Classic Kerala
The route almost every first-time visitor takes, and for good reason: hills, forest and water in five nights with no drive longer than four hours.
Day by day
Arrive and climb into the hills
Morning flight from Ahmedabad lands in Kochi by about 11 am. Our driver meets you and you head straight up to Munnar (130 km, 4 hours) with a lunch stop and a pause at Cheeyappara waterfalls. Check in by evening; the temperature drops to 15–18°C, so keep a light jacket handy.
Tea country
Eravikulam National Park early (opens 8 am; closed Feb–Mar for calving season), then the Tea Museum and a walk through the estates. Afternoon drive to Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point and Kundala Lake. Gujarati thali for dinner in town.
Spice forests
Leave after breakfast for Thekkady (110 km, 3½ hours) through cardamom and pepper plantations. Afternoon spice-garden walk, then the boat ride on Periyar Lake (book the 3:30 pm slot). Evening Kalaripayattu show is worth the ₹300 ticket.
Onto the water
Descend to the plains (140 km, 4 hours) and board your private houseboat at Alleppey by 12:30 pm. The boat cruises the backwaters through the afternoon, anchors at sunset, and the on-board cook prepares dinner — we confirm pure-veg or Jain in writing beforehand.
Fort Kochi
Breakfast on the boat, disembark at 9 am and drive to Kochi (60 km, 1½ hours). Afternoon in Fort Kochi: Chinese fishing nets, St Francis Church, Mattancherry Palace. Evening Kathakali show at 6 pm, arrive at 5 pm to watch the make-up.
Fly home
Airport is 40 km from Fort Kochi; leave 3 hours before departure. Lulu Mall is on the way if you have time for shopping.
What's included
- Return Ahmedabad–Kochi flights
- 5 nights in inspected 3★/4★ hotels and a private houseboat
- Private AC vehicle for the whole trip
- Daily breakfast and veg dinner; all meals on houseboat
- Periyar boat ride and Eravikulam entry
- Airport pickup and drop
Not included
- Lunches on sightseeing days
- Kathakali and Kalaripayattu tickets
- Travel insurance
- GST 5%
Indicative cost
Per person, twin sharing
Per person, twin sharing
Per person on twin sharing, indicative, including flights at normal fares. Diwali and Christmas weeks run 20–30% higher.