Best of Kerala Tour

Day 1 Mumbai

Begin your tour.
Arrive into Mumbai
Welcome to Vardhman's Best of Kerala Tour! On arrival in Mumbai, you will be met and transferred by Vardhman's representative to your hotel. After check-in, relax for a while and get refreshed after your travel.

Mumbai, known as the City of Dreams, offers a vibrant blend of colonial heritage, bustling markets, seaside promenades, and energetic city life. Depending on your arrival time, you can explore some of the city’s iconic landmarks.

You may visit the Gateway of India, a grand stone arch overlooking the vast Arabian Sea. From here, a short stroll leads you to bustling Colaba Causeway Market, famous for street shopping, cafés, and colonial-era architecture.

Another wonderful option is a relaxed drive along Marine Drive, also called the Queen’s Necklace for its glittering night view. The cool sea breeze and the endless view of the promenade make it a perfect way to unwind on your first day.

Return to the hotel in the evening and enjoy a peaceful overnight stay in Mumbai.

Overnight: Hotel

Day 2 Mumbai → Cochin (Flight)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your morning flight to Cochin, the cultural and historical gateway of Kerala. The flight takes around 2 hours, offering a comfortable and quick transition from the bustling vibes of Mumbai to the serene coastal charm of Cochin.

Upon arrival in Cochin, check in to your hotel and relax for a while. Known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Cochin blends colonial influences with South India’s rich traditions, making it one of Kerala’s most vibrant destinations.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Fort Kochi, a picturesque neighborhood filled with narrow lanes, Indo-Portuguese houses, and colonial-era structures. Continue to the St. Francis Church, the oldest European-built church in India and the original burial site of Vasco da Gama.

Walk along the waterfront to admire the famous Chinese Fishing Nets, an iconic symbol of Cochin. These massive cantilevered nets, introduced by ancient Chinese traders, offer excellent photo opportunities, especially during sunset.

Proceed to Mattancherry, where you will explore the Dutch Palace, known for its historical exhibits and impressive murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana. Nearby, visit the Jewish Synagogue, one of the oldest synagogues in the Commonwealth, filled with Belgian chandeliers, hand-painted Chinese tiles, and antique decor.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performance, where skilled artists present classical stories through expressive gestures, dramatic makeup, and graceful movements.

Return to the hotel for your overnight stay in Cochin.

Overnight: Hotel

Day 3 Cochin → Munnar (130 km / 4–5 hrs)

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and begin your beautiful journey to Munnar, one of Kerala’s most enchanting hill stations. The drive covers around 130 km, taking about 4–5 hours, and is known for its breathtaking scenery.

As you leave Cochin behind, the landscape slowly shifts into lush greenery, rolling hills, and vast stretches of tea and spice plantations. The winding roads, fresh mountain air, and panoramic viewpoints make this one of the most memorable drives of your Kerala trip. You may stop at scenic waterfalls and viewpoints along the way for photography.

Upon reaching Munnar, check in to your hotel and relax amidst the cool climate and tranquil surroundings. Munnar’s misty hills, sprawling tea gardens, and peaceful ambience offer a perfect escape from the city rush.

Later, begin your local sightseeing with a visit to the Tea Museum, where you can learn about the history of tea cultivation in the region and observe tea-processing methods. The museum also showcases vintage machinery, photographs, and a brief audiovisual presentation on the evolution of tea estates.

Continue to Blossom Park, a charming garden area featuring walking trails, colorful flowers, and serene natural settings—an ideal place for leisurely strolls and relaxing moments.

Return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Munnar.

Overnight: Hotel

Day 4 Munnar (Full Day Sightseeing)

After breakfast, set out for a full day of sightseeing in and around Munnar, exploring its pristine natural beauty, rolling hills, and refreshing mountain landscapes. This day is dedicated to discovering the highlights that make Munnar one of India’s most loved hill stations.

Begin your tour with a visit to Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. The park is known for its breathtaking high-altitude grasslands and panoramic valley views. As you ascend to the viewing point by park shuttle, enjoy the fresh mountain air and the sight of mist drifting over green slopes. During blooming years, this park is also famous for the rare Neelakurinji flowers, which turn the hills blue once every 12 years.

Continue toward Mattupetty Dam, a beautiful reservoir nestled among tea gardens and forested hills. The serene waters and dramatic mountain backdrop offer great photography spots. Nearby, explore Echo Point, where the natural acoustics of the valley create fun and memorable echo effects.

