Kerala: Backwaters, Tea Hills & Coastal Retreat — 7 Days

Munnar tea estates, Periyar wildlife sanctuary, Alleppey houseboat stay, and Kovalam beach

This seven-day itinerary moves through Kerala's principal regions—from the high-altitude tea gardens of Munnar to the spice plantations and wildlife reserves of Thekkady, the backwater network of Alleppey, and the coastal finish at Kovalam. The route combines stays in distinct landscapes: mountain station, sanctuary edge, and water-based accommodation on traditional houseboats. Ground transport is by private vehicle with driver throughout. Included activities span a guided tea estate walk, spice plantation tour, early morning wildlife boat cruise, a full day drifting through Alleppey's canals and lagoons, and Ayurvedic massage on the Kovalam coast. The pace is measured, with free time built into several days.

Highlights

Tea garden walk in Munnar
Periyar Lake boat cruise at dawn for wildlife spotting within the sanctuary
Full-day houseboat drift through Alleppey's lagoons, canals, and paddy-field backwater system
Spice plantation tour in Thekkady, with direct observation of cardamom, pepper, and local cultivation methods
Ayurvedic massage treatment at Kovalam, followed by sunset beach walk

Day by day

1Arrival in Kochi and Transfer to MunnarKochi Airport or Railway Station · Munnar accommodation · Kochi to Munnar

Driver pickup occurs at Kochi Airport or Railway Station. The drive to Munnar follows state roads through plantations and vegetated lowlands, ascending gradually into hill terrain. En route, the landscape transitions from coastal plains into cultivated slopes. Evening is unscheduled upon arrival at the Munnar accommodation, set amid rolling hills.

2Munnar Tea Estates and Eravikulam National ParkEravikulam National Park · tea plantations across the valley · Mattupetty Dam · an operating tea garden

Visit tea plantations across the valley, Eravikulam National Park (home to the Nilgiri tahr), and Mattupetty Dam. End with a guided walk through an operating tea garden, learning cultivation methods from your guide.

3Thekkady and Spice PlantationThekkady · a working spice plantation

Travel to Thekkady, gateway to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. After settling in, visit a working spice plantation to learn about cardamom, pepper, and other local crops cultivated in the region.

4Periyar Lake Wildlife Cruise & Arrival in AlleppeyPeriyar Lake · Alleppey

Early morning boat cruise on Periyar Lake offers chances to spot elephants, deer, and waterfowl within the sanctuary. Afterward, drive to Alleppey and board your traditional houseboat on the backwaters.

5Full Day on Alleppey BackwatersAlleppey Backwaters · houseboat

Drift through canals and lagoons on your houseboat, passing coconut groves, villages, and paddy fields. Kerala cuisine is prepared and served onboard as you unwind on the water.

6Kovalam & Ayurvedic MassageKovalam · houseboat · beach

Disembark from your houseboat and travel to Kovalam. Upon arrival, settle into a traditional Ayurvedic massage before a sunset stroll along the beach.

7Kovalam Beach and DepartureKovalam's beach · Trivandrum Airport or Railway Station

The final morning is unstructured, with free time at Kovalam's beach. A driver transfer to Trivandrum Airport or Railway Station occurs in late morning or early afternoon, depending on flight or train departure time.

Included

Preferred Accommodations as Per Package.
Air Condition Vehicle for All Airport Transfers, Tours and Intercity Travel as Per Itinerary.
Private English-Speaking Guide,Approved by Ministry of Tourism (Other language guides also available upon request).
Daily Breakfast at hotel.
Toll Taxes, Parking, Driver Allowance, Fuel and all applicable taxes.
Assistance by a dedicated tour manager and associates throughout the tour.