Mystical Kerala Tour: Hills, Wildlife and Backwaters

After breakfast, drive to Trivandrum for a private sightseeing tour. Visit the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, one of Kerala's most important historic temples. Please note that only Hindus are permitted to enter the temple's main sanctum, while non-Hindu visitors cannot enter the temple. The temple can therefore be viewed from the permitted areas according to the prevailing entry regulations.

Continue to the Napier Museum, known for its collection of traditional Kerala art, bronze idols and historic artefacts, followed by a visit to the Kuthiramalika Palace Museum, also known as the Puthen Malika Palace, built by the Travancore royal family. Later, return to Kovalam and visit Lighthouse Beach and the Kovalam Lighthouse, followed by time at Hawah Beach and Samudra Beach. Enjoy the evening by the Arabian Sea or relax at your resort. Overnight stay in Kovalam.

After breakfast, check out from your resort and drive to Thekkady. The journey takes you from the coastal plains of Kerala into the green hills of the Western Ghats, with changing landscapes of forests, plantations and mountain scenery along the way. On arrival in Thekkady, check in at your resort and take some time to relax after the journey.

Later in the afternoon, drive to Kumily, the main gateway town to the Periyar region, and visit a local spice plantation. Kerala is famous for its spices, particularly cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon and cloves. During the visit, learn about the cultivation and traditional uses of these spices while walking through the plantation. Return to your resort in Thekkady in the evening and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Thekkady.

After breakfast, proceed to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary for a morning boat cruise on Periyar Lake. The cruise takes you through the forested landscape of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, where you may see Asian elephants, sambar deer, wild boar, gaur and a variety of birds along the lake and forest edges. Wildlife sightings are naturally subject to the season and conditions.

After the cruise, return to Thekkady and enjoy some time at leisure. You may relax at the resort or explore the local market and shops in Kumily, known for its spices, tea and local handicrafts. In the evening, experience a Kalaripayattu performance, the traditional martial art of Kerala. Watch skilled performers demonstrate traditional combat techniques, including impressive displays of agility, strength and weapon skills. Overnight stay in Thekkady.

After breakfast, check out from your resort and drive to Munnar, travelling through the scenic hills of the Western Ghats. The route passes through lush forests, spice plantations and tea-growing areas, with beautiful views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.

On arrival in Munnar, check in at Tea County Munnar, a well-established hill resort located close to the town centre. Later, visit a tea plantation to see the neatly laid-out tea gardens covering the hillsides and learn about tea cultivation in the region. Continue to the Tea Museum, where you can learn about the history of tea production in Munnar and see the traditional methods used in tea processing. Return to the hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Munnar.

After breakfast, visit Eravikulam National Park (Rajamalai), home to the rare Nilgiri Tahr and rolling grassland hills. Later proceed to Mattupetty Dam, known for its scenic reservoir and boating views, followed by Echo Point, famous for its natural echo phenomenon. Continue to Kundala Lake, a peaceful spot surrounded by hills. If time permits, visit Top Station, offering panoramic valley views. After sightseeing, return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, check out from Tea County Munnar and drive to Kumarakom. The journey takes you from the hills of Munnar through lush countryside and plantations towards the tranquil backwaters of Kerala.

On arrival in Kumarakom, check in at Lakesong Resort, set beside the beautiful Vembanad Lake. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to relax and enjoy the resort's peaceful backwater surroundings. Overnight stay in Kumarakom.