Kerala Private Tour with Backwaters & Tea Plantations

Summary

Kerala highlights tour from Kochi to Trivandrum

This Kerala private tour takes you from Kochi’s historic streets and lively markets to Munnar’s lush tea plantations and Periyar’s wildlife-rich forests. Glide through Alleppey’s peaceful backwaters, then unwind on Kovalam’s sandy beaches—all with seamless transfers and local insight along the way.

What’s the experience like?

“You have to try this,” our guide grinned, handing me the thick rope of a Chinese fishing net along the edge of Fort Kochi. The wood creaked as we pulled together, and I caught a whiff of salt and fried snacks drifting over from a nearby stall. Later, we wandered through Jew Town, where old spice shops still display cinnamon sticks in glass jars and the synagogue’s blue tiles felt cool under my sandals.

The drive up to Munnar was all winding roads and misty air—at one point, we stopped just to listen to the sound of tea leaves being plucked by women in bright saris. Our hotel overlooked rolling green hills dotted with tea bushes as far as you could see. The next morning, I woke early to catch the sun rising over the Western Ghats, painting everything gold for a few quiet minutes before breakfast.

Periyar brought a different kind of calm: jungle sounds at dusk, monkeys chattering somewhere above us as we walked near the edge of the national park. In Alleppey, stepping onto our houseboat felt like entering another world—water hyacinths floating past, fishermen waving from their canoes, and the distant call to prayer echoing across the backwaters. By the time we reached Kovalam, all I wanted was to sink my toes into warm sand and watch local kids play cricket at sunset.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and Leisure in Kochi

• Arrival and transfer to hotel
• Optional Kathakali Dance performance

Day 2 — Kochi Heritage and Travel to Munnar

• Tour Fort Kochi heritage sites
• Drive to Munnar via Valara waterfalls

Day 3 — Munnar Local Sightseeing

• Visit Echo Point, Poopara, Mattupetty, Eravikulam Park

Day 4 — Drive to Periyar National Park

• Travel to Periyar and check-in
• Free day for activities

Day 5 — Periyar to Alleppey Backwaters

• Drive to Alleppey, visit Coir factory and Krishna Temple

Day 6 — Allepey to Kovalam

• Travel to Kovalam and check-in
• Free day with optional Ayurveda massage

Day 7 — Leisure and Sightseeing in Kovalam

• Visit Trivandrum city, Shri Chitra Art Gallery, Veli Tourist village

Day 8 — Departure from Trivandrum

• Transfer to Trivandrum airport

Top questions

Is this Kerala private tour suitable for families?

Yes, it’s great for families—there are activities for all ages, plus comfortable hotels and flexible pacing throughout the trip.

Are airport transfers included in this Kerala highlights tour?

Both arrival and departure airport transfers are included from Kochi or Trivandrum, so you won’t need to arrange extra transport.

Can I try local food during this Kerala private tour?

You’ll have plenty of chances to sample Kerala cuisine at local restaurants and markets; breakfast is included at each hotel.

Is this tour accessible for travelers with limited mobility?

The tour is wheelchair accessible with specialized transport options available—just let us know your needs when booking.

What’s included

Your journey comes with private airport pickup and drop-off, daily breakfast at each hotel, air-conditioned vehicle for all sightseeing and transfers, plus assistance at every stop along the route. All taxes, driver allowances, state tolls, and comfortable double-occupancy rooms are covered too—so you can focus on soaking up Kerala’s sights without worrying about logistics.