For a family or group of friends, a Kerala itinerary works best when the vehicle, luggage and included meals are understood before departure. This seven-day journey starts and ends in Kochi, with a Munnar night, two Periyar nights, a Kumarakom hotel stay and an Alleppey houseboat night. The route is varied, while the private transport keeps the group together.
This guide follows Varanasi Excursion’s Make in India 7 Day Kerala Highlights Tour, checked on 11 October 2026, and concentrates on practical group arrangements.
The day-wise route
Day 1: Kochi arrival
Transfer from the airport, station or agreed location to the hotel. The named visits are St Francis Church, Chinese Fishing Nets, the Jewish Synagogue and Dutch Palace. Confirm arrival timing against the sightseeing programme.
Day 2: Kochi to Munnar
After breakfast, drive to Munnar and visit Eravikulam National Park and Mattupetty Dam. Keep essentials accessible rather than packed beneath the group’s luggage.
Day 3: Munnar to Periyar
Travel to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary visit is listed; trekking or guided walks mentioned in the narrative should be confirmed separately as specific arrangements.
Day 4: Periyar Lake and spices
A scenic Periyar Lake boat ride and spice-plantation visit are included in the itinerary. The second night in Periyar avoids another hotel change on this activity day.
Day 5: Periyar to Kumarakom
The listing estimates 121 kilometres and about four and a half hours. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is optional, so decide in advance whether the group wants it.
Day 6: Kumarakom to Alleppey houseboat
Board a traditional kettuvallam for the backwater cruise and overnight anchorage. Fresh lunch and dinner are included, with breakfast before the transfer.
Day 7: Alleppey to Kochi
Have breakfast on the houseboat, explore Alleppey and continue to Kochi. The source estimates roughly 70 kilometres and two hours, before any additional traffic and airport allowance.
Vehicle choices by group size
The listing specifies an air-conditioned medium car such as a Swift or similar for one to two travellers, a large car such as an Innova or similar for three to six, and a mini-van such as a Tempo Traveller or similar for seven to ten. These are examples, not guaranteed exact models. Share suitcase sizes and accessibility requirements so the final vehicle can be confirmed.
Confirmed inclusions and exclusions
Five hotel nights in double or twin rooms with breakfast and one houseboat night are listed, with 3-star, 4-star and 5-star choices. Houseboat lunch, dinner and breakfast, an English-speaking driver, arrival/departure assistance, daily bottled mineral water and applicable taxes including GST are confirmed.
Flights, insurance, monument entrance fees, personal expenses and tips are excluded. The meal section lists Jain and kosher options on request but says vegetarian, vegan and halal options are unavailable; clarify your group’s requirements before booking.
Planning tips
- Send one rooming list with double, twin and any single-room requests.
- Request the houseboat bedroom arrangement and air-conditioning schedule.
- Keep a separate allowance for excluded admission fees and optional sanctuary visits.
- Use our houseboat packing guide.
FAQs
Is an Innova guaranteed?
No. The source says Innova or similar for three to six travellers.
Are monument tickets included?
No. Monument entrance fees are explicitly excluded.
Is the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary included?
No. This listing marks it optional.
Request a group quotation
Read our Periyar activity guide for context. Share group size, dates and luggage needs on WhatsApp +91-9005104999 or info@varanasiexcursion.com.