Private journey · Kerala
Kerala Classic: Kochi, Tea Hills, Backwaters and Beach
A recommended 10-night private journey from Kochi: Fort Kochi, the tea hills of Munnar, the Periyar forest at Thekkady, the backwaters by resort and houseboat, and Marari beach before an easy return to Kochi airport. Chauffeur-driven throughout; an 11-night alternative ends on the southern coast at Varkala or Kovalam.
Duration
Recommended 10 nights (9–12 possible)
Route
Kochi → Kochi (or → Thiruvananthapuram)
Pace
2 nights at most stops, one transfer day
Travel season
Year-round; driest December–February
Journey overview
Kerala’s five landscapes in one unhurried loop
This is the Kerala-first journey: the state on its own, at a pace that lets each landscape register. It starts in Kochi with a day in the old port, climbs to Munnar for two nights in the tea estates, crosses the spice hills to Thekkady and the Periyar reserve, then drops to the backwaters, where a night in a lakeside resort at Kumarakom is followed by a night on a houseboat from Alleppey. Two nights at Marari beach close the loop, 1.5 to 2 hours from Kochi airport.
Every drive is a hill or coastal road rather than a highway, so days are built around the transfer: morning on the road with stops, afternoon free. The houseboat is one recommended way to see the backwaters, not a requirement; a second resort night is the alternative. The journey can also finish on the southern coast at Varkala or Kovalam and fly out of Thiruvananthapuram, which adds a night and avoids returning to Kochi.
Route summary
- Kochi — 2 nights
- Munnar — 2 nights
- Thekkady — 2 nights
- Kumarakom — 1 night
- Alleppey houseboat — 1 night (or a second resort night)
- Marari beach — 2 nights, then Kochi airport
Alternative finish (11 nights): after the houseboat, 3 nights at Varkala or Kovalam, departing from Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum). A 9-night version drops one Thekkady night; 12 nights add a third night at Munnar or on the coast.
Who it suits
Who this journey suits
A first journey in Kerala for travellers who want hills, forest, water and coast without flying between them.
- First-time visitors to Kerala and to India, for whom it is a gentle introduction
- Couples who want the tea hills and a houseboat night, and a beach to finish
- Families with children: boats, plantations and a beach, with short days
- NRIs showing relatives their home state, or returning for a holiday rather than a visit
- Seniors who prefer two or three nights at each stop and hill roads taken slowly
- Private groups of friends or relatives travelling together in one vehicle
Highlights
Kerala Classic highlights
Fort Kochi
Chinese fishing nets, the Dutch-era lanes and Mattancherry, walked early with a private guide if you wish.
Munnar tea country
Two nights among the estates, with a tea-factory visit, viewpoints and the cool highland air.
Periyar at Thekkady
A lake boat or a guided walk in the reserve, and a spice plantation, subject to availability, reserve rules, operating conditions and seasonal factors.
The backwaters two ways
A lakeside resort night at Kumarakom and a houseboat night from Alleppey: canals, paddies and village life from the water.
Marari beach
Two nights of nothing on a quiet stretch of coast, with Kochi airport close by for the flight home.
A finish to suit you
Return to Kochi, or end on the southern coast at Varkala or Kovalam and fly from Thiruvananthapuram.
Day by day
Day by day: recommended 10-night plan
Drive times are approximate and depend on traffic and stops. Every day can be adjusted to your flights and pace.
Day 1 · Arrive Kochi
Your chauffeur meets you at Cochin International Airport and drives you to Fort Kochi (approximately 1 to 1.5 hours). Depending on your flight, an evening walk by the fishing nets, or simply rest. See Kochi.
Overnight: Kochi
Day 2 · Kochi
A morning walk through Fort Kochi and Mattancherry: the synagogue and Dutch Palace (closed on certain days), the spice warehouses and the churches. Afternoon free; a Kathakali performance in the evening, subject to the programme.
Overnight: Kochi
Day 3 · Kochi to Munnar
The hill road climbs through rubber, then spice, then tea, approximately 4 to 5 hours with stops at waterfalls and viewpoints. Arrive by mid-afternoon with the rest of the day free. See Munnar.
Overnight: Munnar
Day 4 · Munnar
Morning in the estates with a tea-factory visit, and a viewpoint such as Top Station if the weather is clear. Eravikulam National Park as an option when open; wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Afternoon at the hotel.
Overnight: Munnar
Day 5 · Munnar to Thekkady
Approximately 3.5 to 4 hours through cardamom hills. Lunch on arrival, then a spice plantation walk in the afternoon. See Thekkady.
Overnight: Thekkady
Day 6 · Thekkady
A Periyar lake boat trip or a guided nature walk in the reserve, subject to availability, reserve rules, operating conditions and seasonal factors. The rest of the day free; a Kalaripayattu demonstration in the evening if you wish.
Overnight: Thekkady
Day 7 · Thekkady to Kumarakom
Down from the hills to Vembanad lake, approximately 4 hours. Check into a lakeside resort and spend the afternoon by the water; sunset from the jetty. See Alleppey and Kumarakom.
