Captivating Kerala
Uncover the delights of tropical Kerala in India's deep south on this 8-day group tour. From Kochi visit the picturesque hill station of Munnar with its verdant tea plantations as well as Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Spend a night aboard a houseboat, gliding along the tranquil, palm fringed backwaters.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Kochi
Day 1 Kochi
Saturday. Welcome to India! You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel for an afternoon at leisure.
Day 2 Munnar Tea Plantations
Day 2 Munnar Tea Plantations
Kochi - Munnar. Today we travel to the picturesque former hill station of Munnar, surrounded by sprawling tea plantations. We take a guided stroll through a local tea plantation and visit a local market, before the rest of the day is free to relax as you please. You may wish to visit nearby Blossom Park and enjoy cycling or boating in your stunning surroundings. This evening we meet others joining our group who have been travelling on our longer South India Explorer itinerary.
Days 3-4 Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Days 3-4 Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Munnar – Periyar. A drive south to Periyar, South India’s most popular wildlife sanctuary and home to bison, antelopes, sambar, wild boar, birds and even the odd tiger! Kumily, close to the sanctuary and where we'll stay, is a pretty little town dotted with small spice and handicraft shops. There is plenty to do in and around Periyar, so we leave the choice to you for the remainder of the day.
On day 4 we will enjoy an included boat ride on Lake Periyar to spot herds of wild elephants, spending the remainder of the day at leisure to explore on own. You can opt for an optional visit to explore the spice plantation or enjoy a kalaripayattu dance performance Periyar.
Day 5 Kumarakom
Day 5 Kumarakom
Periyar - Kumarakom. Today, we leave Periyar and take a drive to Kumarakom - a village spread over a cluster of islands on Lake Vembanad. The day is free to relax or explore Kumarakom at your leisure. Perhaps take a boat ride on the lake or visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to many rare bird species and is an important stopover for migratory birds in the winter (Nov-May).
Day 6 Kerala backwaters
Day 6 Kerala backwaters
Kumarakom - Alleppey - Keralan Backwaters. On day 6, we will take a scenic drive to Alleppey. Here we board our private rice boat for a voyage through the famous Kerala backwaters. Our rice-boat takes us sedately along the enchanting palm-fringed backwaters, covering a distance of some 20 kms, during which time the boat glides past local villages and fascinating scenes of everyday rural life. Watch a beautiful sunset over the backwaters and enjoy tasty meals (starting with lunch) prepared by the on-board chef using fresh local produce.
Day 7 Kochi
Day 7 Kochi
Keralan Backwaters – Kochi. This morning, we disembark our rice boat and head for Kochi. Formerly a princely state, Kochi is also fondly referred to as “The Queen of the Arabian Sea”. The rest of the day is at leisure exploring Kochi on its own. This evening you can opt for an optional tour to watch an entertaining and traditional Kathakali dance show. Kathakali performers are known for their elaborate costumes and makeup, and they always put on a fantastic show.
Day 8 Kochi
Day 8 Kochi
Saturday. Our South Indian adventure comes to an end today. A departure transfer is included today for departures in 2024. If you are travelling in 2025 this can be booked for an additional supplement if required.
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Prices & Dates
Hotels
Nestled on the tranquil Willingdon Island, The Fern Hotel, formerly known as the Trident Hotel, offers a comfortable stay filled with indulgent amenities. Guests can unwind at the Ayurvedic spa, take a refreshing dip in the inviting outdoor pool, or stay active in the modern fitness center. The elegantly designed, air-conditioned rooms and suites overlook lush gardens or the pool, and each room is equipped with modern conveniences like satellite TV and minibars. Suites add an extra touch of luxury with spacious, separate living areas. With four diverse restaurants, The Fern Hotel invites guests on an exceptional culinary journey.
Experience a stay of comfort and convenience at Amber Dale Munnar, where complimentary WiFi and an inviting restaurant await. The property offers a children's playground and fitness center, ensuring entertainment for all. Rooms are well-appointed, each with a private bathroom, free toiletries and a hairdryer. All include amenities like a kettle and flat-screen TV. A 24-hour front desk is ready to assist, while the hotel also offers a serene garden and a games room, creating a well-rounded retreat for guests seeking relaxation or entertainment.
