Kerala works especially well when a short itinerary combines heritage, tea country, forest landscapes and backwaters without changing hotels every night. This six-day private journey starts and ends at Cochin International Airport and follows Kochi–Munnar–Thekkady–Kumarakom. It is best for travellers who want varied scenery, daily breakfast and a calm hotel-based finish rather than an overnight houseboat.
Route at a glance
Duration: 6 days / 5 nights
Route: Cochin Airport – Kochi – Munnar – Thekkady – Kumarakom – Cochin Airport
Style: Private, fully guided, low-intensity journey.
Day-wise itinerary
Day 1: Kochi heritage
Arrive at Cochin International Airport and transfer to the hotel. Explore Fort Kochi, including St. Francis Church, Chinese Fishing Nets, Portuguese-era houses, the Jewish Synagogue, Jew Town and Mattancherry Palace.
Day 2: Kochi to Munnar
Drive approximately 160 km into the Western Ghats. Planned stops include Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls and Karadippara View Point before hotel check-in in Munnar.
Day 3: Munnar sightseeing
Visit Eravikulam National Park, the Tea Museum and a local tea factory, followed by Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point and Kundala Lake. Boating at Mattupetty Dam is optional and paid separately.
Day 4: Munnar to Thekkady
Travel about 110 km to Thekkady, stopping at Lock Heart Gap and Anayirangal Dam. Check in and keep the evening unhurried.
Day 5: Thekkady to Kumarakom
Drive to Kumarakom and relax beside the backwaters. The listed itinerary does not confirm a boat cruise on this day, so travellers who want one should request it before booking.
Day 6: Kumarakom to Cochin Airport
After breakfast, transfer to Cochin International Airport for departure.
Confirmed inclusions
- Five nights in a double/twin room in the selected accommodation category
- Daily breakfast
- English-speaking driver and local assistance
- Listed sightseeing and transfers
Not included: Flights and insurance. Optional boating is not included. Request a written final inclusion list for entrance fees and any activities not explicitly named.
Planning tips
- Keep footwear with grip for waterfall stops and park paths.
- Carry a light layer for cool Munnar mornings and rain protection year-round.
- Eravikulam access can be seasonal or capacity-controlled; reconfirm the day plan.
- Kumarakom is a hotel stay on this route, not a houseboat night.
- Share dietary needs early; special meal requests should be reconfirmed.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Periyar Lake boat ride included?
No Periyar boat activity is explicitly listed in the current itinerary. Ask for written confirmation if it is important to you.
Does the tour include a houseboat?
No. The backwater portion is a Kumarakom hotel stay.
Where does the tour begin and end?
It begins and ends at Cochin International Airport.
Can accommodation be selected by category?
The listing presents 3-star, 4-star and 5-star options. Confirm the exact hotel names before payment.
Continue planning
Compare our Kerala tour packages, read the Kerala packing guide, or explore Kumarakom and its backwaters.
Enquire about this Kerala journey
Ask Varanasi Excursion for a current, personalised proposal with final hotels, transfer timings and confirmed activities. WhatsApp +91-9005104999 or email info@varanasiexcursion.com.