Complete Kerala: 10-Day Grand Journey through Hills & Backwaters
Why choose Best Complete Kerala Grand Tour Package with our Shimla-based experts?
Local Insider Insight
Kerala Secret: Visit the Munnar tea gardens before 8 AM to see the mist lifting. Read our [Best Time to Visit Kerala](/blog/best-time-visit-kerala) guide for seasonal secrets.
Ready for a beautiful journey through 'God’s Own Country'? Our 10-day Kerala grand tour is the ultimate way to see the diverse landscapes of this tropical paradise. You’ll travel from the historic colonial streets of Fort Kochi to the lush emerald tea hills of Munnar and the spice-scented forests of Periyar. Experience the magic of staying overnight on a private traditional houseboat in the quiet backwaters of Alleppey and relax on the stunning crescent beaches of Kovalam. We’ve planned everything for your comfort, with private AC rides and handpicked stays in boutique heritage hotels. From watching the sunset over the Chinese Fishing Nets to enjoying an authentic Kerala Sadya feast, we’ll show you the true soul of the Malabar Coast.
"We believe that travel in these mountains should never be rushed. Having spent years guiding travelers along these exact roads, my advice is to take the early morning walks when the air is absolutely crisp and local life is just starting. Avoid the generic tourist traps and ask our drivers to stop at the small roadside dhabas for fresh cedar-smoke chai. We don't just plan itineraries—we connect you with the real, unhurried soul of our home."
Trip Highlights
Fort Kochi Heritage—Explore the old port town and see the 14th-century Chinese Fishing Nets and ancient churches.
Munnar Tea Gardens—Walk through the sprawling green tea estates and visit a heritage tea factory.
Periyar Wildlife—Enjoy a peaceful boat ride on Lake Periyar to spot wild elephants and local birds.
Houseboat Cruise—Spend a magical night on a private traditional boat in the Alleppey backwaters.
Spice Plantation Walk—Visit an organic spice farm to see how pepper, cardamom, and vanilla are grown.
Kovalam Beach—Unwind on the golden sands and climb the historic Vizhinjam Lighthouse for amazing views.
Cultural Shows—Watch the incredible energy of Kalaripayattu martial arts and the grace of Kathakali dance.
Local Flavors—Enjoy fresh coastal seafood and traditional meals served on banana leaves.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Welcome to Kochi: Historic Fort Kochi & Spice Markets 0m
Your Kerala journey begins as our driver meets you at the Kochi airport. We’ll take you to a heritage hotel in Fort Kochi, an area full of history. In the afternoon, take a slow walk through the old streets. See the giant Chinese Fishing Nets, visit the 1503 AD St. Francis Church, and explore the colorful Jewish Synagogue. Spend your evening at the local spice market to breathe in the scents of ginger and cardamom that first brought world travelers to this coast. Enjoy a delicious Malabar dinner. Altitude: Sea Level.
Arts & Architecture: Jew Town & Kathakali 0m
Spend your morning in the artisan quarter of Jew Town, exploring the beautiful mix of Portuguese and Dutch architecture. In the afternoon, visit the Mattancherry Palace to see its vibrant 16th-century wall paintings. The highlight of the evening is a traditional Kathakali performance. You can even arrive early to watch the dancers apply their detailed and colorful makeup. Stay overnight in Fort Kochi. Altitude: 0m.
Into the Western Ghats: Drive to Munnar (130km) 1,600m
After breakfast, we leave the coast and start our scenic 4-hour drive up into the hills toward Munnar (1,600m). Watch the landscape change from coconut groves to thick pine forests and green tea gardens. We’ll stop at the beautiful Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls for photos along the way. Check into your luxury hill resort and spend a relaxing evening enjoying the cool mountain air. Altitude: 1,600m.
Munnar Tea Hills & High Peaks 1,600m
Explore the best of Munnar today. Start with a morning visit to Eravikulam National Park, home to the rare Nilgiri Tahr mountain goat. Later, head to the Tea Museum to see how fresh leaves are processed into high-quality tea. Take a walk through a private tea estate and enjoy the panoramic views from Echo Point and Mattupetty Dam. Spend your evening relaxing by the fire at your resort. Altitude: 1,600m.
