The Kerala Backwaters Classic is the ultimate introduction to God's Own Country — a perfectly paced 7-day journey that weaves together Kerala's most iconic experiences. You'll wake to mist over Munnar's tea gardens, track tigers at Periyar, drift through paddy-fringed waterways on a traditional kettuvallam houseboat, and wander the colonial spice lanes of Fort Kochi.
This itinerary is our best-selling Kerala package for a reason: it balances nature, culture, adventure and pure relaxation in equal measure. It suits solo travellers, couples, families and groups seeking an authentic deep dive into Kerala without a rushed schedule.
Route: Kochi → Munnar → Thekkady → Alleppey → Kochi
Sleep rocked by gentle canal currents aboard a traditional rice barge — the most iconic Kerala experience, complete with home-cooked Kerala meals.
Stroll through endless emerald tea gardens at 1,600 m altitude, meet tea pluckers and taste freshly brewed estate tea at the factory.
Boat safari on Periyar Lake through the Periyar Tiger Reserve — spot elephants bathing on the shores, sambar deer, wild boar and langur monkeys.
Wander the lanes of Fort Kochi — Chinese fishing nets, Dutch palace, Jewish synagogue, Portuguese churches and local street art.
Walk through a working spice plantation in the Western Ghats — learn to identify cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, vanilla and nutmeg in their natural habitat.
Witness the ancient dance-drama form of Kerala — elaborate costumes, dramatic eye movements and mythological storytelling performed live in Fort Kochi.
Arrive at Cochin International Airport. Your guide and private vehicle will be waiting. Check in to your heritage boutique hotel in Fort Kochi. Afternoon walking tour of the Fort Kochi quarter — the iconic Chinese fishing nets at sunset, St. Francis Church (oldest European church in India), the Jewish Synagogue on Jew Town Road, and the Mattancherry Dutch Palace. Evening Kathakali performance at Kerala Kathakali Centre. Welcome dinner at a heritage spice restaurant.
After breakfast, drive to Munnar (approx. 4.5 hrs through the Western Ghats). Stop at Cheeyappara Waterfalls and Valara Falls along the way. Arrive Munnar and check in to your hillside resort. Evening stroll through Munnar town market — pick up fresh spices, tea and banana chips. Overnight Munnar.
Full day in Munnar. Morning visit to Eravikulam National Park — home of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, a wild mountain goat found only in the Western Ghats. Guided tea estate walk through KDHP's plantation with factory tour and tasting session. Afternoon drive to Top Station (1,700 m) for panoramic views of the Theni valley in Tamil Nadu. Overnight Munnar.
Drive to Thekkady (approx. 3 hrs). En route, stop at a working cardamom and pepper estate in the Ghats. Afternoon boat safari on Periyar Lake inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve — spot wild elephants, bison, deer and bird species from the water. Optional: evening bamboo rafting or guided border hiking trail (advance booking). Overnight Thekkady.
Morning at leisure in Thekkady — optional elephant interaction programme or Kalari martial arts class. Drive to Alleppey (approx. 3 hrs). Board your traditional kettuvallam houseboat at noon. The crew welcomes you with a fresh coconut. Glide through the canals of the backwaters all afternoon — paddy fields, coconut groves, small fishing villages. Dinner prepared by your on-board chef using local catch and Kerala spices. Sleep on the water as the boat anchors for the night.
Rise early for sunrise over the still backwaters — one of the most peaceful mornings you'll experience anywhere in the world. Breakfast on deck. Continue your cruise through the narrower canals and village waterways. Disembark mid-morning and transfer to a lakeside resort for your final night. Afternoon at leisure — optional kayaking, cooking class or Ayurvedic massage. Farewell dinner at the resort.
Morning at leisure. After breakfast, drive back to Kochi (approx. 1.5 hrs). Optional: final shopping stop at Ernakulam market or Broadway. Drop at Cochin International Airport for your onward journey. Tour ends with warm Kerala farewells and a bag full of spices.
"The houseboat night was magical — complete silence except for frogs and water. Our guide knew every bird call on Periyar Lake. Absolutely flawless organisation."
Jan 2026"First time in Kerala and I couldn't have asked for a better introduction. Munnar's tea estates took my breath away. Our driver was punctual, knowledgeable and lovely."
Dec 2025"Wonderful itinerary — the balance between Munnar, Thekkady and the backwaters is spot-on. Fort Kochi heritage walk was surprisingly deep and detailed."
Nov 2025"Travelled with parents aged 68 and 71 — the team made every step comfortable and safe. The Kathakali show was the highlight for them. Booking again for next winter."
Feb 2026