Air Paradise
Kerala4.8 (1,567 reviews)

Classic Kerala Escape - Munnar, Periyar, Kumarakom, Alleppey & Kochi

Kerala Backwater Bliss

This comprehensive 6-day tour captures the essence of Kerala's diverse landscapes. Start in the misty tea hills of Munnar, experience a wildlife boat safari in Periyar, relax in the backwater village of Kumarakom with its famous bird sanctuary, enjoy a luxurious overnight houseboat cruise in Alleppey, and end with a heritage tour of Kochi's colonial landmarks.

6 Days / 5 Nights
Nature, Wildlife, Romantic, Luxury, Heritage
Starting from

15,100

per person

Classic Kerala Escape - Munnar, Periyar, Kumarakom, Alleppey & Kochi
1 / 7

Best Time to Visit

September to May (Note: Eravikulam National Park closed February–April for Nilgiri Tahr breeding)

Ideal For

Couples, Families, Bird Watchers, Wildlife Enthusiasts, Heritage Lovers, Luxury Travelers

Duration

6 Days / 5 Nights

Category

Premium

Tour Highlights

  • Scenic drive from Kochi to Munnar with Cheeyappara & Valara Waterfalls
  • Visit Eravikulam National Park (subject to breeding season closure)
  • Tea garden walk, Tea Museum (closed Mondays), and tea tasting session
  • Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point & Kundala Lake
  • Periyar Lake boat safari to spot elephants, wild boars, and sambar deer
  • Evening visit to Kumily spice market
  • Traditional Kalarippayattu martial arts performance
  • Spice plantation tour (Vanilla, Cocoa, Black Pepper, Ashwagandha, etc.)
  • Drive through Cardamom Hills
  • Visit to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary on Vembanad Lake (Asia's largest lake)
  • Private beach, swimming pool, and Ayurveda at Kumarakom resort
  • Overnight stay in a Deluxe Houseboat in Alleppey
  • Backwater cruise with village visits (basket weaving, coconut coiling, toddy tapping)
  • Kochi sightseeing: Mattancherry Dutch Palace, St. Francis Church, Fort Kochi, Chinese Fishing Nets

Inclusions

  • 5 nights accommodation in double/twin sharing basis (2 nights Munnar hotel, 1 night Periyar hotel, 1 night Kumarakom hotel, 1 night houseboat)
  • Munnar, Periyar & Kumarakom stay: CP basis (Room + Breakfast) with tea/coffee services
  • Alleppey stay: Full board basis on Deluxe Houseboat (includes lunch, dinner, breakfast)
  • Transportation with English-speaking chauffeur
  • For 2-3 Pax: Air-conditioned Deluxe Sedan
  • For 4-5 Pax: Air-conditioned Toyota Crysta
  • For 6-12 Pax: Air-conditioned 12 Seater Tempo Traveller
  • Welcome on arrival
  • Visit to Tea plantation in Munnar
  • Visit to Eravikulam National Park (Munnar)
  • Visit to a Tea manufacturing unit (Munnar)
  • Visit to Spice Garden Plantation (Periyar)
  • Visit to Periyar National Park by boat
  • Evening stroll in the spice market of Kumily (Periyar)
  • Visit to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
  • Boat cruise on Vembanad Lake (backwaters)
  • Visit to villages, rope factories and coconut fibre weaving during backwater cruise

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1

Kochi to Munnar – Enroute Waterfalls

Arrive Kochi. Welcome on arrival and drive to Munnar (140 kms). Enroute visit Cheeyappara and Valara Waterfalls. Arrive Munnar, check in to hotel. Overnight stay.

Day 2

Munnar Sightseeing – National Park, Dam, Tea Gardens & Museum

Morning breakfast. Visit Eravikulam National Park (closed February to April for Nilgiri Tahr breeding). Return to hotel. Afternoon visit Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, Kundala Lake, and viewpoints. Walk through tea gardens. Visit Tea Museum (closed Mondays). Tea tasting session. Evening free to explore local market. Overnight.

Day 3

Munnar to Thekkady (Periyar) – Spice Plantations & Wildlife Safari

Morning breakfast. Drive to Periyar (160 kms). Arrive and check in to hotel. Later, take a 12-km drive through thick forests to Periyar Lake and enjoy a relaxing boat safari to see elephants, wild boars, and sambar deer. Evening visit to Kumily spice market. Later, watch a traditional Kalarippayattu martial arts performance. Overnight.

Day 4

Thekkady to Kumarakom – Spice Plantation & Vembanad Lake Retreat

Morning breakfast. Drive to Kumarakom (125 kms). Enroute stop at a spice plantation to see Vanilla, Ashwagandha, Cocoa, Wild Ginger, Indigo, Shatavari, and Black Pepper. Continue through Cardamom Hills. Arrive Kumarakom, a cluster of islands on Vembanad Lake (Asia's largest lake). Check in to hotel. Afternoon at leisure: enjoy the private beach, swimming pool, hammocks under coconut trees, or Ayurveda treatments. Sports facilities include tennis, badminton, billiards, and table tennis. Overnight.

Day 5

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary & Alleppey Overnight Houseboat Cruise

Early morning breakfast. Visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, a birdwatcher's paradise on Vembanad backwaters. Wooden walkways and observation towers offer excellent views of Siberian storks, egrets, herons, darters, and the Indian darter. Return to hotel. Later, drive to Alleppey, the 'Venice of the East'. Board a deluxe houseboat (Kettuvalam). Check-in, relax, and enjoy lunch. Cruise the tranquil backwaters, visit a traditional village to see basket weaving and coconut coiling, and meet a toddy tapper. Taste freshly collected Toddy (Palm Wine). Enjoy freshly prepared traditional delicacies. Overnight on the houseboat.

Day 6

Alleppey to Kochi – Houseboat Disembark & Kochi Sightseeing

Morning breakfast on the deck of the houseboat. Disembark at Alleppey and drive to Kochi (55 kms). Arrive and visit Kochi's colonial landmarks: Mattancherry Dutch Palace (Portuguese palace with Kerala-style architecture), St. Francis Church (one of the oldest churches, burial site of Vasco da Gama), Fort Kochi (historic town with Dutch, Portuguese, and British colonial architecture), and the Chinese Fishing Nets (iconic sight, especially at sunset). After sightseeing, proceed to Kochi Airport / Railway station / Bus stand for your next destination.

Exclusions

  • Single room supplements
  • Domestic flights
  • Lunches (except on houseboat)
  • Entry fees for Eravikulam National Park & Tata Tea Museum (Munnar)
  • Entry fees for popular viewpoints like Top Station and Mattupetty Dam
  • Jeep ride in Munnar
  • Entry fees for Spice Garden Plantation (Periyar)
  • Wildlife Park entry fees / Boat ride fees (Periyar)
  • Entry ticket for Kalarippayattu martial arts show (Periyar)
  • Entry fees for Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
  • Assistance of a local English-speaking guide
  • Entrance fees to all monuments and activities (including Mattancherry Dutch Palace, St. Francis Church, Chinese Fishing Nets)
  • Camera / Videography fees
  • Portage of luggage in hotels and tips for porters
  • Tips for hotels, restaurants, and driver
  • All personal expenses (laundry, calls, insurance, photography, etc.)
  • Excess baggage, emergency medical expenses
  • GST 5% extra on total billing