Excerpt / short description:
A 6-day essential Kerala circuit — the tea hills of Munnar, Periyar wildlife at Thekkady, an overnight Alleppey houseboat, and colonial Cochin. 6 Days / 5 Nights — Munnar · Thekkady · Alleppey · Cochin.
Trip Highlights
- Tea gardens, Eravikulam National Park and Mattupetty Dam in Munnar
- Wildlife boat cruise on Periyar Lake at Thekkady
- Overnight houseboat cruise through the Alleppey backwaters
- Colonial Fort Cochin, Chinese fishing nets and the Paradesi Synagogue
- Scenic Western Ghats drive past Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls
Overview
Experience the essential Kerala on this six-day journey through hills, wildlife and backwaters. From the tea gardens of Munnar and the Periyar sanctuary at Thekkady to an overnight houseboat cruise on the Alleppey backwaters and the colonial streets of Fort Cochin, this itinerary distils the state’s highlights into five memorable nights.
Designed for travellers who want a rich Kerala experience without a long itinerary, the route balances scenery, wildlife and culture at an easy pace.
Itinerary
Day 01 — Arrival in Cochin & drive to Munnar
Welcome to God’s Own Country. On arrival at Cochin Airport, our representative greets you and you transfer to Munnar (approx. 130 km / 4 hrs), stopping en route at the Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls and a spice plantation. Arrive amid tea gardens and check in. Overnight in Munnar.
Day 02 — Munnar Sightseeing
After breakfast, tour Munnar — Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam and Kundala Dam (with optional boating), the famous Echo Point, and the Tea Museum. Overnight in Munnar.
Day 03 — Munnar to Thekkady
After breakfast, drive to Thekkady (approx. 100 km / 3 hrs). Enjoy a wildlife cruise on Periyar Lake and optional activities such as a spice-plantation tour, bamboo rafting, jungle trekking or an elephant ride. Overnight in Thekkady.
Day 04 — Thekkady to Alleppey Houseboat
After breakfast, transfer to Alleppey and board your private houseboat for an overnight cruise through palm-fringed canals past paddy fields and village life. The boat anchors on the lake by evening. Overnight on the houseboat.
Day 05 — Alleppey to Cochin
After breakfast, disembark and drive to Cochin (approx. 60 km / 2 hrs) for a city tour — Fort Cochin, the Dutch Palace, Jew Street and Synagogue, St. Francis Church, the Chinese fishing nets, and the Tripunithura Hill Palace and Folklore Museum. Overnight in Cochin.
Day 06 — Departure from Cochin
After breakfast, check out and transfer to Cochin Airport for your onward journey. Your Essential Kerala tour concludes.
What’s Included
- Accommodation for 5 nights in comfortable hotels
- Daily breakfast and dinner at the hotel
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner aboard the Alleppey houseboat
- Meet-and-greet assistance on arrival at Cochin airport/railway station
- All transfers and surface travel by AC vehicle (AC does not operate in the hills)
- All parking, toll and state taxes
What’s Excluded
- Airfare and train/metro tickets
- Monument and entry ticket charges
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusions
- Early check-in and late check-out charges
FAQ
How is Essential Kerala different from the Best of Kerala tour?
Essential Kerala is a shorter six-day circuit covering Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey and Cochin. The Best of Kerala tour adds Kovalam and Trivandrum for a fuller eight-day experience.
Is the houseboat private or shared?
The overnight Alleppey houseboat is private to your group, with breakfast, lunch and dinner on board. Deluxe boats run AC from 21:00 to 06:00; premium and luxury boats offer full-time AC.
What is the best time to visit?
October to March is the most comfortable season. The monsoon (June to September) is lush and green and especially atmospheric for a houseboat cruise.
Is airfare included?
No. Airfare and train tickets are excluded. The package covers all ground arrangements from Cochin back to Cochin.
How do I get a quote?
This is a price-on-request package. Share your dates, group size and hotel category and our consultants will respond with a personalised quote within 24 hours.
