Scenic Kerala
Ten nights tracing Kerala’s natural flow, from the colonial coast up into the tea gardens of Munnar, down through Periyar’s forests to the backwaters and the sea.
Six distinct places, each given the time it deserves, travelling privately with your own chauffeur throughout.
Private
Tailor-Made Journey
10
Iconic Destinations
Daily
Breakfast Included
Private
Chauffeur Throughout
Expert
Local Guides
ATOL
Protected Holidays
Coast, Hills and Backwaters
A Gradual Transition Through Kerala
Shaped around Kerala’s natural flow, this journey unfolds as a gradual transition from vibrant coastlines to mist-laden hills and tranquil backwaters, offering a deeply restorative travel experience.
Starting in Cochin, where heritage and coastal life intertwine, the route ascends into the cool, rolling landscapes of Munnar, defined by tea gardens and mountain air. From the highlands it moves into the lush wilderness of Thekkady, before easing into the stillness of Kumarakom’s backwaters. A private houseboat stay leads seamlessly into a beach retreat at Marari, where days are shaped by the sea breeze.
Journey Highlights
Experiences You Will Never Forget
Blending nature, comfort, and fluid pacing, this itinerary is designed to feel effortless rather than busy.
The Chinese Fishing Nets
The cantilevered Chinese Fishing Nets of Fort Kochi, drooping towards the water like oversized hammocks.
Munnar's Tea Gardens
Rolling hills carpeted in tea plantations, plus the Tata Tea Museum to see the process and taste the results.
Spices at Thekkady
The wealth of spices of India on a plantation tour in the Western Ghats, close to Periyar Tiger Reserve.
Boating on Lake Periyar
A boat ride at Lake Periyar for elephants, bison and water birds observed from close quarters.
Kalaripayattu
Kerala’s martial art form, Kalaripayattu, performed by trained fighters in a local theatre at Thekkady.
A Night on a Houseboat
A private kettuvallam through the Alleppey backwaters, with lunch, snacks and dinner served on board.
Your Journey
From the Malabar Coast to the Western Ghats and Back
A route that climbs from sea level into the tea hills, drops through spice country to the backwaters, and finishes on the sand.
Cochin
Stop 1
Munnar
Stop 2
Thekkady
Stop 3
Kumarakom
Stop 4
Houseboat
Stop 5
Marari
Stop 6
Sample Itinerary
Your Scenic Kerala Journey
The itinerary can be extended, shortened or upgraded to suit your preferred travel style.
Days 01 - 02 : Arrive Cochin
Days 1–2
Colonial Kochi
A warm welcome with fresh flower garlands at Cochin International Airport. Next day, Fort Kochi: the Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis CSI Church, then a tuk-tuk to the Dhobi Khana, through Mattanchery to the spice market. In the evening, Kathakali.
03 - 04 : Cochin - Munnar
Day 3-4
Into the Tea Hills
Drive to Munnar, 150 kilometres and four to five hours, into South India’s largest tea-growing region. The next day, visit the tea plantations and the Tata Tea Museum to see the history of tea production and taste freshly brewed varieties.
Day 05 : Munnar - Thekkady
Day 5
Spices, Periyar and Kalaripayattu
Drive to Thekkady for a spice plantation tour, discovering the wealth of spices of India, then a boat ride at Lake Periyar inside Periyar Tiger Reserve for elephants and bison. In the evening, Kerala’s martial art form, Kalaripayattu.
Day 06 : Thekkady - Kumarakom
Days 6
The Backwaters of Kumarakom
Drive to Kumarakom, a cluster of little islands on Vembanad Lake with a 14-acre bird sanctuary. Spend 90 minutes experiencing **village life** on the canal banks, a fine example of community-based tourism.
Day 07 : Kumarakom - Houseboat
Days 7
Day 07 : Kumarakom - Houseboat
Drive to Alleppey, the Venice of the East, and embark on your houseboat. Sail through the backwaters aboard a reworked kettuvallam, with lunch, evening snacks and dinner served on board.
Days 08 - 10 : Houseboat - Marari
Days 8–10
The Quiet Coast
Disembark after breakfast and drive to Marari, a serene coastal village where local life still revolves around the sea. Three nights free for the beach, resort activities, seafood and Ayurvedic treatments.
