Inspiring Kerala

Inspiring Kerala (12 Nights)- Overview

Enjoy a holiday like no other as you experience the magic of Kerala first hand. Explore the dramatic mountains and their highland forests, the serene paddy fields cultivated below sea-level, the tranquil backwaters and their houseboats, the ocean and its coastline, and restore your mind and body while you soak in all of Kerala’s wonders.

Spend your first two days on the ground sightseeing in Fort Kochi (2 nights) before driving to Munnar to enjoy this serene and tranquil hill-top haven (2 nights). In Thekkady (2 nights), profit from this world-class nature reserve to try and spot tigers and elephants during your lake and river cruises. From here, head directly to your Alleppey houseboat cruise (1 night), then take the time to thoroughly explore spiritual Kumarakom (2 nights). Head back to historical Fort Kochi for your last few days (2 nights).

Additional Inclusions

  • Pickup
  • Houseboat
  • Backwater
  • Breakfast
  • Private Car

Inspiring Kerala (12 Nights)- Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival at Kochi Airport and Drive to Fort Kochi Luxury Bungalow

Upon being greeted and picked up at the airport, you'll be taken directly to Fort Kochi, where you can enjoy your evening stroll in the heritage city oozing out the British, Portugese, Chinese and Arab Influence. Formerly known as Cochin, this city is prized as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. Due to its ideal location, Kochi was one of the first European settlements in India and quickly became a nexus of international trade.

With a beautiful garden and relaxing swimming pool, recover from your trip in the lap of luxury at Dutch Bungalow. This hotel’s prime location, surrounded by popular landmarks, is hard to beat.

  • Room Heritage Room
  • Style Luxury
Day 2

Kochi SIghtseeing

Once you are ready to hit the road after a hearty breakfast, we'll head out to visit beautiful Fort Kochi, whose fascinating history makes it a must-see for visitors from all corners of the globe. As you wander through the streets, admire the historical houses built by the Portuguese, Dutch and British, which together create an eclectic and diverse architecture illustrating the complex and multi-layered history of India. Highlights include Fort Kochi beach, the impressive Chinese fishing nets, the heady Spice Market, the Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church, Mattancherry and Jew Street.

  • Room Heritage Room
  • Meals Breakfast
  • Style Luxury
Day 3

Arrival in Munnar

Eat a hearty breakfast before embarking on the trip to Munnar, a picturesque hill station which was once a retreat for Englishmen and their families. During the drive, you'll take scenic breaks to enjoy the Valara and Cheeyappara Waterfalls as well as an awe-inspiring sight of Periyar river from Neriamangalam Bridge. Once checked in at the resort in Munnar, rest, relax and enjoy!

The luxuriant hills of Kerala create a dramatic yet serene backdrop to the peace and tranquilityof Munnar. Make the best of this hill-side haven at the luxury Resort, with its eco-friendly design, traditional cottages,  sprawling gardens and greenery and dramatic valley views. All the in-house meals are prepared with fresh local produce, and campfires are available on request! Finally, put your feet up at the sauna or enjoy a yoga class.

  • Room Cottage
  • Meals Breakfast
  • Style Luxury
Day 4

Munnar Sightseeing

Spend a leisurely day sight-seeing in Munnar. This picturesque hill station derives its name from the three mountain streams which merge here: Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundale. There is plenty to see: Mattupetty dam is a favourite spot for picnics and activities such as boating and horseriding, while the Indo Swiss Dairy Farm has over a hundred varieties of cattle, and Echo Point offers a panoramic view as well as a thrilling experience as you hear your own voice boom back at you. Other highlights include Poopara, Pothanmedu, Eravikulam National Park, the Tea

Museum and the many and sundry shops. Take in the view and head back to the resort for another relaxing evening.

  • Room Cottage
  • Meals Breakfast +
  • Style Luxury
Day 5

Trip to Thekkady

Leaving Munnar after breakfast, you'll arrive in Thekkady ready to put your feet up and relax. A haven for nature lovers and addicts of the outdoors, Thekkady offers breathtaking scenery and unique wildlife opportunities.

Thekkady is most famous for the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, a stunning reserve of unparalleled beauty spread over 777 square kilometres. If you so desire, you can choose to cruise along lake Periyar, giving yourself an excellent vantage point for spotting elusive wildlife such as elephants, Indian gaur, monkeys, spotted deer, barking deer, and an incredible variety of birds.

Be seduced by the heady ambience at the Spice Grove. Surrounded by dense forests with the scent of spice hanging in the air, the atmosphere here is like no other. Avail yourself of the Ayurvedic Spa and explore the spice shop before enjoying the views from the multi-cuisine restaurant.