Overnight: Kumarakom
Day 8 · Houseboat from Alleppey
A short drive around the lake to Alleppey and aboard your houseboat for a cruise through the canals and an overnight mooring. Boat category, cruise length and meals are as stated in your quotation. Prefer not to sleep aboard? A second resort night with a day cruise replaces it.
Overnight: Alleppey houseboat
Day 9 · Alleppey to Marari
Disembark in the morning and drive 30–45 minutes to Marari beach. The day is free.
Overnight: Marari
Day 10 · Marari
A free day on the coast: the beach, the pool, an Ayurvedic treatment at the hotel, or a canoe trip back into the backwaters.
Overnight: Marari
Day 11 · Marari to Kochi airport
Drive to Cochin International Airport (approximately 1.5 to 2 hours) for your onward flight. Alternative finish: from Alleppey on Day 9, drive south to Varkala or Kovalam for three nights and depart from Thiruvananthapuram on Day 12. See Varkala and Kovalam.
End of journey
Vehicle options
Choose a vehicle for your group
Every journey is private, with your own chauffeur-driven vehicle throughout. We suggest a category based on the size of your party and how much you are carrying.
Sedan
A comfortable choice for couples and small families travelling light.
SUV / Innova-type
More space and a higher seat for families and small groups.
Urbania / Tempo Traveller
For larger families and small groups who want to travel together.
Minibus / coach
For bigger groups, celebrations and multi-family trips.
Vehicles are booked by category; the exact model or similar is confirmed subject to availability. Compare categories on our fleet page, or see car and coach rentals with driver if you only need transport.
Hotel options
Hotels are optional
Choose the arrangement that suits you. Both follow the same route and pace.
Vehicle and driver only
You book your own accommodation, and we plan the route, timings and daily driving around where you are staying.
Vehicle, driver and hotels
We suggest places to stay based on comfort level, location, budget and availability, and include them in one quotation.
Houseboats, lakeside resorts, tea-estate bungalows and beach hotels are limited in number and book out in season; early planning helps.
Make it yours
Flexibility and customisation
Use this plan as a starting point. Common changes include:
- End on the southern coast: Varkala or Kovalam for three nights, flying from Thiruvananthapuram (11 nights)
- Replace the houseboat night with a second resort night and a day cruise
- Add Wayanad or arrive overland from Karnataka (see Coffee, Hills and Backwaters)
- Shorten to 9 nights with one night at Thekkady
- Add a private guide in Fort Kochi and at the plantations
- Continue into Tamil Nadu from Thekkady (Madurai) or from the coast (Kanyakumari)
- Adding or removing nights at any stop
- Swapping a stop for one that better suits your interests
- Adding airport transfers at either end of your trip
- Continuing to other parts of India, with ground services arranged through vetted partners
Private guides can be arranged for selected heritage, cultural and city visits.
Senior & family pacing
Travelling with seniors or young children
We can plan slower mornings, shorter driving days, fewer stops and an extra night where it helps. Tell us about any mobility needs when you enquire so we can suggest suitable stays and visits.
No day combines a long drive with major sightseeing: transfers are mornings with stops, and afternoons are free. Hill roads are taken slowly, the houseboat is optional for anyone who prefers a fixed bed, and the two beach nights at the end are deliberately empty.
Inclusions & exclusions
What your quotation covers
Inclusions and exclusions are confirmed in your quotation based on the selected route, vehicle, hotel option and travel plan.
Your quotation sets out:
- The vehicle category and driver arrangements
- Whether hotels are included and, if so, their comfort level and locations
- Your day-by-day route and timings
- Any guides, entry tickets or activities you ask us to arrange
Pricing & payment
Pricing depends on route, vehicle category, dates and travel requirements, so every booking starts with a tailored quote. A booking is confirmed once the required advance payment is received and South Zone Holidays issues confirmation in accordance with the agreed quotation and service availability. The advance amount and balance terms are stated on your quotation. We accept international credit and debit cards, bank transfer and UPI.
5% GST applicable. GST invoice available.
FAQ
Questions about Kerala Classic
24/7 Guest Support
English-Speaking Drivers
Airport Meet & Greet
Private Guides on Request
Senior-Friendly Planning
Plan this journey
Plan your Kerala Classic journey
Tell us your dates, who is travelling and anything you would like to change. We will reply with a suggested plan and a tailored quote.
Temples & Backwaters
14 nights from Chennai to Kochi: the Pallava coast, Pondicherry, Thanjavur, Madurai, Thekkady, Munnar and the backwaters.
Ghats to Coast
13–14 nights from Bengaluru to Kochi: Mysuru, Nagarhole, Ooty, Fort Kochi, a houseboat night and Marari.
Coffee, Hills & Backwaters
12–13 nights from Bengaluru to Kochi: Coorg, Wayanad, Munnar, Thekkady and the Alleppey backwaters.
Planning a South India Trip or Need a Vehicle?
Tell us your dates, group size and where you want to go. We reply with a clear plan and quotation — no obligation.