Exotic Kerala - Backwaters, Spice Forests & the Malabar Coast

Exotic Kerala - Backwaters, Spice Forests & the Malabar Coast

INCOK-EXK01 7 Nights / 8 Days Available on request

Tour Highlights

  • Kochi: Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church, Chinese fishing nets, Fort Kochi
  • Kathakali, traditional Kerala dance performance
  • Thekkady: Spice Plantation tour, boat ride on Lake Periyar wildlife sanctuary
  • Kumarakom: houseboat ride on Vembanad Lake, bird sanctuary
  • Alleppey: overnight on a Kettuvallam houseboat through the Kerala backwaters
  • Marari Beach, leisure days on a peaceful coastal stretch

Tour code

INCOK-EXK01

Duration

10 days

Starting city

Kochi

Tour type

Private

Best season

October–March

Exotic Kerala

Kerala occupies the narrow coastal strip between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea. This 8-day tour moves through four distinct landscapes: the historic port city of Kochi, the spice-scented forests of Thekkady, the lake-and-river backwater world of Kumarakom and Alleppey, and the unhurried sands of Marari Beach.

Kochi (Cochin) carries the layered traces of its trading past, Portuguese churches, Dutch colonial buildings, a working Jewish synagogue, and the distinctive Chinese fishing nets that have stood at the harbour’s edge for centuries. An evening Kathakali performance introduces Kerala’s most recognised classical art form.

Thekkady sits at 900 metres in the Cardamom Hills, surrounded by one of the largest spice-growing regions in India. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, at the centre of which lies a large reservoir, is explored by boat.

The backwaters, a network of lagoons, canals, and lakes running parallel to the coast, are best experienced from the water. An overnight Kettuvallam houseboat journey through Alleppey is among the defining experiences of a Kerala visit.

A houseboat gliding through the Kerala backwaters near Alleppey, India A traditional Kettuvallam houseboat on the Alleppey backwaters, the slow, golden way to travel Kerala

The tour ends at Marari Beach, a quiet stretch of coastline beyond the reach of the main tourist circuit, with two days set aside entirely for rest.

Itinerary

  1. 1
    Day 1

    Kochi, Arrival

    Upon arrival at Kochi International Airport, transfer to your hotel for check-in. In the evening, visit a Kathakali school to experience a traditional dance performance unique to Kerala. Overnight in Kochi.

  2. 2
    Day 2

    Kochi, Thekkady

    Explore Kochi's highlights, including the Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace), known for its mix of European and Kerala architecture, murals of Hindu epics, and historical artefacts. Visit the Jewish Synagogue (closed Friday and Saturday), St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica, and the Spice Market. See the iconic Chinese fishing nets along the coastline and stroll through the historic Fort Kochi area with its preserved Dutch and Portuguese buildings. In the afternoon, drive to Thekkady (approximately 140 km, 4 hours). Overnight in Thekkady.

  3. 3
    Day 3

    Thekkady

    Enjoy a Spice Plantation tour: walk among pepper vines, try plucking peppercorns, and see them drying on mats. Experience the rich aroma of spices amidst the mountain air. Next, take a boat ride on Lake Periyar to explore the wildlife sanctuary, where you can spot animals including elephants and tigers, and soak in the serene beauty of the lake and surrounding forest. Overnight in Thekkady.

  4. 4
    Day 4

    Thekkady, Kumarakom

    Drive to Kumarakom (approximately 120 km, 3.5 hours), a serene village on the banks of Vembanad Lake, famed for its picturesque backwaters, houseboats, and bird sanctuary. Enjoy a houseboat ride, explore the bird sanctuary, and immerse yourself in the local beauty and culture. Overnight in Kumarakom.

  5. 5
    Day 5

    Kumarakom, Alleppey (Overnight Houseboat)

    Drive to the jetty to board an overnight Kettuvallam houseboat. Once used as cargo vessels, these traditional houseboats now offer a leisurely cruise through the backwaters. Enjoy views of villages and coconut trees from the main Vembanad Lake, with meals provided on board. The houseboat docks at a jetty for the night.

  6. 6

    Alleppey, Mararikulam (Marari Beach)

    Disembark the houseboat and transfer to your hotel in Mararikulam (approximately 30 minutes). Mararikulam, also known as Marari Beach, is a peaceful coastal village in Alappuzha, famed for its pristine beach, tranquil backwaters, and relaxed pace. Spend the remainder of Day 6 and all of Day 7 at leisure. Overnight in Mararikulam.

  7. 7
    Day 8

    Mararikulam, Departure

    Transfer to the airport for your onward flight, with assistance provided for check-in and immigration.

Please note: the order of stops and the timings shown are approximate and may change on the day for your safety and the best experience. See our Tour Terms & Conditions.

What's Included

  • Transportation services as per itinerary in air conditioned vehicle
  • Services of English speaking guides during specified sightseeing tours
  • Entry fees to monuments as per itinerary
  • Kathakali dance performance in Kochi
  • Spice Plantation tour in Thekkady
  • Boat ride on Lake Periyar, Thekkady
  • Houseboat ride on Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom
  • Overnight houseboat (Kettuvallam) in Alleppey, with meals on board
  • Assistance, toll, interstate taxes, Govt. Service Tax
  • Accommodation in well appointed rooms, including buffet breakfast

Not Included

  • Air tickets, Airport Taxes and Visa
  • Items of personal nature: laundry, telephone calls, minibar consumption in hotels, tips to guides, drivers, porters etc.
  • Camera or Video Camera fees applicable at monuments
  • Travel Insurance

Frequently Asked Questions

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Tour code: INCOK-EXK01

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