6 Days-The Grand Kerala Escape – Hills, Backwater & Beaches

Morning Arrival & Mountain Drive
On arrival at Ernakulam Railway Station or Cochin International Airport, you will be warmly received and assisted with a private transfer to Munnar. The drive unfolds through winding hill roads, lush greenery, and scenic landscapes, with refreshing stops at the beautiful Valara and Cheeyappara waterfalls, where cascading streams and forested surroundings offer a perfect introduction to Kerala’s hill country. Upon reaching Munnar, check in to your hotel or resort nestled amidst tea plantations and cool mountain air.

Afternoon at Leisure / Optional Jeep Safari
The afternoon is kept relaxed to help you settle into the serene hill-station atmosphere. If time permits, you may opt for an adventurous jeep safari that takes you through offbeat trails, covering the peaceful Hanging Bridge, the enchanting Ripple Waterfalls, panoramic mountain viewpoints, and expansive tea estates that define Munnar’s charm.

Overnight Stay: Deluxe accommodation in Munnar

Morning Nature & Garden Walks
Begin your day with a refreshing exploration of Munnar’s natural beauty. Visit the KFDC Botanical Garden, where a diverse collection of exotic flowers, aromatic herbs, and beautifully maintained bonsai plants offer a peaceful start to the day. Continue to Eravikulam National Park, a high-altitude sanctuary renowned for its rolling grasslands, mist-covered hills, and as the natural habitat of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. The panoramic views from the park provide some of the most iconic vistas of Munnar.

Tea Trails & Scenic Landscapes
Later, stroll through Munnar’s lush tea gardens and gain insight into the tea cultivation process that defines the region’s identity. The experience is enhanced with a visit to the Tea Museum, where vintage machinery, archival photographs, and informative exhibits narrate the history of tea production, often complemented by a tea-tasting session. The journey continues to Mattupetty Dam, a serene reservoir surrounded by forested hills, where you may enjoy optional boating or simply relax by the waters. A stop at Kundala Lake offers a tranquil setting for photography and quiet moments amid nature.

Local Flavours & Shopping
Before returning to your hotel, visit the Ripple Tea Outlet to explore and purchase a variety of premium black, green, and flavoured teas, all cultivated in Munnar’s pristine high-altitude tea estates, making for perfect souvenirs of your hill-station experience.

Overnight Stay: Deluxe accommodation in Munnar

Morning Scenic Transfer
After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Munnar and begin a picturesque drive to Thekkady, passing through winding roads, forested stretches, and spice-scented landscapes. As the terrain changes from misty hills to dense greenery, the journey itself becomes a delightful introduction to Thekkady’s natural charm.

Spice Trails & Wildlife Experiences
On arrival, step into Kerala’s fragrant spice heartland with a guided spice plantation tour, where you will learn about the cultivation of cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, clove, and other aromatic spices that have played a vital role in Kerala’s history and trade. Later, enjoy a serene Periyar Lake cruise within the Periyar National Park, offering the chance to spot wildlife such as elephants, deer, and a variety of bird species along the forested shores. Online booking is required for the boat ride.

Cultural & Leisure Evening
As evening approaches, immerse yourself in Kerala’s cultural heritage with a traditional Kathakali and Kalaripayattu performance. The expressive storytelling, vibrant costumes, and powerful martial art movements provide a fascinating insight into the state’s classical art forms and warrior traditions. You may also choose to enjoy an elephant ride within the park premises, a popular and memorable experience for nature lovers.

Overnight Stay: Deluxe accommodation in Thekkady

Morning Scenic Transfer
After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Thekkady and begin a comfortable drive to Kumarakom, a peaceful backwater destination known for its canals, lagoons, and lush surroundings. The journey offers a refreshing change of scenery as the landscape gradually opens into palm-lined waterways and quiet village stretches.

Backwater Living & Relaxation
On arrival in Kumarakom, check in to your deluxe backwater resort overlooking the tranquil waters of Vembanad Lake. The afternoon is reserved for relaxation and immersive backwater experiences. Enjoy a gentle cruise through narrow canals and open lagoons, where you can observe everyday village life, traditional homes, coconut groves, and local birdlife. Freshly prepared Kerala-style meals, including lunch and dinner, are served, allowing you to savour authentic flavours while surrounded by serene natural beauty.

Overnight Stay
Deluxe backwater resort in Kumarakom

Morning Departure
After breakfast, check out from your backwater stay and begin your drive towards Varkala, a unique coastal town known for its dramatic cliffs and laid-back beach atmosphere. The journey offers a scenic transition from tranquil backwaters to Kerala’s sun-kissed coastline.

En-route Iconic Attraction
En route, visit the Jatayu Earth Centre, an impressive eco-tourism destination home to the world’s largest bird sculpture. Set atop a rocky hill, the site combines mythology, nature, and panoramic views, depicting the legendary tale of Jatayu from the Ramayana and offering a memorable cultural stop.

Varkala Coastal Experiences
On arrival in Varkala, explore its most celebrated landmarks, beginning with Varkala Beach, known for its golden sands and refreshing sea breeze. Continue to the ancient Janardhana Swami Temple, a revered Vishnu temple with over two millennia of history, located close to the shoreline. As evening approaches, head to the iconic Varkala Cliff, where sea-facing cafés, shops, and sweeping views of the Arabian Sea create the perfect setting for a relaxed sunset experience.

Check-in & Overnight Stay
Later, check in to your hotel or resort in Varkala and unwind amidst the coastal ambience.
Overnight Stay: Deluxe accommodation in Varkala

Morning Transfer
After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Varkala and begin a comfortable drive back to Cochin, which takes approximately five and a half hours. Enjoy the scenic journey through Kerala’s countryside, passing quaint towns, lush greenery, and glimpses of everyday village life along the way.

Departure
On arrival in Cochin, you will be dropped off at Ernakulam Railway Station or Cochin International Airport for your onward journey, concluding your memorable Kerala escape filled with hills, backwaters, beaches, and cultural experiences.