Number of Days: 06 Nights / 07 Days
Routing: Cochin – Alleppey – Kumarakom – Periyar – Kovalam
Tour Highlights
COCHIN: St. Francis’ Church, Dutch Palace (built by the Portuguese), Jewish Synagogue, spice market, Chinese fishing nets & Kathakali dance show
ALLEPPEY: Houseboat experience
KUMARAKOM: Backwaters & Bird Sanctuary
PERIYAR: Spice plantations & elephant activities
KOVALAM: Beaches
TRIVANDRUM: Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Sri Chitra Art Gallery & Museum
Day 01: Arrive Cochin
Arrive in Cochin. After a traditional ‘Swagat’ (welcome), our representative will assist you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check-in.
Cochin has long enjoyed historic maritime trade connections with the Middle East, Mediterranean Europe and the Dutch. It possesses one of the finest natural harbours along the Arabian Sea. The city’s cosmopolitan character is reflected in its diverse architecture and cultural heritage.
Today, visit St. Francis’ Church, the oldest European church in India. Explore the Jewish Synagogue, built in 1568 and adorned with Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers, housing ancient scrolls of the Old Testament. Walk through the historic spice market, where the aroma of spices recalls centuries of global trade. View the iconic Chinese fishing nets (Cheenavala), believed to have been introduced by traders from the court of Kublai Khan.
In the evening, enjoy Kerala’s renowned classical dance performance, Kathakali.
Overnight Hotel – Cochin (B)
Day 02: Cochin – Alleppey by Surface (70 km / 1½ hrs)
Drive to Alleppey (Alappuzha), often referred to as the “Venice of the East.” Known for its scenic canals, backwaters and lagoons, the town was developed in the late 18th century by Diwan Raja Kesavadas. The surrounding Kuttanad region, the rice bowl of Kerala, is famous for its vast paddy fields, streams and coconut groves.
On arrival, board a traditional houseboat (Kettuvallam) and cruise through the tranquil backwaters from Alleppey to Kumarakom, observing village life along the waterways. A houseboat stay offers a truly unique and memorable experience.
Overnight Houseboat (B, L, D)
Day 03: Arrive Kumarakom
After breakfast, disembark at Kumarakom, a cluster of small islands on Vembanad Lake. Known for its serene landscape of lakes, canals and paddy fields, Kumarakom offers a perfect retreat into nature. Vembanad Lake is home to diverse aquatic life, including Karimeen (pearl spot fish), Chemeen (prawns) and Konju (tiger prawns).
The rest of the day is at leisure to relax at the hotel or visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Migratory birds are commonly seen between October and February, while local species such as darters, herons, egrets and water hens are present throughout the year.
Overnight Hotel – Kumarakom (B)
Day 04: Kumarakom – Periyar by Surface (185 km / 4 hrs)
Drive to Periyar (Thekkady), one of India’s most renowned wildlife regions. Surrounded by rolling hills and spice plantations, the sanctuary is known for its rich biodiversity and scenic beauty. It offers excellent opportunities for observing wildlife, including elephants, birds and other native species.
In the evening, enjoy a guided spice plantation tour.
Overnight Hotel – Periyar (B)
Day 05: Periyar – Kovalam by Surface (275 km / 6–7 hrs)
In the morning, experience an elephant activity conducted outside the protected forest area.
Later, drive to Kovalam, an internationally acclaimed beach destination featuring three adjacent crescent-shaped beaches. A rocky promontory forms a calm bay ideal for swimming. Kovalam offers a relaxed coastal atmosphere with options for sunbathing, swimming, wellness therapies and cultural programmes.
Overnight Hotel – Kovalam (B)
Day 06: Kovalam
Day at leisure to enjoy the beaches, water activities, or Ayurvedic and spa treatments available in Kovalam.
Overnight Hotel – Kovalam (B)
Day 07: Kovalam – Trivandrum Airport (16 km / 30 min)
Proceed on an excursion to Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram), an ancient city with a rich cultural and historical legacy. The name means “Abode of Lord Anantha,” the sacred serpent on which Lord Vishnu rests.
Visit the revered Padmanabhaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, noted for its towering gopuram and temple tank. Continue to the Museum, showcasing historical artefacts, bronze sculptures and cultural exhibits, followed by the Sri Chitra Art Gallery, featuring works by Raja Ravi Varma, Mughal and Rajput miniatures, and Tanjore paintings.
Our tour concludes: Caper assists you with your transfer to the airport for your onward flight and thanks you for your patronage, looking forward to serving you again in the future.
