Kerala, popularly known as God’s Own Country, is a land blessed with lush greenery, serene backwaters, misty hills, pristine beaches, and a rich cultural heritage. Opting for a well-crafted Kerala tour package is the best way to explore its diverse landscapes and experiences without missing out on hidden gems. Here is a perfect 6-day itinerary that combines the essence of Kerala’s backwaters, hills, and beaches for an unforgettable vacation.
Day 1: Arrival in Kochi – Gateway to Kerala
Your Kerala tour package begins with your arrival at Kochi, the commercial and cultural hub of the state. Known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Kochi blends colonial history with modernity. After checking into your hotel, begin your exploration with a visit to Fort Kochi, where the streets still echo Portuguese and Dutch influences. Admire the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, visit St. Francis Church – India’s oldest European church, and stroll through the colourful lanes lined with antique shops, cafes, and art galleries. Don’t miss the Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace) and the Jewish Synagogue in Jew Town. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kathakali performance to witness Kerala’s vibrant dance culture.
Day 2: Kochi to Munnar – Journey to the Hills
On the second day of your Kerala tour package, drive towards Munnar, Kerala’s most famous hill station located around 130 km from Kochi. The scenic drive takes you through rubber plantations, spice gardens, and waterfalls like Cheeyappara and Valara. Upon reaching Munnar, check into your hotel or resort amidst sprawling tea plantations. Spend the evening relaxing and enjoying the crisp mountain air or take a walk through the tea estates nearby to experience the aroma of freshly grown tea leaves.
Day 3: Munnar Sightseeing – Tea Gardens, Peaks, and Lakes
Begin your day with a visit to Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and known for its rolling hills covered with Neelakurinji flowers that bloom once in twelve years. Next, head to the Tea Museum to learn about Munnar’s tea history, processing, and tasting. Visit Mattupetty Dam for boating, Echo Point for natural echo phenomena, and Kundala Lake surrounded by hills and cherry blossom trees. If time permits, trek to Anamudi Peak, the highest peak in South India, for panoramic views. Return to your hotel for dinner and rest amidst the chilly hills.
Day 4: Munnar to Alleppey – Backwater Bliss
No Kerala tour package is complete without experiencing its backwaters, and Alleppey (Alappuzha) is the heart of this network. Drive down from Munnar to Alleppey, a journey of around 5 hours, and check into a traditional houseboat by noon. As the houseboat cruises along the tranquil backwaters, witness the lush paddy fields, coconut groves, village life, and serene canals. Enjoy freshly cooked Kerala meals onboard as you relax and unwind to the soothing sound of water lapping against the boat. Watching the sunset from your houseboat deck is an experience that remains etched in every traveller’s heart.
Day 5: Alleppey to Kovalam – Relax on Golden Beaches
After breakfast on the houseboat, disembark and proceed towards Kovalam, Kerala’s most famous beach destination located about 4 hours from Alleppey. Upon arrival, check into your beachfront resort. Kovalam is renowned for its crescent-shaped beaches – Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach, and Samudra Beach – offering golden sands and turquoise waters. Spend your evening relaxing on the beach, getting an Ayurvedic massage, or exploring the local markets for seashell jewellery and handicrafts. Watching fishermen pull their nets at dawn and dusk is a unique cultural experience here.
Day 6: Kovalam and Departure from Trivandrum
On the final day of your Kerala tour package, explore Kovalam’s surroundings. Visit the Vizhinjam Lighthouse for panoramic views of the Arabian Sea, and if time permits, take a short drive to Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram), the state capital. Here, you can visit the famous Padmanabhaswamy Temple (only Hindus allowed inside sanctum), Napier Museum, and the bustling Chalai Market for local shopping before proceeding to the airport or railway station for your onward journey.
Why Choose a Kerala Tour Package?
A Kerala tour package offers convenience, cost-effectiveness, and a well-planned itinerary curated by experts who understand the best routes, stays, and experiences. It ensures seamless transfers, local guides where required, authentic culinary experiences, and time optimisation to explore multiple destinations in a limited period. Whether you are a honeymoon couple, family, or solo traveller, packages can be customised to suit your preferences – be it luxury resorts, Ayurvedic retreats, wildlife explorations, cultural tours, or adventure treks.
Final Thoughts
Kerala’s beauty lies in its diversity. From the tea gardens of Munnar to the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey, and the sun-kissed beaches of Kovalam, a well-planned Kerala tour package lets you witness the best of this enchanting state effortlessly. As you sip fresh coconut water on the beach, gaze at endless tea hills, or drift along peaceful backwaters, you will realise why Kerala is truly called God’s Own Country – a place where nature, culture, and traditions blend to create memories that last a lifetime.
