kerala, India
Kerala Hills, Backwaters & Beaches
Overview
Seven days across Kerala's most iconic landscapes — begin among the mist-covered tea plantations and waterfalls of Munnar, cruise Lake Periyar on a wildlife boat safari from Thekkady, drift through the palm-lined backwaters and paddy fields of Alleppey aboard a traditional houseboat, then wind down the coast via Varkala's red cliffs to the beaches, temples and museums of Kovalam and Trivandrum.
Highlights
- Misty tea plantations, waterfalls and spice gardens of Munnar
- Nilgiri Tahr spotting on an Eravikulam National Park jeep ride
- Wildlife boat safari on Lake Periyar from Thekkady
- Overnight cruise on a traditional Kerala houseboat through Alleppey's backwaters
- Varkala's dramatic red cliffs and Arabian Sea sunsets
- Kovalam beaches and a Kathakali dance show
Included
- Return air ticket and Indian visa
- Accommodation on double-sharing basis at the hotels mentioned (or similar)
- Indian / American breakfast daily
- 5 dinners at hotels, plus all meals on the houseboat
- Free use of all recreational facilities at the hotels
- All transfers and sightseeing by AC private car (AC does not operate on hill station roads)
- 1 Kathakali dance show during the trip
- 1 bottle of packaged water per person per day
- Non-alcoholic welcome drink on arrival
- All sightseeing as per the itinerary
Not included
- Tips for driver and guide
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Anything not specifically listed under inclusions
- Personal expenses — porterage, tips, insurance, laundry and liquor
- Entrance fees for optional activities such as the Munnar tea plantation tour and Eravikulam National Park jeep ride (paid directly)
- Additional costs due to natural calamities such as landslides or roadblocks
- Mandatory Christmas / New Year's Eve supplementary charges, payable directly to the hotels
Gallery
Itinerary
Land at Cochin International Airport and meet our representative for the scenic 130km drive to Munnar, a hill station in the Western Ghats famed for its rolling tea plantations and mist-covered peaks. Break the journey with stops at waterfalls, rubber and spice plantations along the way before checking in to your hotel.
Activities
- Airport meet & greet at Cochin
- Scenic drive to Munnar via waterfalls and plantations
- Optional stops at rubber and spice plantations, Karadippara view point
- Hotel check-in and overnight in Munnar
A full day discovering Munnar's highlights: a tea plantation tour and tasting, the scenic Mattupetty Dam and Kundala Lake, Echo Point and the Rose Garden, followed by a jeep ride into Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Round off the day at the Tea Museum and some shopping in Munnar town.
Activities
- Tea plantation tour and tasting
- Mattupetty Dam and Kundala Lake
- Echo Point and Rose Garden
- Eravikulam National Park jeep ride (Nilgiri Tahr habitat)
- Tea Museum and shopping in Munnar town
Check out and drive around 110km to Thekkady, gateway to the Periyar Tiger Reserve amid the lush Cardamom Hills. After checking in and a relaxing dip in the pool, set out on a 90-minute boat safari on Lake Periyar (advance booking required), watching the grassy shores for gaur, sambar deer and the occasional wild boar.
Activities
- Drive from Munnar to Thekkady
- Hotel check-in and pool relaxation
- 90-minute Lake Periyar boat safari, Periyar Tiger Reserve
Check out after breakfast and drive around 135km to Alleppey, the 'Venice of India'. Check in to your pre-booked deluxe/premium/luxury houseboat around 1300hrs, enjoy lunch on board, then cruise the palm-fringed backwaters past paddy fields and riverside villages for the rest of the day. An onboard Kerala massage is optional. Dinner is served with light music as evening falls, with an overnight stay aboard the houseboat.
Activities
- Drive from Thekkady to Alleppey
- Houseboat check-in and lunch on board
- Backwater cruise through villages and paddy fields
- Optional onboard Kerala massage
- Dinner with live music on the houseboat
Wake to a delicious breakfast on the houseboat surrounded by beautiful backwater scenery, then check out and head south around 160km to Kovalam, the 'Paradise of the South'. Break the journey at Varkala, famed for its dramatic red cliffs, Arabian Sea sunsets, cliffside cafés and laid-back yoga-retreat vibe, before checking in to your hotel in Kovalam.
Activities
- Breakfast on the houseboat and check-out
- Stop at Varkala's red cliffs and beach
- Drive to Kovalam and hotel check-in
After breakfast, head out on a day trip to Trivandrum, capital of Kerala. Visit the ancient Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, the 1880-built Napier Museum with its blend of Kerala, Mughal, Chinese and Italian architecture, the Sri Chitra Art Gallery's collection of Tanjore, Mughal and Rajput art, and the Trivandrum Zoo. In the evening, unwind at Kovalam beach, Hawah beach and the lighthouse — try your hand at kayaking, swimming or surfing, or simply watch the sunset — before returning to your hotel.
Activities
- Day trip to Trivandrum
- Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Napier Museum and Sri Chitra Art Gallery
- Trivandrum Zoo
- Evening at Kovalam beach, Hawah beach and the lighthouse
- Optional water sports and sunset watching
After breakfast, pack up and transfer around 20km to Trivandrum Airport or Railway Station in time for your onward flight or train, taking home sweet memories of God's Own Country.
Activities
- Breakfast and check-out
- Transfer to Trivandrum airport/railway station
Inquire about this tour
This is an inquiry form, not a confirmed booking. Our team will get back to you shortly.
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