This compact Kerala itinerary connects Munnar’s highland scenery, Thekkady’s spice country and the backwaters around Alleppey or Kumarakom. Its strongest planning advantage is clarity: the current programme includes a Periyar Lake boat ride, while the backwater shikara cruise is optional and charged separately.
Route at a glance
Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
Route: Cochin Airport – Munnar – Thekkady – Alleppey or Kumarakom – Cochin Airport
Style: Private, fully guided, low-intensity tour.
Day-wise itinerary
Day 1: Cochin Airport to Munnar
Meet the driver at Cochin Airport and climb into the Western Ghats. The route passes tea landscapes and includes views of Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls before check-in in Munnar.
Day 2: Munnar highlights
Visit Mattupetty Dam, Kundala Dam, Echo Point and the Tea Museum. The sequence gives a balanced introduction to Munnar’s reservoirs, hills and tea heritage.
Day 3: Munnar to Thekkady
Travel to Thekkady for a spice-plantation visit, a boat ride on Periyar Lake and time in the local spice market. Wildlife sightings are possible but never guaranteed.
Day 4: Thekkady to Alleppey or Kumarakom
Drive to the backwater region and check into the assigned hotel. A shikara cruise is listed as optional and costs extra; it should not be confused with an overnight houseboat stay.
Day 5: Return to Cochin Airport
After breakfast, check out and transfer to Cochin International Airport.
Confirmed inclusions
- Four hotel nights in a double/twin room in the selected category
- Daily breakfast
- English-speaking driver and local assistance
- Private overland transport by air-conditioned car
- Periyar Lake boat ride and the listed sightseeing sequence
Not included: Flights, insurance and the optional shikara cruise. Ask for final written confirmation of entrance fees before booking.
Practical planning tips
- Schedule an arrival with enough daylight for the waterfall route to Munnar.
- Pack a light jacket for Munnar and breathable clothing for the backwaters.
- Keep binoculars handy at Periyar, while treating sightings as a bonus.
- Ask whether Day 4 will use Alleppey or Kumarakom; they offer different atmospheres.
- Confirm dietary requests and exact hotel names in advance.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Periyar boat ride included?
Yes, it is listed as an included activity on Day 3.
Is there an overnight houseboat?
No overnight houseboat is confirmed in the current itinerary. Day 4 is a hotel stay, with an optional shikara cruise at extra cost.
Can the backwater stay be in Alleppey or Kumarakom?
Yes. The itinerary names both possibilities, so confirm the assigned destination in the final proposal.
Are flights included?
No. International and domestic flights are excluded.
Useful Kerala reading
Explore our Kerala packages, compare houseboats, shikaras and kayaks, and review our guide to Thekkady activities.
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For current hotel choices, route timing and written activity confirmation, WhatsApp +91-9005104999 or email info@varanasiexcursion.com.