Kerala Backwaters Houseboat
Munnar Tea Gardens
Alleppey Canals Kerala
Thekkady Wildlife Periyar
South India

Kerala Backwaters
& Hills Tour

Kochi— Munnar— Thekkady— Alleppey
6–8 Days
Private Car & Driver
From ₹16,999 / person
All Tolls Included
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Package Overview

India's Most Serene Journey

Kerala's Backwaters & Hills tour is India's most enchanting green escape — weaving through historic port cities, emerald tea gardens, ancient forests, and the legendary backwater canals that have made Kerala famous around the world as "God's Own Country".

Starting in Kochi — a cultural melting pot of Dutch, Portuguese, and Indian heritage — you wind up into the cool hills of Munnar with its endless carpet of tea estates and misty waterfalls. From there the spice-scented forests of Thekkady and the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary await, before descending to Alleppey for a night on a traditional kettuvallam houseboat drifting through palm-fringed canals.

All destinations are connected by scenic mountain highways and coastal roads. Your private driver handles every kilometre — you simply sit back and watch Kerala unfold through the window.

Alleppey Houseboat
Munnar Tea Gardens
Periyar Wildlife
Fort Kochi
Eravikulam NP
Spice Plantation
Kathakali Dance
Chinese Fishing Nets
Mattupetty Dam
Day by Day

Your Itinerary

A carefully designed route that balances sightseeing, travel time, and leisure. Flexible on request.

01
Day 1
Arrive Kochi — Fort Kochi & Harbour Heritage
Your driver picks you up from Kochi airport or your hotel. Begin with Fort Kochi — wander past the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets at sunset, explore the Dutch Palace (Mattancherry), and lose yourself in the narrow lanes of the Jewish Quarter. Dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the Kochi harbour.
Chinese Fishing Nets Dutch Palace Jewish Synagogue Fort Kochi Lanes
02
Day 2
Kochi to Munnar — The Hill Drive
Drive from Kochi up into the Western Ghats (approx. 4 hrs). En route, stop at Cheeyappara Waterfalls and Valara Waterfalls cascading down the hillside. Arrive Munnar by afternoon. Evening stroll through Munnar town's spice shops and tea stalls. Stay amidst the tea estates.
Cheeyappara Falls Valara Falls Tea Estate Arrival Munnar Bazaar
03
Day 3
Munnar — Tea Gardens, Peaks & Wildlife
Full day exploring Munnar. Visit the Tea Museum to learn how leaves become the world's finest brew. Drive to Eravikulam National Park — home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Afternoon at Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point. Sunset at Top Station with sweeping views over Tamil Nadu. Optional early morning trek available.
Tea Museum Eravikulam NP Mattupetty Dam Top Station
04
Day 4
Munnar to Thekkady — Spice Trails
Morning drive to Thekkady through aromatic spice plantations (approx. 3 hrs). Stop at a working spice farm to see cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg growing wild. Afternoon boat safari on Periyar Lake inside the Tiger Reserve — spot elephants, wild boar, and rare birds at the water's edge. Evening Kathakali dance performance.
Spice Plantation Tour Periyar Boat Safari Thekkady Wildlife Kathakali Show
05
Day 5
Thekkady to Alleppey — Gateway to the Backwaters
Drive to Alleppey (approx. 3.5 hrs) through rubber and coconut plantations. Board your private kettuvallam houseboat — a traditional thatched vessel — by noon. Cruise the Vembanad Lake and Punnamada backwaters, watch village life on the canal banks, feast on a Kerala seafood lunch on board. Overnight on the houseboat.
Houseboat Check-in Vembanad Lake Cruise Canal Village Views Kerala Seafood Lunch
06
Day 6
Alleppey — Morning on the Water & Departure
Wake to birdsong and mist over the backwaters. A quiet morning cruise before disembarking around 9 AM. Option to visit Alleppey Beach and the old lighthouse. Drive back to Kochi airport (approx. 1.5 hrs) for departure, or extend by a day in Kochi for an Ayurvedic spa session.
Morning Backwater Cruise Alleppey Beach Kochi Drop / Extension Ayurvedic Spa (Optional)
Recommended Vehicles

Choose Your Car

All vehicles are well-maintained, AC-equipped, and suited for Kerala's winding mountain roads and coastal highways. Choose based on your group size and comfort preference.

Toyota Innova Crysta
Most Popular
Toyota Innova Crysta
Premium MPV · 6–7 Seater
Up to 7 pax
3 Large Bags
Diesel · Hill Road Comfort
Captain Seats · AC
Best choice for families and small groups. Handles Kerala's mountain bends with ease.
Hyundai Creta SUV
Best for Couples
Hyundai Creta
Compact SUV · 5 Seater
Up to 4 pax
2 Large Bags
Petrol · Fuel Efficient
Sunroof · Touchscreen
Ideal for couples or solo travellers. Agile and modern for winding Munnar ghat roads.
Kia Carens
Group Pick
Kia Carens
MPV · 6–7 Seater
Up to 6 pax
2–3 Large Bags
Diesel · Spacious
3-Row · Panoramic Roof
Great value for groups of 5–6. Modern interiors and ample boot space for luggage.
Toyota Fortuner
Premium Choice
Toyota Fortuner
Premium SUV · 7 Seater
Up to 6 pax
3 Large Bags
Diesel · 4x4 Capable
Leather Seats · AC
Top-tier luxury for those who want the best. Commands mountain roads with power and style.
What's Covered

Inclusions & Exclusions

What's Included
  • Private AC car with experienced driver for all days
  • All toll taxes, state entry taxes & driver allowance
  • Airport / hotel pickup and drop off
  • Night halts for driver (no extra charge)
  • 24/7 customer support via WhatsApp & phone
  • Fuel charges for the entire route
  • Flexible schedule — start/stop as you like
Not Included
  • Hotel / houseboat accommodation (we can arrange on request)
  • Periyar wildlife park entry & boat safari fees
  • Meals and personal expenses
  • Local guide fees at attractions
  • Tips / gratuities for driver (discretionary)
  • Travel insurance
Before You Go

Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit
September to March is ideal — post-monsoon greenery, pleasant hill temperatures, and calm backwaters. Avoid June–August (heavy monsoon). Houseboat season peaks October–February.
What to Wear
Light cottons for Kochi and Alleppey, carry a warm layer for Munnar evenings (temperatures dip to 10–12°C). Comfortable waterproof sandals for houseboat boarding. Cover up at temples.
Periyar Wildlife Tips
Book the morning boat safari (6:30 AM) for the best elephant sightings. Early arrivals get the front deck. Wear earthy tones — avoid bright colours in the reserve.
Currency & Payments
Carry Indian Rupees (INR) for spice markets, local ferries, and village shops. UPI payments widely accepted in Kochi. Houseboat operators prefer cash or advance bank transfer.

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