8 Days Wonders of Kerala & Kovalam Coastal Circuit, Kochi

Take a morning flight or train from Delhi to Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum). Upon arrival at Trivandrum International Airport or Kochuveli/Trivandrum Central Railway Station, you will be warmly received by our NK Adventure tour manager and transferred to your hotel. After check-in formalities and a quick break to freshen up, set out to explore the capital city’s rich heritage. Visit the world-famous Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, renowned for its towering Dravidian gopuram and golden corridors. Explore the Indo-Saracenic architecture of the Napier Museum, the rare historical artwork at the Sri Chitra Art Gallery, and the historic Padmanabhapuram Palace / Kuthiramalika Palace. Spend your evening relaxing at your hotel. Overnight stay in Trivandrum.

Enjoy a hearty South Indian breakfast and head out to explore the coastal beauty of Kovalam and nearby shores. Spend your day across Kovalam’s famous crescent coastline, including the lively Lighthouse Beach with its iconic striped lighthouse tower, the scenic Hawa Beach, and the peaceful waters of Samudra Beach. In the afternoon, explore the dramatic red laterite cliff-backed shores of Varkala Beach or take an evening stroll along the wide sands of Shangumugham Beach to watch a golden coastal sunset. Indulge in authentic coastal seafood or experience a rejuvenating traditional Ayurvedic massage before retiring to your resort. Overnight stay in Kovalam / Trivandrum.

Savor an early morning breakfast, complete check-out formalities, and embark on a scenic road journey (approx. 4 hours) along coastal Kerala toward Alleppey (Alappuzha), the "Venice of the East." Upon arrival around noon, step aboard your traditional, fully furnished Kerala Houseboat (Kettuvallam). As your boat glides through the serene palm-fringed canals, vast lagoons, and paddy fields below sea level (Kuttanad), observe daily rural backwater life and birdlife along the riverbanks. Savor authentic Kerala meals freshly prepared on board by experienced chefs. Spend a peaceful night on the waters. Overnight stay on the houseboat in Alleppey.

Wake up to the gentle lapping of backwater waves and enjoy breakfast as your houseboat docks. Check out and begin your ascent into the Cardamom Hills toward Thekkady (approx. 4 hours). Upon reaching Thekkady, check into your hotel and take a brief break. In the afternoon, head out to explore a fragrant Spice Plantation, discovering how pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, vanilla, and cloves are grown and harvested. Visit the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary for an afternoon boat cruise on Periyar Lake to look for wild elephants, gaur, sambar deer, and otters along the water’s edge. In the evening, watch thrilling live demonstrations of Kathakali dance and ancient Kalaripayattu martial arts. Overnight stay in Thekkady.

Following breakfast, check out from the hotel and embark on a picturesque mountain drive toward Munnar, Kerala’s premier hill station nestled in the Western Ghats. The route takes you past rolling green hills, winding streams, and sprawling emerald tea estates. En route, take photo stops at Pothamedu View Point and the gushing Nyayamakad Waterfall. Upon arriving in Munnar, check into your mountain resort and freshen up. Spend the late afternoon visiting Echo Point and the tranquil waters of Mattupetty Dam, where speed boating is available. In the evening, stroll through the vibrant local town bazaar. Overnight stay in Munnar.

After breakfast, spend a full day discovering the signature natural attractions of Munnar. Visit Eravikulam National Park (Rajamalai), the high-altitude sanctuary of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, offering sweeping views of rolling shola grasslands. Next, visit the Tata Tea Museum to learn about early plantation history and witness tea-leaf processing. Continue to the picturesque Kundala Dam Lake and enjoy panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Western Ghats toward Top Station. Spend the evening amidst the fragrant gardens of Blossom Hydel Park before returning to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay in Munnar.

Enjoy a morning breakfast, check out from your resort, and begin your downhill road drive toward Kochi (approx. 4 hours). Arrive in Kochi, the historic "Queen of the Arabian Sea," and check into your hotel. In the afternoon, embark on a cultural tour of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry. Walk past the iconic 14th-century Chinese Fishing Nets, explore the historic St. Francis Church (the oldest European-built church in India), and visit the Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace) with its traditional Kerala murals. Wander through the antique shops and spice markets of Jew Town and see the historic Paradesi Synagogue. Conclude the evening with sunset views at Marine Drive or Cherai Beach. Overnight stay in Kochi.

Savor your final traditional Kerala breakfast and pack your bags. Complete your check-out formalities at the hotel. Depending on your departure timings, indulge in some last-minute shopping for Kerala spices, banana chips, and handicrafts. You will then be transferred to Cochin International Airport (COK) or Ernakulam Railway Station to board your scheduled flight or train back to Delhi, taking home a lifetime of memories from God’s Own Country with NK Adventure.