Experience Kerala: India's Backroads & Backwaters- 11 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Cochin, Kathakali Dance Show

Welcome to Cochin! This port city in Kerala on India's southwest coast is a perfect place to start your trip. Upon arrival at the airport, your guide will greet you and take you to your hotel in Cochin. Take some time to relax at the hotel or explore your surroundings. Cochin's history stretches back to the time of King Solomon, when it was known as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea." This city is where Arab, Chinese, and European merchant traders came in search of spices, silk fabrics, and sandalwood. You'll find these influences at Fort Kochi, a settlement with tiled colonial bungalows.

In the evening, you'll have the option to see a classic Kathakali dance performance. Before the show, you'll see the preparation and dressing of the artists, which is an experience in itself. Kathakali is one of the most intricate and stylized Indian classical dance forms, noted for its heavy and attractive larger-than-life makeup, elaborate costumes, detailed body movements, synchronized eye-hand movements, and thematic presentation of stories. The story in Kathakali is communicated through footwork and impressive gestures of the face and hands with music and vocal performance. 

Day 2: Cochin Guided Tour, Keralan Cooking Demonstration

Today's guided tour begins at Fort Kochi. Located in the heart of Old Cochin, it's known for its Dutch, Portuguese, and British colonial architecture. Next, visit the Dutch Palace, built by the Portuguese in 1557 as a gift to the king. A two-story building, it has a central courtyard and several temples inside. You'll also visit Jewish synagogues and Mattancherry Palace. Learn more about its European heritage on a leisurely walk through its streets.

This evening, interact with a local Keralan family during a cooking demonstration. Participate in a fun beginner course where you'll learn how to cook Indian food and use Indian spices—all while getting acquainted with family members of a traditional Indian home. This is an enriching cultural and culinary experience that you won't soon forget. 

Day 3: Transfer to Munnar & the Western Ghats

This morning, a driver will be waiting to take you 3.5 hours inland, from the coastal plains to the higher-altitude town of Munnar. Famous for its tea plantations, Munnar is located in the Western Ghats, approximately 5,249 feet (1,600 m) above sea level, with spectacular views in all directions. 

Upon arrival in Munnar, you'll have free time to explore. It's easy to see that this was once the summer resort of the British administration in South India; thankfully, Munnar retains much of its colonial charm today. Wander through the colorful streets and poke around a few bazaars for potential souvenirs.

Day 4: Hike to Sevenmalai Hills, Tea Museum Tour

After breakfast, you'll hit the trail with a half-day hike in Munnar's beautiful hills. The path begins with a gradual ascent through tea, cardamom, and coffee plantations and then enters biodiverse rainforests and grasslands to reach the Sevenmalai Hills. From the top, you'll be rewarded with spectacular views of the tea estates, Changulam Lake, Chittrapuram Dam, Munnar town, and other local villages. Return on foot when you're ready to complete the excursion.

Later, you have the option to return to the hotel or make a visit to the Tata Tea Museum located at the Nallathanni Estate. The tea industry, as evidenced by the surrounding plantations, has played an integral part in the area's history. The museum reveals a detailed insight into how tea is processed, from fresh green leaves to the final product which is ready to be packaged. Later in the evening, join your guide for a walk through the colorful markets in Munnar.

Day 5: Transfer to Periyar, Spice Plantation Tour

Keep your camera close as your driver takes you about three hours south to Thekkady, a small town close to Periyar National Park boasting one of India's most fascinating wildlife sanctuaries. Periyar has one of the richest habitats for large mammals, providing excellent cover and nourishment through succulent shoots and grasses. Here it is possible to see up to 30 species of mammals, including elephants, tigers, gaur (Indian bison), sloths, and monkeys, not to mention a rich birdlife. You'll also have the option to view wildlife on a boat tour.

In the afternoon, take a walking tour around a spice garden. You'll discover and learn about many different local plants and herbs. After the walk, there will be enough free time to wander around the town and visit shops selling wonderful spices like cardamom and pepper and other essential crops like tea, coffee, and vanilla.

Day 6: Hiking & Bamboo Rafting in Periyar National Park

Start your day with a sunrise jungle walk in Periyar National Park, where you can observe butterflies and birdlife such as kingfishers, storks, and hornbills. The park's trails often pass through lush jungle and moist deciduous forests interspersed with marshy grasslands. You'll be able to feel, hear, and smell an abundance of nature all around you. Once you've hiked through a multitude of habitats and some of the richest forest tracts of Periyar Tiger Reserve, you'll board a bamboo raft.

As you float down the waterway, get a panoramic view of forest-clad hills. And be on the lookout for animals like elephants, gaur, and Sambar deer, regularly sighted close to the banks of the lake. After an exciting day, you'll be transferred to your hotel.

Day 7: Transfer to Kumarakom, Sustainable Village Tour

Today a driver will take you on the three-hour drive to Kumarakom, a village on Vembanad Lake, the largest in Kerala. In addition to lakes and rivers, this entire area is laced with a network of alley-like canals traditionally used for transportation. Today, these "backwaters" provide a scenic and peaceful cruising experience. Once you've checked in at the hotel, you'll visit a nearby village to meet locals who make coir for a living. Coir is a natural fiber extracted from the husk of coconuts and is used in products such as rugs, doormats, brushes, and mattresses. 

Next, you'll observe how toddy (a local liquor made from coconut sap) is extracted from coconut trees. Traditional tappers climb to the top of coconut trees, slice off a small portion of inflorescence (spadix), and apply wax on it. Then they tie a coconut leaf around the outside of the cut surface so that the sap trickles down through the leaf into a pot connected at the end.

Day 8: Transfer to Alappuzha, Cruise the Backwaters of Alleppey

Today you'll transfer an hour south to Alappuzha, also known as Alleppey, to take a houseboat cruise. This is a principal center for backwater cruises in Kerala, nestled among small fishing and farming villages. You'll also find rubber and spice plantations. After checking into the houseboat, experience the visual treat of endless paddy fields, mesmerizing backwaters, spotless villages lined with coconut trees, and Vembanadu Lake.

These enchanting vessels, built of Anjili wood and bamboo, were the traditional method of transporting goods for hundreds of years. Now they have been decorated and made into comfortable cruise boats. As the boat meanders through the lush tropical greenery, observe the prolific birdlife and gain a different perspective on village life. All meals will be provided inside the houseboat and prepared exclusively for you by the houseboat crew. Enjoy your overnight stay on a traditional Kerala houseboat.

Day 9: Transfer to Marari Beach

Leave the backwaters, jungle, and rice terraces today as you disembark from the houseboat and head to Marari Beach, about one hour away. This eco-friendly resort mimics the style of a traditional fishing village and boasts a stunning beachfront setting surrounded by lush coconut groves. Upon arrival, check in, get settled, then spend the rest of the day relaxing on the beach—making sure to catch a glorious sunset over the Arabian Sea.

Day 10: Free Day at Marari Beach

Today, you'll have a free day to enjoy Marari Beach. You can relax, go for a swim, or get an Ayurvedic massage. Other options include a bicycle tour to the nearby villages where people make handspun coir, visiting arts and crafts markets, or tasting some of the fresh spicy fish that Marari is famous for at one of its many beachside eateries. 

Day 11: Transfer to Cochin & Depart

It's time to say farewell today. Your driver will take you to the airport to catch your onward flight. Safe travels! 

More Great India Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to India? Check out these other India itineraries, discover different ways to spend 11 days in India, or explore the best time to visit India.