Kerala 8 Day Tour to Cochin and Kovalam

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Arrival in Cochin⌄

   Upon arrival at Cochin International Airport, Railway Station, or any convenient location, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel (check-in after 1400 hrs). The rest of the day is free for relaxation or to explore the surroundings at your leisure. Cochin, also known as Kochi, is a historic port city that has welcomed traders from across the world for centuries. Its blend of Dutch, Portuguese, and British influences can be seen in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions. Overnight: Cochin Inclusions: Accommodation, Transport, Assistance Please Note: Hotel check-in will be available after 2:00 PM.

   Overnight: 3*-Hotel Abad/Abad Atrium/Similar 4*-Casino Hotel/The Dutch/Similar 5*-Trident/Fragrant Nature/Xandari Harbour/Similar

2. 2Cochin Sightseeing⌄

   After breakfast, begin your guided tour of Cochin’s historical landmarks. Start with Fort Kochi, a charming area with cobbled streets and old European-style houses.

   Visit St. Francis Church, India’s oldest European church built in 1503, once the burial place of the explorer Vasco da Gama.

   Next, explore the Mattancherry Dutch Palace, originally built by the Portuguese and later renovated by the Dutch, showcasing vibrant murals that illustrate Hindu temple art.

   Continue to the Paradesi Synagogue, one of the oldest active synagogues in the Commonwealth, beautifully decorated with Belgian chandeliers and hand-painted tiles.

   In the evening, enjoy a Kathakali Dance Performance, one of Kerala’s most famous classical art forms known for its colorful costumes, expressive gestures, and dramatic storytelling. Overnight: Cochin Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Transport, Tour Guide, Entrance Fees Highlights: Fort Kochi, St. Francis Church, Dutch Palace, Paradesi Synagogue, Kathakali Performance

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: 3*-Hotel Abad/Abad Atrium/Similar 4*-Casino Hotel/The Dutch/Similar 5*-Trident/Fragrant Nature/Xandari Harbour/Similar

3. 3Cochin – Munnar (Approx. 4 hrs drive)⌄

   After breakfast, drive to Munnar, Kerala’s most scenic hill station, located 1,600 meters above sea level. The journey passes through rolling hills, lush green valleys, waterfalls, and tea plantations, offering plenty of photo opportunities

   In the afternoon, visit the Tea Museum, where you can learn about Munnar’s rich tea-growing heritage and see the process of tea production.

   Later, stop by the Mattupetty Dam, surrounded by tea gardens and forests, and enjoy peaceful lake views.

   Continue to Echo Point, where the natural sound resonance creates a fun and memorable experience. Overnight: Munnar Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Transport, Tour Guide, Entrance Fees Highlights: Tea Museum, Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: 3* - Deshadan Mountain Resort / Similar 4* - The Leaf / Similar 5* - Winder Mear / Similar

4. 4Munnar – Thekkady (Approx. 3 hrs drive)⌄

   After breakfast, continue your journey to Thekkady, famous for the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. This region is known for its dense forests, spice plantations, and diverse wildlife.

   On arrival, enjoy a boat ride on Periyar Lake, where you might spot elephants, bison, wild boar, and various birds on the shores. The calm waters and lush surroundings make it a truly refreshing experience.

   Later, visit a Spice Plantation, where you’ll learn about Kerala’s aromatic spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, and cloves, and how they are cultivated and processed. Overnight: Thekkady Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Transport, Tour Guide, Entrance Fees Highlights: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Boat Ride, Spice Plantation

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: 3*- Deshadan Mountain Resort / Similar 4*-Peppervine / Similar 5*- Elephant Court / Similar

5. 5Thekkady – Alleppey (Approx. 4 hrs drive)⌄

   After breakfast, drive down to Alleppey (Alappuzha), often called the “Venice of the East,” known for its network of canals, lagoons, and backwaters. On arrival, board your private traditional houseboat, locally known as a Kettuvallam. Cruise through the peaceful backwaters surrounded by coconut palms, paddy fields, and small villages. Watch everyday life unfold along the waterways — fishermen casting their nets, children waving from the banks, and women washing clothes by the river. Delicious Kerala-style meals are freshly prepared onboard by the houseboat crew. Overnight: On the Houseboat Inclusions: Houseboat Accommodation, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Transport Highlights: Alleppey Backwater Cruise, Village Life, Kerala Cuisine

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: 3*-Deluxe Houseboat / Similar 4*-Luxury Houseboat / Similar 5*-Premium Houseboat / Similar

6. 6Alleppey – Kovalam (Approx. 4.5 hrs drive)⌄

   After breakfast on the houseboat, disembark and drive to Kovalam, Kerala’s most popular beach destination near Trivandrum. Upon arrival, check in to your beach resort and relax by the Arabian Sea. Kovalam is known for its crescent-shaped coastline lined with coconut palms and calm waters ideal for swimming. You can spend the day sunbathing, taking a seaside walk, or enjoying the sunset over the water. Overnight: Kovalam Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Transport Highlights: Kovalam Beach

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: 3*- Abad Harmonia Ayurvedic Beach / Similar 4*- Travancore Heritage / Similar 5*- Taj Green Cove Resort and Spa /Similar

7. 7Kovalam at Leisure⌄

   Today is free for relaxation and leisure. You can unwind on Lighthouse Beach or Hawa Beach, explore local shops and cafes, or simply relax at your resort. For a rejuvenating experience, try an optional Ayurvedic massage, Kerala’s ancient healing therapy known for promoting wellness and balance. Overnight: Kovalam Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast Highlights: Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach, Ayurvedic Massage (optional)

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: 3*- Abad Harmonia Ayurvedic Beach / Similar 4*- Travancore Heritage / Similar 5*- Taj Green Cove Resort and Spa /Similar

8. 8Departure from Trivandrum⌄

   After breakfast, check out from your hotel and transfer to Trivandrum Airport for your onward flight. Depart with beautiful memories of Kerala’s peaceful landscapes and warm hospitality. Inclusions: Breakfast, Transport, Assistance

   Meals: Breakfast