kerala-hills-backwaters

Your luxurious Kerala adventure begins as you arrive at Cochin International Airport (COK). Upon landing, you will be welcomed by your private chauffeur who will ensure a smooth transfer to the CGH Earth Kochi, an exquisite boutique hotel nestled in Fort Kochi's historic quarters. Check in to your spacious room, featuring local art and unparalleled comfort, and take some time to relax after your journey. In the evening, embark on a leisurely stroll through the nearby streets of Fort Kochi, soaking in Kerala's colonial charm and artistic vibes. Visit iconic landmarks such as St. Francis Church, Asia's oldest European-built church, and the vibrant Chinese fishing nets that line the coast. Afterwards, retreat to the hotel for a delicious dinner at the on-site restaurant, offering an array of authentic Kerala dishes crafted from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Savor the spices and flavors of the region in an elegant setting before turning in for the night. Highlights: - Private transfer from Cochin International Airport (COK) - Evening tour of Fort Kochi's historic sites - Authentic Kerala dinner at CGH Earth Kochi's restaurant

Begin your day with a lavish breakfast at the CGH Earth Brunton Boatyard, where you'll enjoy an exquisite spread of traditional Kerala dishes alongside continental favorites, all served with stunning views of the waterfront. Afterward, your private guide will escort you on a captivating tour of Fort Kochi, starting with the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets. Witness these ancient marvels in action as local fishermen skillfully demonstrate their age-old techniques, offering a glimpse into Kochi's vibrant maritime heritage. Continue to the historic Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, a treasure trove of Kerala's cultural and artistic legacy. Marvel at its intricate murals, which depict vivid scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, providing an immersive insight into the region's rich history. Break for lunch at the renowned Kashi Art Caf, a delightful fusion of art and cuisine, where you can savor fresh, handcrafted dishes in an inspiring ambiance. Post-lunch, meander through the charming streets of Jew Town, famed for its antique shops, spice markets, and the Paradesi Synagogue, the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon, where you can unwind in elegance, perhaps indulging in a rejuvenating Ayurvedic treatment or simply relaxing by the pool. Conclude your day with a gourmet dinner at the hotel's fine-dining restaurant, enjoying a curated menu of Kerala-inspired delicacies.

After a leisurely breakfast at the CGH Earth Brunton Boatyard, begin your journey to Munnar with a private chauffeur-driven car, enjoying a scenic 4-hour drive through Kerala's lush landscapes. The route winds past picturesque villages, cascading waterfalls, and mist-clad hills, offering ample opportunities for photo stops. Upon arrival in Munnar, check in to the Windermere Estate, an intimate boutique retreat set amidst sprawling tea gardens and cardamom plantations. Your accommodation, a beautifully designed Planter's Villa, combines rustic charm with modern comforts, featuring private balconies that open up to panoramic mountain views. Savor a sumptuous lunch at Windermere's in-house restaurant, The Barn, where the chef crafts a menu inspired by local flavors and seasonal produce. In the afternoon, delve into the essence of Munnar with a private guided tour of its celebrated tea plantations. Walk through endless emerald-green tea fields while your guide shares stories of the region's colonial history and the intricate process of tea cultivation and production. Visit a working tea factory to witness the transformation of freshly plucked leaves into the world-renowned beverage. As the day winds down, return to Windermere Estate to unwind. Relish a quiet evening on your private balcony or stroll through the estate's trails, enveloped by the serene sounds of nature and the cool mountain air.

Begin your day with a sumptuous breakfast at Windermere Estate, a boutique retreat nestled amidst Munnar's misty hills. Relish their signature homemade breads, organic preserves, and farm-fresh ingredients while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding tea plantations. After breakfast, embark on a scenic 45-minute drive to Eravikulam National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and sanctuary for the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Stroll through its pristine grasslands and rolling hills, taking in the breathtaking vistas and learning about the park's unique flora and fauna from your guide. Return to Munnar for lunch at Rapsy Restaurant, a hidden gem where you can savor authentic South Indian flavors, including their famous Kerala-style fish curry paired with fluffy appams. Post-lunch, delve into Munnar's local attractions. Visit Mattupetty Dam, a serene spot perfect for capturing photographs of the shimmering reservoir and surrounding hills. Then, explore the vibrant Flower Garden, bursting with colorful blooms and exotic plants, offering a delightful sensory experience. As the day winds down, return to Windermere Estate and unwind in your luxurious cottage. Sip on freshly brewed tea sourced from nearby plantations or indulge in a private dinner featuring traditional Kerala delicacies. Relax beneath a starlit sky and let the tranquil sounds of nature lull you to sleep.

After a delightful breakfast at Windermere Estate, embark on a private three-hour scenic drive to Thekkady, a charming destination nestled in the lush embrace of the Western Ghats. Upon arrival, check in at the renowned Spice Village, an eco-conscious retreat modeled after the traditional dwellings of the local Mannan tribe. Surrounded by fragrant spice plantations and verdant gardens, the resort offers a serene escape with luxurious yet sustainable amenities. Savor a wholesome lunch at the Spice Village's famed 50 Mile Diet restaurant, where the dishes are crafted with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, including organic produce from the resort's own gardens. Indulge in vibrant Kerala flavors, from refreshing coconut-infused salads to rich curries prepared with just-harvested spices. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the culinary heritage of Kerala with an engaging cooking class led by the resort's expert chefs. Uncover the secrets of blending cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves to create iconic dishes like avial or fish moilee. This hands-on experience is a feast for the senses, offering a deeper appreciation of the region's spice trade legacy. As the evening sets in, unwind at your leisure. Stroll through the resort's aromatic spice gardens, enjoy a refreshing herbal tea on your private veranda, or simply relax amidst the tranquil surroundings of Spice Village.

