Red laterite cliffs above the beach at Varkala
Domestic

Kerala with Varkala

8 Nights / 9 Days: Munnar, Thekkady, an Alleppey houseboat, Kovalam, Varkala, Trivandrum and Kanyakumari

Destination
Kerala
Duration
8 Nights / 9 Days
Departure
Dates on request
Starts and ends
Starts at Kochi airport or railway station; ends at Trivandrum airport or railway station

Overview

A nine-day Kerala circuit that goes beyond the usual route: misty tea hills in Munnar, wildlife country at Thekkady, a night on a houseboat in Alleppey, beach days at Kovalam, and a full-day excursion to Varkala's cliffs.

The trip ends with Trivandrum's temples and museums and a day trip to Kanyakumari for sunset at the southern tip of mainland India. A professional tour manager travels with you in a private A/C tempo traveller.

Highlights

  • Eravikulam National Park and the Munnar tea estates
  • Boat ride on Periyar Lake, Thekkady
  • Overnight Kerala houseboat in Alleppey
  • Jatayu Earth's Center on the way to Kovalam
  • Full-day Varkala excursion: Kappil Beach, Anjuthengu Fort and Varkala Cliff
  • Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Trivandrum
  • Vivekananda Rock Memorial and sunset at Kanyakumari

Destination photos are for illustration and do not show specific hotels or included activities.

Day-by-day itinerary

9 days. Munnar tea hills, Periyar Lake, a night on an Alleppey houseboat, Kovalam beach, a full day at Varkala and a Kanyakumari sunset, by private A/C tempo traveller.

  1. Rows of tea bushes below misty Western Ghats peaks

    Day 1: Arrive Kochi, drive to Munnar

    • Arrive at Kochi airport or railway station and meet our representative.
    • Drive to Munnar (about 130 km, 4 to 5 hours) via Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls and the tea plantations.
    • Check in; evening at leisure in Munnar town.
  2. Tea plantations on the green hills of Munnar

    Day 2: Munnar sightseeing

    • Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point and Kundala Lake.
    • Blossom Park and the Tea Museum.
    • Evening free for shopping for tea, spices and oils.
  3. Elephants in the forest near Thekkady

    Day 3: Munnar to Thekkady

    • Drive through the Western Ghats to Thekkady (about 90 km, 3 to 4 hours) and check in.
    • Boat ride on Periyar Lake; wildlife sightings are a matter of chance.
    • Optional: spice plantation, Kathakali, Kalaripayattu or an elephant experience.
  4. Traditional Kerala houseboat on the Alleppey backwaters

    Day 4: Thekkady to the Alleppey houseboat

    • Drive to Alleppey (about 140 km, 4 to 5 hours) and board the houseboat around 12 noon.
    • Cruise through backwaters, paddy fields and villages until about 5:30 pm; the boat then anchors for the night.
    • Lunch, evening tea, dinner and next morning's breakfast are served on board.
  5. Giant Jatayu bird sculpture on a rock hill

    Day 5: Alleppey to Kovalam via Jatayu Earth's Center

    • Disembark after breakfast and drive towards Kovalam (about 160 km, 4 to 5 hours).
    • Stop at Jatayu Earth's Center on the way; the cable car, museum and adventure activities are optional.
    • Check in at Kovalam and relax by the beach.
  6. Red laterite cliffs above the beach at Varkala

    Day 6: Varkala excursion

    • Kappil Beach, where the backwaters meet the sea.
    • Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple (subject to visiting hours).
    • Anjuthengu Fort and Varkala Cliff for wide sea views.
    • Return to Kovalam in the evening.
  7. Heritage building in Thiruvananthapuram

    Day 7: Kovalam to Trivandrum

    • Check out and drive to Trivandrum (30 to 40 minutes).
    • Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Napier Museum, the Art Gallery and Trivandrum Zoo.
    • Evening free for shopping and exploring.
  8. Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Thiruvalluvar Statue off Kanyakumari

    Day 8: Day trip to Kanyakumari

    • Drive to Kanyakumari (about 100 km, 3 hours each way).
    • Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Thiruvalluvar Statue, Kanyakumari Temple and the Gandhi Memorial.
    • Sunset at the southern tip of mainland India, then back to Trivandrum.
  9. Day 9: Depart from Trivandrum

    • Check out after breakfast.
    • Transfer to Trivandrum airport or railway station for your onward journey.

Accommodation and transport

Accommodation

  • 8 nights on double sharing: Munnar 2, Thekkady 1, Alleppey houseboat 1, Kovalam 2, Trivandrum 2
  • Hotel names and room categories depend on availability at the time of booking

Transport

  • Private A/C tempo traveller for transfers and sightseeing
  • Toll, parking, driver bata and fuel included
  • Pick-up at Kochi; drop at Trivandrum airport or railway station

Meals

  • Daily breakfast and dinner
  • All meals on the houseboat (lunch, evening tea, dinner and breakfast)
  • Lunch is not included on other days

Inclusions and exclusions

Included

  • 8 nights' accommodation on double sharing
  • Daily breakfast and dinner (all meals on the houseboat)
  • Private A/C tempo traveller
  • Professional tour manager
  • Transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary
  • Toll, parking, driver bata and fuel
  • Houseboat cruise with lunch, evening tea, dinner and breakfast
  • Kanyakumari excursion
  • Full-day Varkala excursion

Not included

  • Airfare and train tickets
  • Personal expenses
  • Lunches (except on the houseboat)
  • Entry fees to monuments, museums, parks and attractions
  • Optional activities and experiences
  • Camera charges where applicable
  • Expenses from unforeseen circumstances
  • Anything not mentioned in the inclusions

Important notes and conditions

  • Houseboat cruise runs from about 12 noon to 5:30 pm; the boat anchors overnight after the cruise.
  • Wildlife sightings at Periyar are not guaranteed.
  • Temple visits depend on visiting hours.

Terms

  • Mumbai jurisdiction applies.

Frequently asked questions

What does the package include?

8 nights on double sharing, daily breakfast and dinner (all meals on the houseboat), a private A/C tempo traveller with fuel, tolls and parking, a tour manager, and the Varkala and Kanyakumari excursions.

Are flights or trains included?

No. The tour starts at Kochi airport or railway station and ends at Trivandrum airport or railway station.

Is the houseboat stay included?

Yes. Night 4 is on a houseboat in Alleppey with lunch, evening tea, dinner and breakfast on board.

Are entry tickets included?

No. Entry fees to monuments, museums, parks and attractions are extra, as are optional activities.

When can I travel?

Ask on WhatsApp for available dates.

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