Highlights of Kerala

Traveling through Kerala in 13 days offers a wonderful taste of India’s southern charm—combining vibrant culture, lush landscapes, and tranquil beaches. This tour, priced at $2,395 per person, promises a comprehensive journey, smoothly organized to minimize hassle and maximize authentic experiences. Designed by Holidays At, it’s particularly appealing because of its well-paced itinerary, varied activities, and inclusion of key highlights like houseboats, hill stations, wildlife sanctuaries, and pristine beaches.

What we love about this tour is how it balances structured sightseeing with free time for personal exploration. The familiarity of hotels and the unique experience of staying overnight on a traditional houseboat create a cozy, immersive feeling. On the flip side, some travelers might find the 13-day schedule quite packed, especially if they prefer a more leisurely pace. Still, this itinerary is ideal for those who want a thorough overview of Kerala’s diverse attractions in a manageable timeframe.

This tour suits curious travelers eager to explore both Kerala’s natural beauty and its vibrant cultural scene. If you’re looking for a well-organized, value-packed experience that covers everything from hill stations to backwaters, this could be an excellent choice. Just be ready for some busy days and a fair amount of traveling between stops.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Itinerary: Covers major highlights including Kochi, Munnar, Periyar, Kumarakom, Alappuzha, and Marari Beach.
• Inclusions and Value: Accommodation, breakfasts, park fees, and a houseboat stay are included, offering good value.
• Authentic Experiences: Sightseeing of Fort Kochi, Kathakali dance, wildlife safaris, and backwater cruises provide immersive local experiences.
• Comfort and Convenience: Private transfers and assistance help streamline logistics.
• Authentic Kerala: From spice plantations to bird sanctuaries, the trip prioritizes genuine Kerala sights.
• Flexible for Personalization: The tour is customizable, letting travelers add or skip activities based on interest.

Exploring the Starting Point: Kochi

Your journey begins in Kochi, often called the “Gateway to Kerala.” Arriving at Cochin airport, you’ll be greeted and assisted by the Holidays At representative, easing the transition from travel fatigue. The first day offers time to relax or explore at your own pace. Kochi itself is a lively blend of colonial history and modern energy, with its vibrant streets and waterfront.

The next day dives into the city’s core attractions. Visiting Fort Kochi, you’ll stroll through streets lined with colonial-era architecture, and visit landmarks like St. Francis Church, Jewish Synagogue, and Mattancherry Palace. The Chinese Fishing Nets at sunset provide iconic photo opportunities. Reviewers mention a local guide providing enriching insights, turning a sightseeing day into a true culture.

In the evening, you’ll watch a Kathakali dance performance. Known for their lavish costumes and expressive masks, these shows are a highlight for many. One reviewer called it “lavish,” appreciating how the intricate makeup and costumes deepen the storytelling. Expect a theatrical, colorful experience that offers a glimpse into Kerala’s performing arts.

The Hills of Munnar: Scenic Escape

From Kochi, the tour heads to Munnar, a hill station renowned for its rolling tea plantations and cool climate. The drive itself is scenic, with waterfalls and mountain views that keep your camera busy. The 2-hour transfer is an opportunity to get a first taste of Kerala’s greener side.

Once in Munnar, you’ll settle into a hotel amidst the tea estates. The next day features visits to Eravikulam National Park, famous for the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, and Mattupetty Dam, known for its lush surroundings and boating opportunities. Tourists have praised the guides’ knowledge here, with one reviewer mentioning that the guides made the wildlife and plant life come alive through engaging commentary.

A highlight is walking through a tea estate—many find this peaceful and visually stunning. You might find yourself lost in the endless rows of tea bushes or snapping photos of mist-covered mountains. Evenings are free for relaxing walks through the town or exploring local markets.

Wildlife and Periyar Sanctuary

Traveling onward, the journey takes you to Periyar, famed for its wildlife sanctuary. The drive is about 2 hours, and the sanctuary itself covers an impressive 777 square kilometers. The core activity here is a boat ride in Periyar Lake, where you might spot elephants, and if luck is on your side, tigers or wild boars.

One reviewer appreciated the elephant safari and the border hiking, which offered authentic encounters with nature. The sanctuary is large enough to feel wild, yet accessible enough for visitors to enjoy close sightings. The guides’ expertise shines here, with some sharing interesting facts about the flora and fauna, making wildlife spotting both fun and educational.

The day often includes visits to Kumily, a local spice trading hub, and temples like Devi Temple, enriching your experience with local culture and religion. The mix of wildlife, spice markets, and temples gives a well-rounded sense of life in Kerala’s hills.

