Kerala changes character as you travel south: misty tea hills around Munnar, spice-scented roads near Thekkady, slow backwater canals in Alleppey and, finally, the Arabian Sea at Kovalam. This seven-day route starts in Kochi and finishes at Trivandrum airport, giving each landscape its own moment.
At a glance
- Route: Kochi → Munnar → Thekkady → Alleppey → Kovalam → Trivandrum
- Duration: 7 days and 6 nights
- Overnights: Munnar (2), Thekkady (1), Alleppey houseboat (1), Kovalam (2)
- Best for: couples, families and first-time visitors who want hills, wildlife, backwaters and beach
Day 1: Kochi to Munnar | Waterfalls and tea country
Meet your driver at Kochi airport or railway station and head inland towards Munnar. The road climbs through the Western Ghats, passing rubber groves, spice plots and increasingly cool, green hills. Pause at Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls when conditions allow, then continue to your hotel. Keep the evening easy; after the mountain drive, a quiet walk and an early dinner are usually more appealing than another long excursion. Overnight in Munnar.
Day 2: Munnar | Gardens, viewpoints and mountain air
Spend today exploring Munnar without rushing. Start among the tea gardens, then visit the Rose Garden and Photo Point. Continue towards Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point and Kundala Lake, stopping wherever the view invites you to linger. Weather in the hills can change quickly; a light layer and rain protection are useful even on a sunny morning. Return to your hotel for a second night in Munnar.
Day 3: Munnar to Thekkady | Periyar and spices
Leave the tea hills for Thekkady, the gateway to Periyar. After checking in, take a boat ride on Periyar Lake, subject to ticket availability and operating conditions. The outing is as much about the forest and water as it is about wildlife; sightings vary. Later, walk through a spice plantation to see how pepper, cardamom and other crops grow. If you still have energy, ask us to arrange a Kathakali dance or Kalaripayattu performance in the evening. Overnight in Thekkady.
Day 4: Thekkady to Alleppey | A night on the backwaters
The road descends towards Alappuzha, also known as Alleppey. Board your private houseboat and settle into the slower rhythm of the canals. Watch village life, coconut palms and paddy fields drift past as lunch is served on board. The boat moors for the night, and dinner follows on board. Confirm your preferred meals and the air-conditioning arrangement when booking. Overnight on the houseboat.
Day 5: Alleppey to Kovalam | From canals to coast
Enjoy breakfast before leaving the houseboat and driving south to Kovalam. Check in to your hotel and leave the afternoon open for the beach. Walk along the promenade, choose a café overlooking the water or simply rest after several days of travel. Swim only where local conditions and lifeguard advice permit. Overnight in Kovalam.
Day 6: Kovalam and Trivandrum | Heritage and museums
Explore Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) today. The route can include Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Kuthiramalika Palace Museum, Napier Museum and the zoological park. Temple entry rules and museum opening days differ, so we arrange the order around current access. Non-Hindu visitors cannot enter the inner temple; its exterior and surrounding district are still worth seeing. Return to Kovalam for a final evening by the sea. Overnight in Kovalam.
Day 7: Kovalam to Trivandrum | Departure
After breakfast, check out and transfer to Trivandrum airport or railway station. We plan the pickup around your departure details and allow for road traffic.
Planning your trip
This is a suggested private itinerary, so hotel category, stops and activities can be tailored. Periyar boat tickets, cultural shows and houseboat standards should be confirmed before travel. The route includes several longer drives; if you prefer a gentler pace, add a night in Munnar or Kovalam.
To plan a private Kerala journey, contact Varanasi Excursion on WhatsApp +91 90051 04999. Tell us your dates, group size and preferred hotel standard, and we will build the route around you.