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Kerala feels different from the moment you arrive — softer, slower, more elemental.
This 7-day Kerala private tour is designed for travellers who want a beautifully balanced journey through South India’s culture, landscapes and the quiet rituals of everyday life. Your adventure begins in the coastal heritage city of Kochi, where centuries of spice trade shaped a vibrant mosaic of faiths, flavours and architecture along the Arabian Sea. From here, the cool tea-draped hills of Munnar invite you into a world of rolling plantations, misty valleys and the craft of the perfect brew.
Read MoreThen comes Alleppey, where you drift through palm-lined canals aboard a private houseboat, watching village life unfold at the water’s edge in an atmosphere of complete ease and gentle curiosity. The journey concludes in the wetlands of Kumarakom, a sanctuary of birdlife, backwater sunsets and slow rhythms — the ideal exhale at the end of a rich, sensory week in God’s Own Country.
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Highlights at glance
- Begin your journey in Kochi, a historic port city shaped by Arab traders, Chinese explorers and European settlers, where cultural diversity and maritime heritage blend seamlessly.
- Experience Kerala’s classical arts with a live Kathakali performance, watching mythological tales unfold through expressive gestures, colour and rhythm.
- Explore the ancient Muziris region, where some of India’s earliest Jewish, Christian and Muslim communities took root along the Malabar Coast.
- Ascend into the cool hills of Munnar, discovering tea estates, factory processes and leafy mountain trails that reveal the region’s natural beauty.
- Cruise Alleppey’s iconic backwaters aboard a private Kettuvallam houseboat, drifting past villages, rice paddies and reflections of daily life on the water.
- Spend a night on the backwaters, a quintessential Kerala luxury experience offering peace, scenery and the gentle artistry of slow travel.
- Unwind in Kumarakom’s tranquil wetlands, a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers, where Vembanad Lake sets the pace for a serene final chapter.
01st & 02nd Nights : Kochi
Kochi, long celebrated as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea,” is a city shaped by centuries of spice trade and maritime exchange. Arab, Chinese and European influences have left their mark on its palaces, synagogues, warehouses and waterfronts, creating a tapestry of cultures unlike anywhere else in India. Blessed with a tropical coastline and quiet backwaters, Kochi feels both vibrant and contemplative. Across two nights, you’ll settle into its rhythm—exploring heritage quarters, lively markets and scenic promenades—while enjoying the comfort of your hotel, a welcoming base from which to begin your Kerala private tour.
On arrival at Kochi International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel to settle in. Later, witness one of Kerala’s most captivating cultural traditions: a live Kathakali performance. This classical dance-drama blends expressive gestures, intricate facial makeup and rhythmic storytelling to portray scenes from ancient epics. As performers transform themselves through vibrant costumes and controlled movements, you gain a deeper understanding of Kerala’s artistic heritage. The evening sets the tone for your Kerala private tour, introducing you to the region’s rich creativity and its unique way of expressing myth, movement and emotion.
This morning, explore the historic Malabar Coast, once home to the thriving port of Muziris. Here, ancient trade routes brought Jewish settlers, early Christians and the region’s first mosque, shaping a landscape of remarkable cultural harmony. After lunch, your guided tour reveals more of Kochi’s layered identity. Watch fishermen operate the iconic Chinese nets at Cheenavala, a living tradition said to date back to Kublai Khan’s era. Continue to Fort Kochi, where colonial-era architecture and cobbled streets reflect Portuguese, Dutch and British influences. It’s a day that enriches your appreciation of Kerala’s multicultural soul.
03rd & 04th Nights: Munnar
High in the Western Ghats, Munnar greets you with crisp mountain air, emerald slopes and the soothing scent of tea leaves. Once a retreat for British planters, this hill station is now one of Kerala’s most scenic escapes, where rolling plantations and mist-filled valleys create postcard-perfect landscapes. Your stay here brings you close to nature, with opportunities to explore walking trails, visit tea factories and witness the artistry behind every cup. Evenings are peaceful, allowing time to unwind at your hillside retreat and absorb the tranquility that defines this chapter of your Kerala luxury tour.
After breakfast, embark on a scenic four-hour drive into the Western Ghats, travelling through winding roads, tea estates and mist-covered valleys as the landscape gradually shifts from coastal warmth to mountain cool. Upon arriving in Munnar, check in to your hillside retreat and enjoy time to relax. The afternoon is free—perhaps wander the property, take in the mountain views or chat with the staff to learn about local life. As evening settles, you may join a guided nature walk or sample regional teas, easing beautifully into your Kerala luxury tour’s hill-country chapter.
Begin your morning with a gentle Yoga and Meditation session led by an experienced practitioner, offering a peaceful introduction to the day. After breakfast, explore a working tea plantation and the Tea Museum, where the journey from leaf to cup is revealed through exhibits, machinery and stories of early planters. The afternoon is yours to enjoy. You may relax in the cool mountain air, follow a scenic walking trail or visit nearby spice plantations where cardamom is cultivated and dried. This immersive day blends wellness, history and nature, deepening your connection to Munnar’s serene landscape.