Backwaters: Kumarakom and Alappuzha

Next, the tour moves to Kumarakom, a serene village famed for birdwatching at Vembanad Lake and its lush bird sanctuary. Here, the pace slows, allowing you to breathe in the peaceful atmosphere. Visitors have appreciated the guided walk at the bird sanctuary, often highlighting the variety of birds and the guides’ knowledge.

One of the most appreciated activities is the backwater cruise in a traditional shikara boat. Passing through narrow canals, you’ll see local life unfold along the waterways—boats loaded with coconuts, coir, and other goods, small churches, and vibrant markets. Reviewers praised how these cruises offered a glimpse into everyday life, making it both scenic and authentic.

The highlight for many is the houseboat stay in Alappuzha. This overnight experience on the water is often regarded as the tour’s most unique element. The boat is cozy, with delicious local cuisine served onboard, and the gentle rocking of the water adds a relaxing rhythm to your evening. Travelers mention the opportunity to walk around Alappuzha’s streets before returning to the boat for a peaceful night.

Beach Time in Marari

Finally, the tour concludes at Marari Beach, known for its quiet, sandy stretches and laid-back vibe. After a day of backwaters, the transition to the beach feels like a well-earned rest. The hotel here offers a peaceful retreat, perfect for unwinding.

While the beaches are free for you to enjoy, the tour does not include entrance tickets for these leisure days, which is worth noting if you’re planning to explore independently. Reviewers highlight that these days are ideal for relaxing, reading, or enjoying water activities at your own pace.

The Practical Side: Logistics, Value, and Customization

One of the strengths of this tour is how it handles logistics. All transfers are included, with private air-conditioned vehicles ensuring comfort during longer drives. The tour is private, meaning only your group participates, allowing for a tailored experience and flexibility with timing.

The accommodation—12 nights in 3-star hotels and one on a houseboat—is thoughtfully chosen for comfort without luxury prices. Most meals are included, mainly breakfasts, with some lunches and dinners, ensuring good value for the overall package. Entrance fees to parks and sanctuaries are covered, so there are no surprises on the budget front.

The tour is also customizable, allowing you to tweak activities based on your interests. This flexibility makes it suitable for both nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts.

However, the tour is non-refundable, so it’s best suited for travelers who are confident with their plans or who have flexible travel dates.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This Kerala highlights tour offers a well-rounded look at one of India’s most beautiful states. It’s perfect for travelers wanting an organized, immersive experience, covering cultural sites, wildlife, scenic hill stations, and relaxing beaches—all in one trip. The inclusion of stays on a traditional houseboat and visits to iconic backwaters elevate the experience, making it both memorable and authentic.

While it is quite full, it’s ideal for those who enjoy a mix of sightseeing and leisure, with enough guided activities to learn about Kerala’s culture and ecology. If you’re comfortable with a packed schedule and want a convenient way to see Kerala’s highlights, this tour delivers excellent value.

In short, it’s a smart choice for first-timers to Kerala or travelers who prefer a guided, thoroughly curated experience, leaving logistics and planning to the experts while you soak in the sights and sounds.

FAQ

Is airport pickup included?
Yes, the tour provides assistance at Kochi airport, making your arrival hassle-free.

How many nights are spent in hotels?
You stay for 12 nights in 3-star hotels, plus one night on a houseboat in Alappuzha.

Are meals included?
Breakfasts are included across the tour; some lunches and dinners are also included, but not all.

What are the main activities?
Highlights include sightseeing in Kochi, visits to Munnar’s tea estates, wildlife safari in Periyar, backwater cruises, and beach time at Marari.

Is the tour customizable?
Yes, the tour is customizable to suit your interests and needs.

Are all entrance fees covered?
Entry to parks and sanctuaries such as Eravikulam National Park and Kumily Temple are included.

What’s the price for?
The cost covers accommodation, most meals, transfers, and entrance fees, offering a good value considering the range of experiences.

How is transportation arranged?
All transfers are private and air-conditioned, with a dedicated vehicle for your group’s comfort.

Can I participate if I travel alone?
Yes, the tour operates as a private experience, meaning you’ll join only your group, regardless of size.

When is the best time to book?
The tour is available year-round but check local climate conditions and your preferred travel season.

To sum it up, this Kerala highlights tour offers a well-balanced mix of culture, scenic beauty, wildlife, and relaxation. It’s especially well-suited for those who want a guided experience that maximizes value and minimizes planning stress. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or simply seeking a peaceful beach retreat, this trip promises a memorable taste of what Kerala has to offer.