Being at palm-fringed beaches of Kovalam, majestic hills of Munnar, pristine backwaters of Kumarakom and forests of Thekkady in addition to spectacular trek in the mountains; stay in fascinating cities and hill stations; backwater cruise and down-time on tropical beaches, this tour gives real insight into many facets of Kerala.
Rated by National Geographic Traveller as one of the world’s 50 must-see destinations, Kerala is a rich tropical landscape of palm-fringed beaches backed by emerald paddy fields, cardamom-scented hills and lush green forests of the Western Ghats.
We begin in the elegant old port of Cochin, with its handsome colonial architecture and laid-back tropical ambiance, before heading inland to the cool mountain air of Munnar, a hill station set high in the Ghats and surrounded by tea plantations. The next five days are spent trekking at gentle pace through these beautiful hills, with spectacular views as we ascend towards Meesapulimala peak (2,640m) – the highest in the area.
The trail crosses the state border into Tamil Nadu from where we descend by road to the ancient city of Madurai – home of the magnificent Sri Meenakshi temple with its spectacular gopura towers. Returning to the hills of Kerala we venture into Periyar where sighting the wild elephants could brighten our spirits. The final days are spent relaxing down on the coast, with a cruise through the spellbinding beauty of the Kerala backwaters near Alleppey before driving south to the white-sand beaches of Kovalam.
Please note: You can use this itinerary as a guide to fully customise this tour as per your budget and requirements. Flexible options include travel dates and duration, places visited, activities and experiences, hotel category (star/rating) and any specific requirements that you may have.
Arrive in Kochi and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon, visit Mattancherry Palace, Jewish Synagogue and St. Francis Church. Optional Kathakali Dance display. Overnight Hotel
Kochi – Munnar (130 kms;4-5 hrs) Drive to Munnar, a hill station located in the Western Ghats at approximately 1600 metres above sea level. Afternoon is free to explore the town. Overnight Hotel
Munnar: Hiking Day (5-6 hrs) Drive to Nagarmudi and start trek to Seven Malai hills. Later descend down through the same route and return to the hotel. Late afternoon an optional visit to a Tea Museum. Overnight Hotel
Trek Starts; Munnar – Silent Valley – Rodo Valley (5-6 hrs) Suitably acclimatized by now it is time to drive to the Silent Valley and start trek to Rodo Valley. After passing though tea plantations that provide a good feel of the area, we camp here for two nights. Overnight Camp
Hike to Meesapulimala (2630m;4-5 hrs) Half day trek to Meesapulimala Peak (2,630m), the highest point in this area and return for late lunch. Afternoon free to explore/trek the surrounding areas or relax in the valley. Overnight Camp
Rodo Valley – Top Station (1880m;6-7 hrs) In a relatively longer day we trek from Rodo Valley to Top Station through picturesque and dense mountains, appreciating the beauty of flora and fauna of the entire region. Overnight Camp
Top Station – Central Station – Mundhan (trek 6-7 hrs and drive 45 minutes.) Trek through spice and coffee plantations through Central Station all downhill walk to Mundhan. Trek ends here. Drive to the hotel. Overnight Hotel
Mundhan – Madurai (120 kms;3 hrs) Leave Kerala and drive across to Madurai. Check–in and rest. Afternoon sightseeing visit to Meenakshi-Sundareshwarar Temple. Overnight Hotel
Madurai – Thekkady (140 kms;4-5 hrs) Drive to re-enter the state of Kerala Afternoon guided visit to the spice garden. Evening free to explore the market that specializes in spices. Overnight Hotel
Thekkady (Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary) (3 hrs) Early in the morning leave for a (guided) jungle walk in the park to watch bird and animal life. Return to hotel for breakfast. Optional boat trip on Periyar Lake. Overnight Hotel
Thekkady – Alleppey (Backwaters) (160 kms;4-5 hrs) After breakfast, drive to Alleppey for a boat cruise. Overnight stay on the boats in the middle of the famous Vembanad Lake. Overnight Houseboat
Alleppey – Kovalam (160 kms;04 hrs) After a relaxing breakfast on the houseboats drive to Kovalam. Afternoon free to explore the town or relax on the beach. Overnight Hotel
Kovalam (Optional Tour to Kanyakumari) Free day. An (optional) day's sightseeing tour by taxi from Kovalam to Kanyakumari, the southern tip of India. Overnight Hotel
Tour Concludes Morning departure transfer to the international airport of Trivandrum.
Flexibility Guaranteed! Using the above itinerary as a guide you can fully customise this tour as per your budget and requirements. Flexible options include travel dates and duration, places, activities and experiences, hotel category (star/rating) and any specific requirements that you may have. On receiving your enquiry we will respond with prices and work with you to create a truly personalised holiday experience that is in your budget and personal style.
Suitable for families with young children
Highest Point (Max altitude)
Meesapulimala (2640m)
Fitness Grade
5-7 hours activity per day with steep uphill and downhill sections or high passes. Some days at high altitudes, good level of physical fitness recommended.
With a dedicated focus on active, experiential tours and exciting new destinations, ACTIVE INDIA specialises in active, outdoor adventures, cultural discovery and wildlife tours across India for families, small groups and independent travellers.
Enjoy complete flexibility in planning and booking your tours with Active India for a truly personalised India holiday that fits your budget and requirements.
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