A backwater holiday does not have to include sleeping on a boat. This six-day Kerala journey keeps all five nights in hotels, connecting Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady and Kumarakom before returning to Kochi. Its final evening is designed for relaxing in the backwater region, which makes it a useful option for travellers who prefer a hotel room throughout their holiday.
This guide follows Varanasi Excursion’s India 6-Day Kerala Hills, Wildlife & Backwater Journey, checked on 11 October 2026. No houseboat overnight is listed.
Day-wise itinerary
Day 1: Kochi arrival and heritage
Arrive at Cochin International Airport and transfer to a hotel in Chullickal. The programme names St Francis Church, Chinese Fishing Nets, Portuguese houses, the Jewish Synagogue, Jew Town and Mattancherry Palace. Arrival time will influence how comfortably these visits fit. Read our Fort Kochi arrival guide.
Day 2: Kochi to Munnar
The listing estimates approximately 160 kilometres and four to five hours, with Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls and Karadippara viewpoint along the way. Overnight in Munnar.
Day 3: A full Munnar day
Visit Eravikulam National Park at Rajamalai, the Tea Museum, a local tea factory, Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point and Kundala Lake. Mattupetty boating is optional and at your own expense. The second Munnar night gives the hill section a settled rhythm; our two-night Munnar guide offers further planning ideas.
Day 4: Munnar to Thekkady
Travel roughly 110 kilometres, estimated at three and a half hours, stopping at Lock Heart Gap and Anayirangal Dam. Check into the Thekkady hotel. Although the tour title mentions wildlife, this day does not explicitly include a Periyar boat ride or guided forest activity.
Day 5: Thekkady to Kumarakom
Transfer after breakfast to Kumarakom and spend the remaining day relaxing around the backwaters. Stay overnight in a hotel. Neither a houseboat cruise nor a bird-sanctuary visit is specifically confirmed in this day’s activity list.
Day 6: Kumarakom to Kochi airport
After breakfast and hotel checkout, return to Cochin International Airport. Choose your flight after confirming the transfer plan and check-in buffer.
Confirmed inclusions and questions to settle
The listing confirms five hotel nights in a double or twin room with daily breakfast, with 3-star, 4-star and 5-star options, plus an English-speaking driver and local assistance. Flights and insurance are excluded. Actual hotel names, room features and transport specification should be requested in the quotation.
The meal section contains conflicting dietary statements, so special diets should be confirmed directly rather than assumed. Ask separately about attraction admission fees and any added Periyar or backwater activity.
Practical planning tips
- Pack a light layer for Munnar and comfortable shoes for heritage and park visits.
- Keep the Kumarakom afternoon open for rest; book any extra activity explicitly.
- Request the hotel location if being beside the water matters to you. The illustrative featured image does not identify a booked property.
FAQs
Is a houseboat night included?
No. The published accommodation is five hotel nights.
Does the tour include a Periyar boat ride?
It is not explicitly listed. Ask for a separate confirmation or quotation.
Can I add boating in Munnar?
Mattupetty boating is listed as optional and payable separately.
Enquire about this route
Compare the backwater bases in our Kumarakom versus Alleppey guide. For current dates and written inclusions, WhatsApp +91-9005104999 or email info@varanasiexcursion.com.