Best of Kerala Tour Package

Kerala’s Ultimate 12-Day Journey Through Hills, Backwaters, Wildlife & Beaches

The Best of Kerala Tour Package is a thoughtfully designed 12-day private Kerala journey covering the state’s most iconic landscapes and experiences. Ideal for first-time visitors, couples, families, and nature lovers, this immersive itinerary combines Kerala’s cool hill stations, wildlife sanctuaries, serene backwaters, cultural heritage, and tropical beaches into one unforgettable holiday. Begin in the historic city of Cochin (Kochi), continue through the lush tea plantations of Munnar, explore the forests and spice plantations of Periyar (Thekkady), cruise Kerala’s famous backwaters in Kumarakom and Alleppey, and unwind along the palm-lined beaches of Kovalam.

Itinerary Overview – Kerala Through Hills, Backwaters & Coastal Roads (12 Days / 11 Nights)

Kerala is best experienced slowly — through winding hill roads, tea-scented mornings, roadside chai stalls, monsoon clouds drifting across valleys, and long conversations over seafood meals near the coast. This 12-day Kerala journey is planned with realistic driving distances and relaxed pacing, allowing time to actually absorb the landscapes instead of rushing from one sightseeing stop to another. From Kochi’s old colonial quarters and Munnar’s cool mountain air to spice-growing villages around Thekkady, peaceful backwaters of Kumarakom and Alleppey, and finally the laid-back beaches of Kovalam, the route follows the natural rhythm of Kerala itself.

