Kerala Backwaters with Hill-Stations
Tour Overview
This 6-night, 7-day private itinerary runs Cochin · Munnar · Thekkady · Kumarakom · Houseboat · Kochi, built around real highlights rather than a rushed checklist of stops. Along the way there's real room for a Kathakali dance performance. Every itinerary here is a starting point — tell us your travel dates, group size and pace, and we'll tailor the plan, hotel category and route to suit you.
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Detailed Itinerary
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Day 1 — Arrival in Kochi (Cochin)
Kochi (Cochin) welcomes you on arrival. Our representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel to check in and settle before you head out to explore. Centuries of Portuguese, Dutch and British trade left their mark on Kochi's old town -- Chinese fishing nets on the shore, a synagogue in Jew Town, and church spires beside spice warehouses. Don't miss the spice markets of Jew Town.
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Day 2 — Kochi (Cochin)
Today brings more time in Kochi (Cochin) -- a Kathakali dance performance.
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Day 3 — Kochi (Cochin) to Munnar
This morning you'll transfer on to Munnar. Once you've checked in, the afternoon is yours to explore the town at an easy pace. Munnar's hillsides are carpeted in manicured tea gardens that fold into the Western Ghats, with cool air, mist-covered viewpoints and spice plantations replacing the coastal heat of the rest of Kerala. Don't miss Eravikulam National Park (home to the Nilgiri tahr).
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Day 4 — Munnar to Thekkady (Periyar)
This morning you'll transfer on to Thekkady (Periyar). Once you've checked in, the afternoon is yours to explore the town at an easy pace. Thekkady is built around Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, where a boat cruise on Periyar Lake is the classic way to spot elephants, deer and birdlife against a forested backdrop, alongside spice plantations on the sanctuary's edge. Don't miss a boat safari on Periyar Lake.
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Day 5 — Thekkady (Periyar) to Kumarakom
After breakfast, you'll be driven to Kumarakom, with stops along the way as the route allows. On arrival, check in to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure or exploring nearby. A quieter backwater base than Alleppey, Kumarakom sits on Vembanad Lake with a bird sanctuary, mangrove-lined canals and houseboat moorings of its own. Don't miss village walks through the backwaters.
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Day 6 — Kumarakom to a Kettuvallam houseboat
After breakfast, drive on to a Kettuvallam houseboat. On arrival, check in and take some time to settle in before the day's sightseeing. A Kettuvallam -- a traditional rice barge converted into a houseboat -- is the classic way to spend a night on Kerala's backwaters, complete with an onboard cook and a slow-moving view of canal-side village life. Don't miss an overnight stay aboard the houseboat.
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Day 7 — Kochi (Cochin) · Departure
Your tour comes to an end today. After breakfast, you'll be driven to Kochi (Cochin), with a stop or two along the way as the route allows, in time for your onward flight or journey home.
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Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- Accommodation based on double occupancy
- Daily buffet breakfast
- Airport/station pick-up and drop by private air-conditioned vehicle
- All transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary, by private AC vehicle
- English-speaking driver-cum-guide where applicable
- Fuel, toll, parking and driver allowance
- Unlimited bottled water in the vehicle
- All currently applicable taxes
- One night aboard an air-conditioned houseboat on a double-occupancy basis with all meals included
Exclusions
- Airfare / train fare to and from the starting point of the tour
- Any expenses arising from flight delay, cancellation, strike or natural calamity
- Personal expenses — telephone, laundry, drinks, tipping and similar
- Monument entry fees and camera fees unless specifically listed under Inclusions
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Inclusions
Why Choose This Tour?
- Covers real, on-the-ground India travel experience
- A well-paced, comfortable itinerary — not a race between stops
- Fully customizable to your dates, budget and interests
- Suitable for families, couples and groups
- Local, English-speaking support throughout your trip
FAQs
How many days is the Kerala Backwaters with Hill-Stations?
This itinerary runs 06 Nights / 07 Days, and can be shortened or extended to fit your schedule.
Can this tour be customized?
Yes — every itinerary on this site is a starting point. Tell us your dates, budget and interests and we'll tailor the plan, hotels and pace to suit you.
Are the hotels included?
Accommodation is included as listed under Inclusions above; we can adjust the hotel category (standard, deluxe or luxury) to your preference.
Is this a private tour?
Yes, this is a private itinerary for your group — not a shared coach tour.
How do I get a quote?
Use the form on this page, WhatsApp us, or call our travel desk — we typically respond with a personalized quote within one business day.