Welcome to Kerala! We'll kick off our adventure in Kochi, known for its coastal charm, colourful streets and food you can't miss. Meet your Contiki crew before we head off to a local family's home for a hands-on cooking experience, learning South Indian recipes before sharing dinner together. Not a bad way to start a trip.
This morning, we'll dive deep into Fort Kochi's history. Check out colonial landmarks, bustling streets and the character-filled lanes of the Jewish Quarter (on foot and even on tuk-tuks!). Then you've got the afternoon free to browse local shops and markets. This evening, you have the option to see a Kathakali dance performance - one of Kerala's most iconic art forms known for elaborate costumes, intricate face paint and expressive eye movements.
Say goodbye to the coast as we leave Kochi behind and head into Kerala's misty highlands. We'll wind our way through lush scenery with plenty of opportunities to stop for a chai or coffee while soaking up the views.
By afternoon, we'll arrive in Munnar, a hill station in the Western Ghats, known for its rolling tea estates and crisp mountain air. Settle into your hotel and enjoy a free evening to explore or find a local spot for dinner with the crew.
Get ready for an active morning as we kick off our exploration of Kerala's tea capital with a guided trek through the Lekshmi Hills. After a morning of tea-estate views and fresh mountain air, enjoy some free time before exploring Munnar town and browsing local markets with your Trip Manager. This evening, you can choose to jump on a jeep ride to the Viriparai sunset viewpoint for panoramic views of Kerala's highlands.
Before leaving Munnar behind, we'll dive deeper into Kerala's tea country. Visit a historic tea factory to see how the region's famous brews are made, enjoy a tasting session and then stroll through rolling plantations and a local village for a glimpse into life in the highlands.
Next up: Thekkady. After arriving, we'll explore a spice plantation filled with the flavours and aromas that have made Kerala famous, then your Trip Manager will show you around town. Tonight, you can choose to watch a Kalaripayattu martial arts show before a free evening to explore and grab a bite.
A peaceful boat ride to kick off the day? Oh yeah. We'll cruise through Periyar National Park, gliding past forested shores and soaking up the scenery. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife along the way, slow down and enjoy nature from the water.
After breakfast, we'll make our way to Varkala, Kerala's laid-back beach destination. Once we've arrived, your Trip Manager will give you a quick orientation of the area. Head to the clifftop, enjoy sweeping views of the Arabian Sea and catch the sunset before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant.
Slow things down today with a yoga session at our hotel. Keen to swap zen for adventure? Join an optional surf lesson and learn the basics with a local instructor. The afternoon is yours to make the most of Varkala's easy-going vibe — think beach time, clifftop cafés, Ayurvedic treatments or simply finding the perfect spot to watch the sun slip into the sea.
Goodbye beach, hello backwaters. Today, we'll leave Varkala's clifftop coastline behind and make our way to Alleppey, home to Kerala's famous waterways.
Houseboat day is here! On arrival, we'll climb aboard and cruise through a maze of palm-fringed canals, drifting past villages, rice fields and everyday life on the water. Enjoy lunch on board as the backwaters work their magic, before we dock up for a relaxed evening. Tonight, dig into a delish dinner with the crew and settle in for a night on the water.
It's not every day you get to wake up on Kerala's famous backwaters. So grab some breakfast, find your spot on deck and enjoy one final cruise back to the jetty. With one of Kerala's biggest bucket-list experiences ticked off, it's time to say goodbye to this beautiful place.
Back on land, we'll make the journey back to Kochi Airport, passing rice paddies, coconut trees and fishing villages along the way. Kerala, it's been a pleasure. Until the next adventure.
