The Complete Kerala Route
Arrival Cochin 01 Night Cochin 02 Nights Munnar 02 Nights Thekkady 01 Night Kumarakom 01 Night Alleppey 02 Nights Kovalam 01 Night Trivandrum Departure
Tour Overview
Experience the absolute pinnacle of God's Own Country with our masterfully curated 10 Nights / 11 Days Full Kerala Circuit Tour Package. This grand expedition is designed for travelers who wish to leave no stone unturned, offering an exhaustive yet perfectly paced journey through Kerala's colonial heritage, misty mountains, dense wildlife sanctuaries, tranquil backwaters, and pristine beaches.
Your journey begins in the historic port city of Cochin (Kochi), where you'll walk through centuries of colonial history. From there, you ascend into the lush, tea-covered slopes of the Western Ghats to spend two days in Munnar, exploring its high-altitude national parks and majestic waterfalls. The adventure deepens as you travel to Thekkady, home to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, where you'll enjoy thrilling boat safaris to spot wild elephants and explore aromatic spice plantations.
The second half of your tour shifts gears from the mountains to the waters. Unwind at a luxury lakeside resort in Kumarakom before stepping aboard a traditional Kettuvallam (Houseboat) in Alleppey for an unforgettable overnight cruise. Finally, journey down the coast to the golden sands of Kovalam for beachside relaxation, concluding your epic trip with a deep dive into the royal heritage of the Travancore dynasty in the capital city, Trivandrum.
Expertly Verified 11-Day Logistics
This specific North-to-South linear route (Cochin to Trivandrum) is the most efficient way to explore the entire state of Kerala. It completely eliminates exhausting backtracking (like driving 7 hours from Kovalam back to Cochin). We provide highly experienced, English/Hindi-speaking local chauffeurs and verified premium accommodations to ensure your 11-day journey is flawless and safe.
Tour Highlights
- Explore the colonial heritage, Chinese Fishing Nets, and Synagogue in Fort Kochi.
- Stroll through the manicured tea gardens and visit Eravikulam National Park in Munnar.
- Take a thrilling boat safari on Periyar Lake to spot wild elephants in Thekkady.
- Experience lakeside luxury and the famous Bird Sanctuary at Kumarakom.
- Enjoy an exclusive overnight backwater cruise in a traditional Alleppey Houseboat.
- Relax on the crescent-shaped golden sands of Lighthouse Beach, Kovalam.
Day-wise Itinerary
Welcome to God's Own Country! Upon your arrival at Cochin International Airport (COK) or Ernakulam Railway Station, our professional chauffeur will warmly greet you. Transfer to your hotel and refresh. In the afternoon, embark on a guided heritage walk through the historic streets of Fort Kochi, a melting pot of Portuguese, Dutch, and British cultures.
Monuments & Attractions Covered:
- Chinese Fishing Nets
- St. Francis Church
- Mattancherry (Dutch) Palace
- Paradesi Synagogue & Jew Town
In the evening, you can optionally attend a mesmerizing Kathakali dance performance. Overnight stay in Cochin.
After a hearty breakfast, check out from the hotel and begin your highly scenic drive ascending into the misty hills of Munnar (approx. 130 km / 4 hrs). Watch the landscape slowly transition from coastal cityscapes into sweeping, emerald-green tea estates.
En-route Attractions:
- Cheeyappara Waterfalls
- Valara Waterfalls
- Karadipara Viewpoint
Upon reaching Munnar, check into your hill resort. Spend a peaceful evening relaxing and breathing in the fresh mountain air. Overnight stay in Munnar.
After breakfast, embark on a full-day sightseeing tour of Munnar's most picturesque spots. Start by visiting the high-altitude terrains of Eravikulam National Park, followed by an educational tour of the local tea industry. In the afternoon, enjoy the serenity of the local dams and lakes.
Attractions Covered:
- Eravikulam National Park (Rajamalai)
- Tata Tea Museum
- Mattupetty Dam (Optional Boating)
- Echo Point & Kundala Lake
Return to your hotel after a day surrounded by nature's bounty. Overnight stay in Munnar.
After breakfast, check out and drive through the breathtaking Cardamom Hills to reach Thekkady (approx. 90 km / 3 hrs). Upon arrival, check-in to your nature resort. Thekkady is famous for the Periyar National Park and its dense evergreen forests. Spend your afternoon relaxing at the resort or taking a stroll through the local spice markets. In the evening, you can opt to witness local cultural performances. Overnight stay in Thekkady.
Optional Evening Activities:
- Kathakali Dance Show
- Kalaripayattu Martial Arts Show
Today is dedicated to exploring the wild side of Kerala. Head to the renowned Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary for a unique boat safari. This is one of the few places in India where you can safely spot wild elephants, bison, and wild boars drinking at the water's edge from the comfort of a boat. Later, dive into Kerala's rich agricultural heritage.