Located on 4 acres of land, the Elephant Court is a grand hotel decked out in cooling teak wood. Guest rooms are beautifully appointed with earthy hues of brown and pale green set off by crisp cotton sheets. Dining options include local specialities and international cuisine, all served in the restaurant with beautiful views of the swimming pool and surrounding area. A trip to the beautiful rooftop curio shop to pick up some souvenirs is a must. The accommodation is well located close to the Thekaddy forests.
Nestled among the serene backwaters of Kumarakom, Eastend Lakesong comprises of 8 acres of facility packed leisure land. Guests sleep in villas and cottages, which are all well furnished with colourful interiors and comfortable beds. The onsite restaurants offer an excellent selection of local and international cuisine. Why not treat yourself to a relaxing massage at the Ayurveda on site Spa? It is the perfect way to unwind after a long day of exploring in the fierce Indian heat.
There are few things as serene and tranquil as floating along the Keralan backwaters in the comfort of a luxurious houseboat. Deluxe houseboats are elegantly furnished, with up to four bedrooms, equipped with modern en suites, an open lounge, dining area and a deck to relax and admire the beautiful views of the lush green palms and rice paddies. Air conditioning operates in the bedrooms between 9pm to 6am only. The cruises are full board, with tasty meals freshly prepared by the onboard chef.
Tour Reviews
Captivating Kerala - 8 daysUncover the delights of tropical Kerala in India's deep south on this 8-day group tour. From Kochi visit the picturesque hill station of Munnar with its verdant tea plantations as well as Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Spend a night aboard a houseboat, gliding along the tranquil, palm fringed backwaters.Signature81790The Tours were amazing but it would have been good to have some more insight about tipping in India. We had a fabulous time! 😊
Captivating Kerala - 8 daysUncover the delights of tropical Kerala in India's deep south on this 8-day group tour. From Kochi visit the picturesque hill station of Munnar with its verdant tea plantations as well as Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Spend a night aboard a houseboat, gliding along the tranquil, palm fringed backwaters.Signature81790A marvellous trip that we enjoyed very much , we were incredibly lucky to have Kannanan as our driver for 5 days of our trip, as well as being a very safe driver he was a marvellous guide , from the food, that we had no knowledge of but with his help found the dishes that we really enjoyed, to the countryside we were going through, this along with his wonderful care and consideration for us oldies made our trip so easy and memorable. We would happily recommend this trip to our friends and would suggest that they request Kannan as their driver /guide .
Captivating Kerala - 8 daysUncover the delights of tropical Kerala in India's deep south on this 8-day group tour. From Kochi visit the picturesque hill station of Munnar with its verdant tea plantations as well as Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Spend a night aboard a houseboat, gliding along the tranquil, palm fringed backwaters.Signature81790Very good , in all aspects, suitable for experienced travellers. Good that we could get on well together as a group of 4. Very enjoyable - especiallly the relaxing houseboat trip after long car journeys.
Captivating Kerala - 8 daysUncover the delights of tropical Kerala in India's deep south on this 8-day group tour. From Kochi visit the picturesque hill station of Munnar with its verdant tea plantations as well as Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Spend a night aboard a houseboat, gliding along the tranquil, palm fringed backwaters.Signature81790Alex is a professional guide, with good language skills, knowledge of the area, and always on time. His suggestions on other activities were welcomed, well received and appreciated. All listed activities were done. Alex is a valuable member of the On The Go team
Captivating Kerala - 8 daysUncover the delights of tropical Kerala in India's deep south on this 8-day group tour. From Kochi visit the picturesque hill station of Munnar with its verdant tea plantations as well as Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Spend a night aboard a houseboat, gliding along the tranquil, palm fringed backwaters.Signature81790I really enjoyed the tour! It exceeded all my expectations. The hotels were clean, modern and very nice. The houseboat was also much more comfortable than I had expected. The tour was just the right mix of activities and relaxation. The things were visited were interesting, and our guide was very knowledgeable. The On The Go staff really went the extra mile, arranging a separate car to take me to the airport because i had a late flight, and then having someone meet me at the airport to help me with mu luggage and to navigate the check in. My arrival flight was eight hours late, but they still had a driver waiting for me when i arrived. I would definitely use the company again!
Extras and add-ons
Kochi Airport Departure Transfer (per vehicle / max 2 persons)
Tour Upgrades
Find alternative tours below with Upgrades to this tour