Festive Kerala group journey with gala, culture and kayaking

Meet your group transfer at Cochin International Airport at 12:00 and head to your hotel to check in. Step out to the waterfront to view the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets in operation. Continue with a heritage walk through Fort Kochi, wandering past colonial architecture, art galleries, boutiques and inviting cafes. Soak in the festive seasonal Christmas-lit streets and atmosphere before catching the single Fort Kochi-to-hotel return transfer at 22:00. You stay overnight in Kochi.

After breakfast, depart Kochi on the scenic drive into the hills of Munnar. Stop along the way at Cheeyappara Waterfalls and Valara Waterfalls, framed by lush tropical greenery. Travel onwards through rolling tea gardens and mist-draped valleys before checking into your hotel. In the evening, attend a Folk Fusion Cultural Show followed by a traditional Kalaripayattu martial arts performance at Punarjani Traditional Village. Carry a light jacket for the cooler hill air. You spend the night in Munnar.

Enjoy breakfast, then head out to the Rajamalai zone of Eravikulam National Park to spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr against mountain backdrops. During the park's calving season closure in February and March, the route takes you along Gap Road to Chinnakanal Waterfalls instead. Next, explore the KDHP Tea Museum to discover local tea-making traditions, noting it is closed on Mondays. Continue to Echo Point and Mattupetty Lake and Dam before returning to Munnar for the night. Wear comfortable walking shoes and carry a light layer.

After breakfast, leave Munnar and drive south to Thekkady. Tour a local spice plantation to learn how cardamom, pepper, coffee, cinnamon and cloves grow. If timing requires, this visit takes place the following morning before travelling to Alleppey. Check into your hotel and spend the afternoon choosing your own adventure. You can opt for a boat safari or guided jungle hike inside Periyar National Park at extra cost, subject to availability. Alternatively, take an elephant ride or visit a local coffee factory at your own cost. Stay overnight in Thekkady.

Have breakfast and check out, completing any postponed spice plantation visit before journeying towards Alleppey. Board your traditional houseboat on the tranquil backwaters and set out across Vembanad Lake. Later, transfer to a motorboat for a closer exploration of narrow village canals and paddy fields. Lunch, evening snacks and dinner are served fresh onboard. Unwind with music on the deck, which winds down by 22:00 in line with backwater regulations. You spend the night on the houseboat.

After breakfast onboard, disembark and travel towards the coast. Stop at Munroe Island to board a kayak and paddle along peaceful waterways fringed with mangroves and coconut palms. Continue south to the seaside town of Varkala and check into your hotel. Spend your late afternoon and evening walking along Varkala North Cliff. Browse the open-air market stalls, dine at cliffside cafes and watch the sun dip below the Arabian Sea horizon. Personal food and purchases are separate. You stay overnight in Varkala.

Have breakfast and travel inland to Jatayu Earth's Centre to admire the colossal hilltop bird sculpture and panoramic views. Admission and cable car rides are at your own cost, with an uphill walk if the cable car is not running. Return to Varkala for an afternoon at leisure by the sea, where watersports are available at extra cost. In the evening, gather for a festive celebration featuring a special gala dinner, cultural performance and beach fireworks. Stay overnight in Varkala.

Enjoy breakfast before checking out of your hotel in Varkala. Take the morning coastal drive to Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) International Airport, arriving at approximately 12:30. Ensure onward flights are scheduled after 15:00 to allow ample time for check-in and security clearances as your Kerala journey concludes.