  • Room Premium Room
  • Meals Breakfast
  • Style Luxury
Day 6

Thekkady Sightseeing

Soak in the beauty of Thekkady and its wildlife reserve. Thekkady is one of the few tiger reserves in India, so take this opportunity to try and catch a glimpse of this majestic feline.

Up for an adventure? Take a bamboo raft down the river! If you prefer a bigger boat with added creature comforts, you can opt for a more sedate lake cruise. If you do choose to go rafting or take a trek through the reserve, be sure to let us know so that we can make all necessary arrangements, ensuring you a comfortable and hassle-free trip. We recommend starting early for both of these activities. Those who choose the lake cruise can simply make their way to the lake pier after breakfast. Weather permitting, you'll enjoy a traditional campfire and show in the evening.

  • Room Premium Room
  • Meals Breakfast
  • Style Luxury
Day 7

Vagamon Stay

Checkout from Thekkady and proceed to Vagamon. Vagamon is a sleepy little town that is still not commercialized and is famous for Green Meadows and Pine Forests. After checking into the hotel proceed for sightseeing in Elaveezhapoonchira which is among the best spots in Kerala to watch sunrise and sunset. You can also visit Kurisumudi which is one of the Christian Pligrim Centres in Kerala as well as Vagamon Falls. Overnight stay at the resort and enjoy a campfire if weather permits

  • Room Cottage
  • Meals Breakfast
  • Style Premium
Day 8

Alleppey (Houseboat) Cruise

Enjoy the drive to your fabulous houseboat in Alleppey. Built in the traditional Kerala style with coconut rope and wooden planks, this beautiful kettuvallom will take you through paddy fields being cultivated below sea level via a myriad of intertwining canals, past rustic homes and coconut palms before delivering you safely back to Alleppey in the morning. Alleppey is awash with backwater rivers and canals, earning the nickname ‘Venice of the East.’

Take in the views along this backwater cruise while enjoying delicious traditionally cooked food abroad the Pickadly Deluxe Houseboat.

  • Room Luxury A/C Room
  • Meals All Meals included
  • Style Premium Houseboat
Day 9

Kumarakom Boutique Resort Stay

Enjoy the lush mangrove forests, coconut groves and miles of backwater canals surrounding the beautiful Lake Vembanad, on foot or via a serene houseboat cruise. Relax and unwind to scenic views over the canals at the Backwater Brook resort while admiring the houseboats that ply the waters.

 

Nestled among the backwaters around Kerala’s largest lake, the tranquil and imperturbable village of Kumarakom is criss-crossed with canals and the houseboats that call them home. Its Bird Sanctuary and Pathiramanal lake island are a haven for many avian species, including rare migratory birds, cuckoos and Siberian storks.

  • Room Boutique Resort
  • Meals Breakfast
  • Style Traditional Kerala
Day 10

Relax at Kumarakom

Spend the day admiring the natural beauty of Kumarakom and Backwaters. Be flabbergasted by the staggering variety of birds who call the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary home, feel the power of the Aruvikuzhi Waterfalls, and imbibe the tranquil serenity of this sleepy lakeside community.

  • Room Boutique Resort Stay
  • Meals Breakfast
  • Style Boutique Resort Stay
Day 11

Arrival in Marari

Make your way back to Marari via shopping, sightseeing and leisure activities, and enjoy the beautiful Kochi pristine beach. Within close proximity to popular landmarks, Marari Beach offers a magical backdrop to your last moments in Kerala. With rustic luxe vibe, beautiful traditional gardens and a rustic waterfront restaurant, this resort is truly special.

  • Room Cottage
  • Meals Breakfast
  • Style Luxury
Day 12

Relax at Marari

The Quiet beach at Marari is yours for the day, azure waters lapping a tropical shore.  Laze with a book, swim with the dolphins in the Arabian Sea or stroll to one of the many chic and rustic restaurants and cafes that flank the beachside. Marari  is known as, the ‘Fishermens Village’, a moniker that is easy to appreciate from the shores of this heavenly location.

Take the time to explore all that Marari has to offer, with a dedicated time on the beach. Relax and unwind with a variety of indoor activities at your disposal, and avail yourself of the fabulous facilities at the resort.

  • Room Luxury Resort
  • Meals Breakfast
  • Style Traditional
Day 13

Departure from Cochin airport

Enjoy the morning at your leisure and checkout of the hotel after breakfast. We will drop you back at Thiruvananthapuram airport for the departure flight back home.

  • Meals Breakfast

Inspiring Kerala - Distance & Map

The map covers a distance of 484 KMs; starting from Cochin International Airport and includes places like Athirappilly, Munnar, Thekkady, Vagamon, Kumarakom, Alleppey and departure from Kochi International Airport.

