Kerala – The Soul of South India

Arrive in the historic port city of Kochi (Cochin), a cultural mosaic where the Arabian Sea meets centuries of global heritage. With a legacy spanning more than 600 years, Kochi stands as a timeless port city that has welcomed traders, seafarers, and travelers from across the globe, each leaving behind a trace of their heritage. Here, giant Chinese fishing nets sway in the sea breeze, Portuguese mansions and Dutch-era warehouses line quiet streets, ancient mosques and a 400-year-old synagogue stand as living testaments to its cosmopolitan soul.

Your private chauffeur will greet you upon arrival at Kochi International Airport and escort you in a vehicle to your hotel. Check-in to the hotel. The evening will be at your leisure. Overnight stay at Kochi.

After breakfast, explore the soul of Kochi on a curated heritage tour through Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, where Indo-European architecture, spice markets, and coastal legends unfold at every turn.

Start your exploration at the iconic St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, where Portuguese explorers first built a place of worship in 1503. It was once the burial site of the legendary explorer Vasco da Gama before his remains were returned to Portugal.

Next, step into the tranquil quarters of the Old Paradesi Synagogue, built in 1567 and nestled in the heart of Kochi’s historic Jewish Town. A living legacy, this 16th-century synagogue is the oldest active in the Commonwealth, its interiors rich with Belgian chandeliers, Chinese tiles, and ancient scrolls.

Continue to the Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace. This 16th-century building, gifted by the Portuguese and later renovated by the Dutch houses a fascinating collection of Kerala murals, royal portraits, and palatial artifacts that reveal the opulence and artistry of the Cochin Rajas.

Stroll through the Cochin Spice Market, where the air is rich with the scent of cardamom, clove, and cinnamon echoing the centuries-old spice trade that made Kerala a global destination. End your tour by witnessing the iconic Chinese fishing nets in action along the waterfront, a legacy of ancient maritime connections between Kerala and China.

Spend the evening at your leisure, perhaps exploring a local art café, enjoying a Kathakali dance performance, or dining al fresco by the sea.

Overnight stay at your hotel in Kochi.

After breakfast, bid farewell to the coast as you begin a picturesque journey into the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its breathtaking biodiversity. Your private chauffeur will drive you through winding roads and misty mountain passes, offering stunning views of waterfalls, spice plantations, and lush valleys along the way.

By afternoon, arrive in Munnar, South India’s premier tea-growing region. Munnar's cool, crisp air and serene ambiance make it a welcome retreat from the lowland humidity.

Upon arrival, check in at your hilltop resort or heritage tea estate property. Relax and soak in the panoramic vistas from your balcony or enjoy a cup of freshly brewed local tea.

In the evening, witness a captivating performance of Kalaripayattu—one of the world’s oldest martial arts, believed to have inspired disciplines like Kung Fu. This high-energy spectacle, blending agility, strength, and spiritual discipline, offers a rare glimpse into Kerala’s ancient warrior traditions.

Dinner and overnight stay at your hotel in Munnar.

Start your day with a guided soft trek through the enchanting hills of Munnar, a gentle 3-hour walk (approx. 9 km). The cool mountain breeze, birdsong, and sweeping views make this an invigorating yet peaceful experience.

Along the way, you’ll be treated to a homemade breakfast picnic in nature, fresh, simple, and soul-satisfying. Carry a small daypack with sunblock, water, and a hat, and let nature guide your steps.

Later, explore the fascinating Munnar Tea Museum, where the story of tea unfolds through vintage equipment, photographs, and artifacts. Discover how tea cultivation shaped the region’s identity and enjoy a fresh brew while learning the delicate craft behind each cup.

In the afternoon, continue to the Pothamedu Viewpoint, a spectacular spot that offers panoramic views of rolling hills blanketed with tea, coffee, cardamom, and pepper plantations. On a clear day, you can catch glimpses of the Muthirapuzha River and the distant Idukki Dam, nestled deep in the verdant valleys below.

Return to your hotel by evening. Relax amidst the cool mountain air, perhaps with a book or simply the view from your balcony.

Dinner and overnight stay at your hotel in Munnar.

After breakfast, check out from your Munnar hotel and journey south toward Periyar (Thekkady), a landscape where nature reigns supreme and the air is scented with wild spices.

The drive itself is a sensory delight, winding through misty hills, tea and spice plantations, and sleepy mountain villages. As you descend into Thekkady, the scene transforms into a lush wilderness filled with dense forests, bamboo groves, and the occasional glimpse of elephants in the wild.

By afternoon, you’ll reach Periyar, nestled in the Western Ghats and famed for its lush forests and renowned wildlife sanctuary.This region is renowned for its elephant herds, tropical flora, and sprawling spice estates that stretch as far as the eye can see. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the Western Ghats.

The rest of the evening is yours to unwind. Dinner and overnight stay at your hotel in Periyar (Thekkady).