05th Night – Alleppey
Your Alleppey stay offers a quintessential Kerala experience—an overnight journey through the region’s iconic backwaters aboard a traditional Kettuvallam houseboat. Once used to transport spices and rice, these handcrafted vessels now provide a serene and intimate way to witness village life along the canals. As your boat glides past coconut groves, quiet rice paddies and mirrored waterways, the gentle pace encourages deep relaxation. With freshly prepared meals and attentive crew, this night becomes a highlight of your Kerala luxury tour, immersing you in the timeless beauty and tranquillity of God’s Own Country.
After breakfast, travel towards Alleppey, descending from the mountains into a world of shimmering waterways, coconut groves and lakeside villages. At the jetty, board your private Kettuvallam houseboat, traditionally crafted from Jack wood and coir and designed to offer comfort while preserving Kerala’s maritime heritage. As you cruise through quiet canals, a dedicated crew prepares fresh regional meals while life along the banks unfolds at an unhurried pace. Children walk to school, fishermen cast their nets and farmers tend to paddy fields. This slow, scenic journey becomes one of the most memorable moments of your Kerala luxury tour.
06th Night – Kumarakom
Kumarakom welcomes you into a landscape shaped by vast wetlands, bird sanctuaries and the gentle expanse of Vembanad Lake. Your resort, accessible only by boat, sits amid coconut groves and quiet canals, offering a rare sense of seclusion and harmony with nature. Here, time seems to slow: fishermen glide across the water at dawn, migratory birds circle overhead and the breeze carries the scent of the backwaters. This final night invites reflection and rest, completing your South India luxury tour with an atmosphere of calm that beautifully contrasts the cultural highlights of earlier days.
After breakfast on board, disembark and transfer by boat and road to your resort in Kumarakom, a peaceful sanctuary set within Kerala’s unique wetland ecosystem. The day is yours to shape. Birdwatchers may spot darters, egrets and migratory species gliding above the reeds, while nature enthusiasts can explore butterfly gardens or join gentle boat rides through winding canals. For a more active experience, kayaking offers close encounters with the region’s flora and waterways. Whether relaxing by the lake, wandering the property or enjoying a sunset cruise, Kumarakom provides a soothing finale to your South India luxury tour.
Day 7 – Kumarakom to Kochi & Departure
Your journey concludes today as you check out and travel to Kochi International Airport. The drive, passing through leafy villages and lakeside scenery, takes around ninety minutes. Our team will ensure a smooth arrival with ample time for check-in and security procedures. As you prepare for your onward flight, reflect on the week’s experiences—from Kochi’s cultural tapestry and Munnar’s cool hills to Alleppey’s backwater serenity and Kumarakom’s gentle wetlands. It is a journey that distils the essence of Kerala: warm, welcoming, unhurried and deeply connected to nature.
You may see the hotels which we have handpicked for you under each accomadation style. However, there are hundreds of other alternative properties for you to select if you wish to and you may mix and match hotels in different categories as well.
Modest
Accommodation
$ 2,230
1-2 persons
$ 2,090
3-4 persons
$ 1,815
5-6 persons
If you’re looking for a no-frills stay that’s easy on the wallet, and love to spend time with locals and explore the surroundings at your own pace, this is the perfect choice for you. This hotel style is wonderfully cosy, unique, mostly owner-run and provides you with a more personalised service.
Taj Malabar Resort & Spa
Taj Malabar Resort & Spa sits gracefully along Willingdon Island, offering sweeping views of Cochin Harbour and the serene backwaters that define Kerala’s coastal identity.
Ambady Estate, Munnar – A Heritage Plantation Retreat
Ambady Estate is a restored colonial-era planter’s bungalow set amid rolling tea gardens on the outskirts of Munnar.
Xandari Houseboats
Our Modest Kerala Houseboat Experience is designed for travellers who want to feel the rhythm of the backwaters without unnecessary frills.
Backwater Ripples
Backwater Ripples sits along the peaceful shores of Vembanad Lake, offering travellers a tranquil retreat surrounded by coconut groves, gardens, and shimmering backwaters.
Plush
Accommodation
$ 2,420
1-2 persons
$ 2,240
3-4 persons
$ 2,005
5-6 persons
Indulgence without breaking the bank? Well, this is the category for you. Personalised and high-quality service, attention to detail, comfort and all modern amenities are hallmarks of this category, whilst being situated in some amazing locations.
Brunton Boatyard – Kochi
Nestled in the historic heart of Fort Kochi, the Brunton Boatyard is a unique CGH Earth property that offers an immersive experience in the rich…
Windermere Estate, Munnar – A Secluded Plantation Sanctuary
Windermere Estate is a secluded hill-country retreat set within a working tea and cardamom plantation on the outskirts of Munnar.
Spice Tree Munnar
Nestled in the heart of the Western Ghats, SpiceTree is a unique mountain retreat located between the evergreen Kannan Devan Hills and Bison Valley Hills
Spice Coast Houseboats
Our Plush Kerala Alleppey Houseboat Experience is crafted for travellers who enjoy a little more refinement on the water while still staying close to the…
Lakes & Lagoon Houseboat – Alleppey
Alleppey, often referred to as the "Venice of the East," is a stunning natural paradise filled with lush greenery, serene lakes, and vibrant local life.
