Day 1: Arrival in Thiruvananthapuram - Transfer to Kovalam

Arrive at Trivandrum International Airport, where our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Kovalam. Kovalam is a scenic beach town 16 km from the city, famous for its lighthouse beach and calm Arabian Sea waters. Settle in, rest after your journey, and take your first walk along the seafront as the evening sets in.

End of day: Check in to your hotel. Relax and prepare for the days ahead.

Day 2: Kovalam - Beach Day

A full day at leisure in Kovalam. The town has three adjoining beaches, Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach, and Samudra Beach, each with its own character. Swim, sunbathe, explore the local market, or opt for an Ayurvedic consultation at one of the many wellness centers along the beachfront. The lighthouse at the southern end is worth a short climb for panoramic views of the coastline.

End of day: Dinner at a beachside restaurant overlooking the sea.

Day 3: Kovalam to Varkala

Drive north (approximately 1.5 hours) to Varkala, one of Kerala's most distinctive beach destinations. Unlike Kovalam's gentle bay, Varkala is defined by its dramatic red cliffs rising directly above the ocean. Check in to your accommodation and spend the afternoon exploring the clifftop path, lined with cafes, Ayurveda shops, and viewpoints overlooking the beach below. Varkala also has the Janardhanaswamy Temple, one of the oldest in Kerala, located right by the sea.

End of day: Sunset from the clifftop promenade.

Day 4: Varkala — Full Day at Leisure

A second full day in Varkala to enjoy at your own pace. You can take a morning swim on the beach, visit the Black Beach (Papanasam Beach), or sign up for a yoga or meditation session. This is also a good day for shopping for Kerala handicrafts, essential oils, or local spices along the cliff path. Alternatively, simply rest. Varkala rewards those who slow down.

End of day: Dinner on the cliffs with views of the Arabian Sea.

Day 5: Varkala to Thekkady

Travel east into the Western Ghats (approximately 4 hours) to reach Thekkady, home to the Periyar Tiger Reserve and some of Kerala's finest spice plantations. En route, the landscape shifts from coastal plains to forested hills. On arrival, take an afternoon boat ride on Periyar Lake, the best way to spot wildlife, including elephants, deer, otters, and a wide variety of birds. In the evening, consider a spice garden walk or a demonstration of Kerala's classical martial art, Kalaripayattu.

End of day: Settle into your hillside accommodation surrounded by cardamom and pepper plantations.

Day 6: Thekkady to Kumarakom

Drive west (approximately 3 hours) down from the hills to Kumarakom, a quiet village on the eastern banks of Vembanad Lake, Kerala's largest lake. Kumarakom is one of the most peaceful places in the state, with the lake stretching to the horizon and coconut trees lining the water's edge. Check in and spend the afternoon at leisure, kayaking on the backwaters, visiting the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, or simply sitting by the lake.

End of day: Enjoy the tranquil lakeside atmosphere.

Day 7: Kumarakom — Ayurvedic Massage Day

Today is entirely dedicated to rest and restoration. You will have a full Ayurvedic massage session at a reputed Ayurvedic centre, a traditional Kerala experience that combines warm medicated oils, rhythmic strokes, and genuine therapeutic intent. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure: read, walk by the lake, or explore the village. This is one of the highlights of the tour — a day with no agenda.

End of day: Early rest ahead of the houseboat journey tomorrow.

Day 8: Kumarakom to Alleppey — Houseboat Tour

Check out and transfer to Alleppey (Alappuzha), the heart of Kerala's backwater network. Board your private traditional houseboat, a kettuvallam, and begin your overnight cruise through the canals, lagoons, and lakes of the Alleppey backwaters. Your crew will prepare fresh Kerala meals on board as you drift past paddy fields, village life, Chinese fishing nets, and the reflections of palm trees on still water. Anchor for the night in a quiet stretch of the backwaters.

End of day: Dinner and overnight on the houseboat under a canopy of stars.

Day 9: Alleppey to Kochi — Tour of Fort Kochi

Disembark in the morning and transfer to Kochi (approximately 1.5 hours). On arrival, begin a guided walking tour of Fort Kochi, one of India's most historically layered neighborhoods. Visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets on the waterfront; St. Francis Church (the oldest European church in India); the Dutch Palace at Mattancherry; the Paradesi Synagogue; and the vibrant spice market lanes of Jew Town. Kochi's streets tell centuries of trade and cultural exchange in a compact, walkable area.

End of day: Check in to your hotel in Kochi. Evening at leisure to explore the cafes and art galleries of Fort Kochi.

Day 10: Kochi — Departure

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before your transfer to Cochin International Airport (COK) for your onward flight. Your Kerala journey ends here, rested, nourished, and full of memories from the beaches, hills, backwaters, and harbor of God's Own Country.

End of journey: Safe travels home.

USD 2,790 per person | Kerala Backwaters & Beach Escape

Duration: 9 Nights / 10 Days (August to April)

Travel Mode: Private air-conditioned vehicles with a professional English-speaking guide for sightseeing and transfers. Price is based on the confirmed package. Customizable itineraries and hotel upgrades are available on request. Early bird discount: 10% if booked 90+ days in advance. Group discount: 8% for 10+ people.

INCLUSIONS

• Accommodation for 9 nights in handpicked beach resorts, hill retreats, and lakeside properties
• Daily breakfast at all hotels
• All meals on the houseboat (Day 8–9)
• Private air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers and sightseeing throughout the tour
• Professional English-speaking guide for sightseeing in Thekkady and Kochi, and at key stops
• Private airport transfer on arrival (Trivandrum) and departure (Kochi)
• Boat ride on Periyar Lake, Thekkady
• Full-day Ayurvedic massage session in Kumarakom
• Overnight houseboat (kettuvallam) experience in Alleppey with crew and all meals
• Guided walking tour of Fort Kochi
• All taxes and service charges included
• 24/7 customer support throughout the tour

EXCLUSIONS

• International & domestic flights, unless arranged through us
• Travel insurance and visa fees
• Personal expenses (shopping, phone calls, laundry, tips)
• Alcoholic beverages
• Activities not mentioned in the itinerary
• Optional premium experiences beyond the package
• Items of a personal nature
• Additional Ayurvedic treatments beyond the included session (available at extra cost)

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore Kovalam's famous lighthouse beach on the Arabian Sea
• Experience Varkala's dramatic red cliffs and clifftop promenade
• Wildlife boat ride on Periyar Lake in Thekkady
• Walk through spice plantations in the Western Ghats
• Three relaxed nights in Kumarakom on the banks of Vembanad Lake
• Dedicated Ayurvedic massage day, Kerala's most authentic wellness tradition
• Overnight houseboat cruise through the Alleppey backwaters
• Guided tour of Fort Kochi, Chinese fishing nets, Dutch Palace, Paradesi Synagogue, and spice markets
• Private air-conditioned transfers throughout
• Handpicked accommodation at every destination

IMPORTANT NOTES

• The best season is from August to April; the peak season is from December to February
• Suitable for couples, solo travellers, and small groups
• Tour is fully customisable as per preferences and travel dates
• Early booking recommended for a 10% discount
• Flights are not included; airport transfers on both ends are included
• Travel insurance is strongly recommended
• Vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals are available throughout
• The houseboat overnight is subject to seasonal water levels and availability
• 24/7 customer support throughout the journey