Singapore Stopover with Kerala Highlights

Upon arriving in Cochin, you will be met and transferred to your hotel to begin your Kerala holiday. As you explore the city, you will notice a blend of historic charm and modern development. Traditional fishing nets, spice markets, colonial landmarks, and waterfront views reflect its rich heritage, while business districts and growing IT parks highlight its progress. The streets are filled with colourful buses, auto-rickshaws, and welcoming locals who add to the city's lively atmosphere.

Over the centuries, traders from Arabia, China, Portugal, the Netherlands, France, and Britain left their influence, creating a destination shaped by many cultures. Cochin also serves as an excellent gateway for discovering Kerala, with many of the state's well-known attractions within easy reach. After checking in, enjoy the remainder of the day at your own pace before your overnight stay in Cochin.

Kochi Marriott Hotel

Kochi Marriott Hotel offers a contemporary stay connected to Lulu Mall, one of the city's leading shopping destinations, providing convenient access to retail, dining, and entertainment. The hotel features spacious rooms with modern interiors, multiple restaurants serving a variety of cuisines, a relaxing spa, a well-equipped fitness centre, and an outdoor swimming pool. Its central location also makes it easy to explore Cochin's cultural landmarks and business districts, making it a suitable choice for both leisure and business travellers seeking comfort and convenience.

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After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, set out to discover some of Cochin's most notable attractions. Your sightseeing includes the historic Mattancherry Palace, presented to the Cochin ruler by the Portuguese in 1555, the centuries-old Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church, the iconic Chinese fishing nets, and the bustling local spice market. As the day comes to an end, experience the rich cultural heritage of Kerala by watching a traditional Kathakali dance performance before returning for your overnight stay.

Once you take your meal, travel to Munnar, which is a hill station named after the meeting point of three rivers. The journey introduces you to rolling hills, tea estates, spice and cardamom plantations, fragrant oil-producing centres, and habitats supporting a variety of wildlife, including rare species. If you visit during the right season, you may also witness the Neelakurinji flowers, which bloom once every twelve years.

After reaching Munnar, check in to your hotel and take some time to relax before heading out to the Tea Museum, where you can learn about the region's tea-growing heritage. Continue your sightseeing with visits to Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, and the Flower Garden before your overnight stay in Munnar.

SpiceTree Munnar

SpiceTree Munnar offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by tea plantations and mist-covered hills, creating an ideal setting to experience the region's natural surroundings. The resort is known for its spacious villas, many featuring private balconies with valley views, allowing guests to enjoy the changing landscape throughout the day. Facilities include an infinity pool, an Ayurvedic spa, a fitness centre, and dining that showcases local and international flavours. Its location provides convenient access to Munnar's tea estates, scenic viewpoints, and popular attractions while offering a relaxing escape in the hills.

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Wake up to the fresh mountain air and enjoy breakfast before setting off to explore more of Munnar's scenic surroundings. Your day includes a visit to a tea and cardamom plantation, where you will learn about the area's long-standing plantation traditions and discover how tea and coffee are grown, processed, packed, and prepared for markets around the world.

Afterwards, you can spend time walking through the plantation landscapes or return to your hotel to relax in the pleasant hill climate. Another highlight is a visit to Eravikulam National Park, also known as Rajamalai National Park, the natural habitat of the rare Indian Ibex, followed by Kannan Devan Hills for wide-ranging views of the tea estates and Munnar Lake.

Note: The park is closed from 5 January to 5 April each year, during which a three-hour jeep safari near Munnar will be arranged instead.

Leave Munnar behind and travel to Thekkady, home to the renowned Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Once you arrive, check in to your hotel before taking some time to unwind. Surrounded by spice plantations and dense evergreen forests, this protected reserve covers around 777 square kilometres, with nearly 360 square kilometres made up of thick woodland. Recognised as a Tiger Reserve in 1978, it supports a wide variety of wildlife in its natural habitat.

At the centre of the sanctuary lies the lake created by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar River, adding a distinctive feature to the landscape. One of the most memorable experiences here is the opportunity to observe animals from the comfort and safety of a boat as you cruise across the lake, offering a different perspective of the reserve. The remainder of the day is yours to relax before your overnight stay in Thekkady.

Amritara Shalimar Spice Garden Resort & Spa

Amritara Shalimar Spice Garden Resort & Spa offers a tranquil stay surrounded by lush spice plantations and tropical greenery in Thekkady. Inspired by traditional Kerala architecture, the resort features spacious cottages built with natural materials, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. You can enjoy an outdoor swimming pool, an Ayurvedic spa, wellness experiences, and dining prepared with fresh local ingredients. Walking trails through the plantation provide opportunities to discover cardamom, pepper, and other spices grown on the property, while its location offers convenient access to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and nearby attractions.