CGH Coconut Lagoon – Kumarakom
Coconut Lagoon is a captivating retreat located in the serene backwaters of Kerala, accessible by a picturesque boat ride through Vembanad Lake.
Dreamy
Accommodation
$ 3,000
1-2 persons
$ 2,880
3-4 persons
$ 2,595
5-6 persons
The absolute best in comfort and experience, these high-end properties will make your jaw drop! Unique designs, private plunge pools, personal butlers… the list goes on at these boutique properties. Luxury here is not about star ratings and amenities, it’s about being away from crowds and having authentic, personalised experiences.
Kumarakom Lake Resort Houseboats
Our Dreamy Kerala Houseboat Experience is designed for travellers who imagine the backwaters as a place of quiet elite
Everything you need to know about the tour
We’ve taken every possible measure to ensure your safety and comfort during this tour.
The hotels, tours, add-ons, guides and chauffeurs who are part of this programme are carefully vetted, so that you enjoy the highest quality standards and enjoy your tour with peace of mind. At any given point of the tour you will always be within reach of your guide or chauffeur, either physically or via phone (e.g: when you are out exploring on your own), for any assistance.
The important stuff:
- If domestic airfare is included in your quote, it reflects the best available average fare at the time of costing. Airfares fluctuate, so the final amount may increase or decrease at the time of booking. We will confirm the exact fare before issuing tickets.
- Standard check in time is 1400 hrs and check out time is 1200 noon at most of the hotels.
- Taj Mahal remains closed on every Friday.
Included:
- Accommodation on a double or twin sharing basis with Bed & Breakfast throughout the tour, except for the houseboat stay, where all meals are included.
- Air-conditioned Toyota Innova Crysta for all transfers, sightseeing and long-distance travel.
- Full arrival and departure meet-and-assist services at airports, railway stations, and during hotel check-ins and check-outs in major cities.
- English-speaking local guides during city sightseeing tours and curated walking experiences, including monument entrance fees as per the itinerary.
- Cochin – Half day sightseeing tour of Cochin, including an evening visit to a Kathakali dance performance.
Munnar – Visit to the Tea Museum and surrounding tea plantations. - Yoga and meditation session in Munnar on Day 4.
- Mandatory Government Service Tax included.
Not Included:
- India tourist visa is required prior to travel (except select nationalities eligible for visa-on-arrival).
More details: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/ - Optional tours or activities not listed in the inclusions.
- Personal expenses such as tipping, beverages, laundry, telephone calls, and camera fees.
- Items ordered via room service, including water, unless complimentary at the hotel.
- Any increase in costs due to fuel hikes, government tax changes, airline fare revisions, or changes in park fees.
- Costs arising from natural calamities, strikes, political unrest, riots, road closures, or flight cancellations.
- Any forced itinerary changes due to circumstances beyond our control.
India Seasonality & Rate Variations:
India operates on distinct peak and off-peak travel windows, largely influenced by the monsoon cycle. The main season runs from October to March, when the weather is cooler, drier and ideal for sightseeing and wildlife safaris — which is why most national parks are fully open and hotel rates are generally higher.
The off-season (April to September) brings heat and monsoon rains that move across the country in phases. Travelling during these months is still very possible — especially if your itinerary does not focus on safari parks — but one must expect rain, humidity and occasional scheduling adjustments. The benefit, however, is access to more flexible pricing and lower crowd presence at monuments and cities.
To keep things simple, Experiential Journeys lists the lowest seasonal ball-park rate online, then provides the exact cost once travel dates are confirmed. Nothing is charged until the final price is agreed upon.
Experiential Journeys is Australian-based and prices in AUD, serving travellers from New Zealand, U.K., U.S.A., Canada & U.A.E.
Experience
Possible experience in this tour
Some of these experiences are already included in the tour you are looking at, either as a full length or time limited activity. You have the freedom to pick out the ones you want during your tour and the extent to how you want to experience it.
1 hour
Kathakali Dance Performance
Witness the mesmerizing art of Kathakali, Kerala’s most iconic classical dance-drama, in an intimate live theatre setting.
Kochi
4-5 hours
Kettuvallam Cruise – Kerala’s Timeless Backwater Voyage
Step aboard a Kettuvallam, Kerala’s iconic houseboat, and journey through the tranquil backwaters that stretch like
Kochi
5 hours
Muziris Heritage Tour
Muziris, once a bustling ancient port city on Kerala’s Malabar Coast, lies just an hour north of Cochin.
Kochi
6 hours
Munnar Tea Heritage Tour
As you walk through the museum, you’ll uncover the legacy of tea in Munnar—from early plantations that first attracted
Munnar
3 hours
Coconut Lagoon Retreat
Experience Colombo through its colourful, aromatic, multicultural cuisines on this 3-hour evening walking tour.
Kumarakom