Wildlife & Nature Spots:
- Periyar Lake Boat Safari
- Guided Spice Plantation Walk
- Elephant Junction (Optional)
- Jungle Scout / Trek (Optional)
Return to your resort for a relaxing evening amidst the sounds of the jungle. Overnight stay in Thekkady.
After breakfast, bid farewell to the hills and drive down to the picturesque backwater village of Kumarakom (approx. 125 km / 3.5 hrs), situated on the banks of the vast Vembanad Lake. Check into your luxury lakeside resort. Kumarakom is the ultimate destination for slow-paced leisure. The rest of the day is at your disposal to relax by the pool, enjoy world-class Ayurvedic spa facilities, or visit the nearby Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary to spot migratory birds. Overnight stay in Kumarakom.
After a relaxed breakfast, check out and take a short drive to the Alleppey boat jetty (approx. 35 km / 1 hr). By noon, step aboard your private, traditional Kerala Houseboat (Kettuvallam). Enjoy a refreshing welcome drink as the boat begins its leisurely cruise through the intricate network of serene canals, palm-fringed lakes, and vast paddy fields of the 'Venice of the East'. Relish an authentic Kerala lunch, evening tea with traditional snacks, and dinner freshly prepared on board by your private chef. Spending the night floating on the backwaters is a truly magical experience. Overnight stay in the Houseboat.
Wake up to a misty morning on the backwaters. After enjoying breakfast on board, disembark from the houseboat at 9:00 AM. Begin your scenic coastal drive southwards to the internationally renowned beach town of Kovalam (approx. 160 km / 4.5 hrs). Upon arrival, check into your beach resort. The rest of the day is at your leisure to relax on the crescent-shaped golden sands of Kovalam Beach, take a dip in the Arabian Sea, or experience a rejuvenating authentic Ayurvedic massage. Overnight stay in Kovalam.
Today is entirely free for you to soak in the tropical sun. You can visit the iconic Vizhinjam Lighthouse for spectacular panoramic views of the coastline, or explore the three adjacent crescent beaches (Lighthouse Beach, Hawah Beach, and Samudra Beach). Alternatively, you can opt for a short excursion to Poovar Island (approx. 45 mins away) to enjoy a serene boat ride through the pristine backwaters and mangrove forests where the river meets the sea. Enjoy a beautiful beachside dinner. Overnight stay in Kovalam.
After breakfast, check out from your beach resort and take a short drive to the capital city, Trivandrum (approx. 20 km / 45 mins). Check into your city hotel. Proceed for a half-day city tour exploring the royal grandeur of the Travancore dynasty.
Monuments & Heritage Spots Covered:
- Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
- Kuthira Malika (Palace of Horses)
- Napier Museum
- Sri Chitra Art Gallery
Return to your hotel for a peaceful evening and reflect on your grand Kerala journey. Overnight stay in Trivandrum.
Enjoy your final Kerala breakfast at the hotel. Depending on your flight or train schedule, you may have some free time for last-minute souvenir shopping. Our representative will then safely transfer you to the Trivandrum International Airport (TRV) or Railway Station. Depart with a completely rejuvenated mind, body, and soul, carrying beautiful memories of the Full Kerala Circuit.
Package Inclusions
- 09 Nights stay in Premium Hotels & Resorts (1N Cochin, 2N Munnar, 2N Thekkady, 1N Kumarakom, 2N Kovalam, 1N Trivandrum)
- 01 Night stay in an Exclusive AC Traditional Houseboat (Alleppey)
- Daily Buffet Breakfast at all hotels/resorts
- All meals (Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast) served on the Houseboat
- Private AC Sedan/SUV for all 11 days with an experienced, English/Hindi speaking driver
- All Toll taxes, State permits, Parking fees & Driver allowances
Package Exclusions
- Flights / Train tickets to Cochin and from Trivandrum
- Monument / National Park Entry Fees (Eravikulam, Dutch Palace, Museums, etc.)
- Periyar Lake Boating Tickets (Must be booked online in advance)
- Lunches and Dinners (Except during Houseboat stay)
- Optional activities like Elephant rides, Kathakali shows, or Ayurveda treatments
- Tips, room service, laundry & personal expenses
Frequently Asked Questions
Ending the tour in Trivandrum (TRV) is the most efficient and comfortable routing for a full circuit. If you were to depart from Cochin after visiting Kovalam/Trivandrum, you would have to endure an exhausting 6 to 7-hour drive back North on your departure day. Flying out of Trivandrum saves a full day of travel and fatigue.
We book an exclusive, private houseboat for your group/family. You will have your own bedrooms, a private deck, and a dedicated crew (captain and chef) catering only to you, ensuring complete privacy.
The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Trivandrum has a very strict traditional dress code. Men must wear a Mundu/Dhoti (bare-chested or with an Angavastram). Women must wear a Saree, or a long skirt/Mundu over their salwar/jeans. These can be easily rented or purchased near the temple entrance.
Eravikulam National Park is generally closed for the calving season of the Nilgiri Tahr, usually from February to March every year. During this period, we provide alternative sightseeing options in Munnar, such as extra viewpoints or tea factory visits.