India · Backwater Tour

Cochin to Thekkady & Alleppey (4 Days)

4 Days Round trip from Pickup service provided in Kochi. Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Drive through Kerala’s countryside from Cochin to Thekkady
02 Watch a Kalaripayattu performance at Kadathanadan Kalari Centre
03 Enjoy a shared boat ride on Periyar Lake in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
04 Visit a spice plantation and learn about local spice cultivation
05 Browse Thekkady’s market for spices, handicrafts, and souvenirs
06 Cruise Alleppey’s backwaters on a traditional houseboat
07 Enjoy lunch, dinner, and an overnight stay onboard the houseboat

Discover the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Kerala on this 4-day journey from Cochin to Thekkady and Alleppey. Travel through scenic countryside to Thekkady, where you’ll experience a live Kalaripayattu performance, explore the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary by boat, and visit a spice plantation to learn about the region’s famous cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, and coffee.

The journey continues to Alleppey for a traditional houseboat cruise through the backwaters, with meals served onboard and an overnight stay on the water. With private transport, included accommodation, and a mix of wildlife, culture, and backwater scenery, this itinerary offers a well-rounded Kerala experience.

Here, witness the awe-inspiring display of Kalaripayattu, Kerala's ancient martial art form, showcasing agility and skill.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Kochi, Alappuzha, Thekkady, Periyar National Park

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Cochin to Thekkady (170kms/ 3hrs approx.)Your journey commences from Cochin with a picturesque drive to Thekkady, where lush landscapes and quaint villages line the route, offering glimpses of Kerala's countryside.Upon arrival, settle into your hotel and refresh yourself before an evening visit to the Kadathanadan Kalari Centre. Here, witness the awe-inspiring display of Kalaripayattu, Kerala's ancient martial art form, showcasing agility and skill.Conclude the day with a serene overnight stay, immersing yourself in the tranquil ambiance of Thekkady.Overnight at hotel.

Day 02

Thekkady ExplorationBegin your day with a hearty breakfast, gearing up for a day of exploration at the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.Embark on a shared boat ride across Periyar Lake, where the serene waters provide a perfect backdrop for spotting elephants, bison, and a variety of avian species.Delve into the aromatic world of spices with a guided tour of Thekkady's spice plantations, learning about the cultivation and processing of cardamom, cinnamon, and pepper.Conclude the day with a leisurely stroll through Thekkady's bustling market, offering a delightful array of spices, handicrafts, and souvenirs to take home as mementos of your visit.Overnight at hotel.

Day 03

Thekkady to Alleppey (135kms / 3hrs approx.)After breakfast, depart for Alleppey, renowned for its scenic backwaters and idyllic charm.Upon reaching Alleppey, board a traditional houseboat for a leisurely cruise through the mesmerizing backwaters, offering glimpses of rural life along the waterways. Indulge in a delectable lunch onboard, featuring authentic Kerala cuisine prepared by skilled chefs, using fresh ingredients sourced locally. As the sun sets, anchor the houseboat at a serene spot and relish a magical evening, surrounded by the tranquil ambiance of the backwaters. Retire to your cozy cabin for a restful night's sleep, lulled by the gentle sway of the houseboat on the water.Lunch, dinner and overnight in houseboat.

Day 04

Alleppey to Cochin (60kms / 1.3hrs approx.)Wake up to the soothing sounds of nature and enjoy a delicious breakfast onboard, prepared to your liking by the attentive staff. Bid farewell to the enchanting backwaters as you disembark from the houseboat and commence your journey back to Cochin.Arrive in Cochin, reminiscing about the unforgettable experiences and cherished memories created during your time in Thekkady and Alleppey. Conclude your tour with a drop-off at your hotel or the airport, filled with fond memories of Kerala's natural beauty and cultural heritage.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Pickup service provided in Kochi. 4 cities · 4 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Dinner
Breakfast
Lunch
Assistance on arrival at the airport.
3 Nights' accommodation (if option selected) in selected price category hotels.
Private AC car/van for airport transfers, sightseeing, and excursions as per the program.
English speaking tour guide for spice plantation tour.
Entrances and boat safari charges.
Bottled drinking water in the car.
Government taxes.

What's Not Included

Camera charges at monuments if any.
Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet, etc.
Gratuities and optional activities.

Know before you go

STROLLER OR PRAM ACCESSIBLE
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION NEARBY
Not wheelchair accessible
Not suitable for pets
Infants must not sit on laps
Infant seats unavailable
Hotels used or similar
Thekkady 2 nights
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)