📍 India

KERALA CLASSICS: BACKWATERS, TEA HILLS AND COASTAL SERENITY

Q: What weather should you expect?

Winter (October-March): Perfect weather, cool temperatures, dry conditions, peak tourist season, ideal touring, clear skies, advance booking essential. Shoulder Season (April & September): Good weather, fewer crowds, moderate temperatures, reasonable prices, transitional seasons, excellent value. Summer (April-June): Hot weather, challenging conditions, hill stations popular, lowest prices, fewer tourists, air conditioning essential. Monsoon (June-September): Heavy rainfall, lush landscapes, romantic atmosphere, lowest prices, challenging travel, cultural experiences, spiritual season. Regional Variations: Diverse climates, altitude differences, seasonal patterns, weather monitoring, regional planning, flexible scheduling essential.

Tea gardens rolling through mist, backwaters floating in absolute calm, beaches nestled at cliff bases. Kerala, pure serenity.

≈ 12

Days

869

Stops

📖 6 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Explore Kochi and its spice port, cross Munnar's misty hills, navigate Alleppey's canals and reach Varkala perched above the sea. Kerala blends maritime heritage, tropical gentleness and spirituality, carried by the slow soothing rhythm of its backwaters.

Kochi: spice harbor heritage gateway
Munnar: tea plantations emerald escape
Alleppey: backwater canals floating soul
Varkala: cliff-side serenity spiritual crown

Your day-by-day itinerary

Day

Kochi

spice harbor heritage gateway

3 photos

Day 1

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Discover

Arrival at Cochin International Airport, transfer to accommodation and orientation in the city

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Activities

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Evening walk around Fort Kochi streets to get first impressions of colonial architecture

Day

Kochi

spice harbor heritage gateway

3 photos

Day 2

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Discover

Visit St. Francis Church, India's oldest European church

Explore Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica and nearby colonial streets

Discover Paradesi Synagogue and the spice markets of Mattancherry

View the Chinese fishing nets at sunset

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Activities

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Attend a Kathakali traditional dance performance

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Next stop

Distance: 130 km

Travel time: 4h

Day

Munnar

tea plantations emerald escape

8 photos

Day 3

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Discover

Drive from Kochi to Munnar through cardamom plantations

Optional stop at Pettimudi Hill Top for a short hike

Walk among tea plantations at Munnar Tea Gardens

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Activities

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Evening rest and tea tasting at accommodation

Day

Munnar

tea plantations emerald escape

8 photos

Day 4

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Discover

Sunrise walk through tea plantations at Kolukkumalai Tea Estate

Visit Echo Point and Top Station for panoramic views

Hike to Anamudi Peak, South India’s highest point (if conditions allow)

Explore Munnar Tea Museum to learn about the region’s tea heritage

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Activities

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Relax with tea overlooking misty hills

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Next stop

Distance: 165 km

Travel time: 4h30

Day

Alleppey

backwater canals floating soul

10 photos

Day 5

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Discover

Drive from Munnar to Alleppey via scenic mountain roads

Board traditional houseboat and begin backwater cruise

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Activities

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Dinner and sunset on the deck of houseboat

Day

Alleppey

backwater canals floating soul

10 photos

Day 6

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Discover

Morning cruise through Kerala backwaters

Village visit to observe daily life along canals

Optional canoe ride through narrow channels

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Activities

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Relaxation and birdwatching on deck

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Next stop

Distance: 160 km

Travel time: 3h30

Day

Kochi

spice harbor heritage gateway

3 photos

Day 7

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Discover

Drive from Alleppey to Cochin International Airport

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Activities

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Departure and end of Kerala journey

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Next stop

Distance: 184 km

Travel time: 2h18

Day

Varkala

cliff-side serenity spiritual crown

10 photos

Day 8

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Discover

Transfer from Alleppey to Varkala Beach

Evening walk along Varkala cliffs and beach

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Activities

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Sunset at Varkala Beach

Day

Varkala

cliff-side serenity spiritual crown

10 photos

Day 9

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Discover

Surfing lesson with Mahalo Surf School

Visit Janardhana Swami Temple

Beach time or swimming at Varkala Beach

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Activities

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Cooking class at Aryavilla Heritage

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Next stop

⏱️ Long drive (5h+)

Distance: 230 km

Travel time: 5h30

Day

Kochi

spice harbor heritage gateway

3 photos

Day 10

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Discover

Drive from Varkala to Cochin International Airport

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Activities

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Departure flight from Kochi

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Winter (October-March): Perfect weather, cool temperatures, dry conditions, peak tourist season, ideal touring, clear skies, advance booking essential.

Shoulder Season (April & September): Good weather, fewer crowds, moderate temperatures, reasonable prices, transitional seasons, excellent value.

Summer (April-June): Hot weather, challenging conditions, hill stations popular, lowest prices, fewer tourists, air conditioning essential.

Monsoon (June-September): Heavy rainfall, lush landscapes, romantic atmosphere, lowest prices, challenging travel, cultural experiences, spiritual season.

Regional Variations: Diverse climates, altitude differences, seasonal patterns, weather monitoring, regional planning, flexible scheduling essential.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 10 and 14 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in India?

Incredible diversity with ancient spirituality, vibrant colors, and rich cultural heritage. Experience Taj Mahal, spiritual traditions, and authentic Indian culture. The country offers cultural immersion with historical significance and culinary excellence. India provides life-changing cultural experiences with incredible diversity and spiritual depth.