HIGHLIGHTS:

• You will begin your journey in Kochi, a coastal city that still carries the charm of its Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial past, making it a perfect place to start understanding Kerala’s unique cultural blend.
• You will walk through the winding streets of Fort Kochi, where art galleries, old churches, antique shops, and colourful houses tell silent stories of Kerala’s vibrant heritage.
• You will witness the famous Chinese fishing nets, large cantilevered fishing structures that are only found in Kochi and offer a spectacular view during sunrise and sunset along the Arabian Sea.
• You will visit the Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, where ancient murals, royal artefacts, and historical records reflect the glory of the Kochi royal family.
• You will travel through the aromatic Spice Market, where fresh cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper, and nutmeg fill the air with their warm and spicy fragrance.
• After exploring Kochi, you will drive through winding roads and climb into the misty hills of Munnar, a famous hill station where endless tea gardens cover the landscape like a green carpet.
• You will stop at Echo Point, a beautiful viewpoint where your voice bounces back from the distant hills, creating a playful and memorable moment with nature.
• You will visit the peaceful Mattupetty Dam, surrounded by forest and hills, where you can take photos, enjoy nature walks, or simply sit beside the water with a gentle breeze brushing your face.
• You will explore Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, and enjoy panoramic views of the Anamudi Peak, the highest point in South India.
• During your time in Munnar, you will see how tea is grown, harvested, and processed by visiting a local tea factory, where the scent of fresh leaves is both calming and energizing.
• After Munnar, you will descend into the thick forests and spice-scented lands of Periyar, home to some of Kerala’s most famous wildlife.
• You will explore the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of India’s most beautiful reserves, known for elephants, deer, monkeys, wild boar, and sometimes even tigers, all living freely among the trees.
• A calm and peaceful boat ride on Periyar Lake will allow you to spot animals drinking water on the banks and birds flying overhead, all while you float on gentle ripples.
• You will walk through spice plantations, where you will learn about cardamom, cloves, vanilla, and pepper — and discover how these spices grow and are used in Kerala’s cuisine and Ayurvedic medicine.
• From the forests of Thekkady, you will travel to the sleepy, water-laced town of Alleppey, where life moves slowly and gently on the backwaters.
• You will board a private houseboat, a traditional wooden vessel called a kettuvallam, which has been beautifully converted into a floating hotel complete with a cosy bedroom, clean bathroom, kitchen, and open-air deck.
• As you glide slowly through the Kerala backwaters, you will pass by paddy fields, coconut groves, and small villages where locals go about their day — fishing, weaving, and waving at the boats.
• Your houseboat will come with a dedicated captain, helper, and chef, who will prepare fresh, traditional Kerala meals for you using local vegetables, coconut, and spices.
• You will enjoy a peaceful evening on the sunset-lit backwaters, where the only sounds are birdsong, gentle water lapping, and the occasional splash of a fish jumping nearby.
• After this deeply relaxing experience, you will reach Kovalam, a world-famous beach town known for its calm waters, golden sand, and laid-back energy.
• You will relax at the Lighthouse Beach, where the tall red-and-white striped lighthouse stands as a guard to the coast, offering views of the sea and the horizon beyond.
• You will have plenty of time in Kovalam to enjoy the beach, go shopping for souvenirs, try seafood delicacies, or even treat yourself to an Ayurvedic massage to end your Kerala tour feeling refreshed and renewed.

