We decided to do a packaged tour of Kerala, India. The tour included round-trip flights from Delhi to Kochi, a taxi for the full journey, and all the hotel stays.

Day 1 - Kochi to Munnar

While going from Kochi to Munnar, a three-hour drive, we first stopped at Valara falls and then saw the Ayurvedic (herbal) medicinal and spice production at Greenland Spice Garden .

Valara Falls is a scenic waterfall that cascades over rocks surrounded by lush greenery, creating a tranquil natural landscape
A picturesque tea plantation stretches across rolling hills under a clear sky, showcasing neatly lined tea plants with walking paths.
A lush tea plantation in Munnar, with neatly arranged rows of tea bushes on rolling hills, under a clear blue sky.

Day 2 - Munnar

We checked out the Mattupetty Dam and the nearby market. From there, we headed to Echo Point . While returning, we stopped at the Cowboy Adventure Park . I would highly recommend this park; your driver won’t probably want to take you here since the price is too low to give him a kickback. We had to skip Eravikulam national park since we spent too much time (~3 hours) at the Cowboy Adventure Park. Then, we headed back to Munnar and checked out the Tata Tea Museum. There isn’t much to see at the museum. In the evening, we ended up for a massage at an Ayurvedic Massage Centre . The center appears rustic, but the experience was excellent.

A honeybee nest attached to a tree trunk, exhibiting a natural, rustic setting in an outdoor environment.
A large bee nest hangs from a tree branch, displaying intricate honeycomb structures. There is no visible activity around the nest, set against a leafy backdrop.
The Cowboy Park
A cowboy statue stands prominently in a park, surrounded by trees and grass, with a clear blue sky above. The location is Thekaddy, related to Day 3 of a journey.

Day 3 - Thekaddy

We headed to Thekaddy, and reached in time for one of the last trips to Periyar Tiger Reserve. We didn’t see much wildlife. Later in the day, we saw Kathakali and Kalaripayattu shows. Both were great experiences, but Kalaripayattu was more fun. Thekaddy market is the best place to buy spices, better than Munnar.

Four types of bananas are displayed in a market setting, showcasing different sizes and colors.
A traditional Kathakali dancer in vibrant costume performs on stage, showcasing intricate facial makeup and expressive hand gestures typical of this classical Indian dance form.
A Kathakali performer in traditional attire, with elaborate makeup and costume, stands against a blurred background, symbolizing a cultural scene from South India.
A traditional Kathakali dancer with elaborate costume and makeup performs on stage, while a Kalaripayattu martial artist demonstrates a pose, showcasing cultural art forms in South India.

Day 4 - Alleppey (Allapuzha)

After a long drive, we reached Alleppey. We did a one-hour boat ride through the backwaters, went to Alleppey beach, and checked out the local Mullakkal Raja Rajeswari Temple. I would recommend taking the government boat and going for a much longer trip in the backwaters.

A tranquil waterway with lush green surroundings, featuring small traditional boats ideal for a longer trip.
A picturesque beach scene features waves gently lapping against the sandy shore under a clear blue sky, providing a serene coastal atmosphere.
A picturesque beach scene from Alleppey, with serene waters and palm-lined shores, providing a tranquil coastal atmosphere.
A traditional temple structure with intricate carvings stands surrounded by green foliage, highlighting cultural architecture amidst nature.

Note:

  1. The driver would always try to take you to places where he is getting a kickback, so be careful. For example, he took us to overpriced Wonderland Park in Munnar.
  2. The best place to buy spices, oils, and other such products is Thekkady Market.