Family trip to Kerala
Between Munnar tea plantations and Alleppey backwaters, an authentic Kerala where spice aromas and elephant encounters blend together.
Duration
13 days
From
€1,425/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Oct, Nov, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Family, Couple, senior
The spirit of travel
This relaxing thirteen-day journey explores the indolent state of Kerala, the southernmost state of Inde. The perfect destination for a nature - culture - wellness cocktail. With its beaches inviting leisurely relaxation, its strolls at the swaying pace of elephants, its tropical cruises on Kerala's canals, it constitutes an unforgettable experience.
Our journey begins with a guided tour of Cochin (Kochi), nicknamed the pearl of the Arabian Sea. After exploring the jewels of the city, we venture inland to Munnar. This serene little hill station, surrounded by tea fields and rubber plantations, nestles amid meadows and lush forests. At Kodaikanal(Tamil Nadu), another mountain station in the Western Ghats hills, we have a choice of different activities: trekking, yoga & meditation, horse riding, etc. After two nights there, we head to Periyar, where spices and tropical flowers abound. A jungle trek gives us the opportunity to observe wildlife, nocturnal and rarely visible. A houseboat cruise on Kerala's canals and a beach stay on Mararikulam's shores complete the journey. The time has come to return to Cochin for our return flight.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Cochin (Kochi)
Arrival at the international airport of Cochin. After the traditional welcome 'Swagat', we are transferred to the hotel for check-in. Cochin has a historical past in maritime trade with the Middle East, the Mediterranean and Northern Europe; and its cosmopolitan past is reflected in the buildings and structures, thus representing the different facets of the world: a blend of Portuguese, Dutch and British influences.
Cochin (Kochi) - Discovery Day
Today, we visit the Fort of Kochi. This building was founded by the Portuguese in 1503 and is surely the first European colony to have settled in Inde. Our visit will take place to the rhythm of the aromas of tea and spices, discovering colorful warehouses, aged bicycles and hand-painted trucks filled with merchandise, as well as food stalls present in every corner. In the afternoon, we visit the Mattancherry Palace (Closed Friday and Saturday) built by the Portuguese as a gift for the Raja of Kochi. A visit to the Jewish synagogue (Closed Friday and Saturday) from the 16th century is also on the program, as well as a stop at the Saint-François Church - the resting place of the famous Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama. We explore the city of Kochi, its bazaars and the old port area.
In the evening, an optional visit to see a Kathakali performance, a unique classical dance form from Kerala concludes the day.
Cochin (Kochi) and Leisure Day in Munnar
In the morning, we leave the coastal plains heading towards Munnar, located in the Western Ghats, approximately 1,600 meters above sea level. Once a beautiful hill station of the British administration, it has managed to retain its colonial charm. It is also known for its tea plantations. The town is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams Mudrapauzha, Naliathani and Kundala. With its undulating hills, sparkling waterfalls, tea plantations and postcard-perfect hamlets, the region is ideal for peaceful hiking. Upon arrival, we are transferred to our hotel. We spend the rest of the day enjoying the atmosphere of the town with its bustling bazaars.
Full Day Excursions from Munnar
After enjoying an early breakfast, we pass through the old town of Munnarto reach the small village of Nagarmudi, from where, accompanied by a local guide, we begin our trek. The trail starts on a gentle slope and crosses tea and coffee plantations before reaching the summit Seven Hills of Malai. We are treated to a spectacular view of the peak of Anamudi, Changulam Lake, Chittrapuram Dam, the town of Munnar and several local villages. We descend by the same route to return to our hotel.
En route to Munnar - Kodiakanal
After a delicious breakfast, we head to Kodaikanal where we spend the night in an Eco Lodge located in "The Elephant Valley". It is an eco-lodge surrounded by jungle, coffee plantations, waterfalls, traditional villages and a wide variety of wildlife including elephants. Upon arrival, we check in at the lodge and can relax peacefully.
Full day of multiple activities in Elephant Valley
Our day is devoted to relaxation and discovering the surrounding nature and wildlife. The eco-lodge offers many activities (these activities can be organized on site with the hotel). For example: walks through coffee plantations, hiking to waterfalls, horseback riding, yoga, meditation sessions and also bike rides for several kilometers to explore the surroundings at your own pace.
Let's head to Periyar (Thekkady)
Kodaikanal → Periyar (Thekkady)
In the morning, we travel through magnificent lush countryside passing over the top of the hills to Thekkady near the Periyar National Park, one of the most fascinating wildlife sanctuaries in India. After our arrival at the small village of Thekkady, we check in at the hotel. Thekkady is a village famous for its crops and spice production. After lunch, we start our day with a short walk through a spice garden where we can admire a wide variety of spice plants. We take advantage of the time we have in the afternoon to explore the market where we can discover the many spice stalls: cardamom, vanilla, pepper, chili, turmeric and other spices.
Route to Periyar National Park
Early in the morning, we head into the jungle of Periyar Park accompanied by forest guides to admire the numerous bird species including kingfishers, storks and hornbills. Periyar National Park is one of the largest reserves in southern Inde located around a large artificial lake. We return to the hotel for breakfast before setting off in the afternoon for an excursion to Periyar Lake. It is one of the rare opportunities to interact with animals and encounter elephants, otters, wild boar and buffalo. We offer here an Ayurvedic massage (optional) , which can be arranged at the Ayurvedic massage centre located nearby.
