Kerala South India: 7-Day Journey Through God's Own Country
Ancient temples, backwater houseboats, spice gardens, and Arabian Sea beaches across the heart of Dravidian culture.
This Kerala South India tour takes travellers through one of the Indian subcontinent's most celebrated regions, weaving together colonial heritage, wildlife-rich sanctuaries, serene backwaters, and sun-drenched coastline in a single well-paced itinerary. Rated very easy in difficulty, it is designed to be comfortable and accessible for a broad range of travellers.
From the layered cultural history of Kochi to the elephant-studded forests of Periyar, every stop on this route reveals a distinct facet of Kerala's identity. The journey then slows to the rhythm of the backwaters in Kumarakom before ending at the palm-fringed beaches of Kovalam near Thiruvananthapuram.
Throughout the week, travellers encounter the aromas of spice plantations, the reflections of temple gopuram towers, and the quiet glide of a traditional kettuvallam across still lagoon waters. This is a route that balances structured sightseeing with meaningful free time, allowing genuine exploration at a relaxed pace.
Tour Highlights
Explore Fort Kochi's colonial streets, the Pardesi Synagogue in Jew Town, and the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets at sunset.
Cruise Periyar Lake inside the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, watching for elephants, bison, spotted deer, and rare Malabar wildlife.
Spend a full day and night aboard a traditional kettuvallam houseboat drifting through Kerala's iconic backwater canals and rice fields.
Visit the Vembanad Lake bird sanctuary in Kumarakom, home to waterfowl, migratory ducks from Siberia, and tropical bird species.
Relax on Kovalam's internationally renowned beaches — Eve's Beach and Lighthouse Beach — with calm Arabian Sea waters ideal for swimming.
Breathe in the scent of Kerala's legendary spice plantations and discover the region's role as a historic hub of the global spice trade.
Experience the rich Dravidian cultural heritage through Hindu temple architecture, local music traditions, and vibrant community life.
Itinerary Overview
Transfer from Kochi International Airport to your hotel and settle in before an afternoon walking tour. Visit Jew Town and the Pardesi Synagogue, Mattancherry Palace, Fort Kochi's colonial lanes, the Chinese Fishing Nets, and St Francis Church, finishing with a sunset view over the waterfront.
After breakfast, travel to Periyar and check in around noon. In the afternoon, board a boat on Periyar Lake to explore the wildlife sanctuary, keeping watch for herds of elephants, leopards, sambhar deer, and other fauna among the forested hills.
Depart after breakfast for Kumarakom, situated on the eastern shore of the Vembanad Lake bird sanctuary. Arrive around lunchtime, check in, and spend the afternoon discovering this tranquil wetland destination at your own pace.
Board a traditional kettuvallam houseboat at Kumarakom's boat jetty and spend the full day gliding through canals, rice paddies, and village waterways. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included on board as you overnight on the houseboat.
After breakfast on the houseboat, disembark and transfer to Kovalam, a coastal resort town about 16 km from Thiruvananthapuram. The remainder of the day is free to enjoy Lighthouse Beach, Eve's Beach, or an Ayurvedic massage.
An entirely unscheduled day allows travellers to swim, sunbathe, wander the village streets, sample local cuisine, or visit the nearby Karamana River. The pace is entirely yours to set.
What Is Included
Included
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure
- 6 nights accommodation in hotels and houseboat Daily breakfast throughout the tour
- Lunch and dinner on houseboat day
- Afternoon boat ride on Periyar Lake
- Guided walking tour of Kochi's historical districts
- Houseboat (kettuvallam) full-day and overnight experience
- All ground transfers between destinations
Not Included
- International and domestic flights
- Travel insurance
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Personal expenses and tips
- Entry fees to monuments and sanctuaries
- Optional activities and Ayurvedic treatments
Important Information
Ready to Discover Kerala?
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