Spice Heartland: Munnar to Thekkady (110km) 900m
Today we drive along the spinal ridge of the Western Ghats to reach Thekkady (Periyar). This region is famous for its high-quality spices. In the afternoon, join a guided walk through a working spice plantation. You'll learn how pepper, cardamom, and cinnamon are grown and processed. Stay overnight in a resort surrounded by greenery. Altitude: 900m.
Lake Periyar Wildlife & Martial Arts 900m
Start your morning with a peaceful boat safari on Lake Periyar. It’s a great way to spot wild elephants, deer, and many species of birds from the water. In the afternoon, you can try an optional bamboo rafting trip or just relax at your resort. In the evening, watch a thrilling performance of Kalaripayattu, one of the oldest martial arts in the world. Altitude: 900m.
Alleppey Backwaters: Life on a Houseboat (140km) 0m
We drive down to the plains to reach Alleppey, the heart of Kerala's famous backwaters. Around noon, board your private traditional houseboat. Spend your day gliding through the quiet canals and wide lakes of the Vembanad basin. You'll see local life along the riverbanks and enjoy freshly cooked Keralite meals on board. Sleeping on the water in the middle of the backwaters is an experience you'll never forget. Altitude: Sea Level.
The Golden Coast: Alleppey to Kovalam (160km) 0m
After a morning cruise and breakfast, we drive south along the coast to reach Kovalam. We’ll stop at the beautiful Varkala cliff-beach for a walk and some photography. Upon reaching Kovalam, check into your beach resort. Spend your evening at the famous Lighthouse Beach, watching the waves and enjoying the sea breeze. Altitude: Sea Level.
Beach Bliss & Coastal Retreat 0m
Today is a day for total relaxation. You can swim in the warm Arabian Sea, enjoy a traditional Ayurvedic massage at your resort, or just relax on the soft sand. In the afternoon, visit the Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium or the old Padmanabhapuram Palace. Watch your last Kerala sunset from the beach and enjoy a special farewell dinner by the sea. Altitude: Sea Level.
Heading Home: Trivandrum Departure 0m
After breakfast, we’ll visit the grand Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Trivandrum before taking you to the airport or railway station for your journey home. Your 10-day grand tour of Kerala concludes here, leaving you with peaceful memories of the hills and the sea. Altitude: Sea Level.
Route Map
Key Attractions
Houseboat Stay
Spend a night on a private traditional boat and enjoy delicious local meals while gliding through the water.
Spice Farm Walk
Join a local expert to see how some of the world's most famous spices are grown and harvested.
Inclusions & Exclusions
What's Included
- 9 Nights stay in handpicked heritage hotels and beach resorts
- Overnight stay on a private luxury houseboat in Alleppey
- Daily breakfast and traditional regional dinners at all hotels
- Private AC SUV for all your transfers and sightseeing for 10 days
- Guided spice plantation tour and Kathakali show tickets
- All toll taxes, parking, and experienced driver charges included
What's Excluded
- Airfare or Train tickets to reach Kochi or from Trivandrum
- Entry fees at parks, museums, and palaces
- Lunch and extra snacks (except on the houseboat)
- GST (5%)
- Personal expenses like shopping or tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Estimated Package Pricing
Budget Plan
Comfortable 3-star stays & shared transfers.
Standard Plan
Premium 4-star hotels & private AC sedan.
Luxury Plan
Handpicked 5-star resorts & luxury SUV.
Note: Final pricing depends on your travel dates, group size, and specific hotel choices. Every itinerary is 100% customizable to fit your exact budget.
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Read Full StoryPopular Departures for Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey & Kovalam
Planning your journey from a major hub? Explore curated logistics, flight-synchronized pickups, and regional special offers for Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey & Kovalam from these cities:
Popular Add-on Destinations
Many travelers combine Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey & Kovalam with these nearby destinations for a more complete experience:
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