Day 11 : Departure
Days 11
Departure
Breakfast at the resort, then a departure transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Your Holiday
Thoughtfully Arranged From Beginning to End
Your Journey Includes
- 09-night accommodation on sharing double/twin room basis with breakfast
- 01-night accommodation onboard houseboat on full-board basis
- Complete transport in AC vehicle with driver
- English-speaking tour guide for sightseeing as per program
- Tuk-Tuk ride and Kathakali Dance Show in Cochin
- Boat ride at Lake Periyar and Kalaripayattu Martial Art Show in Thekkady
- Warm welcome with fresh flower garlands and two water bottles per person per day
Tailor Your Holiday
- Choose from four hotel collections, from comfortable to CGH Earth heritage
- Upgrade from a Deluxe to a Premium houseboat
- Add extra nights at Marari for a longer beach stay
- Add Kovalam and Ashtamudi for a fuller southern loop
- Add monument and activity entrance fees to your package
- Add Ayurvedic treatments at the beach resort
- Adjust the pace and number of nights in each place
Choose Your Kerala Experience
Travel Kerala Your Way
Choose the style of holiday that suits you. Every journey is privately arranged and can be personalised around your travel dates, preferred hotels, pace and experiences.
Scenic Kerala Classic
Based on two adults sharing
- Abad Plaza Hotel or Holiday Inn Kochi
- Abad Copper Castle, Sterling Munnar or Grand Plaza
- Abad Green Forest or Peppervine in Thekkady
- Abad Whispering Palms in Kumarakom
- Deluxe houseboat and Abad Turtle Beach at Marari
- Private chauffeur and air-conditioned vehicle
- Kathakali, Kalaripayattu and the Periyar boat ride included
Scenic Kerala Luxury
Based on two adults sharing
- Crowne Plaza, CGH Eighth Bastion or Radisson Blu in Cochin
- WGH The Tall Trees in Munnar
- Abad Green Forest or Peppervine in Thekkady
- Premium houseboat on the Alleppey backwaters
- Xandari Pearl Beach Resort at Marari
- Private chauffeur and premium vehicle
- Expert private local guides throughout
Scenic Kerala Exceptional
For an extraordinary private journey
- Brunton Boatyard or Taj Malabar Resort & Spa in Cochin
- Windermere in Munnar
- Spice Village, a CGH Earth property, in Thekkady
- Coconut Lagoon, a CGH Earth resort, in Kumarakom
- Premium houseboat and Marari Beach, a CGH Earth Experience
- Bespoke private touring throughout
- Completely personalised itinerary
Prices are per person based on two adults sharing and vary according to travel dates, availability and final hotel selection. Rates for 4-6 and 7-9 travelling together are lower and available on request. International flights are not included in the guide prices above but can be added to create a complete ATOL-protected holiday where applicable.
Looking for something even more exceptional?
We can create a fully bespoke Rajasthan journey featuring palace suites, private villas and luxury hotels including Oberoi, Taj, RAAS, Raffles, Aman and Six Senses.
Make It Your Own
Add Extraordinary Private Experiences
Personalise your holiday with special experiences designed around your interests.
Premium Houseboat
Upgrade from a Deluxe to a Premium houseboat for your night on the backwaters.
CGH Earth Properties
Stay at Spice Village, Coconut Lagoon and Marari Beach, all CGH Earth experiences.
Longer at Marari
Add nights at the beach, with Ayurvedic treatments and nothing else scheduled.
All Entrances Included
Add every monument and activity entrance fee so nothing is payable as you travel.
Travel With Confidence
Why Book With India Vacations?
Your holiday is created by specialists who understand India and know how to make a complex journey feel effortless.
India Specialists
Knowledgeable consultants with first-hand understanding of the destination.
ATOL Protection
Financial protection when your holiday is booked with qualifying flights.
Tailor-Made Travel
Every itinerary can be adapted around your interests, dates and preferred level of comfort.
Personal Assistance
Support before departure and dependable local assistance while you travel.
Your Kerala Story Starts Here
Let Us Create Your Perfect Journey Through India
Speak to an India specialist and receive a personalised itinerary based on your preferred dates, hotels, experiences and budget.
All itineraries are subject to availability and can be tailored to your requirements.