Kerala South India Tour by Destination Services

7 daysDuration

Group TourJoin a group of travelers

30 peopleMaximum group size

6 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Relaxed

Minimal physical effort, perfect for travelers seeking an easy-going experience.

Starts

Kerala & Tamil Nadu, India

Ends

Kerala & Tamil Nadu, India

Highlights

Kochi: Kochi is a vibrant city situated on the south-western coast of the Indian peninsula in the breath-takingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala, hailed as 'God's Own Country.'

Periyar: Periyar is famous for its nature reserve with the lake. The city is also known for its spice plantations and is a very important tourist destination in Kerala..

Kumarakom: Experience being on a houseboat amongst the lush green rice fields, waterways and canals.

Kovalam: Kovalam is a beach destination by the Arabian Sea in the town of Thiruvananthapuram, about 16 km from the city centre.

Itinerary

Kerala and Tamil Nadu’s lush landscapes and vibrant traditions come alive on this 7-day "Kerala South India" group trip, thoughtfully crafted for seniors seeking a relaxed yet culturally rewarding getaway. Journey through tea plantations, spice gardens, and serene backwaters, and experience the lively colors and sounds of Dravidian temples. Highlights include Periyar’s wildlife, Kumarakom’s tranquil beauty, and the cultural richness of cities like Chennai. The trip’s standout feature is its immersive approach to South India’s culture—guests savor local cuisine, admire traditional houseboats, and absorb the spiritual energy of ancient temples, all within a comfortable, leisurely itinerary.

day 1 - Arrival Kochi

Meet your tour representatives upon arrival at Kochi International Airport, from where you’ll be transferred to the hotel. Kochi, which was formerly known as Cochin, is one of the most culturally diverse cities in India, with ancient Christian and Jewish communities as well as more traditional Hindu, Muslim and Buddhist ones. Its colonial past has also bequeathed a heritage that features Portuguese, Dutch and British culture and architecture. In the afternoon, explore the town’s historical districts. Our walking tour will take us to Jew Town, where we can see the Pardesi Synagogue (Closed on Fridays & Saturdays); the Mattancherry Palace, known locally as the Dutch Palace (Closed on Fridays); Fort Kochi, reminiscent of European streets and houses; the Chinese Fishing Nets on the northern shore of Fort Kochi; and St Francis Church, near a typical English village green. Enjoy some time observing the fishermen working the nets as the sun sets before returning to the hotel.
Overnight in Kochi

day 2 - Kochi – Periyar (105 Kms – 4 Hrs)

After breakfast, depart to Periyar, where you’ll check-in at around noon. Prepare to discover this land of elephants, unending hills and spice-scented plantations. The flora and fauna of Periyar’s wildlife sanctuary are absolutely thrilling, and the Periyar Lake is a paradise for nature lovers, the greatest delight it offers being the herds of elephants that come down to play in its waters. Enjoy an afternoon boat ride on Periyar Lake and contemplate the wildlife (subject to water level). Keep an eye out for sambhar, bison, spotted deer, tigers, leopards, Malabar flying squirrels, stripe-necked mongooses and more. Then return to the hotel.
Overnight in Periyar.

day 3 - Periyar – Kumarakom (120 Kms – 3.5 Hrs)

After breakfast, your journey to Kumarakom begins, a quaint little place on the backwaters of Kerala. It lies on the eastern shore of the Vembanad Lake, which is a gorgeous bird sanctuary. Waterfowl, cuckoo and wild duck can be seen in abundance here. In winter, large flocks of migratory wild duck from Siberia come in spectacular formation to roost. Kumarakom lies in a timeless world of gentle, unhurried activity. Around lunch-time, check-in at the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day exploring this wonderful location at leisure. at leisure
Overnight in Kumarakom.

day 4 - Kumarakom – Alleppey Houseboat (35 Kms – 1 Hr)

After breakfast and a 30-minute drive to Kumarakom’s boat jetty, you get to board a houseboat (Kettuvallom). Kettuvallams are huge, tapering barges traditionally used to get rice and other goods across Kerala. They have a portion covered with bamboo and coir serving as a kitchen and restrooms for the crew. These boats are entirely built without the use of nails. Planks of jack wood are woven together with coir ropes and coated with a black resin made from boiled cashew kernels. Modern-day Kettuvallams carry finished bedrooms, modern toilets, cozy living rooms, kitchens and even balconies where tourists can laze on cushions. Most of the boats are poled by local oarsmen, while some are powered by engines. Gliding on the serene backwaters, visitors can witness a side of Kerala unspoiled by time. Enjoy your day at leisure to better discover the activities of the locals and then spend the night aboard the houseboat.
Overnight on the houseboat. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

day 5 - Alleppey Houseboat – Kovalam (250 Kms – 5 Hrs)

After breakfast, disembark from the houseboat and transfer to Kovalam. This calm seaside resort by the Arabian Sea has located about 16 km from the center of Thiruvananthapuram. In Malayalam, the regional language, Kovalam means 'Coconut Tree Grove', as it is enclosed between spectacular beaches and fertile coconut palms. After checking in at the hotel, the remainder of the day is left at leisure for you to explore the internationally renowned beaches, namely Eve's Beach and Lighthouse Beach. The calm waters are ideal for a swim, and the best facilities are available for beach lovers, from sunbathing on the pristine beaches to Ayurvedic massages.
Overnight at Kovalam.

day 6 - Kovalam

After a leisurely breakfast, the entirety of the day is free for you to explore Kovalam at your leisure. Why not relax on the beach with a good book while you enjoy the tranquillity and the sound of the crystal-clear sea. Or even lose yourself wandering through the streets of the village, trying local food and shopping in local stores. You can also visit the famous Karamana River, or, if you're feeling lazy, relax and enjoy the services available at the hotel. Today, you set the pace.
Overnight in Kovalam.

day 7 - Depart Kovalam

After one last breakfast at the hotel, bid farewell to Kovalam as a transfer takes you to Trivandrum Airport, where you will arrive in time to board your flight to your following destination.

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What's Included

Accommodation

Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Casino or similar 3*Standard Hotel Category = Cardamom County or similar 3*Standard Hotel Category = Lakesong Resort or similar 3*Standard Hotel Category = Kerala Houseboat (Kettuvallam)Standard Hotel Category = Travancore Heritage or similar 3*6 Nights' accommodation

Meals

6 Breakfast1 Lunch1 Dinner

Transport

Air-conditioned transportation on a shared basisInbound airport transfer from Kochi Airport

Guide

Operated with local English speaking guide

Others

Outbound airport transfers to Trivandrum airportAll monuments and activities as indicated: Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Church of San Francesco in Kochi (Cochin) and sharing common boat ride on Periyar LakeMeet & Greet on arrival at Kochi International AirportPorterage only in the airport

What's Excluded

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