Highlights of Kerala

03 August 2023

Welcome to the enchanting state of Kerala, where every corner is adorned with natural beauty and cultural richness. Embark on a journey through the highlights of Kerala, starting with the vibrant city of Kochi, known for its colonial architecture and bustling markets.

Next, venture into the picturesque hill station of Munnar, surrounded by lush tea plantations and mist-covered mountains. Explore the wildlife wonders of Thekkady, where you can spot elephants and tigers in their natural habitat. Continue your journey to Kumarakom, a serene backwater destination offering tranquil boat rides and breathtaking views. Experience the charm of Alappuzha, also known as the Venice of the East, with its intricate network of canals and houseboat cruises.

Finally, unwind in the idyllic coastal village of Mararikulam, where pristine beaches and palm-fringed shores await. Kerala promises an unforgettable experience, blending nature's beauty with cultural heritage at every step.


Day 1 - Arrive in Kochi

Also known as Cochin, Kochi is a city in southwest India's coastal Kerala state. This attractive city has served as a popular port for over 600 years and is known for its eclectic architecture and its array of religious monuments, museums, galleries, cafes and antique shops. The city stretches across a number of peninsulas and islands, which can be reached by a network of water taxis and bridges. The majority of Kochi’s visitor highlights can be found on the peninsula of Fort Kochi. These highlights include the St Francis Church, the oldest European-built church in India; and Mattancherry Palace, which dates back to 1557 and contains some exceptional Kerala murals and temple art. Other must-see attractions include the Kerala Folklore Museum, displaying more than 4,000 cultural and ethnic artefacts; the 16th-century Jewish Synagogue; and the vibrant local market.

 

Day 2 - Kochi

Mattancherry Palace

The Mattancherry Palace is a Portuguese palace popularly known as the Dutch Palace, in Mattancherry Kochi. Built by the Portuguese in 1557 and presented to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Kochi, the Palace was renovated in 1663 by the Dutch.

The double-storeyed palace building which stands by the panoramic Kochi backwaters has an exquisite collection of murals collectively covering over 300 sq ft of its walls. The themes of these murals have been borrowed from the great Indian epics - the Ramayana and the Mahabharatha, and mythology and legends about the Hindu gods, especially Guruvayurappan. Also on display are royal paraphernalia like weapons, swings and furniture which offer a glimpse of the lifestyle of the royal family.

Chinese Fishing Nets

Located in Kochi, India, are fixed land installations for fishing, these installations are referred to as Chinese Fishing Nets.

Day 3 - Kochi to Munnar

Idyllically set at the confluence of three mountain streams, Munnar is a beautiful hill station in the Western Ghats mountain range in India’s Kerala state. The village once served as a popular vacation resort for the British Raj elite who flocked to here to enjoy the pleasant cool climate and the scenic natural surroundings characterised by rolling hills dotted with colonial bungalows, streams, waterfalls and 19th-century tea plantations. The main attraction in the area is the extraordinary Eravikulam National Park, which is famous for its diverse array of wildlife including the endangered mountain goat known as Nilgiri tahr. The park is also home to the exquisite Lakkam Waterfalls, some excellent hiking trails, and the impressive 2,695 metre-highl Anamudi Peak.

Day 4 - The Tall Trees Munnar, Munnar 

Tea Museum

Tata Tea Museum is a popular tourist spot situated in Munnar of Kerala. It is situated at a distance of about 12 km from the resort. This tea museum is first of its kind in India. It is located at KDHP’s Nullatanni estate in Munnar. The aim of this museum according to its founders is to showcase the growth of more-than-a-century-old tea plantations in this region. Anyone visiting this museum will get a clear picture of how laborious this tea processing really is.

A section of the Tea museum also houses classic bungalow furniture, typewriters, wooden bathtub, magneto phone, iron oven, manual calculators and EPABX of the1909 telephone system.

Day 5 - Munnar - Thekkady

A tourist attraction in Kerala, Thekkady is a district located at the Periyar National Park. Thekkady comprises evergreen forests and savanna grasslands and is known for its natural spices such as black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and clove. Elephants, tigers, sambar and many other species inhabit the park. Top attractions include the exquisite ancient Mangla Devi Temple, the aromatic Abraham’s spice garden, and the massive waterfall at the sleepy, picturesque village of Chellarkovil. Take in panoramic views of the extraordinary landscape from the Chellarkovil viewpoint, and picnic on the rolling, lush green lawns at Pandikuzhi. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Kadathanadan Kalari Centre, to see demonstrations of the best traditional martial arts. Thekaddy also has a rich living tribal culture.

Spice Plantation

Spice Plantation is just on the outskirts of North Goa, about half an hour main city. Turned out to be a delightful visit with a bonus. If you adore greenery the perfect gift of monsoon season to you is the spice plantations of Savoi. Charming, scenic and beautiful Savoi relaxes both the mind and body of visitors. Stay at a small village inn or a homestay; take leisurely walks through rustic surroundings full of lush greenery to savour the flavour of monsoon. Also, the true impact of Portuguese architecture can be best seen in the villages of Goa. With vast fields and spicy plantations, Goan villages beckon nature lovers.

Day 6 - Thekkady - Kumarakom

One of Kerala’s most alluring towns is Kumarakom, a hub of biodiversity where mangrove forests are mixed in with rice paddies, coconut palms, and bursts of white lilies. This vivid subtropical peninsula juts into Vembanad Lake and is a popular place to study yoga, meditation, and Ayurvedic massage, and from which to take bird-watching, boating, and fishing trips. Nearby attractions include the Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls, just two kilometres from Kumarakoram, which cascade down the mountain slopes from roughly 30 metres above, and Pathiramanal (meaning ‘sands of midnight’) a beguiling island and bird sanctuary in the middle of the lake.

Day 7 & 8 - Kumarakom - Alappuzha         

Located in the Indian state of Kerala, the bustling city of Alappuzha, also known as Alleppey, is set along the coast of the beautiful Laccadive Sea. Dubbed the ‘Venice of the East’, it is renowned for its sublime houseboat cruises which float along the tranquil canals of Kerala. Alappuzha is also said to be one of the most beloved tourist centres in the state. While cruising the palm-shaded canals is the most popular thing to do, visitors can also enjoy visiting Alappuzha’s beautiful beaches, exploring the little riverside villages dotting the lush countryside and discovering an array of resplendent temples. Don’t miss the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race held at Punnamada Lake.

Day 9 to 11 - Alappuzha - Mararikulam             

Situated only 40 km from the city of Cochin, in the Alappuzha district of Kerala, Mararikulam is a charming little coastal village known for its pristine sand beaches, swinging coconut palms, and quiet, laidback atmosphere. The village has managed to avoid the mass development associated with many of the other beach towns in the area resulting in an untouched natural environment dotted with only a handful of small resorts. The main attraction here is the exquisite Marari beach where you will find fishermen heading out daily to explore the Malabar coast, much as their ancestors have done for generations.

Day 12 - Mararikulam – Kochi and Depart Kochi  

And with that, you bid farewell to this amazing destination and head to the airport or choose to stay a few extra days to explore further. 

To book this amazing trip or perhaps tailor the duration to a shorter holiday, contact your Travel Counsellor today and you’ll benefit from our 24-hour duty office ready to assist you before, during and after your trip.

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