Kerala Hills & Backwaters Escape

India

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Featured View

Serene Alleppey backwaters with traditional cruising boats and palm shores

Lush undulating green tea plantations in Munnar

Picturesque palm-fringed islet on the calm Kerala backwaters

Traditional wooden houseboat sailing at dusk

Misty mountain valleys, hanging bridge, and streams in Munnar

Duration5 Days / 4 Nights

Key Stops5 Key Hubs

Pickup PointsAirport / Station / Hotel

24/7 Support24/7 Support

Package Overview

Discover the lush green landscapes and tranquil waterways of God’s Own Country on this classic 5-day Kerala circuit. Ascend into the rolling tea plantations and misty hills of Munnar, visiting Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, and the high-altitude habitats of Eravikulam National Park. Continue into the aromatic spice hills of Thekkady for a guided plantation walk and wildlife spotting around Periyar Lake. Conclude your voyage in Alleppey with an unforgettable overnight stay aboard a private traditional Kettuvallam houseboat, cruising tranquil backwater canals while savoring authentic Kerala cuisine.

Key Stops & Tour Route

Munnar Tea Plantations→Eravikulam National Park→Thekkady Spice Hills→Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary→Alleppey Backwaters Houseboat

Peak Season & Best Time to Visit (Winter & Monsoon Bliss)

Ideal Months: September to March (Peak) & June to August (Monsoon Greenery)

Climate & Conditions: Misty 15°C–25°C in Munnar hills; comfortable 22°C–30°C in Alleppey backwaters.

💡 Carry cotton wear for coastal Alleppey and light woollens for misty Munnar.

Step-by-Step Schedule

Trip Itinerary & Timeline

Arrival in Munnar – Tea Plantations & Mattupetty Dam

Day 1

Arrive at Cochin International Airport. Drive 135 km to Munnar (3.5 hrs). Check-in at hill resort. Visit the vast expanse of rolling KDHP Tea Plantations, explore the Tea Museum, and drive up to Mattupetty Dam and Indo-Swiss Livestock Project viewpoint with picture-perfect reflections. Overnight in Munnar.

Munnar – Eravikulam National Park, Top Station & Echo Point

Day 2

Early morning drive to Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr mountain goat. Trek through the Rajamala grasslands. Drive up to Top Station (32 km, 1,700 m) for the highest accessible point in Munnar and views into Tamil Nadu. Stop at Echo Point and Kundala Lake for rowboating. Overnight in Munnar.

Munnar → Thekkady – Periyar Spice Garden & Boat Safari

Day 3

Drive 85 km through cardamom and pepper plantations to Thekkady. Visit an organic spice plantation for a guided plantation walk and learn about pepper, cardamom, vanilla, and turmeric cultivation. Afternoon guided wildlife boat safari on Periyar Lake inside Periyar Tiger Reserve — spotting elephants, gaur, sambar deer, and abundant birdlife along the shoreline. Overnight in Thekkady.

Thekkady → Alleppey – Houseboat Check-in & Backwater Cruise

Day 4

Morning drive 130 km to Alleppey (Alappuzha). Board your private traditional Kettuvallam rice-boat houseboat at noon. Cruise through scenic palm-lined backwater canals, paddy fields, and traditional fishing villages of the Vembanad Lake network. Savour authentic Kerala lunch and dinner prepared fresh on board by the onboard chef. Sunset views over the lagoon. Overnight on houseboat.

Alleppey Backwaters – Morning Cruise & Cochin Drop

Day 5

Wake up to birdsong and sunrise over the backwaters. Enjoy a final morning cruise before disembarking at Alleppey boat jetty. Drive 84 km to Cochin International Airport for departure. Tour concludes.

Inclusions & Exclusions

What's Included

✓Houseboat Stay
✓Breakfast & Meals on Houseboat
✓Spice Plantation Tour
✓Private Cab

What's Excluded

✕Airfare or train fare arriving in and departing from Cochin
✕Entry tickets to Eravikulam National Park and Munnar Tea Museum
✕Periyar Lake boat safari tickets in Thekkady
✕Kathakali dance or Kalaripayattu martial arts show passes
✕Lunches during hotel stays in Munnar and Thekkady (meals included on houseboat only)
✕Personal Ayurvedic spa treatments, elephant rides, and driver / crew tips

Valid Govt ID proof is required for all guests at hotel and houseboat check-in.

Houseboat check-in is at 12:00 PM and checkout is at 9:00 AM on the following morning.

Deluxe houseboat air conditioning operates in bedrooms from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM; Premium/Luxury houseboats feature full-time AC.

Periyar Lake boat safari tickets in Thekkady are subject to Kerala Forest Department online booking quota.

Vehicle AC will be switched off while climbing steep winding hill ghats in Munnar for passenger safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What meals are provided during the Alleppey Houseboat cruise?

The houseboat stay includes a traditional welcome drink, authentic Kerala lunch with Karimeen fish fry (or veg alternative), evening tea with local snacks, and dinner.