Kerala Backwaters & Wildlife Tour

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the lush landscapes, serene backwaters, and exotic wildlife of Kerala with this 12-day adventure. Known as "God’s Own Country," Kerala offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, cultural heritage, and nature’s wonders. This tour is ideal for every age group, offering houseboat stays, wildlife safaris, Ayurvedic therapies, spice plantations, pristine beaches, and breathtaking hill stations.

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5/8/20243 min read

brown wooden boat on body of water during daytime
brown wooden boat on body of water during daytime

Why is this tour best for every age group?

Families & Kids: Fun boat rides, wildlife spotting, cultural shows, and scenic nature walks.
Honeymoon Couples: Romantic houseboat stay, candlelight dinners, secluded beaches, and spa experiences.
Adventure Lovers: Trekking, jungle safaris, bamboo rafting, and water activities.
Senior Citizens: Peaceful hill stations, Ayurvedic therapies, spiritual sites, and scenic beauty.

Detailed Itinerary (12 Days / 11 Nights)

📍 Day 1: Arrival in Kochi & Sightseeing

  • Land in Kochi (Cochin), the Queen of the Arabian Sea.

  • Visit Fort Kochi – Explore colonial architecture, Jewish Synagogue & Mattancherry Palace.

  • Witness the famous Chinese Fishing Nets at sunset.

  • Enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performance in the evening.

  • Overnight stay at a luxury hotel in Kochi.

📍 Day 2: Kochi to Munnar (Hill Station Retreat)

  • After breakfast, drive to Munnar (4-5 hours), a beautiful hill station famous for tea gardens.

  • Check-in at the hotel and relax amidst the misty hills.

  • Visit Cheeyappara & Valara Waterfalls on the way.

  • Stroll through Munnar Tea Estates & Tata Tea Museum.

  • Overnight stay in Munnar.

📍 Day 3: Munnar Sightseeing & Nature Trails

  • Visit Eravikulam National Park – Home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.

  • Explore Echo Point, Top Station & Mattupetty Dam.

  • Enjoy boating in Kundala Lake.

  • Visit Blossom Park for a scenic nature walk.

  • Experience a Tea Tasting Session at a local tea factory.

  • Overnight stay in Munnar.

📍 Day 4: Munnar to Thekkady (Periyar Wildlife Reserve)

  • Scenic drive to Thekkady (3-4 hours), home to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

  • Check-in at the jungle resort.

  • Visit a Spice Plantation and learn about Kerala’s aromatic spices.

  • Enjoy an evening cultural show (Kalaripayattu – Kerala’s martial art form).

  • Overnight stay in Thekkady.

📍 Day 5: Periyar Wildlife Safari & Bamboo Rafting

  • Early morning boat safari on Periyar Lake to spot elephants, tigers, and exotic birds.

  • Experience bamboo rafting & jungle trekking inside the sanctuary.

  • Visit Mangala Devi Temple (hidden amidst dense forest).

  • Enjoy a relaxing Ayurvedic massage.

  • Overnight stay in Thekkady.

📍 Day 6: Thekkady to Kumarakom (Backwaters Paradise)

  • Drive to Kumarakom (4 hours), famous for its serene Vembanad Lake.

  • Visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, home to migratory birds.

  • Explore the local village life & sunset cruise.

  • Check-in at a lakeside resort for a peaceful evening.

  • Overnight stay in Kumarakom.

📍 Day 7: Houseboat Cruise in Alleppey (Venice of the East)

  • Board a luxurious houseboat in Alleppey.

  • Enjoy a day cruise through the palm-fringed backwaters, lagoons, and canals.

  • Relish a traditional Kerala meal (Karimeen fish, coconut-infused curries, appam, etc.).

  • Witness the beautiful sunset over the backwaters.

  • Overnight stay on a floating houseboat.

📍 Day 8: Alleppey to Kovalam (Beach Getaway)

  • Drive to Kovalam Beach (4-5 hours), one of Kerala’s most famous coastal destinations.

  • Relax at Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach, and Samudra Beach.

  • Enjoy sunbathing, surfing, and Ayurvedic spa treatments.

  • Overnight stay at a beachside resort in Kovalam.

📍 Day 9: Excursion to Kanyakumari (Southernmost Tip of India)

  • Visit Padmanabhapuram Palace, an architectural wonder.

  • Explore Vivekananda Rock Memorial & Thiruvalluvar Statue (located in the sea).

  • Witness the spectacular sunset over the Indian Ocean.

  • Return to Kovalam for an overnight stay.

📍 Day 10: Kovalam to Varkala (Cliffside Beach Retreat)

  • Drive to Varkala Beach (2 hours), known for its stunning cliffs.

  • Relax at Papanasam Beach, known for its spiritual significance.

  • Explore the ancient Janardanaswamy Temple.

  • Enjoy cliffside cafes, yoga sessions, and beachside relaxation.

  • Overnight stay at a beach resort.

📍 Day 11: Varkala to Trivandrum (Cultural & Spiritual Exploration)

  • Drive to Trivandrum (1.5 hours), Kerala’s capital city.

  • Visit Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, one of the richest temples in the world.

  • Explore Napier Museum & Kuthiramalika Palace.

  • Enjoy an evening boat ride at Poovar Island.

  • Overnight stay in Trivandrum.

📍 Day 12: Departure from Trivandrum

  • After breakfast, transfer to Trivandrum International Airport.

  • Fly back with unforgettable memories of Kerala!

Best Time to Visit Kerala

☀️ Winter (October to March): The best time for pleasant weather, wildlife spotting, and houseboat cruises.
🌧️ Monsoon (June to September): Ideal for Ayurvedic therapies, lush green landscapes, and waterfalls.
🔥 Summer (April to May): Great for hill stations like Munnar and Thekkady, but coastal areas can be humid.

Package Inclusions:

✔️ Accommodation in luxury hotels, resorts, and houseboats.
✔️ Daily breakfast & Kerala-style meals on a houseboat.
✔️ Private cab/transportation for sightseeing.
✔️ Houseboat cruise in Alleppey.
✔️ Wildlife safari, trekking, and bamboo rafting.
✔️ Ayurvedic spa sessions (optional).

Optional Add-ons:

🏄 Surfing in Varkala, 🛶 Canoe ride in the backwaters, 🧘 Yoga sessions, 🐘 Elephant ride in Thekkady.

This Kerala Backwaters & Wildlife Tour offers the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, culture, and nature, making it ideal for every traveler. 🌿🌊 Would you like to customize it further? 😊