4N 5D Munnar, Alleppey, Kovalam
Overview
On "The Emerald Trail," a captivating 5-day journey through the heart of Kerala's most iconic landscapes. Begin your adventure amidst the misty, tea-carpeted hills of Munnar, where the air is fresh and the views are endless. Descend to the serene backwaters of Alleppey for a tranquil Shikara cruise, and finally, unwind by the shores of the Arabian Sea in Kovalam. This trip perfectly blends the cool climes of the Western Ghats, the unique charm of the Kerala backwaters, and the vibrant energy of the coast, offering a holistic Kerala experience.
Day-by-Day Coastal & Cardamom Trail
Arrive at Cochin airport or railway station, where our representative will assist you with your arrival formalities. You will then be transferred to Munnar, a scenic 4-hour drive through winding roads and lush landscapes. En route, you can visit spice plantations, Valara Falls, and Cheeyappara Falls. You also have the option to visit attractions like Dreamland or enjoy an off-road Jeep safari (at your own cost). Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and relax. Overnight stay at Munnar.
After breakfast, set out for a full day of sightseeing in the beautiful hill station of Munnar. Your journey will cover major highlights including the panoramic Pothamedu View Point, serene Kundala Lake, the scenic Echo Point, and the vast Mattupetty Dam. Other stops include a Photo Point, Elephant Arrival Spot, and a Cinema Shooting Point. You will also visit the Tea Museum (closed on Mondays) and the Eravikulam National Park (Rajamalai) to spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Overnight stay at Munnar.
After breakfast, proceed to Alleppey, the heart of Kerala's backwaters. Upon arrival, enjoy a Shikara cruise through the scenic Vembanad Lake. Drift past lush paddy fields, the unique region of Kuttanad, and picturesque narrow canals, soaking in the tranquility. Later, visit Alleppey Beach for some leisure time by the shore. Check in at your hotel in Alleppey for an overnight stay.
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and begin your drive to the coastal town of Kovalam. En route, visit the magnificent Jatayu Earth Center, a rock-themed adventure park built around the world's largest bird sculpture. Upon arrival in Kovalam in the afternoon, check into your hotel. Spend the evening exploring the famous beaches, including Hawah Beach, Lighthouse Beach, and Samudra Beach. You can also visit the iconic Kovalam Lighthouse. Overnight stay at Kovalam.
After breakfast, check out from the hotel. If time permits and depending on your departure point, you can visit sights in Trivandrum such as the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Sree Chithra Art Gallery, Napier Museum, and the Zoological Park. You will then be dropped off at Trivandrum airport or railway station for your onward journey.
Highlights
- Scenic Hill Station Drive: Enjoy a picturesque 4-hour drive to Munnar, complete with stops at spice plantations and stunning waterfalls.
- Munnar’s Tea-Tinged Views: Explore the rolling green hills, visit a Tea Museum, and take in panoramic views from Top Station or Echo Point.
- Backwater Serenity: Experience the tranquil beauty of Vembanad Lake with a peaceful Shikara cruise through the narrow canals of Alleppey.
- Coastal Relaxation: Unwind on the golden sands of Kovalam’s famous beaches, including the iconic Lighthouse Beach.
- Mythical Marvel: Visit the colossal Jatayu Earth Center, home to the world's largest bird sculpture, enroute to the coast.
Inclusions
- Pick-up or Drop-off service from and to Airport(in our own vehicle)
- Transportation to and from!!
- Food all along the trip(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and a cup of coffee or tea) and accommodations during the trip in hotels with family environment
- Transportation, food, accommodation and insurance of Guide during the trip
- Down jacket, all-season sleeping bag, duffel bag and trekking map(in case if you don’t have your own. Down jacket, sleeping bag and duffel bag must be returned after completion of the trip)
- First Aid Medical Kit(Your guide will carry the Medical Kit but we also advise to bring yourself for your own use, as far as possible)
- All the required permits and paperwork
Exclusions
- International Airfare
- Visa Charges
- Hotel Expenses(In Kathmandu, some packages do include hotel expenses)
- Your travel and medical insurance
- Personal Expenses such as shopping, bar bills, hot shower, telephone, laundry, titbits etc
- Food and accommodations in Kathmandu
- Services not mentioned or not promised by the agent/agency
- Emergency expenses such as expenses on chartered helicopter.
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.
