6N 7D Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey, Varkala, Kovalam
Overview
Embark on a breathtaking 7-night odyssey through the soul of South India. "The Malabar Coast Chronicles" is meticulously crafted to showcase the diverse landscapes of Kerala, from the misty tea-covered hills of Munnar to the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey and the serene, cliff-lined beaches of the coast. Witness wildlife, cruise on picturesque lakes, stroll along golden sands, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of this tropical paradise. This journey is not just a tour; it is an experience of a lifetime, blending natural wonders with the warm hospitality of Kerala.
Itinerary
Your adventure begins upon arrival at Cochin airport/railway station. After a warm welcome and assistance with your formalities, you will be driven to the stunning hill station of Munnar. The scenic 4-hour drive is a visual treat, with stops at fragrant Spice Plantations, the cascading Valara Falls, and the scenic Cheeyappara Falls. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and relax. The evening is free for you to explore local markets or opt for an adventurous Jeep safari. Overnight stay at Munnar.
After a delightful breakfast, set out for a full day of exploring Munnar’s iconic sights. Your journey includes photo stops at the lush Photo Point and the echo-friendly Echo Point. Drive past the massive Madupetty Dam and visit the serene Kundala Lake. You will also visit the Tea Museum (closed on Mondays) to learn about the region's history and the Eravikulam National Park (Rajamalai) to spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Later, enjoy views from the Pothamedu View Point. Overnight stay at Munnar.
After breakfast, proceed downhill to Thekkady, the spice capital of India. En route, take a guided tour through a fragrant Spice Plantation. In the afternoon, check into your hotel before heading to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Enjoy an optional thrilling Motor Boat Cruise on the Periyar Lake, where you might spot elephants, bison, and deer drinking at the water's edge. The evening is free for optional activities like an Ayurvedic massage or a traditional Kathakali performance. Overnight stay at Thekkady.
Post-breakfast, transfer to Alleppey, the Venice of the East. Upon arrival, you will embark on a serene Shikara cruise through the vast Vembanad Lake. Drift along narrow canals, witness the unique paddy fields of Kuttanad, and see local life unfold on the water's edge. Later, visit the calm Alleppey Beach before checking into your hotel for a relaxing overnight stay.
After breakfast, drive towards the spiritual and coastal town of Varkala. En route, visit the magnificent Jatayu Earth’s Centre, home to the world's largest bird sculpture. Later, seek blessings at the ancient Janardhana Swamy Temple. Check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring the unique Varkala Cliff, lined with shops and cafes, or take a holy dip at Papanasam Beach. Overnight stay at Varkala.
Enjoy a leisurely morning in Varkala before checking out and heading to the renowned beach destination of Kovalam. Check into your hotel and spend the afternoon exploring the three adjacent crescent beaches. Relax at Hawah Beach (Eve's Beach), climb the lighthouse at Lighthouse Beach for a panoramic view, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of Samudra Beach. Overnight stay at Kovalam.
After breakfast, check out from the hotel. If time permits before your departure, we will visit the highlights of Trivandrum. Explore the architectural marvel of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, and then delve into art and history at the Napier Museum and the Sree Chithra Art Gallery, located in the beautiful zoo compound. Later, you will be transferred to Trivandrum airport/railway station for your onward journey, carrying with you the unforgettable memories of Kerala.
Highlights
- Misty Mountains & Emerald Plantations: Witness the sunrise over rolling hills carpeted with tea plantations in Munnar and visit a working tea museum.
- Jungle Encounters: Explore the Periyar Tiger Reserve and enjoy a boat cruise on the lake, spotting wildlife in their natural habitat.
- Backwater Serenity: Glide through the heart of Kerala on a Shikara cruise in Alleppey, witnessing village life along the scenic Vembanad Lake.
- Cliffside Sunsets: Relax on the unique clifftops of Varkala and soak in the vibrant atmosphere with the Arabian Sea as your backdrop.
- Coastal Grandeur: Feel the sand between your toes at Kovalam’s famous crescent beaches and visit the iconic Lighthouse Beach.
Inclusions
- Transportation by Private Air-Conditioned Cab for the entire tour.
- Pickup from Cochin Airport / Railway Station.
- Drop at Trivandrum Airport / Railway Station.
- All sightseeing, land transfer & inter-hotel transfers as per the itinerary.
- Services of a professional, multilingual driver providing sightseeing assistance.
- Driver batta, toll taxes, parking fees, road tax, and fuel charges.
- 7 Nights' accommodation in selected hotels.
Exclusions
- All entrance fees at monuments, sightseeing spots, and national parks (to be paid directly).
- Any optional activities mentioned in the itinerary (e.g., Jeep Safari, Boat Cruise, Kathakali Show, Ayurvedic Massage).
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, tips, and beverages.
- Any meals not specifically mentioned in the inclusions.
- Anything not explicitly mentioned in the above itinerary or "Cost Includes" section.
FAQs
The vehicle and driver will be at your service from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM as per the itinerary. If you wish to avail of their services before 8 AM or after 7 PM, you can discuss this directly with the driver. If he agrees, you are free to utilize his services during those times.
No, entrance fees to all sightseeing spots, including the Tea Museum, Eravikulam National Park, and the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary boat cruise, are not included in the package cost. These fees must be paid directly by you at the venue.
Absolutely, these activities (like the Jeep Safari in Munnar, Kathakali show, or Ayurvedic massage) can be arranged upon request. The costs for these activities are separate and are not part of the main package. Your driver or our representative can assist you in booking these at the best available local rates.
Please note that the itinerary covers 7 nights. You will stay in Alleppey on Night 4, and then proceed to Varkala on Day 5. It is a seamless journey: Day 4 (Thekkady to Alleppey) for the backwater cruise and overnight stay, followed by Day 5 (Alleppey to Varkala) for your next destination.
The best time to enjoy this Kerala Odyssey is during the winter months, from October to March. The weather is pleasant across all destinations—cool in the hills (Munnar) and comfortable along the coast (Varkala/Kovalam), making it ideal for sightseeing and backwater cruises.
