Kerala: Munnar, Thekkady & Alleppey

Your Kerala journey begins in Kochi as you leave the coast behind and head into the Western Ghats. The road gradually winds upwards through lush forests, spice plantations and small mountain villages.

Stop along the way at Cheeyappara and Valara Waterfalls, where water cascades down the forested hills. Continue towards Munnar, with tea plantations beginning to appear as you climb higher.

By late afternoon, arrive in Munnar and check into your stay. The rest of the evening is yours to slow down, enjoy the mountain air and take in your first views of the tea country.

Today is all about discovering the landscapes that made Munnar famous.

Start your morning surrounded by endless tea gardens, with the hills covered in neat rows of green. Visit the Tea Museum to learn how Munnar became one of India's best-known tea-growing regions.

Later, drive through the hills towards Mattupetty Dam and Kundala Lake, stopping along the way for views over the plantations and valleys. If conditions are clear, continue towards Top Station, one of Munnar's most spectacular viewpoints.

Return to Munnar in the evening after a full day in the hills.

Leave Munnar after breakfast and descend through the Cardamom Hills towards Thekkady.

The scenery changes again as tea plantations give way to dense forests and spice-growing country. Along the way, stop at a spice plantation where you'll see cardamom, pepper, cinnamon and other spices growing in their natural environment.

Arrive in Thekkady by afternoon and settle into your stay. You can spend the evening exploring the small town, relaxing at your hotel or enjoying one of the local cultural performances.

Start the morning with one of Thekkady's signature experiences — a boat safari on Periyar Lake.

Cruise quietly through the lake surrounded by the forests of Periyar Tiger Reserve. Keep an eye along the shoreline for elephants, deer, wild boar and birds that come to the water.

After the safari, continue towards Alleppey.

By afternoon, the landscape changes completely. The roads give way to Kerala's famous network of canals, lagoons and paddy fields.

Board your private houseboat and settle into your cabin as the boat begins its slow journey through the backwaters. Watch village life unfold along the canals, pass coconut-lined banks and enjoy the changing colours of the sky as evening arrives.

Tonight, you don't just visit the backwaters — you sleep on them.

Wake up on the backwaters to a very different kind of morning.

Enjoy breakfast aboard the houseboat as it makes its final journey through the narrow waterways. After disembarking, continue towards Kochi.

In the afternoon, explore Fort Kochi, one of Kerala's most atmospheric historic neighbourhoods. Walk along the waterfront to see the famous Chinese fishing nets, then wander through the old streets and colonial-era buildings around Fort Kochi and Mattancherry.

End the day at your own pace — perhaps with a coffee at one of Fort Kochi's cafés or a relaxed walk through its heritage streets.

Keep your final morning relaxed.

Enjoy breakfast and, depending on your departure time, take one last walk through Fort Kochi or spend some time at a local café before heading to the airport or railway station.

Your Kerala journey ends in Kochi.