• Day 1: Arrival in Kochi – Slow Evening in Fort Kochi
  Arrive at Cochin International Airport and drive towards Fort Kochi. Depending on traffic, the airport-to-coast journey usually takes around an hour. Kerala reveals itself gradually here — coconut-lined roads, small churches, seafood cafés, and old trading streets shaped by Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences. Rather than planning heavy sightseeing on arrival day, it’s best to slow down and adjust to Kerala’s relaxed pace. In the evening, walk along the Fort Kochi promenade near the Chinese Fishing Nets when the weather cools slightly. During winter months (November to February), the sea breeze makes this area especially pleasant for long walks.
• Day 2: Kochi Heritage Walk & Local Food Experiences
  Start the morning before the heat builds up, especially between March and May when coastal humidity becomes stronger by late afternoon. Explore Fort Kochi’s narrow lanes, St. Francis Church, Mattancherry Palace, Jew Town, and the old spice warehouses that still carry the aroma of pepper and cardamom. The charm of Kochi lies less in monuments and more in atmosphere — antique shops, faded colonial buildings, fishermen repairing nets, and cafés tucked inside heritage homes. Lunch is best enjoyed at a local seafood restaurant where Kerala-style fish curry with appam or karimeen pollichathu gives a proper introduction to coastal cuisine. In the evening, many travellers enjoy attending a Kathakali performance where artists prepare with elaborate makeup rituals before the show begins.
• Day 3: Kochi to Munnar – Waterfalls, Tea Roads & Mountain Air (130 km / 4.5–5 hrs)
  Today’s drive is one of the most scenic transitions in Kerala. The road gradually climbs from humid coastal plains into cooler hill country. After crossing small towns and rubber plantations, the landscape begins changing into mist-covered slopes and tea estates. During monsoon months (June to September), waterfalls like Cheeyappara and Valara become dramatic roadside cascades, though roads can occasionally slow down due to rain and fog. Small roadside tea shops along the route serve fresh banana fritters and strong Kerala chai — ideal comfort stops during the climb. As you approach Munnar, temperatures noticeably drop, especially in evenings between November and February, so carrying a light jacket is useful.
• Day 4: Munnar – Tea Valleys, Misty Mornings & Slow Exploration
  Munnar is less about ticking off viewpoints and more about enjoying the changing mountain weather. Early mornings often begin with floating mist over tea gardens, especially after overnight rain. Visit Eravikulam National Park early if you wish to avoid queues and midday crowds. The rolling tea plantations around Munnar are at their most photogenic during monsoon and post-monsoon months when the hills turn intensely green. Stop at local tea stalls rather than rushing between viewpoints — many overlook valleys where clouds drift across plantations through the afternoon. Echo Point and Kundala Lake are pleasant if visited slowly, but the real experience comes from simply driving through estate roads and observing plantation life.
• Day 5: Munnar to Thekkady – Cardamom Hills & Spice Country (90 km / 3 hrs)
  The road from Munnar to Thekkady passes through some of Kerala’s most fragrant landscapes. As the altitude changes, tea plantations slowly give way to spice-growing regions filled with cardamom, pepper vines, cinnamon, and clove trees. This stretch is especially beautiful during rainy months when low clouds settle over the hills. Small village markets along the way often sell fresh spices directly from nearby plantations. Arriving in Thekkady feels very different from Munnar — warmer air, denser forests, and the scent of spices almost everywhere. Evening is ideal for visiting a traditional spice plantation where local growers explain how Kerala’s spice trade shaped the region for centuries.
• Day 6: Periyar Forest Experience & Local Kerala Wellness Traditions
  Mornings near Periyar are usually calm and slightly misty around the lake area. The boat safari inside Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary works best when approached as a quiet nature experience rather than a guaranteed wildlife safari. Elephants, deer, wild boar, and birdlife are sometimes visible along the forest edge, particularly during early hours. Travellers interested in softer experiences often prefer bamboo rafting or guided nature walks through the forest buffer zones. Thekkady is also one of the better places in Kerala to try a traditional Ayurvedic massage after several days of mountain driving. Dinner here is worth exploring beyond hotel buffets — local restaurants serve excellent Kerala meals with tapioca, spicy fish curry, and Malabar-style parotta.
• Day 7: Thekkady to Kumarakom – Kerala Countryside & Backwater Calm (120 km / 3.5–4 hrs)
  Leaving the hills behind, the route slowly descends into Kerala’s greener countryside. Rubber plantations, village chapels, roadside fruit stalls, and narrow canals begin appearing along the journey. By the time you reach Kumarakom, the pace noticeably slows. Located on the banks of Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom feels quieter and less commercial than many other backwater regions. Sunset here changes daily depending on cloud patterns and water levels, especially during monsoon season when dramatic skies reflect beautifully across the lake. Staying at a lakeside resort is less about activities and more about enjoying silence, birdsong, and Kerala’s slower rural rhythm.
• Day 8: Alleppey Houseboat Journey – Village Canals & Everyday Backwater Life
  After breakfast, continue towards Alleppey for the houseboat experience. The backwaters are not simply a tourist attraction — they are active waterways where local life still unfolds daily. During the cruise, you’ll pass school boats, toddy shops, fishermen casting nets, women washing clothes near canal edges, and endless coconut groves reflected in still water. Traditional Kerala meals served onboard are usually simple but fresh, often including rice, vegetable thoran, fish fry, and local curries. Between December and February, the weather remains cooler and ideal for sitting on the deck through the afternoon, while monsoon cruises offer a more atmospheric experience with rain drifting across the canals.
• Day 9: Alleppey / Kumarakom to Kovalam – Coastal Kerala Road Journey (170 km / 4.5–5 hrs)
  Today’s drive follows parts of Kerala’s coastal belt before reaching Kovalam near Thiruvananthapuram. The route occasionally opens up to glimpses of fishing villages, churches, banana plantations, and stretches of Arabian Sea coastline. Traffic becomes busier closer to the capital region, so an early departure is usually more comfortable. Kovalam has changed over the years, but mornings and late evenings still retain a relaxed seaside atmosphere. Lighthouse Beach remains lively, while Samudra Beach is quieter for long walks and sunset views.
• Day 10: Kovalam – Slow Beach Day & Ayurveda by the Sea
  Kovalam is best enjoyed without fixed schedules. Early mornings are peaceful before beach cafés open and day visitors arrive. Between October and March, sea conditions are generally calmer and suitable for relaxed beach time. Kerala’s Ayurvedic traditions are deeply rooted here, and many travellers choose authentic wellness therapies after the hill and road journey sections of the trip. Seafood cafés along the coast serve freshly grilled fish, prawns, crab, and Kerala-style coconut curries best enjoyed during sunset hours overlooking the Arabian Sea.
• Day 11: Kovalam Leisure Day – Coastal Cafés, Fishing Villages & Optional Varkala Excursion
  Keep this day flexible. Some travellers prefer simply staying near the beach with slow café hopping and evening walks, while others choose an optional drive towards Varkala, known for its dramatic cliffs and quieter atmosphere. Exploring small coastal roads around Kovalam often becomes more memorable than planned sightseeing — colourful fishing boats pulled onto the shore, local markets selling dry fish and spices, and tiny tea stalls overlooking the sea give a more authentic sense of Kerala’s coastline.
• Day 12: Kovalam to Trivandrum Departure – 15 km / 30 mins
  After breakfast, drive to Trivandrum Airport or railway station for departure. Depending on flight timing, you may still have time for a final Kerala breakfast — appam with stew, puttu with kadala curry, or fresh filter coffee before leaving the coast behind.