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Begin your day with an exploration of Periyar, one of Kerala's most celebrated wildlife destinations, located in the Western Ghats. The reserve is centred around a tranquil lake that attracts many animals throughout the day, making it an ideal place for wildlife viewing. During a boat ride across the lake, you may spot herds of wild elephants cooling off in the water, along with other animals such as leopards, wild dogs, barking deer, mouse deer, Nilgiri langurs, bonnet macaques, sambar deer, porcupines, squirrels, Indian bison, wild boar, and sloth bears in their natural surroundings.

Later, continue your journey with a visit to a local spice plantation, where you can discover how a variety of spices are cultivated. As you walk through the plantations, you will come across pepper, cloves, cardamom, nutmeg, ginger, turmeric, vanilla, curry leaves, and tea, while enjoying the fragrant atmosphere. Return to your hotel for your overnight stay in Thekkady.

Continue your journey to Alleppey, where your traditional houseboat experience begins upon arrival. Once on board, settle into your floating accommodation and enjoy a leisurely cruise through Kerala's renowned backwaters. Often referred to as the "Venice of the East," Alleppey is known for its extensive network of canals, peaceful waterways, surrounding villages, and the vast Vembanad Lake.

As your houseboat glides along the calm waters, you will pass swaying coconut palms, lush paddy fields, local homes, and everyday village life, offering a closer look at the region's unique culture and landscape. Freshly prepared meals served on board add to the experience as you spend the day surrounded by tranquil scenery. Relax on the deck, take in the changing views, and enjoy the slow pace of backwater life before spending a comfortable overnight stay on your houseboat.

Blue Jelly Cruises

Drifting through the peaceful backwaters of Alleppey, Blue Jelly Cruises offers an authentic houseboat experience that combines comfort with Kerala's traditional charm. The well-appointed houseboats feature comfortable cabins, spacious decks, and inviting dining areas where freshly prepared local cuisine is served. As you cruise along tranquil canals and Vembanad Lake, you can admire village life, coconut groves, and lush paddy fields from the water. The personalised service and slow-paced journey create a memorable way to experience Kerala's renowned backwaters.

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After enjoying breakfast, check out of your houseboat by 10:00 a.m. and continue your journey to Kumarakom. Located along Kerala's backwaters, this peaceful destination is known for its interconnected lagoons, winding canals, and stretches of calm waterways. As you travel through the area, you will notice traditional country boats transporting residents as well as everyday goods such as fish, rice, coconuts, milk, and newspapers, offering a glimpse into the region's daily life. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and take the afternoon to relax or enjoy the tranquil surroundings at your own pace. In the evening, set out on a sunset cruise from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., where you can admire the changing colours of the sky while drifting through the backwaters. After the cruise, return to your hotel for a peaceful overnight stay in Kumarakom.

Kumarakom Lake Resort

Set along the shores of Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom Lake Resort reflects Kerala's heritage through traditional architecture and thoughtfully designed spaces. The resort features heritage-style villas, elegant rooms, and private pool options that blend local craftsmanship with modern comfort. You can unwind at the infinity pool overlooking the lake, enjoy Ayurvedic wellness treatments, savour regional and international cuisine, or explore the peaceful backwaters by boat. Lush gardens, scenic waterfront views, and a calm atmosphere make it an ideal base for experiencing the natural charm and culture of Kumarakom.

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Spend the day at your own pace, making the most of the facilities and peaceful surroundings of your backwater resort in Kumarakom. Whether you choose to relax by the pool, enjoy the wellness amenities, or simply take in the views of the tranquil waterways, the day is yours to enjoy. In the evening, board a sunset cruise on Vembanad Lake from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., offering a relaxing way to experience the backwaters before returning to your resort for an overnight stay.

Check out of your hotel and begin your journey back to Cochin in line with your flight schedule. If time permits before your departure, you can enjoy some final sightseeing or browse local markets for souvenirs and gifts to take home. This is a great opportunity to experience a little more of the city's atmosphere before your holiday comes to an end. At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to Cochin Airport for your onward flight. As your Kerala journey concludes, take with you lasting memories of its backwaters, hill stations, wildlife, and cultural experiences. We wish you a safe journey and hope to welcome you again on another adventure.