Many Kerala itineraries travel directly from Munnar to Thekkady. Varanasi Excursion’s current Best of India: Kerala Tour with Houseboat – 7 Days adds an Idukki stop between them, creating a hill-focused route with tea estates, a major dam landscape, spice country, Kumarakom and an Alleppey houseboat.
Idukki is not just another hotel change. It changes the rhythm of the journey by turning the transfer south into a day of viewpoints, plantations and reservoir scenery. The route starts and ends at Cochin International Airport and follows Kochi Airport–Munnar–Idukki–Thekkady–Kumarakom–Alleppey–Kochi.
What Idukki adds to the route
The confirmed Idukki day includes Idukki Arch Dam, spice plantations and panoramic viewpoints. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is shown as optional. Travellers should note that access rules or operating hours at infrastructure and protected areas can change, so the local schedule must follow conditions on the day.
The biggest benefit is pacing: instead of treating the Munnar–Thekkady section only as transport, the itinerary makes the highlands part of the experience. The trade-off is another overnight location and more packing. It suits active travellers who prefer variety over staying two or three nights everywhere.
Day-wise seven-day itinerary
Day 1: Cochin Airport to Munnar
Drive to Munnar with confirmed stops at Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls, a spice plantation and scenic viewpoints. Munnar Market is optional. Breakfast is listed.
Day 2: Munnar sightseeing
The full published programme lists Photo Point, Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, Kundala Lake, Top Station, Tea Museum, Blossom Park, Eravikulam National Park and Anamudi View Point. Actual sequencing depends on opening times, traffic and seasonal access.
Day 3: Munnar to Idukki
Visit Idukki Arch Dam, spice plantations and panoramic viewpoints. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is optional and should not be assumed to be included automatically.
Day 4: Idukki to Thekkady
The confirmed sightseeing lists Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, a spice plantation and the local spice market. Boating on Periyar Lake, Kathakali, Kalaripayattu and a guided nature walk are optional. Choose one main activity rather than trying to fit everything into a transfer day.
Day 5: Thekkady to Kumarakom
Travel to the shores of Vembanad Lake. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and time by the backwaters are listed as optional, seasonal experiences. This quieter day is useful before the overnight houseboat.
Day 6: Kumarakom to Alleppey houseboat
Board a traditional Kerala houseboat and cruise the backwaters. Breakfast, a freshly prepared Kerala lunch and dinner are listed for the day, and the houseboat cruise is confirmed. Boats normally moor overnight rather than cruising continuously after dark.
Day 7: Alleppey to Kochi and departure
After breakfast, return towards Kochi. The listed visits include Fort Kochi, Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church, Mattancherry Dutch Palace, the Jewish Synagogue and Marine Drive. Local-market browsing is optional. Sightseeing must be shortened when the departing flight requires it.
Confirmed inclusion categories
- Accommodation, guide services, meals shown in the itinerary and transport.
- Houseboat cruise with lunch and dinner on Day 6.
- Breakfast through the route as displayed in the current itinerary.
- Listed included visits in Munnar, Idukki, Thekkady and Kochi.
Flights and insurance are excluded. Periyar boating, cultural shows, a nature walk, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and the seasonal Kumarakom visit are optional unless added to the final confirmation.
Planning tips for the Idukki section
- Use a medium suitcase that is easy to load and unload during multiple hotel changes.
- Carry water, sun protection and footwear with reliable grip for viewpoint stops.
- Expect winding roads in the highlands; discuss motion-sickness precautions with your clinician if needed.
- Do not place a time-sensitive activity immediately after a long transfer.
- Compare backwater options in our Kumarakom versus Alleppey guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is Idukki worth adding after Munnar?
It is worthwhile for travellers who enjoy mountain scenery, dams, viewpoints and a more varied road journey. Those who dislike frequent hotel changes may prefer travelling directly to Thekkady.
Is the Periyar boat ride included?
No. The current itinerary identifies boating on Periyar Lake as optional.
Does the tour include an overnight houseboat?
Yes. Day 6 confirms a traditional houseboat cruise with lunch and dinner, followed by breakfast on the departure day.
Can Kochi sightseeing be completed before an early flight?
Not always. The sightseeing order and number of stops must be adjusted to the confirmed flight reporting time.
Ask us to plan your Idukki route
For a private Kerala itinerary with the right balance of hills and backwaters, contact Varanasi Excursion on WhatsApp +91-9005104999 or email info@varanasiexcursion.com. See more Kerala tour options.