Essential Information

  • Cochin
  • Cochin
  • Private A/C Car with Chauffeur
  • 4 Star
  • Breakfast in all resorts for 11 Days
  • All Meals in houseboat
  • Camp Fire in the evening at Munnar 
  • Tea plantation Walk at Munnar 
  • Sightseeing in Kanyakumari
  • Complimentary sunset cruises 
  • Fishing in the Lake 
  • Fruit basket, Chocolates, Cookies etc.
  • Drop to any place outside Kochi City Limits
  • Full Time A/C Option available at extra cost on houseboat
  • Airfare  not included in the price
  • Indian Visa Fee for Foreign Guests
  • Travel/health insurance.
  • Entrance fees to various sightseeing places/ activities 
  • Meals & Dribks not mentioned in the Itinerary or Inclusions
  • Items of a personal expense such as telephone bills, room service, laundry, etc.
  • Tips & gratuities for drivers & guides
  • Camera/ Video charges.
  • Any Inclusions  not mentioned in the package.
  • Extra runs on the transport other than the Itinerary
  • Charges for early arrivals/ late departures.

Select your trip type

Book a Private Trip with us with a Chauffeur and Car 24X7 at your service. 

We will offer you all the inclusions in the above package and will customise based on your inputs.

Get in touch with a Trip Designer to begin planning your perfect vacation.

Book Now

Have a custom trip designed exactly to your needs and budget. 

Our committed trip designers visits resorts, activities and destinations and tries to  craft unforgettable experiences to make your holidays memorable

Get in touch with a Trip Designer to begin planning your perfect vacation.

Customize

Questions on Inspiring Kerala (12 Nights)

K

Asked by Kara Fielding from United Kingdom
1 Year ago

How do I book this holiday?

Answers(1)

Answered by Niranjana(Travel Advisor)
December 23, 2019

You can enter your details online any time day or night, and one of our Trip Designers will call you back within 24 hours to help you with booking. Our Trip Designers will be able to assist you further in customising the holiday as per your requirements.

J

Asked by Josephine Kong from Singapore
1 Year ago

Can I customise this holiday with few hotels of my choice?

Answers(1)

Answered by Niranjana(Travel Advisor)
December 23, 2019

We specialise in Customised holiday packages in Kerala and we will be able to offer you any resort in Kerala as we have direct relationshops with most resorts. If you want to change the resorts in this package, one of our trip designers will work with you till you are happy with the package. Our Trip Designers will be also able to tell you the highlights of each resort and you can decide on whether you woud like to book the same resort

M

Asked by Michala Vestergaard from USA
1 Year ago

I want to book a taxi for this holiday. Do you offer only taxi services only ?

Answers(1)

Answered by Niranjana(Travel Advisor)
December 23, 2019

When you book a holiday with hotels and taxi together with us we will be able to offer you much lower rates than what you will get directly. As we use carefully handicked drivers who can offer the quality that we ideally want, we dont offer taxi only booking services.

M

Asked by Michala Vestergaard from USA
1 Year ago

What are the payment options you offer?

Answers(1)

Answered by Niranjana(Travel Advisor)
December 23, 2019

We offer all major payment options including credit cards , debit cards , wire transfer, net banking and UPI.


More Questions and Answers

INR ₹48000per person

Enquire Now
assistant

Saranya (Trip Designer)

Designed 7500 + Tour Packages | Kerala and India Tour Specialist

Whatsapp Now Call Now

This package is popular

It has been booked 29 times in the past year

Ask a Question

Submit Your Question

View more 12 Nights Tour Packages

Why book with Iris Holidays ?

We visit and verify all resorts in Kerala that we suggest to you so that guests like you can have a VERY warm & comfortable about an awesome holiday.

We won’t suggest anywhere that we haven’t been to and tried ourselves. When you book online or call us, we share the kind of insider low-down we'd give to our best friends about destinations and hotels. Rest assured: when you book with us, every last detail is taken care

  • 1

    TripAdvisor-Hall of Fame Award for Best Tour Operator

    Certificate of Excellence Award for the past 10 Consecutive Years

  • 2

    Approved by Govt:of India & Govt: of Kerala

    We are approved after verification by Govt of India & Govt of Kerala

  • 3

    Private Vehicle - Only for you

    Chauffeur driven vehicle for you 24X7

  • 4

    Customised Packages with the Best Hotels & Resorts

    We handpick our hotels & houseboats

Our Awards

Our tours are consistently recognized by prestigious organizations across the travel industry and TripAdvisor. We have won the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence from 2014 till 2022 consecutively for 9 consecutive years. We design our unique tours based on extensive knowledge of Kerala tourist destinations strives to offer personalized top-notch service.