11-Day Kerala Gateways Tour

Private journey through Cochin, Munnar, Thekkady, Kumarakom and Ashtamudi, showcasing Kerala's heritage, tea hills, spice plantations, wildlife and tranquil backwaters

Discover Kerala through its most iconic landscapes on this carefully designed 11-Day Kerala Gateways Tour. Beginning in the historic port city of Cochin, the journey continues into the mist-covered tea plantations of Munnar, the fragrant spice forests and wildlife of Thekkady, the peaceful shores of Kumarakom, and the serene waterways of Ashtamudi Lake. Rather than rushing between destinations, this itinerary follows a natural route through Kerala's diverse landscapes, offering time to experience each region at a relaxed pace.

Kerala Gateways Tour – Day-by-Day Travel Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Cochin (Kochi) — Begin your Kerala journey in the historic port city of Cochin. On arrival at Cochin International Airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a relaxed evening exploring Marine Drive, Fort Kochi waterfront, or local spice markets that reflect Kerala’s centuries-old trading heritage. Overnight stay in Cochin.
• Day 2: Cochin sightseeing tour — Discover the cultural and colonial charm of Cochin with visits to Fort Kochi, Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, Mattancherry Palace, Jew Town, and traditional spice markets. The day offers a glimpse into Kerala’s fascinating history shaped by traders from across the world. Evening optional Kathakali cultural performance. Overnight stay in Cochin.
• Day 3: Cochin → Munnar (Approx. 125 km | 4–5 hrs drive) — Leave the coastal landscape behind and travel towards the Western Ghats. The scenic route passes waterfalls, spice plantations, rubber estates, and lush countryside before climbing into Munnar’s tea-covered hills. Stop at Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls before arriving at your mountain resort. Overnight stay in Munnar.
• Day 4: Munnar sightseeing — Explore the scenic beauty of Munnar with visits to tea plantations, Tea Museum, Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, Kundala Lake, and panoramic viewpoints. Optional visit to Eravikulam National Park offers opportunities to explore the unique mountain ecosystem and spot Nilgiri Tahr. Enjoy the cool climate and peaceful surroundings of the hills. Overnight stay in Munnar.
• Day 5: Munnar → Thekkady (Periyar) (Approx. 95 km | 3–4 hrs drive) — Continue towards Kerala’s spice and forest region. The winding mountain road passes through cardamom, pepper, and coffee plantations before reaching Thekkady. The evening is free to relax, explore local spice markets, or enjoy an optional cultural performance. Overnight stay in Thekkady.
• Day 6: Periyar wildlife and spice experience — Explore the natural surroundings of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary with an optional boat ride on Periyar Lake, offering opportunities to observe elephants, deer, and birdlife in their natural habitat. Later, visit a spice plantation to learn about Kerala’s famous cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, and other aromatic crops. Overnight stay in Thekkady.
• Day 7: Thekkady → Kumarakom (Approx. 125 km | 4 hrs drive) — Descend from the hills towards Kerala’s famous backwater region. As the landscape changes from forests to coconut-lined waterways, arrive at Kumarakom on the shores of Vembanad Lake. Spend the evening relaxing at your lakeside resort with sunset views, village surroundings, and peaceful backwater scenery. Overnight stay in Kumarakom.
• Day 8: Kumarakom Backwater Experience — Enjoy a relaxed day experiencing the charm of Kumarakom. Explore the lakeside surroundings, visit local villages, enjoy birdwatching, take a canoe ride, or simply relax by Vembanad Lake. This slower-paced experience allows you to enjoy Kerala’s traditional lifestyle away from busy tourist routes. Overnight stay in Kumarakom.
• Day 9: Kumarakom → Ashtamudi Lake (Approx. 90 km | 2.5–3 hrs drive) — Continue towards Ashtamudi, one of Kerala’s most beautiful and less-explored backwater destinations. Known for its palm-fringed waterways, fishing villages, and peaceful lake views, Ashtamudi offers a more authentic backwater experience. Enjoy a relaxed evening by the lake. Overnight stay in Ashtamudi.
• Day 10: Ashtamudi → Munroe Island Excursion → Ashtamudi (Approx. 45 km | 1.5 hrs drive one way) — After breakfast, enjoy a scenic day excursion to Munroe Island, a hidden gem of Kerala’s backwaters known for its peaceful canals, traditional villages, and authentic local life. Explore the island through a guided canoe ride, passing through narrow waterways lined with coconut palms while witnessing coir-making, fishing activities, and village landscapes. Experience the slower rhythm of Kerala’s backwater communities before returning to Ashtamudi in the evening. Overnight stay in Ashtamudi.
• Day 11: Ashtamudi → Cochin Departure (Approx. 170 km | 4.5–5 hrs drive) — After breakfast, check out from your resort and begin your journey towards Cochin. Enjoy the scenic drive through Kerala’s countryside, passing lush landscapes and local villages along the way. On arrival in Cochin, you will be transferred to Cochin International Airport or railway station for your onward journey, marking the conclusion of your Kerala Gateways Tour filled with hills, wildlife, backwaters, and authentic Kerala experiences.

