Idukki is the defining stop on this seven-day Kerala tour. Instead of adding a second day in Thekkady, this route moves from Munnar to Idukki before continuing to Kumarakom and an overnight Alleppey houseboat. It is a useful choice for travellers who want a broader hill-country journey within one week.
This article covers Varanasi Excursion’s Best of India: Kerala Tour with Houseboat – 7 Days listing. Its route differs from the separate seven-day Kerala itineraries already on our website.
The day-by-day route
- Day 1 — Cochin to Munnar: Airport arrival and transfer with waterfall, spice-plantation and viewpoint stops.
- Day 2 — Munnar: Tea Museum, lakes and viewpoints; Top Station depends on weather, while Eravikulam access is subject to availability.
- Day 3 — Munnar to Idukki: Idukki Arch Dam, spice plantations and panoramic viewpoints.
- Day 4 — Idukki to Thekkady: Periyar sanctuary, spice plantations and market. Periyar boating, cultural performances and a guided nature walk are optional.
- Day 5 — Thekkady to Kumarakom: Lakeside stay; the seasonal bird-sanctuary visit is optional.
- Day 6 — Kumarakom to Alleppey: Board the houseboat for a backwater cruise and overnight stay.
- Day 7 — Alleppey to Cochin: Heritage sightseeing and airport departure, coordinated with your flight.
Confirmed accommodation and services
The listing provides five hotel nights plus one houseboat night, with 3-, 4- or 5-star hotel options. Hotel breakfasts and houseboat lunch, dinner and breakfast are included. Private air-conditioned overland transport, an English-speaking driver and local assistance are listed. Flights and insurance are excluded.
Who should consider the Idukki route?
The extra destination suits travellers who enjoy changing scenery and are comfortable moving accommodation after Munnar. It also means less unstructured time in each later destination. Read the sequence as a travelling holiday rather than a week based at one resort.
If a long forest activity is your priority, ask the operator how it would fit the Thekkady day. Optional activities compete for the same afternoon and evening. Choose one priority first, then have the rest of the day built around it.
Planning the final two days
Separate the Kumarakom hotel stay from the Alleppey houseboat experience when comparing quotations. Ask where the boat boards, whether it is private, which cabin is allocated and when air-conditioning operates. The word “houseboat” does not answer those practical questions.
The final day combines checkout, a road journey, Kochi sightseeing and an airport transfer. Share your departure time before booking. If the flight window is too tight, ask which visits should be shortened or whether an extra Kochi night can be quoted separately.
Before confirming the booking
- Request the exact hotel and room list for your selected category.
- Ask whether sightseeing entrance tickets are charged separately.
- Confirm Idukki Arch Dam access for your travel date; agree on an alternative if access changes.
- Ask about road time before adding the optional Chinnar visit. Do not add it automatically to an already busy transfer day.
- Discuss dietary needs early and obtain a clear houseboat meal confirmation.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as every seven-day Kerala tour?
No. This particular listing includes Idukki between Munnar and Thekkady. Compare day-by-day routes rather than duration alone.
Is Periyar boating included?
It is marked optional on this listing. Confirm its cost and reservation separately.
How many nights are on the houseboat?
One night, following the Day 6 transfer to Alleppey.
Is a specialist guide included throughout?
The guide section specifies an English-speaking driver and local assistance. Ask separately if you need specialist interpretation at particular sights.
Related Kerala planning guides
- Plan your two nights in Munnar
- What to pack for Kerala’s backwaters
- Compare a different seven-day Kerala route
Enquire about this Kerala tour
Send Varanasi Excursion your travel dates, arrival and departure details, group size and preferred hotel category. Ask for a written quotation with the final route, properties, activity tickets and meal plan.
WhatsApp +91-9005104999 or email info@varanasiexcursion.com.
Tour itinerary and inclusions reviewed on 8 October 2026. View the specific TourRadar listing. Confirm the final services for your dates before booking.