Kerala: 5-Day Munnar, Thekkady & Alleppey Houseboat Tour

Summary

Tea hills, wild lakes and a slow boat through Kerala’s backwaters

You’ll taste cardamom in Munnar’s morning air, glide through Alleppey’s backwaters on your own houseboat (with lunch served on banana leaves), and watch dancers’ painted faces flicker by lamplight in Thekkady. Each day brings new sounds and scents—Kerala’s slow rhythm stays with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

Hands wrapped around a cup of cardamom chai, I watched green waves of tea plantations roll past the car window as we left Cochin behind. Our driver, Suresh, pointed out the Cheeyappara waterfalls — water tumbling down rocks that looked slick as glass. We stopped for a stretch near a spice garden; the air smelled sharp and earthy, almost sweet. I tried to guess what was growing by scent alone (failed miserably). By the time we reached Munnar and checked into the hotel, my shoes were dusted with red earth and my head felt lighter somehow.

The next morning started with Eravikulam. There’s this hush when you walk the trails there — even with other visitors around. Our guide explained about the Nilgiri tahr goats (I’d never heard of them before), and we squinted at distant brown shapes on rocky slopes. Later at the Tea Museum, I tried rolling a tea leaf between my fingers like the workers did — it stuck to my palm and made me laugh. The dam at Mattuppetti was busy but peaceful in its own way; local families picnicking under trees, kids running barefoot on grass that felt cool after the sun.

The drive to Thekkady wound through hills thick with jungle. When we finally got to Periyar Lake for boating, clouds hung low over the water and everything smelled faintly of wet leaves. Saw a flash of something — maybe a deer? — but mostly just listened to birds calling from somewhere deep in the trees. That evening I went to see Kathakali dance; didn’t understand every gesture but found myself clapping along anyway. My friend tried an ayurvedic massage (I chickened out — next time maybe).

Alleppey was different again: warm air heavy with river scent as we stepped onto our houseboat. The crew handed us sweet lime juice right away (best thing after four hours in a car). Lunch was served on banana leaves — rice soft as clouds, fish curry spicy enough to make me pause between bites. We drifted past villages where kids waved from doorways and fishermen called out greetings in Malayalam I couldn’t quite catch but liked hearing anyway. At night I lay awake listening to water slap gently against wood; slept better than I had in weeks.

The last day was a blur of beach air at Alleppey and then old streets in Cochin: Chinese fishing nets creaking over water, incense curling from church doors, shopkeepers smiling as we wandered by with no real plan except not wanting it to end just yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Travel from Cochin to Munnar

• Pick up from Cochin
• Drive to Munnar
• Visit Cheeyappara and Valara Waterfalls
• See Tea Plantations and Spice Garden
• Reach Munnar and rest at hotel

Day 2 — Sightseeing in Munnar

• Visit Eravikulam National Park
• Tour Tea Museum
• Visit Mattuppetti Dam
• Visit Kundale Lake

Day 3 — Travel to Thekkady and Activities

• Drive from Munnar to Thekkady
• Periyar boating in wildlife sanctuary
• Optional evening activities in Thekkady

Day 4 — Houseboat Cruise in Alleppey

• Drive from Thekkady to Alleppey
• Board houseboat and receive welcome drink
• Houseboat cruise with lunch
• Anchor overnight on houseboat
• Morning cruise and check out

Day 5 — Alleppey Beach and Cochin Sightseeing

• Visit Alleppey beach
• Drive to Cochin
• Optional Cochin sightseeing
• Shopping time in Cochin
• Drop at Cochin airport or station

Top questions

How many days is this Kerala tour?

This Kerala tour lasts 5 days from Cochin to Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey houseboat, and back to Cochin.

Is pickup included from Cochin?

Yes, pickup from Cochin is included at the start of your tour.

Do you stay overnight on the Alleppey houseboat?

Yes, one night is spent sleeping onboard a premium luxury houseboat in Alleppey.

Are meals included during the tour?

Lunch and dinner are included on the houseboat; breakfast is provided at hotels throughout the trip.

What wildlife can you see at Periyar?

You might spot elephants, deer or Nilgiri tahr goats during boating or walks in Periyar Tiger Reserve.

Are entry tickets for attractions included?

No, most entry tickets (like Eravikulam National Park or Periyar boating) are paid directly at each site.

What kind of hotels are used?

The tour includes 5-star hotels at each destination for all nights except on the houseboat stay.

Can infants join this Kerala tour?

Yes, infants are allowed but must sit on an adult's lap during transport sections.

What’s included

Your days include private vehicle transfers with pickup from Cochin airport or station, all sightseeing stops as per itinerary (from waterfalls to spice gardens), five-star hotel stays every night except your premium luxury houseboat experience in Alleppey where lunch and dinner are served onboard—with breakfast always waiting each morning before heading out again.