Kerala Hill Station - Backwater Tour Package 8 Days 7 Nights
Pickup: Kochi
Drop: Trivandrum(Thiruvananthapuram)
Day 1: Arrival in Kochi
Arrive at Kochi (Cochin International Airport / Railway Station). Meet our representative and transfer to your hotel. The tour usually begins in the morning with a visit to the historic area of Fort Kochi, known for its colonial architecture and charming seaside streets. Here you can see the famous Chinese Fishing Nets, a unique fishing technique believed to have been introduced by Chinese traders centuries ago. Next, visit the historic St. Francis Church, one of the oldest European churches in India where the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama was originally buried. The tour then continues to the nearby Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, famous for its beautiful Kerala murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. After that, visit the historic Paradesi Synagogue located in the traditional market area of Jew Town, where you can explore antique shops, spice markets, and handicraft stores. In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing walk along the scenic waterfront at Marine Drive, offering beautiful backwater views and a pleasant atmosphere. The tour may also include a visit to Bolgatty Palace, a historic Dutch palace located on Bolgatty Island surrounded by lush gardens. Later, you can spend some leisure time shopping and dining at Lulu Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in India. In the evening, return to Fort Kochi Beach to enjoy a beautiful sunset near the Chinese Fishing Nets, and if time permits, watch a traditional Kathakali cultural performance.Night Stay Hotel.
Day 2:Kochi – Munnar
After breakfast, drive to Munnar (approx. 130 km / 4–5 hrs), journey from the coastal city of Kochi to the scenic hill station of Munnar, famous for its tea plantations, cool climate, and beautiful landscapes. On Day 1, the tour begins with a morning pickup from Kochi Airport, railway station, or hotel. You will then drive towards Munnar, a picturesque hill station located in the Western Ghats. The journey itself is very scenic with lush greenery, winding hill roads, and beautiful waterfalls. En route, stop to visit the famous Cheeyappara Waterfalls and Valara Waterfalls where you can enjoy the natural beauty and take photos. As you continue the drive, you will pass through vast tea plantations and spice gardens that make Munnar one of the most beautiful destinations in Kerala. After arriving in Munnar, check in at the hotel and relax for a while. In the evening, you can explore the local markets or enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the hill station. Overnight stay will be in Munnar.
Day 3: Munnar Sightseeing
After breakfast after breakfast, proceed for local sightseeing in Munnar. The first stop is the famous Eravikulam National Park, home to the rare Nilgiri Tahr and one of the most visited parks in Kerala. Next, visit Mattupetty Dam, a popular picnic spot where visitors can enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding hills and reservoir. Continue to Echo Point, known for its natural echo phenomenon and beautiful lake views. You can also visit the serene Kundala Lake and the famous Tea Museum to learn about the history of tea plantations in the region. After completing the sightseeing tour, begin the return journey to Kochi enjoying the scenic mountain views along the way. The tour concludes with a drop-off at Kochi Airport, railway station, or hotel, leaving you with wonderful memories of the beautiful hill station of Munnar.
Day 4: Munnar – Thekkady
After breakfast, drive to Thekkady (approx. 90 km / 3 hrs), and passes through picturesque hill roads, tea gardens, and cardamom plantations, offering beautiful views of the Western Ghats. On arrival in Thekkady, visit the famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the most well-known wildlife reserves in South India. Here you can enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Periyar Lake where you may spot wildlife such as elephants, deer, and various bird species along the forested lake banks. After the boating experience, you can visit a nearby spice plantation to see how spices like cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, and cloves are grown and processed. In the evening, visitors also have the option to watch traditional cultural performances such as Kathakali dance or the martial art form Kalaripayattu. After completing the sightseeing, you can explore the local markets in Thekkady which are famous for spices, handicrafts, and herbal products. The tour concludes with hotel check-in in Thekkady or drop-off at your preferred location, ending a memorable day trip from Munnar to the wildlife destination of Thekkady.
