7N 8D Kochi, Munnar,Thekkady, Alleppey, Kovalam
Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey through the heart of Kerala, where lush green hill stations, serene backwaters, and sun-kissed beaches blend seamlessly with rich cultural heritage. Beginning in the historic port city of Cochin, you’ll ascend to the misty tea plantations of Munnar, encounter wildlife in the spice-scented forests of Thekkady, and drift through the tranquil waterways of Alleppey. The adventure concludes on the golden sands of Kovalam, offering a perfect balance of exploration and relaxation. This kaleidoscopic tour is your gateway to the diverse landscapes and timeless traditions of "God's Own Country."
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Cochin Airport or Railway Station, you will be met and assisted with your transfer to the hotel. After checking in and freshening up, you'll embark on an afternoon tour of this historic city. Explore the iconic Chinese fishing nets in Fort Cochin, visit the Mattancherry Dutch Palace, the ancient Jewish Synagogue, and take a relaxing stroll along Marine Drive. The evening is free for shopping or an optional harbour cruise.
After breakfast, you'll begin your scenic drive to the hill station of Munnar. The 4-hour journey is a visual treat, with stops at fragrant spice plantations, the stunning Valara and Cheeyappara waterfalls. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. The evening is free to relax or explore optional activities like the Wonder Valley Amusement Park or an off-road jeep safari.
Today is dedicated to exploring the breathtaking vistas of Munnar. Your sightseeing tour includes the panoramic Pothamedu View Point, the serene Kundala Lake, the echo-friendly Echo Point, and the Mattupetty Dam. You'll also visit a working Tea Museum (closed on Mondays) and the beautiful Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.
Following breakfast, you'll transfer to Thekkady, the spice capital of Kerala. En route, you'll have another opportunity to visit a spice plantation. In the afternoon, you'll experience the highlights of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, including an optional motor boat cruise on the pristine lake within the tiger reserve. The evening offers optional cultural experiences like a Kathakali performance.
After breakfast, you'll drive to Alleppey, the heart of Kerala's backwaters. Today's highlight is a relaxing Shikara (small houseboat) cruise through the vast Vembanad Lake. You'll glide past lush paddy fields of Kuttanad, narrow, shaded canals, and observe rural life along the banks. Later, you'll visit the Alleppey Beach before checking into your hotel for the night.
After checking out from the hotel, you'll drive south to the coastal town of Kovalam. En route, you'll make a spectacular stop at the Jatayu Earth Center, home to the world's largest bird sculpture and offering thrilling adventure activities. Upon reaching Kovalam, check into your hotel and spend the evening exploring the famous Hawah Beach, Lighthouse Beach, and Samudra Beach.
After breakfast, you'll check out from the hotel and set out to explore the nearby capital city, Trivandrum. Your tour includes a visit to the sacred Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, the Sree Chithra Art Gallery, the historic Napier Museum, and the adjacent Zoological Park. You will then return to your hotel in Kovalam for your final overnight stay.
Enjoy a final breakfast in Kerala. Depending on your flight or train schedule, you will check out from the hotel and be transferred to Cochin or Trivandrum International Airport/Railway Station for your journey home, filled with beautiful memories.
Highlights
- Witness the unique Chinese fishing nets and explore the historic Jewish Synagogue and Dutch Palace in vibrant Cochin.
- Walk through endless, manicured tea plantations and witness the misty vistas from top viewpoints in Munnar.
- Experience the thrill of a boat cruise on Lake Periyar, spotting wildlife in its natural habitat within Thekkady's tiger reserve.
- Glide through the palm-fringed backwaters of Alleppey on a traditional Shikara cruise, observing village life along the narrow canals.
- Relax on the pristine sands of Kovalam's famous beaches and marvel at the colossal rock-art sculpture at the Jatayu Earth Center.
Inclusions
- Transportation by Private Air-Conditioned Cab for the entire tour.
- Pickup from Cochin Airport / Railway Station.
- Drop at Cochin / Trivandrum Airport / Railway Station.
- All sightseeing, land transfers & inter-hotel transfers as per the itinerary.
- Services of a professional, multilingual driver who also assists at sightseeing spots.
- Driver's batta (allowance), toll charges, parking fees, road tax, and fuel charges.
- Accommodation (Hotel details not specified, but implied in the package).
Exclusions
- All entrance fees at monuments, museums, and sightseeing spots (to be paid directly).
- Any optional activities mentioned in the itinerary (e.g., Jeep safari, boat cruise charges, Kathakali show, Ayurvedic massage).
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) unless specifically mentioned.
- Any personal expenses such as laundry, tips, telephone calls, mineral water, etc.
- Anything not explicitly mentioned in the "Cost Includes" list.
FAQs
Your tour package includes a flexible pickup from either Cochin Airport or Cochin Railway Station on Day 1. For your departure on Day 8, you can be dropped off at either Cochin or Trivandrum International Airport/Railway Station, as per your flight/train schedule.
Your driver is a multilingual professional who will not only navigate but also act as a sightseeing assistant, guiding you to the best spots. The vehicle and driver are at your service daily from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM as per the itinerary. If you wish to use the service outside these hours, you can coordinate directly with the driver, and if he agrees, you are welcome to avail of his service.
You are absolutely correct; the Tea Museum is closed on Mondays. This is a common consideration. Our itineraries are flexible. If your Day 3 is a Monday, your driver will adjust the sightseeing order to ensure you visit all the other beautiful spots in Munnar, and we can possibly visit the museum the next morning before you depart for Thekkady.
No, the package cost excludes all entrance fees and activity charges. While the itinerary includes a "Motor boat cruise" in Thekkady and a "Shikara cruise" in Alleppey, the tickets for these are considered optional activities/entry fees and must be paid for directly by you at the location.
Absolutely. The itinerary is a comprehensive suggestion, but it is completely flexible. Your vehicle and driver are at your disposal. If you wish to spend more time relaxing at a beautiful viewpoint in Munnar or prefer to skip a museum in Trivandrum to enjoy the Kovalam beach longer, you are free to do so. Just let your driver know your preferences.
