The Ultimate Kerala Holiday Itinerary: Tea Hills, Spice Trails & Backwater Bliss
From the heritage streets of Kochi to the misty tea estates of Munnar, the wildlife of Periyar and the serene backwaters of Alleppey, this Kerala holiday itinerary takes curious travellers on a deeply rewarding journey through one of India's most captivating states.
Your Kerala Holiday Itinerary Begins in Kochi
Fly from London into Kochi, the spirited gateway to Kerala, where ancient trading history meets a relaxed coastal charm. On your first evening, settle in and let the mood be set by a traditional Kathakali dance performance — elaborate costumes, vivid face paint, and expressive storytelling that draws on centuries of Indian mythology. It is the kind of welcome that stays with you.
The following morning, explore Fort Kochi at a leisurely pace. Wander past the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets silhouetted against the harbour light, step inside St. Francis Church — one of the oldest European churches in India — and visit the Dutch Palace and the Jewish Synagogue in the old Mattancherry quarter. The layered history here is remarkable: Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences woven together into a single, fascinating district. Allow time to browse the local spice markets before heading onwards.
Into the Hills: Munnar and the Tea Plantations
The drive from Kochi to Munnar is an experience in itself, climbing through rubber groves and mist-covered ridges until the landscape transforms into rolling carpets of green tea. A Munnar tea plantations tour reveals more than pretty scenery — visit the Tea Museum to understand the full journey from leaf to cup, and perhaps take a guided trek through the estates with Anamudi Peak, the highest summit in South India, forming a dramatic backdrop.
Wildlife and Spice: Thekkady and Periyar
From Munnar, the road winds down towards Thekkady, home to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. A boat ride on Periyar Lake is the centrepiece here — scan the forested shoreline for wild elephants, bison, and rare birds drifting to the water's edge. Afterwards, join a guided tour of a working spice plantation to see cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon, and cloves growing in their natural habitat. Round off your evening with a Kalaripayattu martial arts display, an ancient Kerala fighting art that is as graceful as it is powerful.
Kumarakom and the Alleppey Houseboat Cruise
Travelling west brings you to Kumarakom, a tranquil village on the shores of Vembanad Lake. This is the place to slow down entirely — an Ayurvedic massage, a gentle heritage walk, and the sound of birds over still water. From here, board a traditional kettuvallam houseboat and glide into the backwaters of Alleppey. Palm-fringed canals, paddy fields, village life glimpsed from the water, and freshly prepared Kerala meals served on deck — an Alleppey houseboat cruise is the defining experience of any journey through this part of India, and one that genuinely cannot be replicated anywhere else on earth.
Returning to Kochi
Your final evening brings you back to Kochi, with time to pick up souvenirs in the bazaars or simply sit by the harbour and watch the fishing nets rise and fall with the tide. It is a fitting close to a journey that has moved through culture, wilderness, and utter serenity in equal measure.
If this Kerala journey speaks to you, get in touch with Citibond Holidays to discuss how we can arrange every detail, from your Kerala tours from UK departure to your houseboat nights on the backwaters.
