kochi International Airport
Flight · Morning · Kochi
Private AC transfer to Fort Kochi
Transfer · Morning · Fort Kochi
The drive takes about one hour depending on traffic.
Unwind in colonial Fort Kochi
At leisure · Afternoon · Fort Kochi
Grab a fresh ginger tea at the Kashi Art Cafe, a beloved local creative hangout.
Overnight in Fort Kochi
Accommodation · Evening · Fort Kochi
Traces of Spice and Culture
Walking tour of heritage Fort Kochi
Excursion · Morning · Fort Kochi
Explore the iconic Chinese fishing nets and St. Francis Church with local guide.
Go early before the sun gets harsh to see the fishermen operating the massive cantilevered nets.
Spices and history in Mattancherry
Excursion · Afternoon · Mattancherry
Walk down the fragrant bazaar road to smell ginger, cardamom, and cloves drying in old warehouses.
Overnight in Fort Kochi
Accommodation · Evening · Fort Kochi
Ascent to the Tea Hills
Private transfer from Kochi to Munnar
Transfer · Morning · Munnar
Enjoy a scenic four-hour drive winding through waterfalls and valleys.
Relax amidst the mountain air
At leisure · Afternoon · Munnar
Sip fresh-plucked orange pekoe tea on your resort balcony overlooking the mist-shrouded valleys.
Overnight in Munnar
Accommodation · Evening · Munnar
Misty Peaks and Spice Estates
Guided walk through Lockhart Tea Estate
Excursion · Morning · Munnar
Learn the art of tea making at a historic working factory.
The aroma inside the drying room is unforgettable; pick up dust-grade tea for the strongest brew.
Traditional Ayurvedic massage at a wellness sanctuary
Excursion · Afternoon · Munnar
Request an Abhyanga warm oil massage to soothe muscles after the morning walk.
Overnight in Munnar
Accommodation · Evening · Munnar
Descent to the Backwaters
Private transfer from Munnar to Kumarakom
Transfer · Morning · Kumarakom
A four-hour drive down the Western Ghats to Vembanad Lake.
Sunset cruise on Vembanad Lake
Excursion · Afternoon · Kumarakom
Watch local fishermen in narrow wooden canoes casting nets under the golden sky.
Overnight in Kumarakom
Accommodation · Evening · Kumarakom
Venice of the East
Traditional houseboat cruise through narrow canals
Excursion · Morning · Kumarakom
Glide past paddy fields and coconut groves on a private kettuvallam.
Ask your boat chef to prepare Karimeen Pollichathu, a local pearl spot fish grilled in banana leaves.
Leisurely afternoon at lakeside resort
At leisure · Afternoon · Kumarakom
Walk the resort gardens at dusk to spot migratory birds flying in from the sanctuary.
Overnight in Kumarakom
Accommodation · Evening · Kumarakom
Farewell to Kerala
Private transfer from Kumarakom to Kochi
Transfer · Morning · Kochi
Two-hour drive directly to the airport terminal.
Fly out of Kochi International Airport
Flight · Afternoon · Kochi
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