Embark on a diverse 6-day trip through Kerala, blending nature, culture, and relaxation across Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey, and Kovalam. This moderate-budget adventure takes you from lush tea plantations and exciting wildlife encounters to serene backwater cruises and beautiful beach relaxation.
Fly from Pune to Cochin International Airport (COK), the nearest airport to Munnar.
Enjoy scenic views as you approach Kerala.
Please allow sufficient time for check-in and security.
Upon arrival at Cochin Airport, take a pre-booked taxi or cab for the picturesque drive to Munnar.
The journey offers stunning views of waterfalls and tea gardens.
Book a taxi in advance for a smooth transfer. You can find several taxi services at the airport or pre-arrange one through your hotel.
Check into your accommodation in Munnar.
Take some time to freshen up and enjoy lunch at the hotel or a local restaurant.
Explore local Kerala cuisine like appam, stew, or fish curry.
Visit the Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, one of the highest tea plantations in the world.
Enjoy breathtaking views and learn about the tea production process. You'll need a jeep to reach this estate.
This involves a jeep ride, which can be bumpy but rewarding. It's best to go in the late afternoon for beautiful sunset views over the hills.
Enjoy a relaxed dinner at your hotel or explore one of Munnar's local eateries.
Visit Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.
Enjoy the scenic beauty and the cool mountain air.
Book tickets in advance online to avoid long queues, especially during peak season. Park opens at 8:00 AM.
Explore Mattupetty Dam, an arch-shaped gravity dam offering beautiful views of the surrounding hills and reservoir.
Enjoy boating on Mattupetty Lake.
Visit Kundala Dam, an artificial reservoir known for its stunning surroundings.
Afterwards, head to Echo Point for its natural echo phenomenon and serene lake views.
Boating is also available at Kundala Lake. Echo Point is a great spot for photography and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
Wander through the vibrant Munnar Rose Garden, featuring a wide variety of flowers and plants.
Enjoy an evening at leisure, perhaps exploring Munnar town's local shops for souvenirs, followed by dinner.
Drive to Top Station, offering spectacular panoramic views of the Western Ghats and the valley below. It's a great spot for photography.
The route to Top Station is scenic, passing through many tea gardens. Arrive early for the clearest views before mist sets in.
Discover the history and process of tea production in Munnar at the Tata Tea Museum.
Learn about the evolution of tea in the region.
The museum offers demonstrations of tea processing and includes a tea tasting session. Check opening hours as it's typically closed on Mondays.
Enjoy lunch at a restaurant in Munnar town.
Visit Attukad Waterfalls, a picturesque cascade surrounded by lush greenery, and explore other scenic viewpoints like Photo Point and Munnar Scenery.
Be careful during monsoon season as the falls can be very powerful. The surrounding areas offer excellent photo opportunities.
Option to attend a local cultural show (e.
g., Kathakali or Kalaripayattu) or relax at your hotel before dinner.
After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Munnar and embark on a scenic drive to Thekkady, the home of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Enjoy the changing landscapes from tea plantations to spice gardens.
Hire a private taxi for convenience and flexibility to stop at viewpoints along the way.
Arrive in Thekkady, have lunch, and check into your chosen accommodation.
Thekkady is a small town, so most attractions are easily accessible from your hotel.
Experience a boat safari on Periyar Lake within the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
This is an excellent opportunity to spot elephants, deer, and various bird species in their natural habitat.
Boating slots sell out quickly, so it's advisable to book in advance online or through your hotel. There are multiple slots throughout the day.
Take a guided tour through a spice plantation.
Learn about various spices like cardamom, pepper, vanilla, and cinnamon, and their medicinal properties.
Witness a captivating Kalaripayattu (Kerala's ancient martial art) performance, showcasing incredible agility and skill.
After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Thekkady and drive to Alleppey (Alappuzha), known as the 'Venice of the East' for its enchanting backwaters.
A private taxi is the most convenient option for this journey.
Upon arrival in Alleppey, check into your resort or prepare for your houseboat experience.
Enjoy a traditional Kerala lunch.
For houseboat stays, check-in is typically around noon.
Embark on a captivating afternoon backwater cruise.
Glide through the serene canals, past lush paddy fields, and observe local village life. This activity is a highlight of Kerala.
Many houseboats offer day cruises or overnight stays. Day tours usually include lunch and tea. Confirm what's included when booking.
Enjoy a delicious dinner featuring fresh seafood and local Kerala delicacies.
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at a local cafe near the beach.
Afterwards, enjoy a leisurely morning relaxing on Lighthouse Beach, soaking in the sun and the serene Arabian Sea.
Lighthouse Beach is the most famous of Kovalam's three crescent beaches. You can rent sunbeds and umbrellas here.
Climb to the top of the iconic Kovalam Lighthouse for breathtaking panoramic views of the entire coastline and the surrounding coconut groves. It's an excellent photo opportunity.
Indulge in a fresh seafood lunch at one of the many beachfront restaurants.
Many offer catch-of-the-day options grilled to perfection.
Negotiate prices for seafood before ordering. Many restaurants display their fresh catch.
Opt for a rejuvenating traditional Ayurvedic massage, a signature experience in Kerala, or spend time browsing local shops for handicrafts, spices, and souvenirs.
There are many certified Ayurvedic centers. Look for recommendations or those with good reviews.
Head to Eve's Beach (also known as Hawa Beach) or another vantage point to witness a spectacular sunset over the Arabian Sea, a perfect end to your Kerala journey.
Enjoy a final dinner in Kovalam, perhaps revisiting a favorite spot or trying a new one, savoring the flavors of Kerala one last time.
Arrange a taxi transfer from Kovalam to Trivandrum International Airport (TRV) for your departure back home.
It's advisable to pre-book your taxi for convenience. The journey is approximately 15-20 km.
This 6-day itinerary for Kerala, India can be customized using our AI travel planner. Chat with our AI assistant to modify activities, adjust timings, add personal preferences, and get recommendations for restaurants, hotels, and transportation.