5N 6D Munnar, Alleppey, Kovalam
Overview
Embark on "The Emerald Trail," a captivating 6-day journey through the heart of God's Own Country. Begin your adventure in the misty hills of Munnar, where endless tea plantations paint the landscape green. 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 meticulously crafted itinerary blends breathtaking natural beauty, unique wildlife encounters, and cultural highlights, offering a perfect snapshot of Kerala's diverse charm.
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Cochin Airport/Railway Station, you will be greeted and assisted with your formalities. Begin your scenic 4-hour drive to the hill station of Munnar. En route, immerse yourself in the fragrant air of spice plantations and capture the beauty of the Valara and Cheeyappara Waterfalls. For those seeking extra adventure, optional activities like a visit to Dreamland or an off-road Jeep safari are available. Arrive and check into your hotel for an overnight stay in Munnar.
After a hearty breakfast, set out to explore the breathtaking sights of Munnar. Your tour includes visits to iconic spots like the panoramic Pothamedu View Point, the serene Kundala Lake, the echo-friendly Echo Point, and the massive Mattupetty Dam. You'll also pass by the Photo Point, an Elephant Arrival Spot, and a Cinema Shooting Point. Delve into the region's history at the Tea Museum (closed on Mondays) and explore the lush landscapes of the Eravikulam National Park (Rajamalai). Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.
After breakfast, we proceed to the backwater capital, Alleppey. Upon arrival, enjoy a relaxing Shikara cruise on the vast Vembanad Lake. Drift past lush green paddy fields, the unique waterways of the Kuttanad region (the "Rice Bowl of Kerala"), and picturesque villages. Later, visit the serene Alleppey Beach for some leisure time. Check in at your hotel in Alleppey for an overnight stay.
Following breakfast, we check out and begin our journey to the coastal town of Kovalam. On the way, we make a memorable stop at the Jatayu Earth Center, home to the world's largest bird sculpture, offering stunning views and a dose of mythology. Arrive in Kovalam and check into your hotel. Spend the evening exploring the crescent-shaped Hawah Beach, the iconic Lighthouse Beach, and the relatively quieter Samudra Beach. Don't forget to see the Kovalam Lighthouse. Overnight stay at Kovalam.
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel. Today, we explore the capital city, Thiruvananthapuram. Visit the magnificent Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, renowned for its Dravidian architecture and hidden vaults. Continue your cultural tour with a visit to the Sree Chithra Art Gallery, the Napier Museum, and the adjacent Zoological Park. After a day of exploration, return to your hotel in Kovalam for an overnight stay.
Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel before checking out. Depending on your flight or train schedule, you will be transferred to the Trivandrum Airport/Railway Station. If time permits, you can indulge in some last-minute souvenir shopping. Please note: If your drop-off point is Cochin, sightseeing in Trivandrum on the same day is not possible due to the 5-6 hour travel time. In that case, you will proceed directly to Cochin for your departure.
Highlights
- Breathtaking Hill Station: Witness the sunrise over the rolling hills and tea gardens of Munnar, visiting the famous Tea Museum and Eravikulam National Park.
- Backwater Serenity: Glide through the tranquil Vembanad Lake and narrow canals on a Shikara cruise, witnessing rural life along the banks.
- Sculptural Wonder: Marvel at the gigantic Jatayu Earth Center, the world's largest bird sculpture, perched majestically on a hilltop.
- Beachside Bliss: Relax on the golden sands of Kovalam’s famous beaches, including the iconic Lighthouse Beach, and soak in the coastal vibes.
- Cultural Immersion: Explore the rich heritage of Kerala's capital, Thiruvananthapuram, visiting the historic Napier Museum and the revered Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple.
Inclusions
- Transportation by Private Air-Conditioned Cab for the entire tour.
- Pickup from Cochin Airport / Railway Station.
- Drop at Trivandrum or Cochin Airport / Railway Station.
- All inter-hotel transfers and land transfers for sightseeing as per the itinerary.
- Services of a professional, multilingual driver who assists with sightseeing.
- All driver-related costs including bata, toll, parking, road tax, and fuel charges.
- 5 Nights' accommodation in good-quality hotels (hotel costs are separate).
Exclusions
- Accommodation costs (to be added based on hotel selection).
- All entrance fees at monuments, parks, and sightseeing spots (to be paid directly).
- Any optional activities mentioned (e.g., Dreamland, Jeep safari).
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, tips, and beverages.
- Any meals (breakfast/lunch/dinner) unless specified in the hotel package.
- Anything not explicitly mentioned in the "Cost Includes" section.
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.
