This seven-day route balances Kerala’s heritage, tea hills, wildlife landscape and backwaters. Starting in Kochi, it travels through Munnar and Periyar, pauses in Kumarakom and ends with an overnight Alleppey houseboat. One detail matters: the Periyar Lake boat ride is included, while the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is optional.
The itinerary below reflects the current listing for Varanasi Excursion’s We Love India: 7-Day Kerala Highlights Tour from Kochi.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Kochi
Begin with St Francis Church, the Chinese Fishing Nets, the Jewish Synagogue and Dutch Palace. These stops introduce Fort Kochi and Mattancherry before the journey inland.
Day 2: Kochi to Munnar
Travel into the Western Ghats and visit Eravikulam National Park and Mattupetty. Breakfast is included. Review our Munnar planning guide for practical pacing.
Day 3: Munnar to Periyar
Continue to Periyar and visit the sanctuary landscape. Breakfast is included.
Day 4: Periyar Lake and spice plantations
A scenic boat ride on Periyar Lake and a visit to spice plantations are included. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but the lake trip is a peaceful way to experience the reserve setting. Our Thekkady and Periyar activity guide adds useful context.
Day 5: Periyar to Kumarakom
The road transfer is approximately 121 kilometres and around four and a half hours. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is listed as optional, so admission and arrangements should be confirmed separately. Compare the two backwater bases in our Kumarakom versus Alleppey guide.
Day 6: Kumarakom to Alleppey
Board a traditional houseboat and cruise the Alleppey backwaters. Breakfast, a freshly prepared lunch and dinner aboard the boat are confirmed for this day, followed by an overnight stay.
Day 7: Alleppey to Kochi
Eat breakfast aboard the houseboat, disembark and transfer about 70 kilometres to Kochi, normally around two hours before traffic allowances.
What is confirmed
- Five hotel nights in a double or twin room with daily breakfast, plus one houseboat night; 3-star, 4-star and 5-star options are offered.
- Houseboat lunch, dinner and breakfast.
- An English-speaking driver and local assistance.
- The Periyar Lake boat ride and spice-plantation visit.
- Requested Jain, vegetarian, vegan, halal or kosher meals.
Flights and travel insurance are excluded. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is optional, not a confirmed inclusion.
Practical planning tips
- Use quiet colours and avoid loud conversation during the Periyar boat trip.
- Pack binoculars if birdlife is a priority.
- Request the houseboat menu in advance for dietary needs.
- Confirm whether you want the optional Kumarakom sanctuary visit before the transfer day.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Periyar boat ride included?
Yes. The current itinerary specifically includes a scenic boat ride on Periyar Lake.
Is Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary included?
No. It is shown as optional, so confirm timing and cost separately.
Which houseboat meals are confirmed?
Lunch, dinner and breakfast are included with the houseboat stay.
Request your Kerala itinerary
Ask Varanasi Excursion for current dates and a personalised written quotation via WhatsApp at +91-9005104999 or info@varanasiexcursion.com.