Next, visit Kundala Lake, a charming and peaceful lake surrounded by lush greenery. Here, you can enjoy paddle boating or simply relax by the lakeside, taking in the soothing scenery.

If time permits, you may drive up to Top Station (optional), one of the highest viewpoints in the region. The panoramic views of the Western Ghats, cloud-covered valleys, and misty mountain layers make it a breathtaking experience, especially on clear days.

Return to your hotel by evening and enjoy a relaxed overnight stay in Munnar.

Overnight: Hotel

Day 5 Munnar → Periyar / Thekkady (100 km / 3–4 hrs)

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and begin your scenic drive to Periyar / Thekkady, located about 100 km from Munnar. The journey takes around 3–4 hours and offers beautiful views of misty hills, spice plantations, and dense forests as you descend into Kerala’s wildlife-rich region.

Upon arrival in Thekkady, check in to your hotel and take some time to relax. Known for its lush greenery and rich biodiversity, Thekkady is one of India’s finest wildlife destinations and a paradise for nature lovers.

In the afternoon, head to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary for a boat ride on Periyar Lake. As you glide through the serene waters, keep an eye out for wildlife such as elephants, bison, deer, wild boar, and a variety of birds that come to the lakeshore to drink water. The peaceful setting and evergreen forests surrounding the lake make this experience truly memorable.

Later, enjoy a spice plantation tour, where you can walk through aromatic plantations of cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Guides explain how these spices are cultivated, harvested, and processed—an insightful experience unique to Thekkady.

In the evening, you may choose to attend an optional cultural show, such as a Kathakali dance performance or a Kalaripayattu martial arts show. These traditional art forms offer a glimpse into Kerala’s vibrant heritage and performing arts.

Return to your hotel and enjoy a comfortable overnight stay in Periyar.

Day 6 Periyar → Alleppey (150 km / 4 hrs)

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and set off for Alleppey, the heart of Kerala’s enchanting backwaters. The drive of around 150 km takes approximately 4 hours, passing through lush countryside, spice-scented villages, and coconut-lined roads.

Upon reaching Alleppey, you will board your private houseboat, a traditional Kerala kettuvallam beautifully furnished to offer comfort and an authentic backwater experience. Once onboard, settle into your cabin and enjoy a refreshing welcome drink as the boat slowly begins cruising.

As you glide through the calm backwaters, you will witness a world of tranquil landscapes—endless stretches of paddy fields, serene canals, waving coconut palms, and charming village life along the banks. Watch locals fishing, children playing, and villagers paddling their small canoes—offering a true glimpse into Kerala’s rural charm.

A freshly prepared lunch, made by the onboard chef, will be served as the boat cruises through scenic waterways. The afternoon continues with peaceful views, chirping birds, and breathtaking reflections on the water.

In the evening, the boat anchors near a quiet village where you can step out for a short walk or simply relax on the deck as the sun sets over the backwaters. A delicious dinner will be served on board.

Enjoy a serene overnight stay on the houseboat, with the gentle sounds of water lulling you to sleep.

Overnight: Houseboat

Day 7 Alleppey → Quilon / Kollam (85 km / 2 hrs)

After enjoying a leisurely breakfast on the houseboat, it’s time to disembark and say goodbye to the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey. Your journey continues toward Quilon (Kollam), one of Kerala’s oldest seaport towns. The drive covers around 85 km and takes approximately 2 hours, offering views of lakes, canals, and coastal greenery along the way.

Upon reaching Quilon, check in to your hotel and take some time to relax. Kollam, known for its serene surroundings and historic charm, sits gracefully on the banks of the beautiful Ashtamudi Lake, one of Kerala’s most scenic and expansive backwater stretches.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the Thangassery Lighthouse, a striking structure built in the 18th century by the British. Climb to the top (if open) for sweeping panoramic views of the coastline, shimmering sea, and the colorful fishing village below. The lighthouse area also reflects the Portuguese and Dutch influence that shaped Kollam’s early history.

Continue to Ashtamudi Lake, a serene paradise known for its palm-fringed shores, calm waters, and houseboat activities. Spend some time at the lake viewpoint enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, or explore its surroundings to get a feel of Kollam’s backwater life.

Later, visit Kollam Beach, a clean and quiet stretch perfect for unwinding. The golden sands, gentle waves, and beautiful sunset views make it an excellent place for evening relaxation and seaside strolls.

Return to your hotel after the day’s sightseeing and enjoy a comfortable overnight stay in Quilon.

