Kochi Tour Review: A Six-Day Jaunt Through Kerala’s Gems

Alright, so you’re pondering a trip to Kerala, that gorgeous strip of India often called “God’s Own Country?” A six-day Kochi tour looping in Munnar, Thekkady, and a houseboat experience could just be what the doctor ordered. That said, it’s almost more than just a trip; it’s a kaleidoscope of landscapes, flavors, and feelings. Very much a treat, that is.

First Stop: Kochi – Where History Kisses the Sea

Kochi, or Cochin as some very seasoned travelers still call it, is that spot where the past sort of hangs out with the present. Basically, this place is dripping with historical charm, which seems very old but still really neat. Fort Kochi, in some respects, is very cool, what with its old colonial buildings, the iconic Chinese fishing nets silhouetted at sunset, and that very gentle sea breeze.

Visiting St. Francis Church, arguably the oldest European church in India, might be a good starting point. So you’re soaking in a bit of history, seeing where Vasco da Gama was originally buried, yet, it’s a story etched in stone. Right after, mosey on over to the Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace); really it’s anything but a palace, still the murals inside really do tell very colorful stories. It might be just a little something.

Basically, in the evening, catch a Kathakali performance. These performers communicate epics tales through expressive dance. Their eyes tell tales like storytellers. Anyway it is what many would describe as an awesome way to end your first day. Too it’s almost one-of-a-kind.

Munnar: The Verdant Embrace of Tea Gardens

The next day, it’s very time to move onto Munnar, maybe about a four-hour drive from Kochi. Arguably, it’s where you’ll swap the coastal air for the crisp, aromatic breeze of the tea gardens. Anyway driving through those winding roads, with slopes blanketed in green, might feel pretty magical.

The Tea Museum is usually a top stop; it’s where you might find out how that cuppa you enjoy is brought to your table. This museum really brings tea from leaf to life, what with all of the neat tools used to harvest, sift, and brew the tea. After the museum, it could be worthwhile to explore the Mattupetty Dam and enjoy a boat ride. Then you get to take in very stunning scenery, feel the chilly breeze and watch a couple of animals in the area.

For very sweeping views, and I do mean very sweeping, head to Top Station. This viewpoint gives very dramatic panoramic scenes of the valleys far underneath. With mist playing hide-and-seek, this location might be great to get your photographic skills out and maybe snag something incredible to share to friends.

Thekkady: Where Spices Perfume the Air and Wildlife Roams

Thekkady, next on the agenda, offers more wildlife plus the fragrant charm of spice plantations. Very home to Periyar National Park, in some respects it’s a complete switch of scenery again. Anyway it might give a whole other vibe that feels immersive, rich, and very fulfilling, in a way.

A boat trip on Periyar Lake, it seems, is almost a must. Keep a look out for elephants, deer, maybe even a tiger if lady luck is on your side, which could happen. Yet these sightings make the ride just that bit more thrilling. Just maybe bring some very long-range binoculars to make spotting the very best experience in all circumstances.

Maybe experience a spice plantation tour to basically see how your black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg basically all grow. This is usually an interactive, really sense-awakening escapade, with loads to see, taste, and smell! Actually many also learn something about Ayurvedic plant properties too.

Alleppey: Drifting into Bliss on a Houseboat

Now, this could be the part most folks daydream about – the houseboat stay in Alleppey (Alappuzha). This experience arguably sets you slowly coasting on Kerala’s backwaters, too it’s almost where life is as still as glass and twice as reflective. The views could possibly be idyllic and very calming. You will find that you slowly forget about any problems you had and focus on the simple splendor around you.

Your houseboat arguably will come fully furnished with bedrooms, a living space, and a kitchen in which you’re basically given tasty Kerala food on the vessel. Most likely you might feel very relaxed as you’re very well looked after. Also, in some respects, you are free to see villages, paddy fields, and the life of the Keralan natives; seeing as it’s life along the banks.

Evening fishing with village people might be a very fantastic experience, possibly also involving you in the local social circle. You could discover some more and bond with natives, and hear a tale, laugh with somebody, and swap tips, which are very awesome times. Maybe bring a disposable camera, that could come in use and preserve special times with newfound friends and folks you have known.

Kochi (Again): Reflecting on a Whirlwind Tour

Coming back to Kochi for your final day, you might now feel really filled by countless experiences, flavors, scenes, and new folks that you are going to take forward to your place of origin. Maybe you have also grown wiser by seeing another part of our planet. So that shopping and food scene might not seem to make such an impression.

Possibly purchase some mementos and edible food from stores around Kochi which really stand for the Kerala memories in your soul. Look for spices or maybe local clothes, plus art and souvenirs from area vendors, to really memorialize a journey far from home. As well as you sample seafood eateries nearby. This is quite possibly a treat. But don’t stuff yourself too full!

Enjoy this closing time to really sit down to a moment and value how much you grew or saw during this visit to Kochi, Alleppey, Munnar, and Thekkady. This closing time arguably makes your tour into just memories.

Touring Tips for Kerala!

Best Times? The dry season (September to March) offers the more fun weather for exploring.
Clothing Wise? Keep airy cotton apparel! Arguably essential, as well as something that might keep bugs faraway from sensitive spots
Ways Around? You might find Uber plus local car-hire services can be used freely. Consider also, so, state transport buses or trains.
Money Advice? Have enough currency for stores not accepting cards (small retailers in Munnar or Thekkady) and ready those currency apps on hand!
Health Things? Speak to doctors regarding suggested inoculation plus always bring some very safe mosquito protection plus bug deterrents!

In short, the 6-day Kochi tour mixing Munnar, Thekkady, plus that houseboat visit offers a good mix of anything and everything, for memories that last a long while.

Very fun, isn’t it?