Overview

Enchanting Kerala takes a slightly different route than most first-time trips – Kochi, up into Munnar’s hills, over to Thekkady’s spice country, and then Kumarakom instead of the usual Alleppey stop. Kumarakom’s backwaters move a bit slower and feel less crowded, which makes for a calmer close to the trip. SCS Journeys built this one for people who want the classic Kerala experience, just with a bit more room to actually take it in.

Highlights

Airport pickup and drop, comfortable stays through the whole trip.
A guided trek through Munnar's tea plantations, on foot rather than just driving past them.
A spice plantation walk in Thekkady, cardamom and pepper up close.
A boat ride through the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, home to migratory birds from across the world.
A canoe ride through Kumarakom's quieter backwater canals.

Day 01 :

Arrival in Kochi

Someone's there at the airport to pick you up and get you settled into your hotel first. Once you've had a bit of a breather, head out for a walk through Fort Kochi - the fishing nets, the old colonial-era streets, that particular mix of history you honestly won't find anywhere else in the country. Overnight in Kochi.

Day 02 :

Kochi to Munnar

After breakfast, it's the drive up to Munnar, around four hours with the scenery improving the higher you climb. Waterfalls, viewpoints, a few good stops along the way. You'll arrive by evening, surrounded by tea gardens on every hillside. Overnight in Munnar.

Day 03 :

Munnar Tea Plantation Trek

Munnar Tea Plantation Trek Today you're actually walking into the tea gardens instead of just driving past them and taking photos through a car window. It's a guided trek, on foot, with a few stops along the way to watch how the leaves get picked and hear what makes Munnar's tea different from tea grown elsewhere. Afternoon's more relaxed - there's time for a tea museum if that interests you, or you could just sit somewhere quiet and take in the hills for a bit. Overnight in Munnar.

Day 04 :

Munnar to Thekkady

Head to Thekkady, home to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Kerala's spice country. In the afternoon, walk through a working spice plantation - cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, explained as you go by someone who actually knows the plants. Overnight in Thekkady.

Day 05 :

Thekkady to Kumarakom

You'll drive to Kumarakom next, which honestly feels calmer than most of the well-known backwater spots. Afternoon's a boat ride through the Bird Sanctuary - keep your eyes open, because depending on when you're visiting, birds migrate here from places as far off as Siberia. Overnight in Kumarakom.

Day 06 :

Kumarakom Backwaters

Today's slower, in a good way. You'll take a canoe through the narrower canals, past coconut groves and tiny villages that the big houseboats just can't get to. It's a more personal way to experience the backwaters, honestly, compared to the usual cruise everyone does. Overnight in Kumarakom.

Day 07 :

Departure

After a relaxed check-out, you'll be transferred to Kochi Airport for your onward journey. The trip will have taken you from hill country to spice plantations to some of Kerala's calmer backwaters - a fuller, slightly less crowded version of the classic route.