Hill Stations, Wildlife, Backwaters & Beach in One Trip
This 7-day journey is the complete Kerala experience. Begin in the historic port city of Cochin, where Chinese fishing nets line the harbour and colonial churches sit beside Jewish synagogues. Drive into the Western Ghats to Munnar, where endless emerald tea plantations cloak the hillsides and waterfalls tumble through misty valleys.
Continue to Thekkady and the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can spot elephants on a lake safari and walk through spice gardens heavy with cardamom and pepper. The journey culminates in Alleppey, where you board a traditional kettuvallam houseboat and drift through Kerala's famous backwaters, surrounded by coconut palms and village life.
Kerala Through the Lens
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included
- ✓ 6 nights accommodation (3-star to 5-star)
- ✓ Daily breakfast at all hotels
- ✓ 1 night houseboat stay with all meals
- ✓ Private AC vehicle for all transfers
- ✓ Airport pickup and drop in Cochin
- ✓ Periyar Lake boat safari
- ✓ Kathakali dance performance
- ✓ All entrance fees as per itinerary
- ✓ 24/7 concierge support
Excluded
- ✕ Flights to/from Cochin
- ✕ Lunches and dinners (except houseboat)
- ✕ Travel insurance
- ✕ Personal expenses and tips
- ✕ Camera fees at monuments
- ✕ Anything not mentioned in inclusions
Your 7-Day Kerala Itinerary
Arrive Cochin
Historic port city & cultural hubArrive at Cochin International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Afternoon explore Fort Kochi: watch the iconic Chinese fishing nets at work, visit St. Francis Church (1503, India's oldest European church), and wander the Dutch Palace with its Kerala murals. Evening Kathakali dance performance.
Cochin → Munnar
Into the tea hillsDrive to Munnar (130 km, 4 hours) through rubber and spice plantations. Stop at Cheeyappara Waterfalls en route. Arrive in Munnar and check into a hillside resort. Evening free to stroll through the tea gardens and breathe in the cool mountain air.
Munnar
Tea factories, viewpoints & wildlifeFull day exploring Munnar. Visit a tea factory to see how Kerala's famous tea is processed, then drive to Top Station for panoramic views of the Western Ghats and Tamil Nadu plains. Afternoon visit Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr (mountain goat). Walk through the Mattupetty Dam area and visit the flower garden.
Munnar → Thekkady
Wildlife & spice plantationsDrive to Thekkady (110 km, 3.5 hours). Afternoon boat safari on Periyar Lake to spot elephants, bison, sambar deer and exotic birds in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Visit a spice plantation to see cardamom, pepper, cinnamon and vanilla growing in the hills. Evening Kalaripayattu martial arts show.
Thekkady → Alleppey
Board the houseboatDrive to Alleppey (140 km, 4 hours) and board your traditional kettuvallam houseboat by noon. Cruise through the palm-fringed backwaters, watching village life drift past - women washing clothes, children waving, fishermen casting nets. Lunch, dinner and breakfast served on board. Overnight on the water.
Alleppey
Backwaters & beachDisembark the houseboat after breakfast. Drive to Alleppey Beach and the lighthouse for coastal views. Afternoon visit Marari Beach for a quiet swim or simply relax under the palms. Optional Ayurvedic massage at a local wellness centre. Overnight in Alleppey or Marari.
Alleppey → Cochin → Depart
End of tourDrive back to Cochin (80 km, 2 hours) for your departure flight. If time permits, stop at the Kerala Folklore Museum or the Mattancherry spice market for last-minute shopping. Tour ends on departure from Cochin Airport.
Planning Your Kerala Trip
What is the best time to visit Kerala?
October to March is ideal with dry, pleasant weather. Monsoon (June to September) brings lush greenery and is excellent for Ayurveda treatments, though heavy rains can affect outdoor activities.
Is the houseboat stay included?
Yes, an overnight stay on a premium Kerala houseboat in Alleppey is included with lunch, dinner and breakfast served on board. The houseboat cruises through the backwaters during the day and anchors overnight.
What wildlife can be seen in Thekkady?
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to elephants, tigers, gaur (Indian bison), sambar deer, wild boar and exotic birds. A boat safari on Periyar Lake offers the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly. Activities like houseboat cruises, tea plantation visits, and wildlife safaris appeal to all ages. Drives are moderate and stays are comfortable throughout.
What vehicle is used?
A private Toyota Innova Crysta (or similar AC vehicle) is used for all transfers, driven by an experienced South Indian driver familiar with the route.
