Kerala

Arrival at Cochin Airport followed by a scenic drive to Munnar (107 km). En route, stop at the twin cascades of Cheeyapara Waterfalls and Valara Waterfalls, framed by lush rainforest. Arrive in Munnar, transfer to the hotel, and settle in. The evening is yours to relax and soak in the cool mountain air.

After breakfast, head to Eravikulam National Park to spot the Nilgiri Tahr — a rare species of mountain goat found only in these hills (note: the park is closed from February to April for calving season). Visit the historic Christ Church. After lunch and some rest, drive to Mudapetty Dam for an optional boating session on the lake in the evening — a peaceful way to watch the sun go down over the hills.

Note: Eravikulam National Park is closed from February to April for the Nilgiri Tahr calving season.

After breakfast, visit the Tata Tea Museum (closed on Mondays) — a fascinating journey through the history of tea cultivation in Munnar, with vintage machinery, photographs, and exhibits tracing over a century of the tea trade. Then stroll through the surrounding tea plantations, breathing in the fragrance of fresh leaves. The remaining day is free for leisure — explore Munnar town, shop for locally grown tea, or simply enjoy the hills.

Note: Tata Tea Museum is closed on Mondays.

After breakfast, depart for Thekkady (90 km) through winding mountain roads and spice gardens. On arrival, check in and rest. After lunch, choose between two memorable experiences: a boat ride on Periyar Lake inside the tiger reserve (bookable online at additional cost) for a chance to see elephants and wildlife at the water's edge, or visit the Kadathanadan Kalari Centre in Kumily for a live demonstration of Kalaripayattu — one of the world's oldest martial arts, deeply rooted in Kerala's warrior traditions. Evening free for rest.

After breakfast, drive to Kumarkom (110 km), arriving at the edge of the vast Vembanad Lake. Check in to the hotel and spend the afternoon at the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary (open 10 am – 4 pm) — home to egrets, herons, darters, and migratory birds that flock from Siberia during winter. Wander the sanctuary trails on foot (no vehicles inside) and listen for bird calls through dense mangroves. Alternatively, enjoy the activities and leisure facilities at the resort.

After breakfast, board a private motor boat for an exclusive 2-hour cruise through the backwaters of Vembanad Lake. Drift past coconut palm-lined shores, watch local fishermen at work, and take in the quiet grandeur of Kerala's most iconic waterscape. The rest of the day is free for leisure — swim, relax, or simply sit by the lake and watch the water birds.

After breakfast, proceed towards Kochi via Alleppey. Check in at the hotel in Cochin and set out for a city sightseeing tour covering Fort Kochi's finest landmarks: the centuries-old St Francis Church — the oldest European church in India, the graceful Chinese Fishing Nets along the waterfront, the Mattanchery Dutch Palace with its famous Kerala murals, and the historic Jew Synagogue in the Mattanchery Spice Quarter. Night stay in Cochin.

After an early breakfast, transfer to Cochin Airport to board your evening flight to Mumbai. You leave carrying the fragrance of Kerala's spice groves, the sound of water lapping against a houseboat hull, and the memory of misty hilltop mornings in Munnar.