Nehru Trophy Boat Race, second Saturday of August (14 August in 2027) — race-week houseboats and lakeside stays are limited.Boat race, 14 Aug 2027 — stays are limited.Thrissur Pooram, 17 April 2027 — Kerala’s grandest temple festival. Stays in Thrissur book out early.Thrissur Pooram, 17 Apr 2027 — book early.Theyyam season, mid-October to May — ritual performances in North Malabar’s village shrines.Theyyam season, Oct – May.Garudan Thookkam, March – April — an all-night ritual dance in the Kali temples around Alappuzha and Ernakulam.Garudan Thookkam, Mar – Apr. Enquire early
Overview

Kerala, End to End

Start among the old warehouses and fishing nets of Fort Kochi, climb into the tea country of Munnar, walk through spice gardens in Thekkady, then slow right down on the backwaters before a last stretch of coast.

Drives are kept short and scenic, stays are chosen for character rather than size, and every day leaves room to wander. Add Wayanad, Varkala or a festival — we'll reshape the route around you.

Journey Highlights

Sunset at the Chinese fishing nets, Fort Kochi
Dawn walk through Munnar's tea estates
Spice garden visit and Periyar lake in Thekkady
A night aboard a traditional kettuvallam houseboat
Village canoe through narrow backwater canals
Unhurried days by the sea at Marari

Day by Day

A suggested route — we adjust every day to suit you.

Day 1

Arrive in Kochi

Settle into a heritage stay in Fort Kochi. Late-afternoon walk through the old quarter and sunset at the fishing nets.

Chinese fishing nets at sunset in Fort Kochi
Day 2

Into the High Ranges

Drive up to Munnar past waterfalls and cardamom slopes. Evening at leisure in the hills.

Mist drifting over forested slopes in the Western Ghats
Day 3

Tea Country

An early ridge walk as the mist lifts, then tea estates and a visit to a working tea factory.

A grassy ridge above misty hills in Kerala's High Range
Day 4

Thekkady & the Spice Hills

Wind down to Thekkady. Spice garden walk, and an optional boat on Periyar lake at the edge of the tiger reserve.

River rapids tumbling through green forest
Day 5

Onto the Backwaters

Board a private kettuvallam near Alappuzha. Lunch cooked on board as the boat drifts past paddy fields.

Snake boats racing past houseboats on Punnamada Lake
Day 6

Village Canals

A small canoe through canals too narrow for houseboats — toddy tapping, coir work and village life up close.

A crew paddling a snake boat on the backwaters
Day 7

Marari Coast

Unhurried time by the sea. Walk to the fishing village at dawn or simply stay in the hammock.

Waves breaking around an old pier on the Kerala coast under stormy skies
Day 8

Depart from Kochi

Transfer to Kochi airport — or extend into Wayanad, Varkala or beyond.

A lit-up lakeside hotel at night

What's Included

Included

Handpicked stays throughout
Private car and driver
Houseboat night with meals
Local guides for walks and visits
Support before and during your trip

Not included

International flights
Visa fees
Travel insurance
Personal expenses

Moments From This Journey

Enquire now