If you have eight days in Kerala, you can begin with Kochi’s old streets and finish by the sea without missing the tea hills, Periyar forest or an overnight houseboat. This private route follows a natural north-to-south line. It is especially appealing if you want a little time in Varkala as well as Kovalam.
The route at a glance
- Kochi (1 night) → Munnar (2) → Thekkady (1) → Alleppey houseboat (1) → Varkala (1) → Kovalam (1)
- Arrival: Kochi airport; departure: Trivandrum airport or railway station
- Experiences: Fort Kochi, tea country, Periyar Lake, backwaters and two very different beaches
Day 1: Arrive in Kochi | A first taste of Kerala
Meet your representative at Kochi airport and travel to your hotel in Fort Kochi. If you arrive early enough, walk to the Chinese fishing nets and explore the colonial lanes with a guide. St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica, Mattancherry Palace, the Paradesi Synagogue and the Spice Market make a rewarding circuit, though opening hours and weekly closures may shape the order. Marine Drive is across the city; include it if time and energy allow. Overnight in Kochi.
Day 2: Kochi to Munnar | Into the Western Ghats
After breakfast, turn inland towards Munnar. Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls are pleasant breaks on the journey when flow and road conditions are suitable. As the road rises, tea-covered slopes replace the lowland plantations. Check in to your resort, explore the local market if you wish, and end the day with a Kathakali performance, subject to availability. Overnight in Munnar.
Day 3: Munnar | Tea and mountain viewpoints
Take a full day for Munnar’s hills. Visit the Tea Museum when open, stroll among the plantations and learn about the spices grown in this part of Kerala. Photo Point, Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point offer easy scenic stops. Build in time for a relaxed lunch rather than trying to fit every viewpoint into one afternoon. Overnight in Munnar.
Day 4: Munnar to Thekkady | Forest and spice country
Drive south through the Ghats to Thekkady. A guided nature walk offers a closer look at the region’s evergreen landscape; the route and permits depend on the activity available on your travel date. A spice garden visit is another worthwhile option. Spend the evening at your resort or choose a local cultural performance. Overnight in Thekkady.
Day 5: Thekkady to Alleppey | Periyar Lake and houseboat
Begin with a boat safari on Periyar Lake if tickets and the operating schedule permit. Wildlife sightings are possible but never guaranteed. Then head to Alleppey and board your private houseboat. Settle in with a welcome drink before a Kerala lunch; watch the backwater villages pass by over afternoon tea, and enjoy dinner after the boat moors. Confirm the boat specification, meals and air-conditioning schedule before booking. Overnight on the houseboat.
Day 6: Alleppey to Varkala | A sunset on the cliffs
Have breakfast on board, disembark and continue south to Varkala. The afternoon is yours: wander the cliff path, stop at a café and watch the Arabian Sea change colour towards sunset. The cliff steps and beach access may be uneven, so comfortable footwear helps. Overnight in Varkala.
Day 7: Varkala to Kovalam | An easy coastal day
Travel along the coast to Kovalam. Visit Lighthouse Beach and Hawa Beach, then decide whether to spend the rest of the day by the water or along the promenade. This is a good point in the trip to leave the schedule deliberately loose. Overnight in Kovalam.
Day 8: Trivandrum sightseeing and departure
After breakfast, explore Thiruvananthapuram according to your departure time. Possible stops include the exterior precinct of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Napier Museum, Sri Chitra Art Gallery and the zoological park. Temple entry restrictions and museum closure days apply, so we confirm what is open before fixing the route. Your driver then transfers you to Trivandrum airport or railway station.
Make the itinerary your own
This is a sample private journey. If your flight arrives late on day one, we can move Kochi sightseeing to another day or add a night. Kayaking, a shikara ride, bamboo rafting and cultural performances can be discussed separately, depending on location, weather and availability. Hotel and houseboat standards can be selected to suit your budget.
For a tailored quote, message Varanasi Excursion on WhatsApp at +91 90051 04999 with your dates, number of travellers and preferred room category.