Kerala Active Family Holiday

Discover Kerala, “God’s Own Country,” on a family holiday that blends adventure, relaxation, and authentic local experiences. Over 11 days, you’ll journey from the historic streets of Fort Kochi to the bird-filled forests of Thattekad, the misty tea hills of Munnar, and the spice plantations of Thekkady. Along the way, explore wildlife sanctuaries, enjoy a bamboo rafting experience, cruise through Alleppey’s backwaters on a traditional houseboat, and unwind on the golden sands of Marari Beach.

This thoughtfully crafted itinerary ensures a balance of exploration and leisure, perfect for families seeking both bonding moments and discovery. Children will love spotting elephants, paddling in calm backwaters, and wandering village trails, while adults will appreciate the cultural encounters, serene landscapes, and charming boutique stays chosen for comfort and authenticity.

From vibrant Kathakali dance to kayaking through quiet canals, every day brings a new perspective on Kerala’s natural beauty and cultural richness.

Tour Highlights

Heritage Walk Fort Kochi
Nature Walk Thattekkad Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
Backwater Village kayaking
Jeep safari to Gavi
Tea Plantation hike
Forest Trek & Bamboo Rafting Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Stay at Tented Camps & Scenic View Hotels

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival at Fort Kochi

Activity: Fort Kochi Heritage Walk and Kathakali dance performance

Hotel: Dutch Palace

Meals: Breakfast

Details

On arrival at Cochin Airport, transfer to Fort Kochi (approx. 1.5 hours). In the afternoon, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour, walk through the heritage streets, see the iconic Chinese fishing nets, and visit historic monuments, Jew Street, and the Synagogue. In the evening, experience a traditional Kathakali dance performance, a highlight of Kerala’s cultural heritage.

Day 2 – Fort Kochi to Thattekad

Activity: Cycling to Thattekad, Evening Plantation Walk Optional Kayaking

Hotel: Birds Murmur Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Details

After breakfast, take a one-hour drive out of town before starting your cycling adventure. Ride about 30 km on mostly flat village roads along the irrigation canal with little traffic. Along the way, pass pineapple fields, rubber plantations, and spice gardens of nutmeg and pepper. Arrive at your luxury camp for lunch. In the afternoon, take a guided plantation walk and enjoy kayaking on the Periyar River along the forest.

Day 3 – Thattekad to Munnar

Activity: Nature walk at Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Drive to Munnar,visit local market

Hotel: Olive Brook

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Details

Begin the day with a guided nature walk at the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, exploring the forest and spotting endemic birds with a naturalist. Later, drive to Munnar, visiting the scenic Inchathotty Hanging Bridge and nearby waterfalls en route. In the evening, take a stroll through Munnar’s local market.

Day 4 – Exploring Munnar

Activity: Tea plantation Walk and Visit Tea Factory

Hotel: Olive Brook

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Details

Begin the morning with a guided tea plantation hike in the scenic Letchmi Estate. This 4-hour trek winds through villages with stunning views of the hills and valleys. Meet the tea-picking ladies and enjoy a warm interaction as you walk along the undulating terrain of gentle ups and downs. Later, visit a tea factory to see how tender tea leaves are carefully processed into fine tea.

Day 5 – Munnar to Vandanmedu

Activity: Papathy Shola hike visit Tribal Village, Cooking Class

Hotel: Carmelia Haven

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Details

After breakfast, enjoy a one-hour drive to Suryanelli village to begin a guided 4-hour trek. Walk through Papathi Shola (Butterfly Forest), cardamom plantations, and a tribal settlement of the Muthuvan community. Along the way, take in stunning aerial views of Anairangal Lake (Elephant Lake). After the trek, relax with a picnic lunch before transferring to Vandanmedu. In the evening, join a Kerala cooking class at your plantation resort. Pick fresh vegetables from the garden and learn traditional recipes with the chef.

