Kerala Backwaters & Hills
Gods Own Country road voyage exploring misty Munnar tea hills, wildlife and spice plantations in Thekkady, and serene Alleppey backwater houseboat cruises.
Trip Overview & Essential Highlights
Iconic Experiences in this Tour
- Misty drive past Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls into high-altitude Munnar.
- Eravikulam National Park (habitat of endangered Nilgiri Tahr) and Tata Tea Museum.
- Spices tour in Thekkady (cardamom, pepper, cinnamon) and Periyar Lake boat safari.
- Alleppey backwaters luxury cruise gliding through palm-fringed lagoons and canals.
- Historic Fort Kochi: Chinese Fishing Nets, colonial churches, and spice street bazaars.
Day-by-Day Interactive Itinerary
Realistic routes with drive distances, transit times, altitude stops, and morning to evening activities.
1
Day 1: Kochi Arrival & Misty Drive to Munnar Tea Country
Kochi Airport → Cheeyappara Waterfalls → Valara Falls → Munnar
130 km
4.0 hrs
Day 1: Kochi Arrival & Misty Drive to Munnar Tea Country
Kochi Airport → Cheeyappara Waterfalls → Valara Falls → Munnar
Scenic ascent into Western Ghats past cascading waterfalls to misty Munnar tea country.
Warm airport pickup at Cochin International Airport (COK). Scenic drive winding into the lush Western Ghats.
Pause at cascading Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls. Enjoy fresh tender coconut and views of cardamom hills.
Arrive in Munnar, check in to your resort nestled amidst emerald tea estates, and relax in the refreshing mountain mist.
2
Day 2: Munnar Tea Gardens & Eravikulam National Park
Munnar → Eravikulam National Park → Tea Museum → Mattupetty Dam → Echo Point
50 km
3.5 hrs
Day 2: Munnar Tea Gardens & Eravikulam National Park
Munnar → Eravikulam National Park → Tea Museum → Mattupetty Dam → Echo Point
Explore Nilgiri Tahr habitat in Eravikulam, heritage Tea Museum, and Mattupetty Dam reservoir.
Visit Eravikulam National Park (Rajamalai), home to the endangered mountain goat Nilgiri Tahr and rolling shola grasslands.
Tour the Tata Tea Museum to learn orthodox tea manufacturing. Drive to Mattupetty Dam and test the acoustic Echo Point.
Boat ride on Kundala Lake and drive through sprawling tea gardens back to your resort for a cozy dinner.
3
Day 3: Munnar to Thekkady (Periyar Wildlife & Spice Gardens)
Munnar → Lockhart Gap → Anayirangal Dam → Thekkady (Periyar)
90 km
3.5 hrs
Day 3: Munnar to Thekkady (Periyar Wildlife & Spice Gardens)
Munnar → Lockhart Gap → Anayirangal Dam → Thekkady (Periyar)
Drive through spice hills to Thekkady, guided spice garden tour, and evening cultural show.
Scenic mountain drive through Lockhart Gap past cardamom and pepper plantations towards Thekkady (Periyar).
Guided walking tour of an organic spice plantation learning about vanilla, cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg cultivation.
Attend an authentic evening Kathakali classical dance drama or Kalaripayattu martial arts demonstration in Thekkady town.
4
Day 4: Thekkady to Alleppey Luxury Backwater Houseboat Cruise
Thekkady → Kanjirapally → Kottayam → Alleppey Backwaters
140 km
4.0 hrs
Day 4: Thekkady to Alleppey Luxury Backwater Houseboat Cruise
Thekkady → Kanjirapally → Kottayam → Alleppey Backwaters
Periyar Lake safari followed by drive to Alleppey for a private backwater houseboat cruise.
Early morning boat safari on Periyar Lake inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve to spot wild elephants and birdlife.
Descend to the coastal backwater plains. Arrive in Alleppey and check in to your traditional luxury Houseboat (Kettuvallam) by 12:30 PM.
Leisurely cruise through palm-fringed canals, paddy fields below sea level, and tranquil Vembanad Lake at sunset.
5
Day 5: Alleppey to Fort Kochi Heritage Sightseeing & Airport Drop
Alleppey → Fort Kochi → Chinese Fishing Nets → Cochin Airport (COK)
75 km
2.0 hrs
Day 5: Alleppey to Fort Kochi Heritage Sightseeing & Airport Drop
Alleppey → Fort Kochi → Chinese Fishing Nets → Cochin Airport (COK)
Heritage walk in Fort Kochi, iconic Chinese fishing nets, and transfer to Cochin Airport.
Disembark from houseboat after breakfast. Drive to heritage Fort Kochi to see the 500-year-old cantilevered Chinese Fishing Nets.
Walk through St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, and explore historic Jew Town and Mattancherry spice markets.
Transfer to Cochin International Airport (COK) or Ernakulam Railway Station for your onward journey.
