Duration
7 Nights / 8 Days
Route Coverage
Cochin - Munnar - Thekkady - Alleppey - Kovalam - Trivandrum
Stay Category
Hill Resort, Wildlife Lodge & Houseboat
Tour Highlights Gallery
Package Description
The Kerala Hills, Wildlife & Backwaters Tour is a compact 8-day family package that covers the essential highlights of God's Own Country — the tea-clad slopes of Munnar, the forested wildlife reserve of Thekkady, the swaying backwaters of Alleppey aboard a houseboat, and the sunny coastline of Kovalam.
Starting from Cochin, the trip moves into the misty highlands of Munnar for two nights, on to the forests of Thekkady, drifts overnight through Alleppey's canals on a traditional houseboat, and winds down on the beaches of Kovalam before a same-day departure transfer from Trivandrum — a relaxed, easy-paced first introduction to Kerala.
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. 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 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, of which around 360 sq km is thick evergreen forest, 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 Trivandrum Departure
After breakfast, check out of the hotel for a short local sightseeing round before your transfer to Trivandrum 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 7 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