Wake up to a sumptuous breakfast at Spice Village, Thekkady's premier eco-resort, where each dish is crafted from fresh, organic ingredients sourced from local farms. After breakfast, embark on a short 15-minute drive to the renowned Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, a jewel among India's wildlife reserves. Here, a guided boat safari on the serene Periyar Lake awaits. As you glide across the tranquil waters, keep your eyes peeled for majestic elephants, sambar deer grazing by the shores, and vibrant bird species including kingfishers and Malabar hornbills. Your expert naturalist guide will enrich the experience with fascinating insights into the sanctuary's rich biodiversity. Return to Spice Village for a nourishing lunch served at the Tamarind Restaurant, where the chef combines traditional Kerala flavors with a modern culinary touch. Post-lunch, delve into the region's spice heritage with a guided tour of a nearby plantation. Stroll through lush gardens filled with cardamom, pepper vines, and vanilla orchids as you learn about their cultivation and significance in Kerala's history and cuisine. Spend the evening at leisure, unwinding amidst the rustic yet luxurious ambiance of Spice Village. Dinner is a specially curated affair, featuring locally inspired dishes paired with fine wines, served under the canopy of starry skies.

After a leisurely breakfast at Spice Village, a serene eco-resort nestled amidst the aromatic spice plantations of Thekkady, embark on a comfortable private transfer to Alleppey. The scenic four-hour journey is a feast for the senses, with views of rolling hills, emerald-green paddy fields, and traditional villages offering glimpses of daily life in Kerala. Upon arriving in Alleppey, often called the 'Venice of the East,' you will check in to your private luxury Kerala-style houseboat, such as those offered by the exclusive Xandari Riverscapes. These elegant floating accommodations feature air-conditioned cabins, en-suite bathrooms, and attentive onboard staff who ensure every detail is cared for. Settle in as your houseboat begins its enchanting cruise through the tranquil backwaters. Admire the rhythmic sway of coconut palms and the timeless beauty of traditional fishing boats as you glide past quaint villages. Lunch is a culinary delight, prepared fresh onboard with locally sourced ingredients, showcasing Kerala's famed flavors such as pearl spot fish curry and succulent prawn dishes. In the afternoon, pause for a guided stroll through a lakeside village, where you can interact with friendly locals and explore their charming way of life. As evening falls, retreat to the deck to watch the sun cast golden hues across the serene waters. Sip on a refreshing drink while the tranquil sound of water lapping against the boat creates a soothing backdrop. Dinner, a sumptuous multi-course meal, is served onboard under a starlit sky, concluding a day filled with elegance, relaxation, and cultural immersion.

After a sumptuous breakfast on your elegant houseboat, a final indulgence in Kerala's famed culinary traditions, you will bid farewell to the serene backwaters of Alleppey. Your private chauffeur will then escort you on a comfortable two-hour drive to Cochin International Airport (COK) in a luxury vehicle, ensuring a smooth and relaxing journey. Along the way, admire the ever-changing scenery as the tranquil waters and lush greenery give way to bustling towns and glimpses of Kerala's vibrant local life. Depending on your flight schedule, there may be an opportunity to stop for a last-minute visit to Lulu Mall, one of the largest shopping destinations in India, where you can browse an array of luxury brands or pick up unique souvenirs to commemorate your trip. Alternatively, your chauffeur can recommend a stop at one of Cochin's renowned eateries, such as The Rice Boat at Taj Malabar Resort, for a light meal or a refreshing drink before heading to the airport. As your memorable journey through Kerala comes to a close, take a moment to reflect on the diversity of experiences-lush tea gardens, misty hill stations, tranquil backwaters, vibrant culture, and unparalleled hospitality. With your heart full of cherished memories, you'll board your onward flight, carrying with you the essence of Kerala's timeless beauty.

Different emphasis. Kerala Hills and Backwaters includes the tea hill stations (Munnar) and a wildlife sanctuary (Periyar) — more active and destination-varied. Kerala Wellness Backwaters focuses on the Ayurvedic treatment experience and slower houseboat time. If you want hills + wildlife + backwaters, choose this package. If you want wellness + deeper backwater time, choose the other.

Periyar is most famous for wild Asian elephants — seen at the lake edge on the boat safari most mornings. Sambar deer, Malabar giant squirrel, Nilgiri tahr (mountain goat), and over 320 bird species are regularly sighted. Tigers are present but rarely seen; the elephant herds are the defining wildlife experience.

Kovalam Beach (Thiruvananthapuram) is included as a 1-night stay at the end of the itinerary, providing a beach finale to the hills-and-backwaters circuit. Varkala can be substituted for Kovalam on request — it is slightly further but more atmospheric for most travellers.

We recommend booking at least 3–4 months in advance for peak season travel (October–March). For off-peak travel, 6–8 weeks is generally sufficient. Bespoke itineraries need a minimum 8 weeks for full confirmation.