Kerala Hills & Backwaters Tour

India

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Featured View

Lush undulating green tea garden slopes of Munnar kissed by sunlight

Aerial panorama of Munnar tea plantation hills and tranquil reservoirs

Expansive green carpets of tea plantations beneath misty mountain summits

Serene hilltop shrine and estate view overlooking the tea valley

Morning golden sunbeams filtering across lush tea estate paths

Duration6 Days / 5 Nights

Key Stops5 Key Hubs

Pickup PointsAirport / Station / Hotel

24/7 Support24/7 Support

Package Overview

Experience the full spectrum of Kerala’s coastal heritage, mountain tea gardens, wildlife, and backwaters on this 6-day signature journey. Start among the historic Chinese fishing nets and colonial streets of Fort Kochi before ascending to Munnar’s emerald tea plantations, Mattupetty Dam, and Eravikulam National Park. Continue to Thekkady for an aromatic spice garden tour and wildlife boat safari on Periyar Lake. Conclude in Alleppey aboard a private traditional houseboat, gliding through serene palm-fringed backwaters while enjoying freshly prepared local delicacies.

Key Stops & Tour Route

Fort Kochi & Chinese Fishing Nets→Munnar Rolling Tea Gardens→Thekkady Periyar Wildlife→Alleppey Backwaters Houseboat Cruise→Vembanad Lake Sunset

Peak Season & Best Time to Visit (Tropical Greenery Season)

Ideal Months: September to March

Climate & Conditions: Tropical & warm along coast (24°C–32°C); cool in Munnar hills (14°C–22°C).

💡 Enjoy freshly prepared Kerala meals on board the private houseboat.

Step-by-Step Schedule

Trip Itinerary & Timeline

Arrival in Cochin – Fort Kochi Heritage Walk

Day 1

Arrive at Cochin International Airport. Transfer to hotel in Fort Kochi. Afternoon guided heritage walk through the atmospheric streets of Fort Kochi — see the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets (Cheena Vala), the Portuguese-era Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace), the Jewish Synagogue (1568 AD), and historic Bolghatty Island. Overnight in Cochin.

Cochin → Munnar – Tea Estates & Mattupetty Dam

Day 2

Drive 130 km to Munnar (3.5 hrs) through rubber, tea, and spice plantations. Check-in at hill resort. Afternoon visit the KDHP Tea Museum and factory. Drive to Mattupetty Dam for evening boating with reflections of eucalyptus forests. Overnight in Munnar.

Munnar – Eravikulam, Top Station & Kundala Lake

Day 3

Morning Eravikulam National Park visit for Nilgiri Tahr sightings in the Rajamala grasslands. Drive to Top Station (1,700 m) for highest viewpoint and cross-state valley vistas. Stop at Kundala Lake for rowboating. Return via Echo Point (natural echo resonance point). Overnight in Munnar.

Munnar → Thekkady – Spice Garden & Periyar Boat Safari

Day 4

Drive 85 km to Thekkady through cardamom-scented hills. Guided spice plantation walk. Afternoon wildlife boat safari on Periyar Lake — spot wild elephants, gaur bison, sambar, and rare birds. Optional Kalaripayattu (Kerala's ancient martial art) performance in the evening. Overnight in Thekkady.

Thekkady → Alleppey – Houseboat Cruise

Day 5

Drive 130 km to Alleppey. Board luxury traditional houseboat at noon. Cruise Kerala's famous backwaters through Vembanad Lake, Punnamada Lake, and narrow canal networks lined with coconut palms and paddy fields. Fresh Kerala seafood lunch and dinner cooked on board. Sunset over the still lagoon. Overnight on houseboat.

Alleppey – Morning Cruise & Cochin Departure

Day 6

Enjoy sunrise and a final morning backwater cruise. Disembark and transfer 84 km to Cochin International Airport. Tour concludes.

Inclusions & Exclusions

What's Included

✓4-Star Resorts & Houseboat
✓Breakfast & Houseboat Meals
✓Spice Garden Pass
✓Private Cab

What's Excluded

✕Airfare or train tickets arriving in and departing from Kochi
✕Eravikulam National Park safari entry passes and Mattupetty boating fees
✕Periyar Lake boat safari tickets in Thekkady
✕Kathakali dance and Kalaripayattu martial arts cultural show tickets
✕Lunches during stays in Kochi, Munnar, and Thekkady (all meals included on houseboat only)
✕Personal Ayurvedic therapies, elephant rides, and tips to houseboat crew and driver