Spice and Backwater Bliss Kerala Tour - 8 Nights / 9 Days

2N Cochin 2N Munnar 1N Periyar 1N Alleppey 2N Marari

Flights
Breakfast
Hotel
Sightseeing
Transfers
Wi-Fi

Overview

This nine-day Kerala journey blends culture, nature, cuisine, and slow-paced relaxation into an unforgettable travel experience. The adventure begins in Cochin, where Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences blend seamlessly into Kerala’s coastal character. From ancient churches to Chinese fishing nets and a vibrant Kathakali performance, Cochin sets a warm tone for the days ahead.

Munnar, Kerala, reveals its green crown jewel, rolling tea gardens, cool misty air, and plantation life. A personalised spice walk with Mr Tommy and an intimate home-style cooking session offer rare opportunities for local interaction, bringing Kerala’s flavours alive.

The tea exploration the next morning deepens the experience, taking you into tea estates, British-era factories, and a curated tea-tasting session that captures the region’s essence sip by sip.

The journey continues to Periyar, Kerala’s famed wildlife and spice region. A serene boat ride on Periyar Lake offers glimpses of elephants, birds, and forest life, followed by a visit to a spice garden and a thrilling Kalaripayattu martial arts show.

From forested hills, you move to Alleppey’s shimmering backwaters to enjoy a traditional houseboat cruise. Watch life unfold along quiet canals while your onboard crew prepares flavourful Kerala meals.

Your final days take you to Marari Beach, a peaceful coastal escape ideal for rest, rejuvenation, and optional Ayurvedic therapies. Soft sands, gentle waves, palm-fringed pathways, and slow tropical days bring the perfect end to this immersive Kerala holiday.

The tour concludes back at Cochin airport, your heart full of flavours, colours, and memories from God’s Own Country.

Itinerary

This tour covers the best of Kerala. From Fort Kochi, St. Francis Church, Dutch Palace, Santa Cruz Basilica in Cochin, to Munnar with its exclusive Spice walk and Periyar Lake boat ride with Traditional houseboat cruise in Alleppey.

Day 1: Arrive Cochin−

Upon your arrival at Cochin airport, you will be given a warm welcome by our tour executive, who will introduce you to the driver later transfer to the hotel. Check in and relax the day at leisure. Spend the night at Cochin.

Day 2: Visits in Cochin+

Today you will enjoy the visits in cochin including The Dutch Palace at Mattancherry is renowned for its wall murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana. The St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India.

The Santa Cruz Basilica originally built in 1557 by the Portuguese. The Chinese fishing nets are huge fishing nets believed to have brought to Kochi by Chinese traders.

Finally, the Willington Island, named after Lord Willington, is the headquarters of the Southern Naval Command of India. In the evening you will enjoy a Kadhkali dance show which is an ancient art form of Kerala, Overnight stay at the hotel in cochin.

Day 3: Cochin -Munnar (140kms / 3.5hrs drive)+

Today morning, after breakfast,t drove to Munnar. After your arrival,l you will visit Mr Tommy and family. A kind, welcoming and generous host, Mr Tommy will first guide you through his private spice plantation.

Being a major in Botany, his love for plants is evident in his immense knowledge about various species of spices and other crops. He will enlighten you as he shares his knowledge and introduces you to the various spices he grows during this exclusive Spice Walk.

After the walk, you will be guided to their in-house kitchen where Mrs Tommy would have everything ready for your private cooking demonstration.

Get entertained and keep note of the various traditional Kerala recipes Mrs Tommy prepares exclusively for you.

You will also offer your hand and engage yourself with Mrs Tommy and assist her in preparing your Kerala dinner. Overnight stay in Munnar.

Day 4: Munnar+

Today you will enjoy a tea exploration program in Munnar, you will be guided along the narrow pathways inside the tea plantations where you come across the tea workers who are busy plucking out the best tea leaves which end up in your teacup.

Our expert plantation guide will educate you on the different species of tea grown here, how each one is cultivated, how the different climatic conditions affect its flavour and finally how it is processed into fine tea powder.

After you finish an entertaining session of this plantation walk you will be directed to the Lockhart Tea Factory, a British built factory which still uses the traditional tea processing methods.

Here you will witness and be introduced to the various process the tea leaves undergo, and the machineries used for the same.

Later you will have an exclusive Tea Tasting session when you get to taste the different varieties of Tea grown here. You will also be told about the medicinal value of tea and how a good cup of tea must be prepared, which most of us are unaware of.

After the visits you will be transferred to your hotel in Munnar, stay in Munnar.

Day 5: Munnar - Periyar(130kms / 3hrs drive)+

Today drive to Periyar Morning drive to Periyar which is famous for its wildlife sanctuary and for a large variety of spices found here.

After your arrival in Periyar you will enjoy a boat ride in Periyar lake, later you will visit a local Spice Garden where you will learn in detail about the spices grown in the region, in the evening you will enjoy a Kalaripayattu martial arts show, and overnight stay in Periyar.

Day 6: Periyar - Alleppey (150kms, 5 hours)+

Today you will be transferred to Alleppey, known as the ‘Venice of the East’ to embark the traditional houseboat and start your cruise in the narrow canals.

During the journey, you will visit ancient temples, churches, paddy fields, and watch the day-to-day activities of the local people who live nearby.

Your crew members will serve delicious Kerala food (welcome meals, lunch, evening snacks & dinner) on board and will take good care of you. Overnight stay at the Houseboat in Alleppey.

Day 7: Alleppey-Marari+

Today morning, after breakfast, you will disembark from the houseboat, and you will travel to the nearby beach destination of Marari.

After your arrival, you will spend the remaining day at leisure, stay in Marari.

Day 8: Marari+

Today you will enjoy a free day in the beautiful beaches of Marari, you can consider taking an authentic ayurvedic massage, relax, unwind and refresh, overnight stay in Marari.

Day 9: Departure+

Today as per your flight schedule you will be transferred to Cochin airport (75kms, 3 hours) where you will take your flight back home.

FAQs on Spice and Backwater Bliss Kerala Tour

What is included in this Kerala package?

The package includes accommodation, breakfast, private vehicle with driver, guided visits, houseboat meals, cultural shows, tea and spice experiences, tolls, parking, and airport transfers, offering a seamless Kerala holiday.

Are meals included throughout the tour?

Breakfast is included at hotels. Houseboat stay includes welcome meal, lunch, snacks, and dinner. Other meals remain flexible so travellers can enjoy Kerala’s diverse culinary options.

Can the itinerary be customised for couples, families, or seniors?

Yes, pacing, hotels, sightseeing, and activities can be customised. Gentle walking options, wheelchair-friendly vehicles, honeymoon upgrades, or family-focused stays can be arranged.

What type of accommodation is offered?

Comfortable boutique 3-4 star hotels with good locations, serene ambiance, and quality service. Upgrades to luxury resorts, premium houseboats, or beach villas are available on request.

Is the houseboat private or shared?

The houseboat is exclusively private for your group, including crew, meals, and cruising routes, ensuring comfort, privacy, and personalised service throughout your backwater experience.

Are the cultural shows included in the package?

Yes. Entry to the Kathakali performance in Cochin and the Kalaripayattu martial arts show in Periyar is included, offering authentic local experiences.

Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to Kerala?

Absolutely. The itinerary covers Kerala’s major highlights, culture, nature, backwaters, spice trails, beaches, and local interactions, making it perfect for first-time as well as repeat travellers.