Malabar Escapes: Kerala’s Serenity
Ratings of India Travel Factory
Trip Overview
Highlights
Reviews
Places Visited
Places Visited: Cochin, Munnar, Thekkady, Backwaters, Kumarakom, Cochin
Duration
10 nights & 11 days
Tour categories
Standard, Deluxe, and Luxury
Customizable Itinerary
This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist
Discover the tranquil beauty of Kerala with our Malabar Escapes tour, a journey through lush landscapes and serene backwaters of God’s Own Country. Begin in Cochin, a vibrant city where colonial history blends with rich culture. Explore Fort Kochi’s charming streets, visit ancient churches, and witness a mesmerizing Kathakali dance show—Kerala’s traditional performing art—bringing mythology and folklore to life through vivid costumes and expressive gestures. Experience the unique fusion of Indian, Portuguese, and Dutch influences that define this enchanting city.
Next, retreat to the misty hills of Munnar, famous for its sprawling tea plantations, rolling green landscapes, and refreshing climate. Take leisurely walks through fragrant tea gardens and enjoy panoramic views of the Western Ghats. Continue to Thekkady, home to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can embark on a boat safari to spot elephants, deer, and exotic birds in their natural habitat.
Experience the quintessential Kerala backwaters with a stay in Kumarakom, gliding through tranquil canals lined with swaying palms and quaint villages. Relax on a traditional houseboat as you drift past lush greenery and witness everyday rural life.
Return to Cochin, enriched by the serene landscapes, wildlife, and vibrant culture. Malabar Escapes offers an unforgettable blend of nature, wildlife, and heritage—perfect for those seeking peace and discovery in Kerala’s scenic beauty.
Customizable Itinerary
+ Day 1: Arrival in Cochin – Kerala’s Cultural Jewel
Arrive at Cochin International Airport, where your Kerala adventure begins. Our representative will warmly welcome you and escort you to your hotel. Known as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea,” Kochi (Cochin) is a vibrant city on India’s southwestern coast, famed as the Gateway to Kerala. Rich in history and culture, Cochin is set amidst scenic waterways and colonial charm, making it the perfect start to your journey in God’s Own Country.
+ Day 2: Discover the Historic Charm of Cochin
After breakfast, embark on a half-day sightseeing tour of Cochin’s top attractions. Explore the Dutch Palace, built in 1555, showcasing exquisite murals and royal artifacts. Visit the ancient Jewish Synagogue, famous for its Belgian glass chandeliers and rich heritage. See St. Francis Church, India’s oldest European church and Vasco da Gama’s original burial site. Witness the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets lining Fort Kochi’s waterfront. In the evening, enjoy a mesmerizing Kathakali dance performance, Kerala’s classical art form blending drama, music, and vivid storytelling.
+ Day 3: Scenic Drive to Munnar – India’s Tea Paradise
After breakfast, drive approximately five hours to the serene hill station of Munnar. Nestled at 1,600 meters altitude, Munnar is renowned for its endless tea plantations, cool climate, and stunning landscapes. Once a British summer retreat, this picturesque destination also features rare flora like the Neelakurinji flower, which blooms every 12 years, and nearby Anamudi Peak, the highest in South India. Relax and explore at your own pace.
+ Day 4: Explore Munnar’s Natural Beauty and Tea Heritage
Discover Munnar’s enchanting sights starting with Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and breathtaking mountain views (closed Feb-April). Experience a “Day with Tea Pluckers,” learning traditional tea harvesting techniques firsthand. Wander through vast tea gardens and visit the Tea Museum to delve into the fascinating history of India’s tea industry.
+ Day 5: Journey to Thekkady – Nature’s Wildlife Sanctuary
After breakfast, travel 3.5 hours to Thekkady, a lush wildlife retreat in Kerala’s Western Ghats. Check into your hotel and enjoy leisure time. Thekkady is famed for the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, bamboo rafting, and spice plantations, offering a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility.
+ Day 6: Spice Plantation Tour and Periyar Lake Safari
Explore fragrant spice gardens on a guided tour, learning about cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, and other spices’ cultivation and processing. Later, enjoy a shared boat safari on Periyar Lake inside the wildlife sanctuary. Spot elephants, deer, and exotic birds while drifting through peaceful forested waters — a truly immersive wildlife experience.
+ Day 7: Houseboat Cruise on Alleppey Backwaters
Transfer to Alleppey and board a traditional houseboat to glide through Kerala’s iconic backwaters. Witness rural life along emerald canals, paddy fields, and quaint villages untouched by modern roads. Relax in comfortable accommodations onboard, savor freshly prepared local cuisine, and soak in the tranquil sunset ambiance as you anchor overnight amid serene waters.
+ Day 8: Transfer to Kumarakom – Backwater Serenity
After breakfast aboard, transfer to your resort in Kumarakom, nestled on the banks of Vembanad Lake. This peaceful village is famous for bird sanctuaries, coconut groves, and rich biodiversity, offering a perfect nature escape. Spend the day at leisure enjoying the tranquil surroundings.
+ Day 9: Leisure Day in Kumarakom
Enjoy a full day of relaxation or choose activities such as birdwatching, village walks, fishing, canoeing, or Ayurvedic spa treatments. Relish authentic Kerala cuisine and capture the serene beauty of Kumarakom’s lush landscapes.
+ Day 10: Return to Cochin and Final Evening at Leisure
After a leisurely morning, drive back to Cochin (approx. 2 hours). Check into your hotel and spend your last evening indulging in a traditional South Indian dinner or rejuvenating with an Ayurvedic massage before your departure.
+ Day 11: Departure from Cochin
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, followed by an assisted transfer to Cochin International Airport for your onward international flight home.
Customizable Itinerary
This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist
Trip Highlights
Unforgettable Kerala Tour Highlights: Culture, Nature & Backwater Bliss
- Stay at carefully selected best-quality hotels across Kerala
- Enjoy personalized airport pickup and drop-off assistance
- Explore the historic charm of Cochin’s Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, and St. Francis Church
- Witness the iconic Chinese fishing nets and vibrant Fort Kochi culture
- Experience a mesmerizing Kathakali classical dance performance
- Scenic drive through lush landscapes to Munnar, India’s premier tea country
- Discover Eravikulam National Park and endangered Nilgiri Tahr in Munnar
- Unique “Day with Tea Pluckers” experience and visit to the Tea Museum
- Wildlife adventure in Thekkady’s Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary with boat safari
- Guided tour of spice plantations to learn about Kerala’s aromatic spices
- Overnight cruise on a traditional houseboat through Alleppey’s tranquil backwaters
- Leisure time in serene Kumarakom, set on Vembanad Lake with birdwatching opportunities
- Authentic Kerala cuisine and Ayurvedic spa experiences for relaxation
- Comfortable private transfers with experienced chauffeurs
- Immerse yourself in Kerala’s rich culture, nature, and unique backwater lifestyle
- Best price guarantee for outstanding value
- 24/7 on-call travel support throughout your tour
Customizable Itinerary
This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist
Reviews of this Travel Agency
5 stars based on 257 reviews.
5 stars based on 257 reviews.
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