Day 6 – Vandanmedu to Thekkady

Activity: Boating in Periyar Tiger Reserve, Elephants interaction, Martial Art Show

Hotel: Green Forest

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Details

After breakfast, enjoy a one-hour drive to Thekkady through the scenic cardamom hills. Visit an elephant park for a memorable experience of bathing and feeding the elephants—an activity children especially enjoy. Later, check in at your hotel. In the afternoon, take a boat ride in the Periyar Tiger Reserve, cruising across the lake with chances to spot wild elephants, Indian gaur, and sambar deer. Afterwards, visit a spice garden to learn about Kerala’s rich variety of spices. In the evening, witness a thrilling Kalaripayattu performance, the ancient martial art of Kerala.

Day 7 – Wildlife at Gavi

Activity: Jeep Safari to Gavi, Nature Walk at Gavi Wildlife Sanctuary, Boating to Waterfall

Hotel: Green View

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Details

Thekkady – Gavi Exploration Start your day early with a jeep safari to Gavi, where breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife await. Journey through Thekkady’s pristine nature and keep an eye out for wild elephants, Indian gaur, giant squirrels, and Nilgiri langurs. At Gavi, enjoy a hearty breakfast before setting off on a guided nature walk through the lush evergreen forest. Return for a delicious lunch, followed by a boating experience that takes you to a serene waterfall. After a refreshing tea break, ride back through the wilderness on a jeep safari to Thekkady a day full of unforgettable memories in nature’s lap.

Day 8 – Thekkady to Alleppey

Activity: Houseboat cruise

Hotel: Houseboat

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Details

After breakfast, transfer to Alappuzha – a scenic four-hour drive through rolling tea and spice plantations and charming villages. On arrival in Alappuzha, board your private houseboat for an unforgettable overnight backwater cruise. Drift through serene rivers and canals, witnessing the daily life of village communities fishing, washing, and duck farming along the shores. Savor freshly prepared meals on board, including the region’s delicacy, pearl spot fish.

Day 9 – Alleppey Backwater Village

Activity: Backwater Village Kayaking, Village Walk

Hotel: Emerald Isle

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Details

Disembark from the houseboat and transfer to Emerald Isle Heritage Resort. In the morning, go kayaking Guided by local experts, you’ll paddle through narrow waterways lined with coconut trees and small villages. It’s a wonderful way to experience daily life up close fishermen preparing nets, women washing clothes by the water, and children waving from the banks. The gentle pace makes it suitable even for beginners and families with kids.. Later, take a relaxed village walk, meeting locals and learning about their daily life. Overnight at Emerald Isle.

Day 10 – Alleppey to Marari

Activity: Leisure at Beach

Hotel: Turtle Beach

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Details

A short drive brings you to Marari Beach. Spend the day at leisure play on the beach, swim in the Arabian Sea, or simply relax at your beachfront resort. Overnight at Turtle Beach Resort.

Day 11 – Departure

Details

It’s the time to say Adieu, with fond memories of the ride through the biodiverse and culture-rich Western Ghats. We will be happy to drop you at the Cochin International Airport. If you have a couple of days more left, the add-on tour program offers more experiences of the beach and backwaters of Kerala as you can read through below.

Gallery

Inclusions

Tent / Guest House Accommodation on Twin Share
Meals as per itinerary
Refreshments and Drinking Water
All activities including Walks and Visits as per Itinerary
English Speaking Guide
Entry Fee at Forest, Temple, Plantation etc
Support Vehicle
Government Taxes

Route map

You May also Like

Kerala Active Family Holiday

Fort Kochi Beach and Backwater Cycling Tour (Half Day)

Cycle through Fort Kochi’s charming streets, quiet beaches, and scenic backwaters. This half-day ride offers a perfect blend of coastal life, heritage, and local culture—ideal for curious, active travelers.

Uttarakhand Himalayan Cycling Adventure

Pedal through serene Himalayan villages, pine forests, and mountain trails in Kumaon. This cycling adventure blends nature, culture, and quiet backroads—an offbeat journey into the heart of Uttarakhand’s highlands.

Contact

About

Offbeat Adventure specializes in organizing Escorted Cycling Tours, Cultural and Outdoor experiences in India and Sri Lanka for families, groups, and single travelers with varying interests and fitness levels.

Quick Links

Registration

Offbeat Adventure is Registered as Offbeat Pedals under MSME scheme of Govt of India.

Accepted Payments

© Copyright Offbeat Adventure @ 2019 – 2025. All rights reserved.