South India: Kochi, Tea Country & Backwaters — 9 Days
From Kochi's colonial architecture through Munnar's tea plantations to Kerala's backwaters and Kovalam's coast
This nine-day itinerary moves through Kerala's three defining landscapes: the port city of Kochi, shaped by four centuries of Portuguese, Dutch, and British presence; the Western Ghats' tea plantations and spice gardens around Munnar and Periyar; and the backwaters and beaches of the Arabian Sea coast. Travel by private vehicle through terrain that shifts from urban streets lined with synagogues and basilicas to misty mountain reservoirs where wild elephants drink, to lagoons thick with birdlife and coconut palms. The trip includes stays in tea country, a night in Periyar's forest sanctuary, a morning on Kerala's backwaters, and time on Kovalam's beach. Cooking classes, wildlife walks, cultural performances, and meals at restaurants run as social enterprises connect the journey to Kerala's food culture and community initiatives.
Highlights
- Kathakali performance and kalarippayattu martial arts demonstration in Kochi and Periyar
- Tea Museum in Munnar and viewpoint overlooking active tea plantations
- Mattupetty Dam boat ride in search of wild elephants and bison
- Guided walk through Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary within the Western Ghats
- Spice plantation tour and Ayurvedic traditions in the Periyar region
- Kerala cooking class followed by group meal in Periyar
- Backwaters and Vembanad Lake sunset cruise from Kumarakom
- Fort Kochi walking tour including Mattancherry Palace, St. Francis Church, and India's oldest functioning Jewish synagogue
- Group dinner at women-led social enterprise restaurant in Kumarakom
Day by day
1Arrival in KochiKochi airport · hotel in Kochi
Kochi airport transfer delivers travelers to their hotel in this southwestern coastal city that has served as a trading port since 1341. A welcome meeting with the local guide and fellow travelers takes place in the evening. The city's character reflects centuries of foreign trade — Portuguese, Chinese, and British merchants left visible marks on its architecture and street layout.
2Kochi's Historic Streets and KathakaliKochi · Santa Cruz Basilica · St. Francis Church · Mattancherry Palace · oldest functioning Jewish synagogue in India
A guided walking tour of Kochi begins with the colonial districts. Stops include Santa Cruz Basilica, one of India's oldest Catholic churches; St. Francis Church, the first European church built in India; and Mattancherry Palace, originally constructed by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later renovated under Dutch rule. The oldest functioning Jewish synagogue in India stands nearby, with its guide's historical context. The afternoon culminates in a Kathakali performance—a traditional dance form based on Hindu legends, notable for its elaborate costumes and stylized movements that require over a decade of training to master.
3Journey to Munnar and Tea CountryMunnar · Tea Museum
The route west toward Munnar passes through foothills into mountain terrain. Munnar sits among tea plantations in the Western Ghats at elevation. A visit to the Tea Museum documents the region's plantation history and the economics of tea cultivation. The evening is unstructured, allowing time to rest or seek local recommendations from the guide.
4Munnar's Tea Plantations and Mattupetty DamMattupetty Dam · viewpoint overlooking active tea plantations · Echo Point Hill
A viewpoint overlooking active tea plantations shows the rolling layout of cultivation and the landscape's harmony between farming and forest. A boat ride on Mattupetty Dam, a mountain reservoir, offers chances to observe wild elephants, bison, and other wildlife drawn to the water. The route then moves to Echo Point Hill for a wider view of the dam. The evening is free.
5Periyar Spice Plantations and Martial ArtsPeriyar · a local spice plantation · Periyar National Park
Travel south to Periyar, a region long known for spice cultivation. A guided walk through a local spice plantation introduces the region's diverse flora—spices, herbs, fruits, and flowers—and their roles in Ayurvedic medicine and cooking. A demonstration of kalarippayattu, a martial art widely considered the oldest surviving form in the world, follows. The journey continues toward Periyar National Park and its surrounding forest sanctuary.
6Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Kerala CookingPeriyar · Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary
A guided forest walk through Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary moves through the Western Ghats habitat in search of wild tigers, elephants, and other large fauna. The afternoon is unscheduled—opportunities exist for optional Ayurvedic massage or independent exploration. In the evening, a cooking class focuses on Kerala cuisine, followed by a shared meal prepared during the class. Dishes typically include fish curries, meen pollichathu (fish marinated in spices and wrapped in banana leaves), and avial (a coconut-based vegetable preparation).
7Kumarakom Backwaters and Vembanad LakeKumarakom · backwaters · social enterprise restaurant
A guided walk introduces the backwaters system—a network of lakes, canals, and lagoons that define Kerala's geography. Kumarakom, situated on Vembanad Lake's shore, hosts diverse fish and bird species. A sunset cruise across the backwaters follows. Dinner at a social enterprise restaurant that provides employment and training to local women features traditional Kerala seafood and vegetable dishes, with the meal concluding the group's time together in this region.
8Kovalam BeachKovalam · Positive Change for Marine Life
The route continues south to Kovalam, once a fishing village and now a established beach resort on India's southwestern coast. In the afternoon, a visit to Positive Change for Marine Life, an NGO working to reduce plastic use in local communities, provides context for coastal conservation efforts. An optional farewell group meal allows travelers to experience Kovalam's local cuisine, which centers on coconuts, curry leaves, and fresh seafood.
9Departurethe accommodation
After breakfast, your trip concludes and you're free to depart the accommodation whenever suits your schedule.
Included
- What's Included
- Accommodation
- Hotel (7 nights), Resort (1 nights)
- Meals
- Breakfasts: 8, Lunches: 0, Dinners: 3
- Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
- Vegetarian options available
- Local Guide
- Guided
- This adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
- Airport Transfers
- Arrival Only
- An airport transfer to the start of the tour is included. Please contact our team if you require a quote for a return transfer.
- Wifi
- Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.