Kerala Backwaters
Overview
Experience the magic of Kerala — "God's Own Country". From the misty tea plantations of Munnar to the spice gardens of Thekkady, the serene backwater houseboat cruise of Alleppey, and the sun-kissed beaches of Kovalam. This tour captures everything that makes Kerala India's most enchanting state — lush greenery, Ayurvedic wellness, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality.
Highlights
- Munnar tea plantations — rolling emerald hills at 1,600m
- Alleppey houseboat overnight cruise through palm-fringed backwaters
- Periyar Tiger Reserve boat safari at Thekkady
- Kovalam Lighthouse Beach — one of India's most beautiful beaches
- Spice plantation tour with fresh spice tasting at Thekkady
- Kathakali dance performance — Kerala's classical art form
- Authentic Kerala Sadya (feast) on banana leaf
- Kochi Fort area — blend of Portuguese, Dutch, and British heritage
Day-by-Day Itinerary
View Detailed ItineraryActivities
Arrive Kochi Airport
Arrive at Cochin International Airport. Meet our representative.
Drive to Munnar
Begin the scenic 4-hour drive to Munnar through rubber plantations, spice gardens, and waterfalls
Cheeyappara Waterfalls
Stop at the stunning Cheeyappara Waterfalls cascading across seven tiers beside the road
Arrive Munnar
Arrive in Munnar, check into resort
Lunch
Lunch at resort (own expense) — try Kerala parotta with chicken curry
Tea Museum
Visit the KDHP Tea Museum — learn the history and process of tea making, with tea tasting
Mattupetty Dam & Lake
Visit Mattupetty Dam and its beautiful lake surrounded by tea gardens and forests. Optional speed boat ride.
Tea Garden Walk
Walk through Munnar's famous tea gardens as the golden light illuminates the emerald carpets
Meals Included
Accommodation
Fragrant Nature or similarWhere You'll Stay
Fragrant Nature or similar
Spice Village or similar
Premium AC Houseboat
Uday Samudra or similar
What's Included & Excluded
Included
- 3 nights hotel accommodation + 1 night houseboat
- Daily breakfast
- All meals on houseboat (lunch, evening snacks, dinner, morning tea, breakfast)
- Alleppey premium houseboat with AC bedroom
- All transfers by private AC vehicle
- Periyar Tiger Reserve boat ticket
- Spice plantation visit
- Kathakali dance show
- Kochi Fort area guided walk
- All applicable taxes
Not Included
- Airfare to Kochi and from Trivandrum
- Lunch and dinner (except on houseboat)
- Ayurvedic massage and spa treatments
- Personal expenses and tips
- Travel insurance
- Bamboo rafting and trekking at Thekkady (optional)
- Any activity not mentioned in inclusions
Important Information
Note 1
Houseboat check-in is at 12 noon, checkout at 9 AM
Note 2
Houseboats dock overnight — they don't cruise after sunset (KTDC regulation)
Note 3
Munnar can be chilly — carry a light jacket especially for evenings
Note 4
Periyar boat safari sightings are not guaranteed — wildlife is unpredictable
Note 5
Kerala has strict anti-littering laws — keep the environment clean
Meeting Point
Emergency Contact
+91-9876543210
Prepare for Your Trip
Clothing
- Light cotton clothing
- Light jacket for Munnar evenings
- Swimwear for Kovalam
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sandals/flip flops
Essentials
- Sunscreen SPF 50+
- Insect repellent
- Camera
- Water bottle
- Binoculars for Periyar boat safari
Beach
- Beach towel
- Sunglasses
- Hat/cap
Travel Requirements
Visa Requirements
Currency & Payment
INR
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended but not included.
Health & Safety Information
Fitness Level Required
Altitude Information
Best Time to Visit
These months offer the best weather and travel conditions for this destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need Help Planning?
Gallery
Alleppey backwater houseboat cruise
Munnar tea gardens — endless emerald carpets
Periyar Tiger Reserve, Thekkady
Lighthouse Beach, Kovalam
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