Rise early today for a thrilling and immersive adventure deep within the Periyar National Park, a pristine sanctuary teeming with rich biodiversity and serene natural beauty.

Accompanied by an experienced forest guide, set out on a half-day soft jungle trek, weaving your way through the dense undergrowth, towering trees, and quiet forest trails. The 2.5 hour walk offers a rare chance to witness wildlife in their natural habitat herds of wild elephants, exotic birds, Nilgiri langurs, and even the elusive Indian bison. The silence of the forest is broken only by the rustle of leaves and the call of distant creatures.

At the end of the trail, arrive at the tranquil Periyar Lake, where you’ll embark on an unforgettable bamboo rafting journey. Glide across the still waters on a handcrafted raft, surrounded by nothing but the lush green forest reflected in the mirror-like lake. It's a soul-soothing experience that blurs the line between nature and meditation.

After the rafting, retrace your steps through the forest back to the park gate and return to your hotel by early afternoon. [Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes, long pants, and carry a light daypack.]

In the evening, step into a different world as you attend a traditional Kathakali performance. With its elaborate costumes, expressive facial movements, and ancient storytelling techniques, Kathakali is one of India’s most revered classical dance forms—an evocative glimpse into Kerala’s rich cultural tapestry.

Dinner and overnight stay at your hotel in Periyar (Thekkady).

After a relaxed breakfast, check out from your hotel in Periyar and begin your scenic descent toward the lush coastal region of Kollam, a hidden gem in Kerala’s backwater network. 

Arrive in Kollam by late afternoon, a tranquil and lesser-explored destination that serves as the southern gateway to Kerala’s famed backwaters. Nestled along the peaceful shores of Ashtamudi Lake, Kollam offers a more intimate and authentic backwater experience—far removed from the usual crowds.

The town is surrounded by coconut groves, cashew plantations, and sleepy traditional villages, all painting a postcard-perfect scene of rural Kerala life. Its charm lies not just in its natural beauty, but also in its quiet rhythm—where time slows down and the only sound is the gentle splash of oars or the call of a distant kingfisher.

Check in to your serene lakeside resort or heritage hotel on arrival. The evening is yours to unwind—perhaps take a sunset stroll along the lake, sip a cup of fresh toddy, or simply relax in the tranquil surroundings.

Overnight stay at your hotel in Kollam.

After breakfast, take a scenic drive to Varkala Beach, renowned for its dramatic red cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea. Relax on the sun-kissed sands, enjoy a swim, or explore the cliffside cafés and natural mineral springs that make this beach unique.

Return to your resort by afternoon and embark on a serene boat ride through the tranquil backwaters of Paravur Lake, drifting past mangroves, traditional homes, and untouched landscapes—a perfect glimpse into the soul of Kerala.

Spend your evening at leisure, soaking in the peace and beauty of Kollam.

Overnight stay at your hotel in Kollam.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Kollam and embark on a picturesque drive to Alleppey (Alappuzha), a jewel of Kerala's backwater region. Alleppey, the “Venice of the East,” is a water-bound wonderland where palm-lined canals, emerald rice paddies, and slow-paced village scenes paint a picture of timeless tranquility.

Arrive in Alleppey by midday, where your private, fully-crewed houseboat awaits. Step aboard a traditional ‘kettuvallam’, now elegantly transformed with modern comforts, air-conditioned rooms, panoramic lounges, a personal chef, and your own captain and staff to guide the way.

As the boat begins to glide gently through the vast expanse of Vembanad Lake, settle in and savor a freshly prepared South Indian lunch, cooked using local produce and spices. The cruise offers a front-row seat to the beauty of the backwaters, villagers paddling by in dugout canoes, women washing clothes on stone steps, white egrets perched among the reeds, and children waving from coconut groves.

The afternoon is yours to soak in the scenery, read, relax, or simply be mesmerized by the slow, hypnotic pace of backwater life. Your journey may pass through narrow canals, vibrant green paddy fields, coir villages, and even ancient temples and churches tucked into the shoreline.

As dusk descends, the houseboat anchors in a peaceful lagoon. Watch the sunset spill gold over the water as you sip on tea or a fresh coconut, followed by a delicious dinner served onboard under the stars.

Drift off to sleep to the sounds of gentle ripples and rustling palms, a perfect blend of luxury, tranquility, and authenticity.

Dinner and overnight stay on the private houseboat in Alleppey.

Wake up to the peaceful sights and sounds of the backwaters one last time. After a leisurely breakfast served on your houseboat, it's time to check out and bid farewell to the serene waters of Alleppey.

A private car awaits to transfer you comfortably to Kochi International Airport, a journey of approximately 2.5 hours through Kerala’s vibrant countryside, allowing one final glimpse of the lush landscapes, swaying palms, and village life that have made this journey so unforgettable.

Carry with you the memories of a 10-day soul-stirring adventure, from misty tea plantations and wild forest trails to tranquil backwaters and cultural riches. You’ve just experienced the best of God’s Own Country, a land that lingers in the heart long after you leave.