6N 7D Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey, Kovalam
Overview
Embark on "The Emerald Trail," a captivating 7-day journey through the heart of Kerala's most iconic landscapes. Beginning in the bustling port city of Kochi, you will ascend to the misty tea plantations of Munnar, explore the wild jungles of Thekkady, drift through the serene backwaters of Alleppey, and finally unwind on the golden beaches of Kovalam. This tour is a perfect blend of nature, wildlife, culture, and relaxation, offering a comprehensive taste of "God's Own Country" with the comfort of a private vehicle and expert driver.
Itinerary
Arrive at Cochin airport/railway station, where you will be met and assisted. Begin your scenic drive to Munnar, a 4-hour journey ascending into the hills. En route, visit a fragrant Spice Plantation and stop at the picturesque Valara and Cheeyappara Waterfalls. Check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening in the cool hill station. Overnight stay at Munnar.
After breakfast, set out for a full day of sightseeing in the stunning Munnar valley. Visit the lush Mattupetty Dam, the serene Kundala Lake, and the famous Echo Point. Drive through the tea-covered hills to Photo Point and the Elephant Arrival Spot. Conclude the day with a visit to the Eravikulam National Park (Rajamalai) to spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, and the Tea Museum (closed on Mondays). Overnight stay at Munnar.
After breakfast, drive to Thekkady, the spice capital of India. Upon arrival, visit a Spice Plantation to learn about the region's famous crops. In the afternoon, experience the highlights of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, including an optional motorboat cruise on the Periyar Lake, where you might see wildlife coming to the water's edge. The evening is free for optional activities like an Ayurvedic massage or a Kathakali performance. Overnight stay at Thekkady.
After breakfast, depart for Alleppey, the heart of Kerala's backwaters. Upon arrival, enjoy a memorable Shikara boat cruise through the vast Vembanad Lake. Drift through narrow canals, witness the paddy fields of Kuttanad, and observe daily life in the waterside villages. Later, visit the Alleppey Beach before checking into your hotel. Overnight stay at Alleppey.
After breakfast, check out and begin your journey to the coastal town of Kovalam. In the afternoon, visit the awe-inspiring Jatayu Earth Center, home to the world's largest bird sculpture. Then, arrive in Kovalam and spend the rest of the day exploring its famous beaches: Hawah Beach, Lighthouse Beach, and Samudra Beach. Climb the Kovalam Lighthouse for a panoramic view. Overnight stay at Kovalam.
After breakfast, set out to explore the cultural capital of Kerala, Trivandrum. Visit the revered Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, followed by the Sree Chithra Art Gallery, the historic Napier Museum, and the adjacent Zoological Park. Return to Kovalam for a final evening by the sea. Overnight stay at Kovalam.
After a final breakfast, check out from the hotel. You will be transferred to either Trivandrum or Cochin airport/railway station for your departure, marking the end of a memorable Kerala holiday.
Highlights
- Misty Mornings in Munnar: Witness the sunrise over endless, manicured tea gardens and visit a museum dedicated to the golden brew.
- Jungle Cruise at Periyar: Spot wildlife, including elephants and bison, on a serene motorboat cruise along the lake of the Periyar Tiger Reserve.
- The Backwater Drift: Glide through the narrow, palm-fringed canals of Alleppey on a traditional Shikara boat, observing village life along the water.
- Beaches & Giants: Relax on the pristine sands of Kovalam's crescent beaches and marvel at the colossal rock-cut sculpture of the Jatayu Earth Center.
- Spice Trails: Inhale the intoxicating aromas of cardamom, pepper, and vanilla as you walk through a lush spice plantation.
Inclusions
- Transportation by Private Air-Conditioned Cab for the entire tour.
- Pickup from Cochin Airport/Railway Station.
- Drop at Trivandrum/Cochin Airport/Railway Station.
- All sightseeing, land transfers, and inter-hotel transfers as per the itinerary.
- Services of a professional, multilingual driver.
- Accommodation for all nights (hotels not specified, but implied).
- All driver expenses: Bata, toll, parking, road tax, and fuel charges.
Exclusions
- All entrance fees at monuments, parks, and sightseeing spots.
- Any optional activities mentioned (e.g., Jeep safari, boating, Kathakali show, Ayurvedic massage).
- Any meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) unless specifically mentioned in the hotel offer.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, tips, and souvenirs.
- Anything not explicitly mentioned in the "Cost Includes" list.
FAQs
Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will too, you can.
On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.
The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.
Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay a certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, a hot water facility could be free at a lower elevation.
No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.
Yes. The Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. The Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.
Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during the offseason.
It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.
For the Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.
