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.
DAY1
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.
DAY2
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.
DAY3
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.
DAY4
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.
DAY5
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.
DAY6
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.
DAY7
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.
DAY8
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.
DAY9
Day 9: Depart from Trivandrum
Check out after breakfast.
Transfer to Trivandrum airport or railway station for your onward journey.
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.
Mumbai to Mumbai with flights included: Cellular Jail, Ross and North Bay, Radhanagar and Elephant beaches on Havelock, and Neil Island's Natural Bridge.