Explore Kerala

Arrive at Kochi Airport / Railway Station, where you will be greeted by santos.travel representative. You will then be transferred to your hotel for check-in.

In the evening, you may opt for a sunset cruise at Marine Drive, offering beautiful views of the cityscape and serene backwaters as the sun sets over the Arabian Sea.

Overnight stay in Kochi.

After breakfast, begin your morning with a sightseeing tour of Kochi, exploring the city’s rich tapestry of colonial history and diverse cultural influences. Your first stop is the Dutch Palace (also known as the Mattancherry Palace), built by the Portuguese and presented to the Raja of Cochin, Veera Kerala Varma. The palace is noted for its impressive murals and architectural blend of European and traditional Kerala styles.

Continue to the Jewish Synagogue, the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth, where ancient scrolls of the Old Testament and copper plates inscribed in Hebrew script are carefully preserved. A stroll through Jew Street offers a glimpse into the area’s vibrant past, with antique shops, spice markets, and heritage buildings that speak of Kochi’s long – standing Jewish community.

Next, visit St. Francis Church, built in 1503, the oldest European church in India. This historic site once held the remains of Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama before they were moved to Lisbon. Not far away is the Santa Cruz Basilica, a striking Roman Catholic church known for its impressive gothic architecture and intricately painted ceiling.

Later, stop by the iconic Chinese fishing nets, still in use today, offering a picturesque view of the harbour and a unique reminder of Kochi’s ancient trade links with China.

In the afternoon, begin your scenic drive to Munnar, a popular hill station in Kerala located approximately four hours away. Nestled at 1,600 metres above sea level, Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams—Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundala. Once the summer retreat of the British administration in South India, Munnar is now known for its rolling tea plantations, mist-covered hills, and charming colonial-era towns.

Overnight stay in Munnar.

After breakfast at the resort, enjoy a full day of sightseeing in and around Munnar, exploring its natural beauty and local attractions.

Start your day with a visit to Mattupetty Lake and Dam, a serene spot surrounded by tea plantations and rolling hills. Continue to Echo Point, known for its natural echo phenomenon and panoramic views. Next, visit Kundala Lake, a picturesque artificial reservoir where you can enjoy a peaceful pedal boat ride.

Stroll through the beautifully maintained Blossom Garden, a haven of exotic flowers and landscaped greenery. Then, explore the Tea Museum, where you’ll learn about the history of tea cultivation in the region and witness the tea-making process.

Later, head to Rajamalai (Eravikulam) National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and known for its breathtaking vistas of misty mountains and rolling grasslands.

Overnight stay in Munnar.

Begin your day with a picturesque drive through the lush landscapes of the Western Ghats en route to Thekkady (4 hours drive). Along the way, visit a local Spice Garden, where you’ll enjoy a guided walk through aromatic plantations growing cardamom, pepper, coffee, ginger, cocoa, and nutmeg—an immersive experience into Kerala’s spice heritage. Upon arrival in Thekkady, transfer to your resort and take some time to relax.

In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic boat ride on Lake Periyar, set within the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Keep an eye out for wild elephants, deer, bison, and a variety of birds as they come to the lake’s edge to drink and graze. Later explore the vibrant Spice Market at Thekkady. Alternatively attend a Kathakali and Kalaripayattu Show in Theatre. Overnight stay in Thekkady.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and begin your scenic drive to Kumarakom (4 hours drive). As you descend from the misty hills of Thekkady to the serene backwaters, enjoy the changing landscapes—lush plantations giving way to shimmering canals and coconut groves. Arrive at your backwater resort in Kumarakom. Check in and take some time to unwind in this tranquil setting, where nature greets you with open arms.

The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight stay in Kumarakom.

After a leisurely morning, check out from your resort at 11 am and drive to Alappuzha (1 hour drive), known as the “Venice of the East.” Upon arrival, check in to your traditional floating houseboat (Kettuvallam), thoughtfully designed with a cozy bedroom and en-suite restroom for your comfort.

Set sail on an unlimited cruise through the tranquil backwaters of Kerala. Relax and let your senses be embraced by the tranquil symphony of the backwaters—the soft chirping of birds, the gentle ripples caressing the boat, and the rustling of palm fronds in the breeze. As you glide smoothly along, take in the idyllic scenes of village life unfolding along the water’s edge—women washing clothes, fishermen casting their nets, children playing by the banks, and lush greenery framing the landscape.

Meanwhile, your skilled onboard kitchen crew will delight you by preparing authentic Kerala delicacies, crafted from fresh local ingredients and cooked right before your eyes. Savor the flavors of traditional dishes infused with fragrant spices, offering a genuine taste of Kerala’s rich culinary heritage.

As the sun sets and paints the sky in hues of orange and pink, find peace in your cozy houseboat cabin. Drift off to sleep surrounded by the gentle sounds of nature, enjoying a serene overnight stay on the backwaters, where the rhythms of life flow at a calm and timeless pace.

After breakfast, embark on a picturesque 5 hour drive along the coastal roads to Kovalam, a charming beach town whose name means grove of coconut trees. Kovalam is an internationally acclaimed destination with lot of leisure options including sunbathing, swimming, herbal massages, cultural programmes and catamaran cruises. Check-in to resort. Overnight stay at Kovalam.

Start your morning with a visit to the Napier Museum in Thiruvananthapuram, a beautiful blend of Indo-Saracenic architecture set in lush gardens. The museum houses an impressive collection of ancient artifacts, bronze idols, traditional Kerala art, and historical relics, offering a fascinating glimpse into Kerala’s rich cultural heritage.

Next, proceed to the nearby Kuthiramalika Museum (also known as the Palace of Horses), a charming wooden palace built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal. Known for its exquisite craftsmanship, intricate carvings, and unique wooden architecture, this museum displays royal artifacts, musical instruments, costumes, and paintings that tell the story of the erstwhile Travancore kingdom.

Later, visit the magnificent Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, one of the most important Hindu temples in South India dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is renowned for its stunning Dravidian architecture, intricate sculptures, and spiritual significance.

Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure in Kovalam. You can relax on the sun-kissed beaches, take a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage, or explore the local markets and cafes at your own pace.

Overnight stay in Kovalam.

We begin our journey early morning to Kanyakumari (3 hours drive). Enroute visit to Padmanabhapuram Palace, a stunning example of traditional Kerala architecture, once the seat of the Travancore kings. Later visit Suchindram Temple, dedicated to a unique fusion deity representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Afternoon arrival at Kanyakumari – th southernmost tip of peninsular India, where the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean converge.

Kanyakumari sightseeing with visit to Gandhi Memorial, built on the spot where his ashes were kept before immersion. Later take a short ferry ride to Vivekananda Rock Memorial, a serene and inspiring site where Swami Vivekananda is said to have meditated. Later visit the Devi Kanya Kumari Temple & the Sunset Point. Overnight stay in Kanyakumari.

Transfer to Trivandrum airport / railway station with sweet memories of Explore Kerala tour.