Day 5: Thekkady – Alappuzha (Backwater Houseboat)
The tour begins in the morning with pickup from your hotel in Thekkady after breakfast. You will then drive to the beautiful backwater destination of Alappuzha, also known as Alleppey, which is famous for its serene canals, lagoons, and traditional houseboats. The drive takes around 4–5 hours and passes through scenic countryside, rubber plantations, small villages, and lush green paddy fields of Kerala. Upon arrival in Alappuzha around noon, check in to a traditional Kerala houseboat for a memorable backwater cruise. During the cruise, you will glide through the peaceful waterways connected to the vast Vembanad Lake, the largest lake in Kerala. The houseboat journey offers beautiful views of coconut groves, village life, narrow canals, and local fishermen going about their daily activities. Guests can relax on the deck while enjoying the calm atmosphere of the backwaters. A freshly prepared traditional Kerala lunch is usually served onboard the houseboat. As the cruise continues, you will experience the unique lifestyle of the backwater communities and see paddy fields, churches, and temples along the canals. The peaceful surroundings and slow-moving houseboat create a perfect relaxing experience. By evening, the houseboat cruise concludes, and guests can either stay overnight on the houseboat or check out and proceed to their next destination, ending a memorable day trip from Thekkady to the beautiful backwaters of Alappuzha.
Day 6: Alleppey – Kumarakom
After breakfast, you will travel towards Kumarakom, a charming village located on the banks of the picturesque Vembanad Lake, the largest lake in Kerala. The journey between Alleppey and Kumarakom is short but very scenic, passing through beautiful backwater landscapes, coconut groves, and small traditional villages. On arrival in Kumarakom, visit the famous Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, a popular destination for bird lovers where you can spot many migratory and local bird species in a natural mangrove environment. Later, enjoy a relaxing walk along the banks of Vembanad Lake and take in the peaceful views of the surrounding backwaters and lush greenery. Visitors can also experience a short canoe ride through the narrow canals of Kumarakom to see village life, paddy fields, and local fishermen at work. In the afternoon, you may visit nearby resorts and viewpoints to enjoy the calm atmosphere of the backwater region. The tour also offers opportunities to taste authentic Kerala cuisine at local restaurants. By evening, enjoy a beautiful sunset over Vembanad Lake before returning to your hotel or continuing your journey to the next destination, completing a memorable one-day tour from Alleppey to Kumarakom.
Day 7: Kumarakom – Kovalam
After breakfast, begin the drive towards Kovalam, a popular coastal destination known for its golden beaches and relaxing atmosphere. The journey usually takes around 4–5 hours and passes through scenic countryside, lush green coconut groves, traditional villages, and small towns of Kerala. On the way, you may pass through the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram and enjoy glimpses of the local culture and daily life. Upon arrival in Kovalam, check in to the hotel and relax for a while before exploring the famous beaches of the area. Visit the beautiful Lighthouse Beach, the most popular beach in Kovalam, where visitors can enjoy stunning sea views, soft sandy shores, and the iconic lighthouse located on a rocky hill. You can also take a leisurely walk along the coastline, watch fishermen at work, or simply relax by the Arabian Sea. Nearby beaches such as Hawa Beach and Samudra Beach also offer peaceful surroundings and picturesque views. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood at beachside restaurants or relax with Ayurvedic spa treatments available in many resorts. In the evening, enjoy a beautiful sunset over the Arabian Sea, creating a perfect end to the day. After a relaxing beach experience, return to your hotel in Kovalam for an overnight stay or continue with the next part of your Kerala tour, completing a memorable journey from Kumarakom’s serene backwaters to the scenic beaches of Kovalam.
Day 8: Kovalam – Thiruvananthapuram Departure
After breakfast, you may spend some relaxing time at the beautiful Lighthouse Beach, where visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Arabian Sea and the iconic lighthouse that gives the beach its name. You can also take a short walk along nearby beaches such as Hawa Beach, known for its calm atmosphere and picturesque surroundings. Later, proceed to the nearby capital city of Thiruvananthapuram for sightseeing. One of the most important attractions here is the famous Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a historic Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and renowned for its magnificent Dravidian-style architecture and spiritual significance. After visiting the temple, continue to the nearby Napier Museum, a historic museum showcasing Kerala’s rich cultural heritage, bronze idols, ancient ornaments, and traditional artifacts. You may also visit the beautiful Kuthiramalika Palace, also known as the Horse Palace, famous for its unique wooden architecture and royal collections. If time permits, a short visit to Shanghumukham Beach can also be included to enjoy the sea breeze and coastal views. After completing the sightseeing tour, you will be transferred to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport or the railway station for your onward journey, bringing your memorable Kerala tour to a pleasant conclusion.
