Kerala Hills & Backwaters
New
Begin in Kochi for a 6–day journey through Kerala, returning to Kochi at the end. In Munnar you’ll explore rolling tea estates, sip fresh brews and take in sweeping views at Mattupetty, Top Station and Kundala Lake – with wildlife spotting in Eravikulam National Park. Continue to Thekkady for a Periyar jungle safari, a guided nature walk and time around spice markets – perhaps add an Ayurvedic massage. Drift into Alleppey on a traditional houseboat, gliding along palm–lined backwaters past village life, and visit Kumarakom on Vembanad Lake for rich birdlife and sunset serenity. Expect lush scenery, gentle travel days and plenty of Kerala flavour.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Overview
Duration
6 daysHotel Rating
3, 4 or 5 star hotelsStarts
KochiEnds
KochiMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in India that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesTour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Country
IndiaPassengers
€1,130.00
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 1 / Max Private Tour
Trip Type
Private Tours
Range
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Group Size
Min 1 / Max Private TourRange
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Private ToursPlaces You'll See
Kochi
Munnar
Kumily
Alappuzha
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Included
Not Included
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Itinerary
Day 1 - Kochi - Munnar
Your journey begins in Kochi, where we collect you from your hotel or the airport for a scenic drive to Munnar. On arrival, we check in to your hotel, then visit a local tea estate to learn about the tea production process and enjoy a tasting amid Munnar’s lush greenery.
Day 2 - Munnar
Wake to Munnar’s mist and set out for Pothamedu – sweeping views of tea, coffee and cardamom blanketing the hills. We continue to Mattupetty Dam and its reservoir, marvelling at the setting amid rolling slopes, then head to Rajamala within Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri tahr. Next, we take in the cascades at Attukal Waterfalls before experiencing the natural acoustics of Echo Point. We delve into Munnar’s tea heritage at the Tea Museum, then drive to Kundala Lake for a scenic boat ride in serene surroundings. The day closes at Top Station – the highest point in Munnar – with expansive views over the Western Ghats and the Tamil Nadu plains.
Day 3 - Munnar - Thekkady
Leave Munnar and drive through scenic highlands to Thekkady, stopping en route at Ramakkalmedu – known for its wind farms and sweeping views. We explore distinctive rock formations such as Frog Rock and Turtle Rock, and pause to see the imposing twin statue of Kuravan and Kurathi linked to local folklore. On arrival in Thekkady, we check in to the hotel and you have time to unwind. Later, we head into Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary for a jungle safari, keeping watch for elephants, rich birdlife and, with luck, tigers in their natural habitat.
Day 4 - Thekkady
We start early with a guided nature walk in the forests around Thekkady, as a local guide points out the area’s diverse flora and wildlife. We then visit the Mangala Devi Temple, set within dense forest and offering wide views of the surrounding hills. Back in town, we stroll Thekkady’s spice markets to see – and, if you wish, buy – aromatic spices to take home. The afternoon is at leisure – you could book an Ayurvedic massage or simply unwind at your hotel.
Day 5 - Thekkady - Alleppey - Kumarakom
We leave Thekkady for Alleppey – often called the Venice of the East – and board a traditional houseboat for a leisurely backwaters cruise. We glide along palm-lined canals and past bright green paddy fields, observing everyday life in the waterside villages. In the afternoon we continue to Kumarakom on the banks of Vembanad Lake, where we explore the village and visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, home to a variety of resident and migratory birds. As evening falls, we take in the sunset from the sundeck and settle into the tranquillity of the backwaters – overnight on board.
Day 6 - Alleppey - Kochi
After a leisurely breakfast on board the houseboat, we disembark and bid farewell to Alleppey. We then drive back to Cochin for your drop-off – at your hotel or the airport – bringing your Kerala journey to a close.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Reviews
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Prices & Dates
The prices you see below are a guide, with final prices per person being determined by the number of travellers in your booking party, desired hotel standard and the rooming arrangements required. To see an accurate price, please click "Book Dates" and enter the details for your booking party.
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