Kerala Backwaters & Spice Coast Luxury Tour
Overview
Drift through Kerala's enchanting backwaters on a private luxury houseboat, explore misty tea plantations in Munnar, encounter wildlife in Thekkady's spice forests, and unwind on pristine Arabian Sea beaches — all while staying at CGH Earth properties and heritage homes that define sustainable luxury in God's Own Country.
Route
Kochi → Munnar → Thekkady → Alleppey (houseboat) → Kovalam → Kochi
Highlights
- Private luxury houseboat cruise through Alleppey backwaters
- Munnar tea estate tour and tasting at the highest plantations
- Spice plantation walk and cooking class in Thekkady
- Kathakali dance performance in Kochi
- Chinese fishing nets and Jewish Quarter in Fort Kochi
- Ayurvedic massage at Kovalam beach resort
Quick Facts
- Duration
- 8 Days / 7 Nights
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Group Size
- 2-10 guests
- Max Altitude
- 50m
- Best Months
- October-March
- Starting From
- $2,250 pp
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Kochi
Private airport transfer. Afternoon walking tour of Fort Kochi: Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church (1503), and the Jewish Quarter with its 450-year-old synagogue. Evening Kathakali dance performance.
Kochi to Munnar
Drive to Munnar (4 hours) winding through rubber, cardamom, and tea plantations. The Western Ghats rise dramatically. Arrive in the cool hill station. Afternoon tea estate visit and tasting.
Munnar Exploration
Morning visit to Eravikulam National Park (home of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr). Afternoon at the Tea Museum. Walk through eucalyptus forests. Evening bonfire dinner.
Munnar to Thekkady
Drive to Thekkady (4 hours) through spice country. Afternoon spice plantation tour: pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, vanilla, and clove. Cooking class using fresh spices.
Thekkady & Periyar
Morning boat ride on Periyar Lake in the tiger reserve — spot elephants, gaur, and sambar deer. Afternoon visit to a tribal village. Evening Kalaripayattu (martial arts) performance.
Thekkady to Alleppey Houseboat
Drive to Alleppey (5 hours). Board your private luxury houseboat (kettuvallam). Cruise through the Venice of the East: palm-fringed canals, paddy fields, and village life. Fresh Kerala lunch and dinner prepared onboard by a private chef.
Alleppey to Kovalam
Morning houseboat cruise and disembark. Drive to Kovalam (4 hours). Arrive at the beach resort. Afternoon Ayurvedic massage and beach time. Farewell dinner.
Fly to Kochi & Departure
Morning beach time or spa. Transfer to Trivandrum airport (30 min) for flight to Kochi or international departure.
What's Included
- 7 nights luxury accommodation including houseboat
- Private air-conditioned vehicle and driver throughout
- Licensed English-speaking guide
- All meals as indicated (full board on houseboat)
- Private luxury houseboat with chef
- Tea estate tour and spice plantation visit
- Periyar Lake boat ride
- Kathakali performance and cooking class
- Ayurvedic massage
- All entrance fees
Not Included
- International and domestic flights
- Indian visa
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages
Find Your Flights
Major international hub with global connections. Gateway for North India, Rajasthan, and connecting flights to Kathmandu and Paro.
Typical airlines: Air India, Emirates, Qatar Airways, British Airways, Lufthansa, United Airlines
International flights are not included in CuratedAscents packages.
Customize This Journey
This itinerary is a starting point. Our AI Expedition Architect will tailor every detail — dates, accommodations, activities — to create your perfect trip.