The Route
This circuit runs from Kochi east into the Western Ghats, south through spice country, west to the backwaters, then south along the coast to Varkala — where the laterite cliff above the sea is the most dramatic finish to any Kerala itinerary. The route ends 51 km from Trivandrum airport.
Option A – The Essential Kerala ( 5 Days / 4 Nights)
Day 1–2: Clouds & Spice
Arrive in Kochi and drive directly to Munnar. Spend two days navigating tea estates, visiting the Tata Tea Museum, and exploring Eravikulam National Park. On Day 2 evening, drive to Thekkady for a sunset spice plantation walk
Munnar Stay Thekkady Stay
Day 3: The Floating World
Drive to Alleppey. Board your private kettuvallam (houseboat) at noon. Cruise through narrow canals, past paddy fields and local villages. Spend the night anchored on the quiet waters under a canopy of stars.
Overnight Cruise
Day 4–5: The Edge of the World
Disembark in Alleppey and drive to Varkala. Check into a cliff-side resort. Spend your evening watching the sunset from North Cliff. Day 5 morning is for temple visits or beach yoga before heading to Trivandrum Airport.
Cliff Stay Yoga Session
Option B: The Lush immersion
Day 1–2: Munnar Peak Exploration
Day 1 waterfall stops & Munnar walk. Day 2 full day: Echo Point, Top Station, and Tea Museum for a deep mountain dive.
Munnar Stay
Day 3: Spice & Martial Art
Munnar to Thekkady. Morning waterfalls, afternoon spice walk, and an evening Kalaripayattu performance.
Thekkady Stay
Day 4: Dawn Safari & Houseboat
Periyar dawn safari before Alleppey drive. Full board houseboat experience with overnight on the water.
Houseboat Stay
Day 5–6: Heritage & Rejuvenation
Krishnapuram Palace visit en route to Varkala. Day 6 Ayurveda session & Sivagiri Mutt visit before TRV airport departure.
Varkala Stay
Kerala Hills, Backwaters & Coastal Escape
Experience a multi-destination Kerala journey covering the tea-covered hills of Munnar, the plantation landscapes of Thekkady, an overnight houseboat stay in Alleppey, the coastal charm of Varkala and relaxing stays around Kovalam. This 7 Nights / 8 Days itinerary combines sightseeing, accommodation and Kerala experiences into one planned journey.
7 Nights / 8 Days
Munnar • Thekkady • Alleppey • Varkala • Kovalam
2 Adults | AC Sedan | 3-Star or Similar
| Package | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 7 Nights / 8 Days |
| Travellers | 2 Adults |
| Route | Munnar – Thekkady – Alleppey – Varkala – Kovalam |
| Vehicle | AC Sedan |
| Hotel Category | 3 Star or Similar |
| Houseboat | 1 Night in Alleppey |
| Arrival | Cochin Airport |
| Departure | Trivandrum Airport |
Day 1 – Cochin Airport to Munnar
Pick up from Cochin Airport around 7:30 AM and proceed towards Munnar, approximately 125 km away. On arrival, check in to the hotel and relax.
Overnight: Munnar
Day 2 – Munnar Sightseeing
Explore some of Munnar’s popular attractions:
- Mattupetty Dam
- Echo Point
- Tea Gardens
- Rose Garden
- Eravikulam National Park
- Photo Point
- Tea Museum
Return to Munnar for an overnight stay.
Day 3 – Munnar to Thekkady
Travel from Munnar to Thekkady, approximately 95 km.
The day’s experiences include:
- Periyar Lake boating
- Spice Garden Tour
- Elephant ride – optional
- Kathakali / Martial Arts Show
Overnight: Thekkady
Day 4 – Thekkady to Alleppey
After breakfast, proceed to Alleppey. Enjoy the backwater experience and board the houseboat for an overnight stay.
The houseboat experience includes:
- Lunch
- Evening snacks
- Dinner onboard
- Sunset deck experience
Overnight: Houseboat
Day 5 – Alleppey to Varkala
After checking out from the houseboat, proceed towards Varkala, approximately 130 km.
Visit:
- Varkala Cliff
- Black Beach
- Jaganatha Temple
Then continue to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 6 – Varkala to Trivandrum
After breakfast, check out and proceed towards Trivandrum, approximately 45 km.
En route, visit:
- Jatayu Rock
- Padmanabha Temple
- Trivandrum city tour
- Kovalam Beach sunset
Overnight: Trivandrum
Day 7 – Trivandrum, Kovalam & Poovar
After breakfast, check out and
Explore:
- Azhimala Siva Temple
- Kovalam Beach
- Poovar Island
- Lulu Mall
Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 8 – Trivandrum Airport Departure
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and proceed for Trivandrum Airport drop around 8:00 AM.
Is This 7 Nights 8 Days Kerala Tour Package Right for You?
This Kerala itinerary is suitable for travellers looking for a longer Kerala holiday covering hill stations, plantation and wildlife experiences, backwaters, beaches and major sightseeing attractions in one journey.
The route combines:
Munnar → Thekkady → Alleppey → Varkala → Trivandrum/Kovalam
Frequently Asked Questions
Varkala Highlights – Why it Work as a Finale
The Cliff
30-metre laterite cliff running 600m above the Arabian Sea. Cafes, Ayurveda centres, and the 2,000-year-old Janardana Swami Temple along .
Papanasam Beach
Swim only in the flagged northern zone — strong rip current outside. Best in the morning before afternoon wind.
Ayurveda
Genuine therapeutic Ayurveda — not spa tourism. Abhyanga (warm oil massage, 60 min, ₹1,000–1,200). Book the night before.
Temple
Janardana Swami Temple evening aarti at 5pm. 2,000-year-old Vishnu temple at the northern cliff end. Open to all.
Transparent Pricing
| Package | Duration | Per Person | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | 5 Days / 4 Nights | ₹15,500 | Cab, 3-night hotel (3-star), 1-night houseboat, all houseboat meals |
| Standard | 5 Days / 4 Nights | ₹20,500 | Cab, 3-night hotel (4-star), 1-night AC houseboat, all houseboat meals |
| Budget | 6 Days / 5 Nights | ₹18,500 | Cab, 4-night hotel (3-star), 1-night houseboat, all houseboat meals |
| Standard | 6 Days / 5 Nights | ₹25,000 | Cab, 4-night hotel (4-star), 1-night premium AC houseboat, all meals |