4-Tier Vehicle Pricing Comparison
All-inclusive private vehicle tariffs. Base price covers vehicle rental, fuel, driver night allowances, FASTag tolls, and interstate border entry taxes.
Transparent Pricing Guarantee
Prices may vary slightly based on seasonal demand, number of travel days, or custom stops at the time of booking.
Most Economical Prime Sedan
Maruti Dzire / Toyota Etios
- Professional Kerala Tourist Chauffeur
- Chilled Air Conditioning
- Commercial Kerala Permit
- Fuel & All Tolls Included
Family Favorite Family SUV
Maruti Ertiga / Kia Carens
- High Ground Clearance for Hill Bends
- Dual AC Units
- Generous Boot Space
- Knowledgeable Local Chauffeur
Top Rated Luxury Innova Crysta
Toyota Innova Crysta / Hycross
- Plush Captain Seats
- Smooth Suspension on Ghat Roads
- Rear AC Vents
- Premium Touring Comfort
Best For Groups Tempo Traveller
Force Luxury Traveller (12/17 Seater)
- Pushback Reclining Seats
- Integrated Sound System
- Roof Luggage Carrier
- Experienced Commercial Chauffeur
Full 4-Tier Fleet Comparison at a Glance
| Vehicle Tier | Included Models | Passengers | Luggage | Total Fare | Daily Cost | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prime Sedan | Maruti Dzire / Toyota Etios | 4 Passengers | 2 Large Bags + 2 Handbags | ₹14,000 | ₹2,800/day | Book |
| Family SUV | Maruti Ertiga / Kia Carens | 6 Passengers | 3-4 Bags | ₹17,500 | ₹3,500/day | Book |
| Innova Crysta | Toyota Innova Crysta / Hycross | 7 Passengers | 4-5 Large Bags | ₹22,500 | ₹4,500/day | Book |
| Tempo Traveller | Force Luxury Traveller (12/17 Seater) | 12-16 Passengers | 10-14 Large Bags | ₹29,500 | ₹5,900/day | Book |
Inclusions vs Exclusions Breakdown
Azaad Travel operates on a strict zero-hidden-fee guarantee. Know exactly what is covered in your tour tariff.
- ✓ Dedicated private AC vehicle and professional Kerala tourist chauffeur for 5 days
- ✓ Cochin Airport / Ernakulam railway station pickup and drop
- ✓ All commercial fuel costs for the entire circuit
- ✓ Driver night allowance (driver bata) and night halt charges
- ✓ All highway FASTag tolls and parking fees throughout
- ✓ Kerala state taxes, interstate border taxes, and commercial road taxes
- ✓ Dedicated luggage space and 24/7 customer coordination
- ✗ Hotel stays and Alleppey houseboat overnight tariff
- ✗ National park safari tickets, Periyar boat passes, and museum entry fees
- ✗ Kathakali and Kalaripayattu cultural performance tickets
- ✗ Personal meals and spice purchases
Essential Travel Tips & Season Guide
Best Time to Visit
Post-monsoon lush green tea gardens, pleasant backwater cruising, spice harvest season.
Pro Tips from Our Chauffeurs
- Eravikulam National Park closes annually for 6-8 weeks (typically February–March) for the Nilgiri Tahr calving season; Tea Museum and Mattupetty Dam remain fully open.
- Carry light woolens for Munnar evenings and cotton attire for Alleppey and Kochi.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the chauffeur coordinate directly with our Alleppey houseboat?
Yes! Your chauffeur drops you directly at your specific houseboat boarding jetty in Alleppey, coordinates with the boat captain, and meets you at the checkout jetty the next morning.
Are all highway tolls, hill taxes, and driver allowances included?
Yes. All commercial fuel, driver night allowances (bata), FASTag tolls, and parking charges are 100% included in the upfront fare.
Can we customize the tour to include Kovalam or Varkala beaches?
Yes! Custom extensions to Varkala cliff or Kovalam lighthouse beach can easily be added by speaking with our trip planning desk.
Explore Other Holiday Circuits
5N/6D Leh-Ladakh Adventure Circuit
Himalayan high-altitude expedition across Leh, Sham Valley, Khardung La Pass, Nubra Valley sand dunes, and the breathtaking azure waters of Pangong Tso.
9N/10D Char Dham Yatra
Sacred 10-day pilgrimage across the revered Himalayan shrines of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath with experienced mountain chauffeurs.
5N/6D Kashmir Paradise Tour
Enchanting road journey through Srinagar Dal Lake houseboats, Gulmarg snow meadows, Pahalgam pine valleys, and Sonmarg golden glaciers.
Vehicle Tariff Matrix
4N/5D · Dedicated Cab & Chauffeur
Pricing Note: Prices may vary slightly based on seasonal demand, number of travel days, or custom stops at the time of booking.
Azaad Booking Concierge
Speak directly with an experienced tour planner to customize stops, adjust travel dates, or confirm driver assignment.