Please Note: Travel times are approximate and may vary depending on road conditions, weather, traffic, and seasonal factors. Wildlife activities, lake experiences, and local visits are subject to operational conditions and availability.

Customization Available: This Kerala itinerary can be personalized with luxury resorts, boutique stays, Ayurveda experiences, private guides, additional backwater activities, or extended beach stays based on your travel preferences.

Inclusions – Kerala Gateways Tour

• Private air-conditioned vehicle with professional English-speaking driver throughout the journey
• Carefully selected accommodation for 10 nights with daily breakfast
• All airport transfers, sightseeing tours, and intercity travel as per itinerary
• Kumarakom and Ashtamudi backwater experiences with scenic lakeside surroundings
• Periyar wildlife experience including optional boat safari at Thekkady
• Visit to Kerala’s tea plantations, spice regions, villages, and natural landscapes
• All toll taxes, fuel charges, parking fees, and driver allowances included
• Personalized travel assistance throughout your Kerala journey

Optional arrangements including professional guides, Ayurveda treatments, cultural performances, premium resort upgrades, private boat experiences, and customized activities can be arranged on request.

Tour Customization – Kerala Gateways Tour

• Upgrade to luxury resorts, boutique hotels, heritage properties, or premium lakeside stays
• Add Ayurveda wellness therapies, yoga sessions, and rejuvenation experiences
• Include private English, Spanish, French, or German-speaking guides
• Extend stays in Munnar, Thekkady, Kumarakom, Ashtamudi, or Cochin
• Add village walks, spice plantation visits, cooking experiences, and local cultural activities
• Customize the itinerary with slower pacing, additional leisure days, or extended South India journeys

Best Time to Visit – Kerala Gateways Tour

• October – March: Ideal season for exploring Kerala’s hills, wildlife, plantations, and backwater destinations with pleasant weather.
• April – June: Warmer months with fewer visitors, suitable for relaxed journeys and peaceful resort stays.
• July – September: Monsoon season transforms Kerala into a lush green landscape with misty mountains and beautiful lake scenery.

FAQs – Kerala Gateways Tour

What is the duration of the Kerala Gateways Tour?
This private itinerary covers 10 nights / 11 days, connecting Cochin, Munnar, Thekkady, Kumarakom, Ashtamudi, and Cochin with a balanced mix of nature, culture, and backwater experiences.

Does this tour include a houseboat cruise?
This itinerary focuses on peaceful lakeside and backwater experiences in Kumarakom and Ashtamudi. Private boat rides and customized houseboat experiences can be added on request.

Is this Kerala tour suitable for families and couples?
Yes. The Kerala Gateways Tour is ideal for couples, families, honeymooners, senior travellers, and first-time visitors looking for a comfortable and immersive Kerala journey.

Can this itinerary be customized?
Yes. Hotels, travel pace, activities, experiences, and additional destinations can be adjusted according to your interests and preferred travel style.

Why Choose Premium India Tours

• Specialists in private and tailor-made Kerala travel experiences
• Hand-picked hotels, lakeside resorts, and trusted local experiences
• Comfortable chauffeur-driven journeys with destination expertise
• Transparent pricing with no hidden charges
• Dedicated planning support before and during your Kerala journey