Important notes for Classic Kerala Tour

• Kerala has a tropical climate, so it is recommended to pack light cotton clothes, but do not forget to bring a light jacket or shawl for the cooler temperatures in Munnar and Periyar, especially during the early mornings and late evenings.
• Footwear should be comfortable and breathable, such as sandals or walking shoes, since you will be exploring hilly terrains, plantation paths, temple steps, and even sandy beaches throughout the tour.
• Carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat with a good brim, because the sun can be quite strong during the day, especially when you are out on the backwaters or visiting coastal areas like Kovalam.
• During temple visits, it is important to dress modestly, covering your shoulders and legs, as temples in Kerala expect respectful attire and sometimes may deny entry for inappropriate clothing.
• Always remove your footwear before entering any place of worship — this is not only a religious rule but a sign of cultural respect deeply rooted in Kerala’s traditions.
• Kerala’s cuisine is often spicy and coconut-based, but most hotels and restaurants offer options that suit a range of tastes — do not hesitate to inform your chef or server if you prefer milder food.
• Drinking tap water is not recommended; it is always better to drink bottled or filtered water, and make sure the seal is intact when purchasing bottled water from local vendors.
• The local people of Kerala are very friendly and hospitable — do smile and greet with a polite “Namaskaram” when you interact with locals; it is often appreciated and met with warmth.
• You should always carry some cash in small denominations (10s, 20s, 50s), especially when visiting small shops, markets, and villages where digital payments or card machines may not be available.
• While English is widely spoken in Kerala’s tourist areas, learning a few basic Malayalam words like “Nanni” (thank you) or “Sughamano?” (How are you?) can be a fun and respectful way to connect with locals.
• Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and resorts, but internet access may be limited or slower in some rural areas, especially on the houseboat or in the forest regions of Thekkady.
• You may experience short power cuts or voltage fluctuations in some areas; it is advisable to carry a small power bank or torch for your mobile phone and gadgets.
• Ayurveda treatments and massages are widely available in Kerala, but you should always choose a certified centre with experienced practitioners, especially if you have allergies or medical conditions.
• When cruising on the houseboat, keep your valuable items securely packed or within your reach, especially if you leave your cabin or spend time on the open deck.
• Mosquitoes may be present near water bodies, especially in the evenings — carry an insect repellent lotion or spray and apply it when needed, especially during your stay in the houseboat and forested areas.
• Photography is allowed in most public places, but always seek permission before taking photos of people, especially locals, temple rituals, or in tribal communities.
• Kerala has a strong environmental culture, so it is important not to litter in public spaces, national parks, or on beaches — always carry a small disposable bag to collect waste and dispose of it responsibly.
• Mobile network coverage is generally good in Kerala, but you may experience weak signals or no reception in remote areas like forest trails, spice plantations, or while sailing deeper into the backwaters.
• Public transport such as auto-rickshaws and local buses are available, but for the purpose of the tour, private transfers will be more comfortable and help you keep to the schedule more efficiently.
• Lastly, travel insurance is highly recommended — though not compulsory, it can provide a great deal of support in case of lost baggage, missed connections, or any unexpected medical needs during your journey.

Best time to go for Classic Kerala Tour

When planning a trip to a scenic and soulful destination like Kerala, understanding the best time to visit is very important. Kerala is a year-round destination, but your experience can differ based on the season, type of places you wish to explore, and the activities you are interested in. Since this Classic Kerala Tour Package includes visits to Kochi, Munnar, Periyar, Alleppey, and Kovalam, it is good to consider the climate and ambiance of each region before selecting your travel dates.

The most recommended time to travel on this Kerala backwaters and hill station tour is during the winter months, starting from October and continuing through March. This period is widely considered the best season to visit Kerala because the climate is pleasant, neither too hot nor too humid, and all tourist services operate in full swing. During these months, Kerala enjoys fresh, crisp air with average daytime temperatures between 24 to 32 degrees Celsius, which is ideal for sightseeing, houseboat rides, wildlife safaris, and even relaxing beach moments in Kovalam.

In Munnar and Periyar, which are both located in Kerala’s hill stations, the weather during winter is particularly cool and refreshing. The temperature can drop to 10–15 degrees Celsius, especially in the early mornings and evenings. You can enjoy the misty hills, blooming tea gardens, and nature walks in complete comfort. This is one of the main reasons why the Kerala hill station and backwater tour becomes most popular in the winter season, when every part of the state shows its greenest and cleanest face.

The summer months, from April to early June, are also open for travel, but they can be hot and humid, especially in the coastal areas like Kochi, Alleppey, and Kovalam. Temperatures may rise to 34–37 degrees Celsius in the daytime. However, the hill stations of Munnar and Periyar still remain comparatively cool and soothing. If you enjoy off-season travel and do not mind a bit of heat, this period offers lower hotel prices and fewer crowds, making it ideal for budget travellers or photographers who want quiet and calm spaces.

The monsoon season, which falls between June and September, brings with it frequent rains, cloudy skies, and vibrant green landscapes. While this is not the most popular time for beach or houseboat holidays, monsoon holds a very special appeal for those who want a different, more romantic, and rain-washed version of Kerala. The rivers overflow, waterfalls come alive, and the air becomes pure and aromatic with wet earth and spices. This time is also considered the best season for Ayurveda treatments, as the cool and moist climate allows oils and herbal therapies to work better on the body.