This Kerala route works particularly well for travellers who enjoy meaningful road journeys, nature-focused stays, local cuisine, photography, and slower travel experiences rather than fast-paced sightseeing schedules. The itinerary can also be upgraded with boutique plantation stays, premium lake resorts, private houseboats, or guided culinary and cultural experiences.

*Road conditions in Kerala can vary seasonally, especially during monsoon months when mountain routes may experience fog, rainfall, or slower traffic movement. Flexible departures and regular comfort stops make the journey far more enjoyable across hill and coastal sectors.

Inclusions – Best of Kerala Tour Package

• Private chauffeur-driven air-conditioned vehicle throughout the journey
• 11 nights accommodation in carefully selected hotels, resorts, and backwater stays
• Daily breakfast during the tour
• All sightseeing tours and intercity transfers as per the itinerary
• Traditional Kerala houseboat experience in Kumarakom backwaters
• Periyar wildlife boat safari and spice plantation region visit
• All toll taxes, fuel charges, parking fees, and driver allowances

Optional arrangements such as professional guides, domestic flights, Ayurveda therapies, cultural performances, and curated local experiences can be customized on request.

Customization Options – Best of Kerala Tour Package

• Upgrade to luxury resorts, boutique heritage hotels, or premium houseboats
• Add Ayurveda wellness therapies, yoga sessions, or spa experiences
• Extend your stay with additional nights in Kovalam, Alleppey, or Munnar
• Private English, Spanish, French, or German-speaking guides available
• Include village walks, tea plantation visits, cooking demonstrations, and cultural performances

Best Time to Visit – Best of Kerala Tour Package

• October – March: Ideal weather for exploring hill stations, wildlife sanctuaries, beaches, and backwaters
• April – June: Warm months with fewer crowds and peaceful travel experiences
• July – September: Monsoon season offering lush green landscapes, dramatic scenery, and rejuvenating Ayurveda experiences

FAQs – Best of Kerala Tour Package

What is included in the Best of Kerala Tour Package?
The package includes private transport, hotel stays with breakfast, sightseeing tours, wildlife experiences, and a traditional Kerala houseboat stay.

Is this Kerala itinerary suitable for first-time visitors?
Yes, this tour is designed as a balanced introduction to Kerala’s hills, wildlife, backwaters, beaches, and cultural highlights.

Can the itinerary be customized?
Absolutely. Hotels, duration, activities, wellness experiences, and destinations can all be tailored to your preferences.

Are houseboat experiences included in the tour?
Yes, the itinerary includes a traditional Kerala backwater houseboat experience in Kumarakom.

Why Choose Premium India Tours

• Specialists in tailor-made Kerala holidays and private South India journeys
• Hand-picked resorts, premium houseboats, and trusted local experiences
• Private chauffeur-driven travel focused on comfort and flexibility
• Transparent pricing with personalized planning support
• Dedicated assistance from inquiry to departure