Overnight stay in Floating House
Periyar (Thekkady) → Alappuzha (Alleppey)
After breakfast, we head towards Alleppey. Also named Alappuzha, the town is a must-visit place for backwater cruises in Kerala. We board our houseboats and begin our cruise along Kerala's backwaters, one of the highlights of the trip. These charming boats are decorated and transformed like comfortable cruise ships. We wind through waterways flanked by lush tropical vegetation revealing magnificent tropical birds and picturesque little villages. We spend the night on board our boat in the middle of the famous Vembanad Lake.
Enjoy the backwaters of Alleppey
After a quiet breakfast on board the houseboats, we disembark and join our vehicle which takes us along the picturesque coast of Malabar towards Gaaby World. It is a family-run guesthouse located west of Chennamkary, in the heart of the picturesque Kuttanad region, surrounded by backwaters. In the evening, we head out to visit the village. Various activities will be on offer such as canoe rides, cycling tours through villages and cooking classes.
Marari Beach Route
Alappuzha (Alleppey) → Mararikulam
In the morning, we leave Backwaters and head to Mararikulam, a pristine beach in Kerala with its coconut palms and golden sands. The beach is magnificent and the name "Marari" comes from "Mararikulum", a village located on the coast of the Arabian Sea. Upon arrival, we check in at the hotel. The rest of the day is free, and we take the opportunity to relax.
Relaxing Day at Mararikulam
Departure from Cochin (Kochi)
Today, our tour ends here and we are transferred to Cochin airport for our return flight.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International flights
- Travel Insurance
- The travel package indicated above is not valid during the period: From December 20, 2026 to January 10, 2027. There will be a supplement for Christmas and New Year's during this period.
- Indian visa fees
- Lunch and Dinner except full board in Alleppey
- Personal expenses and drinks
- Photo/camera rights on sites
- Luggage Insurance and Repatriation
- Driver and staff tips
- Other services not mentioned
Included
- Accommodation for 10 nights in the mentioned hotels
- 01 night with full board in a houseboat in Alleppey
- 01 night in full board in a Homestay in Alleppey
- Trekking with a naturalist at Periyar (Thekkady)
- Guided Trek in Munnar
- All land transport in a private air-conditioned vehicle
- The entrances to the monuments mentioned
- English-speaking Guides in Cities (Up to 05 pax)
- The English-speaking guide (From 06 pax)
- Government taxes
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below applies to travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada traveling to India for a tourist stay. Entry rules may evolve, so we recommend that you verify the information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter India, your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the country and contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourist Visa – e-Visa (Tourist eVisa)
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland and Canada must be in possession of a valid visa to enter India. There is no visa exemption for a tourist stay.
The most common solution is the Tourist eVisa, available online on the official Indian government portal. It is available for several durations:
Tourist eVisa 30 days (double entry),
Tourist eVisa 1 year (multiple entries, maximum stay of 90 days per visit),
Tourist eVisa 5 years (multiple entries, maximum stay of 90 days per visit).
The application must be submitted online at least 4 days before your arrival date and at most 120 days before. The eVisa is linked to your passport and is available only at certain designated airports and ports of entry.
Arrival and Immigration
When passing through immigration, Indian authorities may ask for:
confirmation of your eVisa (printed document or digital version),
an exit ticket from the territory (return flight or onward journey),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
the address of your first accommodation in India.
Health and Vaccinations
No vaccine is officially mandatory to enter India from the EEA, Switzerland or Canada, except in the case of transit through a country at risk of yellow fever (a yellow fever vaccination certificate will then be required).
As a preventive measure, health authorities generally recommend the following vaccinations:
hepatitis A and hepatitis B,
typhoid,
tetanus-poliomyelitis,
rabies (depending on planned activities),
Japanese encephalitis (depending on regions and length of stay).
Antimalarial treatment may be recommended depending on the regions you visit and the time of year. Consult a doctor or international vaccination center before your departure.
Traveling with Children
Minors must be holders of their own valid passport and their own eVisa covering the duration of the stay.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorization from the territory may be required according to the regulations of their country of residence.
Other Nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire with the Indian embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly advised to be insured for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to an insurance policy, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits your needs:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claims notification procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of this, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claims notification procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A tourist visa is required. The e-visa can be applied for online before departure (approximately 25 USD). Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date and you must have two blank pages available. We guide you through the process. Before booking, verify the specific conditions applicable to your nationality with the consular authorities of your destination.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, expect between 140 and 230 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transportation, and English-speaking guide. International flights (600-900 euros round trip) are additional. India offers incredible diversity of experiences at varying price points.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary to suit your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, educational and entertaining activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate stories and anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST guarantee (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Tropical Kerala
India's Thousand Faces Expert, based in Inde
India can surprise, disorient or amaze you all in one day. My role is to help travelers find their own pace to truly enjoy the country.
— Mandeep