Overnight: Hotel

Day 8 Quilon → Kanyakumari (160 km / 3.5–4 hrs)

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and begin your journey toward Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of the Indian mainland. The drive of around 160 km takes approximately 3.5–4 hours, passing through coastal towns, scenic landscapes, and glimpses of Tamil Nadu’s cultural life as you approach the tri-sea junction.

Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and relax for some time. Kanyakumari, where the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean meet, is famed for its spectacular sunrise and sunset views, spiritual landmarks, and serene coastal atmosphere.

Begin your sightseeing with a ferry ride to the iconic Vivekananda Rock Memorial, built in honor of Swami Vivekananda. The rock sits majestically amidst the ocean, offering peaceful surroundings and stunning sea views. Nearby stands the towering Thiruvalluvar Statue, a 133-foot monument dedicated to the celebrated Tamil poet-saint.

Continue to the Gandhi Mandapam, a memorial constructed at the spot where Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were kept for public viewing before immersion. Its architecture allows sunlight to fall exactly on the place where the urn was kept—a fascinating highlight.

Visit the sacred Kanyakumari Temple, also known as Kumari Amman Temple, dedicated to Goddess Devi Kanya Kumari. This ancient temple, set near the seashore, holds immense spiritual significance and showcases classic Dravidian-style architecture.

In the evening, head to the viewpoint to witness the sunset at India’s southernmost tip, where the sky paints dramatic orange and golden hues over the confluence of the three seas—an unforgettable sight.

Return to your hotel for a peaceful overnight stay in Kanyakumari.

Overnight: Hotel

Day 9 Kanyakumari → Kovalam (90 km / 2 hrs)

Begin your day early with an optional sunrise experience at Kanyakumari, where the first rays of the sun rise beautifully over the confluence of the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean. The golden glow over the waves creates a breathtaking spectacle and is considered one of the most stunning sunrise points in India.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and proceed on a short and scenic drive to Kovalam, located around 90 km away and taking roughly 2 hours. As you approach Kovalam, the landscape transforms into palm-fringed coastlines, gentle hills, and inviting seaside views.

Upon arrival, check in to your beach resort and take some time to relax. Kovalam is known for its crescent-shaped beaches, calm waters, and laid-back ambience—making it one of Kerala’s most popular seaside destinations.

The evening is free for leisure. You may stroll along the lively Lighthouse Beach, famous for its iconic red-and-white lighthouse, golden sands, and beachfront cafes. Alternatively, visit Hawa Beach, known for its serene atmosphere, shallow waters, and beautiful sunset views.

Relax by the shore, enjoy local seafood, or simply unwind at your resort as the day comes to a peaceful close. Overnight stay in Kovalam.

Overnight: Hotel

Day 10 Kovalam / Trivandrum City Tour

After breakfast, begin your day with a short drive to Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram), the capital city of Kerala, located about 20 km from Kovalam. Trivandrum is known for its rich cultural heritage, ancient temples, museums, and charming city atmosphere.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to the iconic Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, one of the richest and most revered temples in India. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his Anantha Shayanam (reclining) posture, the temple showcases classic Dravidian-style architecture and intricate stone carvings. Please note that entry is restricted to Hindu devotees and a traditional dress code must be followed.

Continue to the Napier Museum & Zoo, located within a beautifully landscaped heritage complex. The museum features rare archaeological artifacts, ancient bronzes, traditional Kerala chariots, and exquisite ivory carvings. Adjacent to it, the Trivandrum Zoo—one of the oldest in India—houses a variety of animals, birds, and botanical treasures.

Next, visit the Kuthiramalika Palace (Puthenmalika Palace), built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal. Known for its carved wooden horses, sloping roofs, and refined Kerala-style architecture, the palace offers an intriguing glimpse into the royal history of Travancore. The museum inside displays royal collections, paintings, and antiques.

Return to Kovalam in the afternoon and spend your evening at leisure. Enjoy the relaxing vibes of Kovalam Beach, walk along the shoreline, try Ayurvedic massages, or unwind at one of the chic beachside cafés.

Overnight stay in Kovalam.

Overnight: Hotel

Day 11 Kovalam - Trivandrum Departure

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and prepare for your onward journey. Depending on your flight or train schedule, you may enjoy some free time for last-minute beach strolls or souvenir shopping in Kovalam.

You will then be transferred in comfort to Trivandrum Airport or Railway Station, ensuring a smooth and timely departure. Carry back wonderful memories of Kerala’s serene landscapes, cultural experiences, backwaters, beaches, and warm hospitality as you continue your journey ahead.

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