Tours

Kerala Nature & Leisure Tour – Wildlife, Backwaters & Beach

Overview

Discover Kerala, “God’s Own Country,” on an 11-day family journey through Fort Kochi, Thattekad, Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey, and Marari Beach. Explore tea hills, spice plantations, wildlife sanctuaries, and tranquil backwaters while enjoying houseboat stays, cultural experiences, and family-friendly adventures. From Kathakali performances to kayaking and village walks, this itinerary offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and relaxation.

Tour Highlights

Day & Route	Details
Day 1 Arrival at Fort Kochi	Activity: Fort Kochi Heritage Walk and Kathakali dance performance Hotel: Abad Dutch Bungalow Meals: Breakfast Arrive at Cochin Airport and transfer to Fort Kochi (approx. 1.5 hours). Check in to a 375-year-old heritage stay before exploring the historic streets, Chinese fishing nets, Jew Street, the Synagogue, and other landmarks. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kathakali performance.
Day 2 Fort Kochi to Thattekad	Activity: Cycling to Thattekad, Evening Plantation Walk Optional Kayaking Hotel: Birds Murmur Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner After breakfast, drive for about an hour to the ride start point and begin a 30 km ride on flat and undulating village roads beside irrigation canals. Cycle past pineapple fields, rubber estates, and spice plantations before reaching your glamping stay on the banks of the Edamalayar River for lunch. Later, enjoy a guided plantation walk and kayaking on the Periyar River along the forest.
Day 3 Thattekad to Munnar	Activity: Nature walk at Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Drive to Munnar,visit local market Hotel: Olive Brook Resort Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Enjoy a guided nature walk at the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary before continuing to Munnar, visiting the Inchathotty Hanging Bridge and nearby waterfalls en route. Check in to a retreat set amidst lush greenery and cardamom plantations, then stroll through the local market. Cycling distance: 60 km on undulating and hilly terrain.
Day 4 Exploring Munnar	Activity:Tea plantation Walk and Visit Tea Factory Hotel: Olive Brook Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Begin the morning with a guided hike through the tea plantations of Lakshmi Estate, taking in panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Walk through local villages, meet tea-picking workers, and experience the gently undulating terrain. Later, visit a tea factory to learn how fresh tea leaves are transformed into fine tea.
Day 5 Munnar to Vandanmedu	Activity: Papathy Shola hike visit Tribal Village, Cooking Class Hotel: Carmelia Haven Resort Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Set out for Suryanelli to begin a guided 4-hour hike through Papathi Shola, cardamom plantations, and a Muthuvan tribal hamlet, with views of Anairangal Lake along the way. Cover 80 km on hilly and rolling terrain before continuing to Vandanmedu, where your stay is nestled within a sprawling tea and cardamom plantation. In the evening, take part in a Kerala cooking class using fresh garden produce.
Day 6 Vandanmedu to Thekkady	Activity: Boating in Periyar Tiger Reserve, Elephants interaction, Martial Art Show Hotel: Abad Green Forest Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Travel through the scenic cardamom hills to Thekkady, covering 30 km on hilly and rolling terrain, and enjoy an elephant experience including feeding and bathing the elephants. Continue to your stay on the edge of the renowned Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary before an afternoon boat ride on Periyar Lake, with opportunities to spot elephants, gaur, and sambar deer. Later, visit a spice garden and end the day with a captivating Kalaripayattu performance.
Day 7 Wildlife at Gavi	Activity: Jeep Safari to Gavi, Nature Walk at Gavi Wildlife Sanctuary, Boating to Waterfall Hotel: Abad Green Forest Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Set out early for a jeep safari to Gavi, travelling through the forests of Thekkady with opportunities to spot elephants, gaur, giant squirrels, and Nilgiri langurs. Enjoy breakfast at Gavi before a guided walk through the evergreen forest. After lunch, take a boating excursion to a waterfall, followed by a tea break before returning to Thekkady by jeep. The day's cycling route covers 40 km on rolling terrain.
Day 8 Thekkady to Alleppey	Activity: Houseboat Cruise Hotel: Houseboat Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Journey to Alappuzha, covering 40 km on rolling terrain through tea and spice plantations and rural villages. Upon arrival, board a private houseboat for an overnight cruise through the backwaters, passing village communities, fishing scenes, and duck farms along the canals. Enjoy freshly prepared meals on board, including the local specialty, pearl spot fish.
Day 9 Alleppey Backwater Village	Activity:Backwater Village Kayaking, Village Walk Hotel: Emerald Isle Meals: Breakfast,Lunch & Dinner After leaving the houseboat, make your way to Emerald Isle Heritage Resort. Paddle through the tranquil backwaters on a guided kayaking excursion, passing coconut-fringed canals and village scenes. Later, explore the surrounding village on foot and experience the rhythms of local life. Overnight at Emerald Isle Heritage Resort.
Day 10 Alleppey to Marari	Activity: Leisure at Beach Hotel: Abad Turtle Beach Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Follow the Beas River through the fertile Kullu Valley. Apple orchards, terraced farms, pine forests, and traditional villages create a constantly changing landscape.
Day 11 Departure	Bid farewell to Kerala with memories of its landscapes, culture, and wildlife. A transfer to Cochin International Airport is arranged for your departure, with optional extensions available to further explore Kerala's beaches and backwaters.

Route Map

Inclusions

Exclusions

Essential Information

Best Time to Travel

October to March offers pleasant weather, scenic landscapes, and ideal cycling conditions across Kerala.

Accommodation

Stay in carefully selected hotels, homestays, heritage properties, and eco-resorts withlocal character.

Fitness & Difficulty

Moderate fitness is recommended. Daily rides range from 40–80 km depending on terrain and itinerary.

Arrival & Departure

This round-trip journey starts and ends in Kochi. Airport pickup and drop-off areincluded.

Bicycle & Equipment

Geared bicycles or e-bikes, helmets, and essential cycling equipment are provided.Tools and spare parts are carried by the support vehicle.

Support & Safety

Support vehicle, luggage transfers, drinking water, first aid supplies, and local assistance are provided.Guide and mechanic support can be arranged on request.