This is the circuit most first-time Kerala travellers should take.
Munnar for the hills, Thekkady for forest and spice, Alleppey for the backwaters. We keep the driving honest and the days uncluttered.
Highlights
- 2 nights Munnar
- 1–2 nights Thekkady / Periyar
- Overnight houseboat or Alleppey stay
- Kathakali or Kalaripayattu on request in Kochi
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Cochin, drive to Munnar
Pickup and hill drive. Check in. Evening free for a walk in town or at the hotel.
Day 2 Munnar
Tea estates, Eravikulam (season and tickets permitting), and a slow afternoon.
Day 3 Munnar to Thekkady
Cardamom hills road to Periyar. Evening spice plantation walk.
Day 4 Thekkady
Periyar lake boat (tickets extra) or a guided nature walk. Optional bamboo rafting in season.
Day 5 Thekkady to Alleppey
Drive down to the backwaters. Board houseboat by noon or check into a resort.
Day 6 Alleppey to Kochi
After breakfast, Fort Kochi. Sunset at the nets. Overnight Kochi.
Day 7 Departure
Airport transfer.
Included
- 6 nights accommodation as per itinerary
- Daily breakfast; houseboat meals as per plan
- Private AC vehicle, driver, tolls and parking
- Spice plantation visit in Thekkady
Not included
- Flights and train tickets
- Periyar boat safari tickets (quoted separately)
- Lunches except on houseboat
- Camera fees and personal shopping
