Grand Kerala - North to South tour package — 7N/8D itinerary, price and inclusions
The most comprehensive single-state Kerala itinerary on the market, travelling from cosmopolitan Kochi all the way south to the beaches of Kovalam over seven nights. It suits travellers who want to see the full sweep of the state without compromise. The arc opens with colonial heritage in Fort Kochi, climbs into the Munnar tea highlands and Eravikulam's grasslands, drops into Thekkady's spice forests, glides through Alleppey's backwaters, and ends with two relaxed days on the Arabian Sea coast. Terrain runs the full gamut from coast to highland to forest to backwater to beach, with scenic but manageable drives. Expect Chinese fishing nets, tea estates, a Periyar lake cruise, a Vembanad houseboat night and ample beach time. Lush all year, greenest during the monsoon. starting at INR 55,000 per person. Covers Kochi 1N, Munnar 2N, Thekkady 1N, Alleppey 1N (houseboat), Kovalam 2N.
Grand Kerala - North to South package highlights
- Fort Kochi colonial walk and Chinese fishing nets
- Tea estates and Eravikulam National Park
- Periyar Lake cruise at Thekkady
- Overnight Vembanad Lake houseboat
- Two relaxed beach days at Kovalam
Grand Kerala - North to South day-by-day itinerary (7N/8D)
Day 1: Arrive Kochi
Land at Kochi and transfer to your hotel. Spend the afternoon on a Fort Kochi colonial walk past the Chinese fishing nets, St Francis Church and the Dutch Palace, ending with sunset by the harbour.
Day 2: Kochi to Munnar
Drive about four hours up into the Western Ghats to Munnar through tea and spice country, with waterfalls and viewpoints en route. Settle into the cool hill town for the evening.
Day 3: Munnar and Eravikulam
Visit Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, then continue to Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point and the Tata Tea Museum. Plantation drives reveal classic green hillsides.
Day 4: Munnar to Thekkady
Drive through cardamom country to Thekkady. In the afternoon take a guided spice plantation walk to see cardamom, pepper, vanilla and nutmeg, learning how each is grown and cured.
Day 5: Periyar cruise and Alleppey houseboat
Begin with a Periyar Lake boat ride to spot wildlife at the water's edge, then drive to Alleppey to board a private houseboat on Vembanad Lake for an overnight cruise with full board.
Day 6: Alleppey to Kovalam
Disembark after a backwater breakfast and drive south to Kovalam, around four to five hours, reaching the beach in time for a sunset stroll along the coves.
Day 7: Kovalam beach day
A free day at the seaside. Relax at Lighthouse and Hawa beaches, swim, and consider an optional Ayurvedic massage. Spend the evening over fresh seafood by the shore.
Day 8: Departure from Thiruvananthapuram
Enjoy a last morning by the sea before transferring to Thiruvananthapuram airport, about 30 minutes away, for your onward flight.
Hotels in the Grand Kerala - North to South package
- Kochi (4-star): Crowne Plaza Kochi or similar
- Munnar (4-star): The Panoramic Getaway or similar
- Thekkady (4-star): Spice Village or similar
- Alleppey (Houseboat): Premium 1BR AC Houseboat or similar
- Kovalam (4-star): The Leela Kovalam or similar, The Travancore Heritage or similar
What's included in the Grand Kerala - North to South package
- Return flights
- All transfers in AC vehicle
- Daily breakfast plus houseboat full board
- Munnar, Thekkady and Kovalam sightseeing
- Kochi heritage tour
What's not included
- Peak surcharge applies 15-Dec to 15-Jan
- Monument entries
- Lunches
- Travel insurance
Frequently asked questions
How much driving is involved?
About 14-16 hours of inter-city driving spread over the week. The longest leg is Thekkady to Alleppey at roughly 4 hours.
Best time for this trip?
October to March. Avoid mid-December to mid-January as resorts apply a 25-40% peak surcharge.
Are airport transfers from Kochi and Trivandrum included?
Yes. You fly into Kochi and depart from Trivandrum (or vice-versa). Both airport transfers are covered.
Is this good for first-time Kerala visitors?
Yes, it is the most complete first-time Kerala itinerary and covers the four main experience zones - heritage, hills, backwaters and beach.
What's the customisation flexibility?
You can extend Kovalam by 2 nights, add Wayanad for off-beat appeal, or upgrade to 5-star hotels at additional cost.
Book Grand Kerala - North to South from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore or any Indian metro
Request a callback above and a FlightGPT travel expert will confirm exact dates, hotel category and final per-person price by email. We can customise the Grand Kerala - North to South itinerary for honeymoon, family, friends or group bookings.
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