9-Day Kochi Munnar Thekkady Kumarakom Alleppey Varkala Kovalam Tour

8N/9-Day Kochi Munnar Thekkady Alleppey Varkala Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Kochi to Munnar

Arrival at Kochi Airport/Railway Station. Meet and greet, then proceed to Munnar (approx. 4–5 hrs), one of Kerala’s most renowned hill stations, celebrated for its cool climate, rolling hills, and vast stretches of tea plantations. En route, enjoy a scenic drive through spice plantations, rubber estates, tea-covered hills, waterfalls, and mist-laden valleys. Short stops will be made at picturesque viewpoints and waterfalls along the way, offering excellent opportunities for photography and refreshment breaks. On arrival in Munnar, check in to the hotel. The evening is free at leisure to relax after the journey or take a gentle stroll around the surroundings, soaking in the serene hill ambience and fresh mountain air.

Overnight stay in Munnar.

Day 2: Munnar Sightseeing

After breakfast, proceed for a full day of sightseeing in and around Munnar (approx. 9:00 am – 5:00 pm), with optional evening programmes based on your interest. Visit popular attractions such as the Tea Museum (optional), Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, Kundala Lake, Rajamala, Eravikulam National Park, and selected scenic viewpoints offering breathtaking views of the Western Ghats. Enjoy the cool climate, lush greenery, and panoramic landscapes throughout the day. In the evening, you may choose optional programmes such as Kathakali, Kalaripayattu (martial arts), Ayurvedic massage, or local shopping. Return to the hotel by evening. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight stay in Munnar.

Day 3: Munnar to Thekkady

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Thekkady (approx. 3–4 hrs), home to the renowned Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of India’s most famous wildlife reserves. En route, enjoy the changing landscapes of hills, forests, spice gardens, and plantations. On arrival, check in at the hotel. Evening at leisure, or you may opt for Periyar Lake boating or cultural programmes such as Kathakali or Kalaripayattu (optional, direct payable).

Overnight stay in Thekkady.

Day 4: Thekkady – Optional Activities

After breakfast, enjoy a full day at leisure in Thekkady. You may participate in various forest-based eco-tourism activities organised by the Forest Department, available on an hourly, half-day, full-day, or day-and-night basis (subject to availability). All programmes are guided by trained forest guards, many of whom were once poachers and are now rehabilitated protectors, offering a unique and authentic forest experience. In addition, several optional activities conducted by private operators are available outside the forest, including off-road jeep safaris, spice plantation visits, elephant parks, shopping at local spice markets and Kashmiri emporiums, Ayurvedic massage centres, cultural shows, magic shows, and dancing fountain shows. In Thekkady, all activities are optional, allowing you to relax and explore at your own pace.

Overnight stay in Thekkady.

Day 5: Thekkady to Kumarakom (Approx. 4–5 Hours Drive)

After breakfast, check out and proceed to Kumarakom, a charming backwater village set along the picturesque Vembanad Lake. The scenic drive passes through lush countryside, rubber and Tea plantations, and traditional Kerala villages, with brief stops for refreshments and photographs en route. Upon arrival, check in to your resort and relax amidst tranquil surroundings. Known for its serene waterways, emerald greenery, and premium lakefront resorts, Kumarakom offers a perfect escape into nature. Guests may enjoy a peaceful boat cruise, visit the renowned Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, or indulge in rejuvenating Ayurvedic therapies.

Overnight stay at Kumarakom.

Day 6: Kumarakom to Alleppey (Houseboat)

After breakfast, check out from the hotel/resort and drive to Alleppey (approx. 1–.5 hrs), popularly known as the “Venice of the East.” Board a traditional Kerala houseboat by noon and enjoy a serene backwater cruise through canals, lagoons, paddy fields, coconut groves, village life, and bird sightings. All meals, including a welcome drink, lunch, evening tea with snacks, dinner, and breakfast, will be served onboard. The houseboat anchors in the backwaters in the evening for a calm and peaceful overnight stay. Houseboat timings: Check-in at 12:00 noon | Cruise from 12:00 noon to 5:30 pm (with lunch break) | Morning cruise from 8:00 am to 9:00 am | Check-out at 9:00 am

Overnight stay on the houseboat.

Day 7: Alleppey to Varkala (Beach)

After breakfast, disembark from the houseboat and proceed to Varkala (approx. 4–5 hours), a unique coastal destination famous for its dramatic red cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea. On arrival, check in to your hotel or resort. The rest of the day is free at leisure to relax on the beach, take a walk along Varkala Cliff, explore cafés and local shops, or witness a beautiful sunset over the sea. Overnight stay in Varkala.

Day 8: Varkala to Kovalam (Beach)

After breakfast, disembark from the houseboat and proceed to Kovalam (approx. 2 hours), one of Kerala’s most famous beach destinations known for its crescent-shaped coastline and lighthouse views. On arrival, check in to your hotel or beach resort. The rest of the day is free at leisure to relax by the sea, enjoy the soft sandy beaches, or watch the sunset near the iconic Vizhinjam Lighthouse.

Overnight stay in Kovalam.

Day 10: Kovalam Leisure

After breakfast, enjoy a full day at leisure in Kovalam. You may relax on Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach, or Samudra Beach, swim in the sea (seasonal), indulge in Ayurvedic wellness therapies, or enjoy optional water sports activities. You may also visit nearby attractions such as Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium or take a short excursion to Trivandrum city to explore Padmanabhaswamy Temple or Napier Museum (optional). The day is free to unwind and enjoy the coastal ambience.