India · Tea Plantation Tours

Kerala Odyssey: Munnar, Thekkady & Alleppey

6 Days Round trip from Kochi Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore the tea estates and scenic hill landscapes of Munnar
  • 02 Visit Eravikulam National Park and Rajamala, home to the Nilgiri tahr
  • 03 See Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, Kundala Lake, Attukal Waterfalls, and Top Station
  • 04 Travel through Ramakkalmedu and visit Frog Rock, Turtle Rock, and Kuravan & Kurathi
  • 05 Enjoy a jungle safari in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
  • 06 Join a guided nature walk and browse Thekkady’s spice markets
  • 07 Cruise Alleppey’s backwaters on a traditional houseboat
  • 08 Visit Kumarakom and the renowned Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Discover the lush landscapes and varied experiences of Kerala on this 6-day journey through Munnar, Thekkady, and Alleppey. Travel from Kochi into the misty hills of Munnar, where tea estates, waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and Eravikulam National Park showcase the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Continue to Thekkady for wildlife and nature experiences around Periyar, including a jungle safari, guided nature walk, and time to explore the local spice markets. Then slow the pace in Alleppey with a traditional houseboat cruise through the backwaters, passing canals, paddy fields, villages, and the birdlife-rich surroundings of Kumarakom.

With private transport, accommodation, sightseeing, and key activities included, this itinerary offers a well-rounded introduction to Kerala’s hills, forests, and waterways.

Drift along palm-fringed canals and past verdant paddy fields, witnessing the unhurried pace of life along the waterways as you pass by quaint villages and lush greenery.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Kochi, Alappuzha, Munnar, Thekkady, Eravikulam National Park, Kumarakom, Periyar National Park
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Cochin - Munnar (140kms)

Begin your journey from Cochin, where you'll be picked up from your hotel or the airport, embarking on a scenic drive to Munnar, known for its breathtaking landscapes.

Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel before immersing yourself in the world of tea with a visit to a local tea estate. Learn about the intricate process of tea production and indulge in a delightful tea tasting experience amidst the lush greenery of Munnar.

2
Day 02

Munnar

Wake up to the misty mornings of Munnar and head to Pothamedu, offering panoramic views of the sprawling tea, coffee, and cardamom plantations that carpet the hillsides.

Journey to Mattupetty dam and reservoir, marveling at the engineering marvel set amidst the picturesque backdrop of rolling hills. Explore the nearby Rajamala, a hill station within the Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri tahr.

Continue your exploration with a visit to the serene Attukal Waterfalls, nestled amidst lush greenery and offering a refreshing escape into nature's embrace.

Experience the natural acoustics of Echo Point and delve into the rich history of tea at the Tea Museum, gaining a deeper understanding of Munnar's cultural heritage.

Drive to Kundala Lake and enjoy a scenic boat ride amidst the serene surroundings, soaking in the tranquility of this pristine water body.

Conclude your day with a visit to Top Station, the highest point in Munnar offering breathtaking views of the Western Ghats and the Tamil Nadu plains.

3
Day 03

Munnar - Thekkady (110kms)

Depart from Munnar and traverse through the scenic landscapes to reach Thekkady, stopping en route at Ramakkalmedu, known for its wind farms and stunning vistas.

Explore the unique rock formations of Frog Rock and Turtle Rock, before admiring the towering twin-statue of Kuravan & Kurathi, steeped in local mythology.

Continue your journey to Thekkady, where you'll check into your hotel and unwind amidst the tranquil surroundings of this verdant paradise.

Embark on an exhilarating jungle safari in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can spot a variety of wildlife including elephants, tigers, and exotic bird species in their natural habitat.

4
Day 04

Thekkady

Rise early for a guided nature walk through the lush forests surrounding Thekkady, accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide who will point out the diverse flora and fauna.

Visit the enchanting Mangala Devi Temple, nestled amidst the dense forests and offering stunning views of the surrounding hills.

Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the bustling spice markets of Thekkady, where you can sample and purchase a variety of aromatic spices to take home as souvenirs.

Spend the afternoon at leisure, perhaps indulging in a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage or simply relaxing amidst the tranquil ambiance of your hotel.

5
Day 05

Thekaddy - Alleppey (135kms)

Bid farewell to Thekkady as you transfer to Alleppey, known as the Venice of the East, where a traditional houseboat awaits you for a mesmerizing cruise through the tranquil backwaters.

Drift along palm-fringed canals and past verdant paddy fields, witnessing the unhurried pace of life along the waterways as you pass by quaint villages and lush greenery.

Explore the charming village of Kumarakom, situated on the banks of Vembanad Lake, and visit the renowned Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, home to a diverse range of bird species including migratory birds from around the world.

As evening descends, soak in the golden hues of sunset from the sun-deck of your houseboat, savoring the serenity of your surroundings as you glide through the enchanting backwaters of Alleppey.

6
Day 06

Alleppey - Cochin (60kms)

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast onboard your houseboat before disembarking and bidding adieu to Alleppey.

Embark on a scenic drive back to Cochin, where you'll be dropped off at your hotel or the airport, marking the end of your enchanting journey through the verdant landscapes of Kerala.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Kochi 7 cities · 6 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 5 Nights' accommodation (if option selected) in selected price category hotels.
  • Daily breakfast at hotels.
  • All meals during the stay at Alleppey
  • Private AC car/van for airport transfers, sightseeing, and excursions as per the program.
  • English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per the program Monument entrances and activity charges mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Monument entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Bottled drinking water in the car.
  • Government taxes.

What's Not Included

  • Any flight ticket.
  • Camera charges at monuments if any.
  • Meals other than mentioned in inclusions.
  • Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet, etc.
  • Gratuities and optional activities.
  • Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.

Know before you go

  • WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE
  • PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION NEARBY
  • INFANT SEATS AVAILABLE
  • Not stroller accessible
  • Not suitable for pets
  • Infants must not sit on laps
  • Not wheelchair accessible

Hotels used or similar for 5 nights accommodation

Munnar x 2 nights
3* - Fort Munnar/ Abad Copper Castle
4* - Nature Zone Jungle Resort/ Fragrant Nature Munnar
5* - Chandys Windy Woods/ Tea County

Pariyar (Thekkady) x 2 night
3* - Abad Green Forest/ Hotel Treetop
4* - The Elephant Court/ Cardamom County
5* - Spice village/ Cardamom County

Alleppey x 1 night
3* - Deluxe Houseboat (ATDC Houseboat/ Dream Boats)
4* - Premium Houseboat (Abad Premium Houseboats/ Rainbow Premium Houseboats)
5* - Luxury Houseboat (Xandari Riverscapes/ Lakes & Lagoons)

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Kochi, IN
Tour start
Kochi, IN
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 6 days finish where they began, in Kochi.

Watch the tourHQ film Watch the film

Create your own adventure

Can't find the perfect tour? Tailor your dream trip.

  • Tell us your destination, dates and group size.
  • Our travel experts and local guides design a tailored itinerary, just for you.
  • Enjoy your trip with peace of mind, knowing everything is taken care of.
Plan my holiday

Say goodbye to travel stress.