Nature
Eravikulam National Park
The first national park in Kerala, famous for the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and sprawling views of tea plantations.
This 5-day Kerala Highlights tour provides a balanced circuit through the state’s most iconic landscapes, starting from the colonial harbor of Kochi. You will ascend into the emerald tea estates of Munnar, explore the spice-scented wilderness of Thekkady, and conclude with a private houseboat cruise through the Alleppey backwaters. Designed for efficiency and comfort, the itinerary uses private transport to minimize transit stress, ensuring you spend more time at key sites like Eravikulam National Park and the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Tour Route Map
π
Kochi Arrival
Day 1
Colonial Fort Kochi & Marine Drive
πΏ
Munnar
Day 2
Tea Estates & Misty Mountains
π
Thekkady
Day 3
Wildlife Sanctuary & Spice Plantations
πΆ
Alleppey
Day 4
Luxury Houseboat & Backwater Cruise
βοΈ
Kochi Departure
Day 5
Tour Highlights
β
Tea Estate Exploration
Walk through the manicured tea gardens of Munnar with a local expert.
π€
Private Houseboat Stay
An overnight cruise in Alleppey with traditional meals prepared on board.
π
Periyar Boat Safari
Spot wild elephants and diverse birdlife in the Periyar National Park.
π
Cultural Immersion
Witness a live Kathakali performance and visit the historic Fort Kochi.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
DAY1
π π Cochin
Arrival & Heritage Walk
Land at Cochin Airport and transfer to hotel. Visit the Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, and the Dutch Palace in the evening.
π¨ Kochi & π³ Dinner DAY2
π π Munnar
The High Ghats Drive
A 4-hour scenic drive to Munnar. En route, stop at Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls. Check-in and evening at leisure in Munnar town.
π¨ Munnar & π³ Breakfast & Dinner DAY3
π π Munnar
Tea Gardens & Wildlife
Visit Eravikulam National Park to see the Nilgiri Tahr. Explore the Tea Museum, Mattupetty Dam, and the Rose Garden.
π¨ Munnar & π³ Breakfast & Dinner DAY4
π π Thekkady
Spice Trails & Lake Cruise
Drive to Thekkady. Visit a spice plantation and take an afternoon boat safari on Lake Periyar to spot wildlife.
π¨ Thekkady & π³ Breakfast & Dinner DAY5
π π Alleppey
Backwater Houseboat
Transfer to Alleppey. Board a private houseboat at noon. Cruise through the Vembanad Lake and narrow canals.
π¨ Private Houseboat & π³ All Meals What's Included & Excluded
β Package Inclusions
- β π | Dedicated AC Sedan for all transfers and sightseeing throughout the trip.
- β π¨ | 04 Nights accommodation in highly-rated 3-star or boutique properties.
- β π± | Daily breakfast at hotels and all meals (Lunch/Dinner/Breakfast) on the houseboat.
- β β½ | All fuel, tolls, parking, and driver overnight allowances included.
β Package Exclusions
- β βοΈ | Airfare or train tickets to Cochin (COK) are not included.
- β ποΈ | Entrance fees to National Parks, Museums, and boat safari tickets.
- β π½οΈ | Lunch on land-based days and any personal snacks or beverages.
- β π‘οΈ | Travel insurance and tips for drivers or hotel staff.
Places Covered
Culture
Chinese Fishing Nets
Iconic fixed land installations for fishing in Kochi, originally introduced by Chinese explorers in the 14th century.
Adventure
Periyar Lake
An artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam, offering a unique vantage point for wildlife viewing via boat.
Traveller Reviews
About This Package
Discover the Essence of God's Own Country
The Kerala Highlights package is engineered for travelers who want to experience the geographical diversity of Kerala without feeling rushed. The journey begins in Kochi, a city that serves as a living museum of colonial history. Here, you will observe the 14th-century Chinese Fishing Nets in action and walk through the Jewish Synagogue, gaining insight into the spice trade that shaped this region. The transition from the coastal plains to the Western Ghats is a highlight in itself, featuring winding roads lined with rubber plantations and seasonal waterfalls like Cheeyappara.The Mist-Covered Hills of Munnar
Munnar is the heart of India's tea production, and this tour ensures you see it from multiple perspectives. You will visit the Tea Museum to understand the processing of the leaf and then head to Eravikulam National Park, the natural habitat of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. The itinerary includes stops at Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point, where the geography creates unique acoustic effects. By staying in Munnar for two nights, you avoid the common mistake of 'touch-and-go' tourism, allowing for a relaxed pace amidst the high-altitude greenery.Wildlife, Spices, and the Backwaters
The route then moves south to Thekkady (Periyar), the spice capital of Kerala. A guided spice plantation tour is included to help you identify fresh cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon in their natural state. The highlight here is the boat safari on Lake Periyar, offering a high probability of spotting wild elephants and bison at the water's edge. The journey culminates in Alleppey, where you board a private houseboat. Unlike standard hotel stays, the houseboat offers a slow-motion view of Kerala's rural lifeβpaddy fields, local fishing, and palm-fringed canalsβaccompanied by authentic Keralite cuisine prepared on board by a private chef. This circuit is the most logical and logistically sound way to see the best of Kerala in a short timeframe.Optimized Transit: We use specific routes to avoid heavy traffic between Munnar and Thekkady.
Handpicked Houseboats: We only book houseboats with valid licenses and high hygiene ratings.
Local Drivers: Our drivers speak multiple languages and know the best local eateries and viewpoints.
Package Policy & Terms
π General Terms
- Standard hotel check-in time is 12:00 PM and check-out is 10:00 AM.
- Government-issued ID proof is mandatory for all guests at the time of check-in.
- AC will be switched off in hilly areas as per safety and vehicle guidelines.
- All itinerary changes due to weather, road conditions, or government restrictions are subject to availability.
- Rooms are subject to availability at the time of confirmation.
- Early check-in and late check-out are subject to hotel availability and may incur additional charges.
- Guests are responsible for maintaining decorum and following hotel policies during the stay.
- Any damage to hotel property or vehicle will be charged directly to the guest.
- Driver duty timings are as per standard working hours; additional usage may incur extra charges.
- Sightseeing points are subject to local authority permissions and time constraints.
β Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations made 30 days or more before departure: 20% of total package cost will be charged.
- Cancellations made 15β30 days before departure: 40% of total package cost will be charged.
- Cancellations made 7β14 days before departure: 70% of total package cost will be charged.
- Cancellations made less than 7 days before departure: 100% non-refundable.
- No refund will be provided for no-shows or unused services.
- Any refund (if applicable) will be processed within 7β10 working days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the houseboat private or shared? βΎ
This package includes a completely private houseboat for your group, ensuring privacy and a personalized menu.
What is the distance between Cochin and Munnar? βΎ
It is approximately 130 km, which takes about 4 hours due to the winding mountain roads.
Are vegetarian meals available? βΎ
Yes, both the hotels and the houseboat provide a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan meal options.
Can we customize the itinerary? βΎ
Absolutely. We can add extra nights in Marari beach or upgrade the hotel category upon request.