This seven-day Kerala route starts with a hotel night in Kochi, makes time for two nights around Periyar and ends with both Kumarakom and an overnight Alleppey cruise. That final pair gives you a chance to experience the backwaters from land and from the water.
Itinerary at a glance
- Day 1 • Fort Kochi
- Day 2 • Kochi to Munnar
- Day 3 • Munnar to Periyar
- Day 4 • Periyar Lake
- Day 5 • Kumarakom
- Day 6 • Alleppey houseboat
- Day 7 • Kochi airport
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 • Fort Kochi
After arrival, explore the fishing nets and St. Francis Church. Add Mattancherry Palace and Paradesi Synagogue if they are open and your arrival time allows.
Day 2 • Kochi to Munnar
Drive to Munnar and visit Eravikulam and the Mattupetty area if timings and access allow. Stay in Munnar.
Day 3 • Munnar to Periyar
Continue to the Periyar area and check in. Treat the afternoon as flexible after the hill drive.
Day 4 • Periyar Lake
Use the full day around Thekkady for the reserve and lake outing listed in the route. Book your preferred time ahead and confirm how to get to the boarding point. Wildlife sightings vary.
Day 5 • Kumarakom
Head to Kumarakom and spend the afternoon beside the backwaters. Check access and timing if you want to include the bird sanctuary.
Day 6 • Alleppey houseboat
Transfer to the houseboat and spend the afternoon on the canals. The listing includes meals and the overnight stay aboard.
Day 7 • Kochi airport
Disembark after breakfast and drive to Kochi for departure. Arrange the airport transfer around check-in and road traffic.
What to confirm before you book
Confirm the hotel option, exact houseboat boarding point and cabin layout. Ask about park and monument entry fees, and how closures or lake-slot changes affect the plan.
View the published tour itinerary and booking options. For more planning advice, read our related travel guide. Share your dates and group size if you’d like help planning this route. Contact Varanasi Excursion.