Duration
10 Nights / 11 Days
Route Coverage
Cochin - Munnar - Thekkady - Alleppey - Kovalam - Kanyakumari - Rameswaram - Madurai
Stay Category
Hill Resorts, Beach Hotels & Houseboat
Tour Highlights Gallery
Package Description
The Kerala Backwaters & Hill Country Tour is an 11-day family-friendly itinerary that carries you across the very best of God's Own Country — misty tea-covered hills, spice-scented wildlife forests, tranquil backwaters, sun-washed beaches and centuries-old temple towns.
The journey opens in the port city of Cochin, climbs into the cool highlands of Munnar and the forests of Thekkady, drifts along the palm-fringed canals of Alleppey aboard a traditional houseboat, and unwinds on the shores of Kovalam. It closes with the dramatic coastal landscapes of Kanyakumari, the temple towns of Rameswaram and Madurai — a complete, easy-paced introduction to Kerala and its neighbouring Tamil Nadu coastline.
Day-Wise Detailed Itinerary
Arrival in Cochin
On arrival at Cochin Airport or Ernakulam Railway Station, our representative will receive you and transfer you to your hotel. Check in and spend the rest of the day on a relaxed local sightseeing round of Cochin at your own pace. Overnight stay in Cochin.
Cochin to Munnar
After breakfast, drive around 4 hours to Munnar, a hill station perched roughly 1,600 metres above sea level at the meeting point of the Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundale mountain streams. Check into your hotel and spend the remainder of the day exploring the town at leisure. Overnight stay in Munnar.
Munnar Local Sightseeing
Spend the day discovering this former summer retreat of the British in South India. Visit Mattupetty Dam, Kundale Lake and Echo Point in the morning. In the afternoon, head to Rajamalai (Eravikulam), home to the rare Nilgiri Tahr mountain goat. Overnight stay in Munnar.
Munnar to Thekkady
Check out after breakfast and drive around 4 hours to Thekkady, home to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary — one of the world's most celebrated wildlife reserves, spread across 777 sq km and declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. Optional activities such as boating on Periyar Lake, a spice plantation visit and an elephant ride can be arranged at extra cost. Overnight stay in Thekkady.
Thekkady to Alleppey (Overnight Houseboat)
After breakfast, check out and drive to Alleppey for an unforgettable overnight backwater cruise aboard a traditionally styled houseboat. Boarding is around 1:00 PM with the cruise beginning over lunch, and all meals are served on board as you drift past swaying coconut groves and village backwaters. Overnight stay on the houseboat.
Alleppey to Kovalam
Check out of the houseboat in the morning and drive around 3.5 hours to Kovalam. En route, stop in Trivandrum to visit the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a museum, and Sangumugham Beach. Arrive in Kovalam, check in, and relax. Overnight stay in Kovalam.
Kovalam Sightseeing
Spend the day enjoying Kovalam's beaches with time to relax through sunrise and sunset. Visit the 18th-century Vizhinjam Rock-cut Cave Temple before returning to your hotel. Overnight stay in Kovalam.
Kovalam to Kanyakumari
After breakfast, check out and drive to Kanyakumari, at the southern tip of the Indian subcontinent, where Swami Vivekananda meditated on the rocks offshore. Sightseeing includes Padmanabhapuram Palace, Suchindram Temple, the Devi Kanyakumari Temple, the Vivekananda Memorial and Gandhi Mandapam. Enjoy the sunset before heading back to your hotel. Overnight stay in Kanyakumari.
Kanyakumari to Rameswaram
After an early breakfast, check out and drive to Rameswaram. On arrival, check into your hotel and head out in the afternoon to visit the Ramanathaswamy Temple, Agni Theertham, Ramjharoka Temple, Dhanushkodi and the viewpoint over Adam's Bridge. Overnight stay in Rameswaram.
Rameswaram to Madurai
After an early breakfast, check out and drive to Madurai. Check into your hotel, then spend the afternoon visiting the Meenakshi Amman Temple, Koodal Azhagar Temple, Alagar Kovil and the Lord Murugan Temple. Overnight stay in Madurai.
Madurai Departure
After breakfast, check out of the hotel for a short local sightseeing round before your transfer to Madurai Airport or Railway Station, in time for your onward flight or train home — carrying happy memories of God's Own Country.
Inclusions & Exclusions
What's Included
- Hotel & Houseboat accommodation for 10 Nights
- Daily Breakfast and Dinner as per itinerary
- Private vehicle for all transfers and inter-city drives
- Overnight backwater cruise on a traditional Alleppey houseboat
- Sightseeing as per the day-wise itinerary
- All state taxes, toll taxes, parking fees and driver charges
What's Excluded
- Air / Train Fare to and from Kerala
- Entry / camera fees at any sightseeing place
- Local guide service fees
- Personal expenses (Laundry, telephone bills, tips)
- Any sightseeing or activity not mentioned in the itinerary