Kerala Backwaters & Wildlife: Private 8-Day Tour with Houseboat

Summary

Private Kerala journey with wildlife, tea estates & houseboat nights

You’ll wander misty tea hills near Munnar, spot elephants by Periyar’s lake, drift overnight on an Alleppey houseboat, and relax on Kovalam’s palm-lined beaches—all with a local guide handling every detail from airport pickup to meals. Expect small surprises—like homemade chai or laughter over new words—that make Kerala linger long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the air in Munnar to smell so green — like wet leaves and something sweet I couldn’t place. Our driver, Rajesh, met us at Kochi airport with this quiet smile and a flask of chai (which honestly saved me after the flight). The drive up into the hills was longer than I thought but we stopped at a waterfall where local kids were splashing around, shouting in Malayalam. I just stood there for a minute, letting the spray hit my face. It felt good to not be in a rush for once.

The next morning was misty — not cold exactly, but soft. Eravikulam National Park is bigger than it looks on maps. We walked along these winding paths while Rajesh pointed out Nilgiri tahr (I’d never heard of them before) grazing way up on the rocks. He told us how the tea estates here have been around since colonial times; you can still see women in bright saris picking leaves by hand. I tried to take a photo but ended up just watching for a while instead. There’s something about that green-on-green landscape that gets under your skin.

The boat ride through Periyar Tiger Reserve was quieter than I expected — no tigers (not that I really thought we’d see one), but we did spot elephants drinking at the edge of the lake. The water smelled earthy and there was this low hum from insects everywhere. Later we visited a spice plantation where I learned what cardamom actually looks like growing (smaller than I thought). Li laughed when I tried to say “elaichi” in Malayalam — probably butchered it.

But honestly? The night on the Alleppey houseboat is what sticks with me most. We drifted past villages where kids waved from doorways and women washed clothes at the water’s edge. Dinner was simple fish curry and rice — nothing fancy but tasted perfect after a day in the sun. At night you could hear frogs and distant temple bells over the water. I lay awake listening for ages, thinking about how far from home I felt, but also weirdly comfortable.

Kovalam beach at the end was almost too much — all that blue water and white sand after days of green hills and backwaters. We wandered down to watch fishermen haul in their nets at sunrise; everyone seemed to know each other, shouting greetings across the sand. On our last morning Rajesh handed us little packets of spiced cashews for the flight home (“Kerala souvenir,” he said). It’s funny what sticks with you from a trip — sometimes it’s not even what you planned for.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and Transfer to Munnar

• Arrival at Kochi Airport and pickup
• Drive to Munnar with waterfall stops
• Check-in at resort

Day 2 — Munnar Sightseeing

• Visit Eravikulam National Park
• Visit Mattupetty Dam
• Visit Echo Point

Day 3 — Transfer to Thekkady and Wildlife Cruise

• Check out from Munnar resort
• Drive to Thekkady
• Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary boat cruise
• Check-in at Thekkady resort

Day 4 — Thekkady Wildlife and Cultural Activities

• Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary activities and boat cruise
• Optional spice plantation visit
• Optional Kathakali and Kalari Payattu show
• Overnight at hotel

Day 5 — Houseboat Cruise in Alleppey

• Drive to Alleppey after breakfast
• Check-in to houseboat
• Overnight backwaters cruise

Day 6 — Beach Stay at Kovalam

• Breakfast and check out from houseboat
• Drive to Kovalam beach
• Check-in at 4-star resort
• Leisure and sunset viewing

Day 7 — Kovalam and Trivandrum Sightseeing

• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit Padmanabhaswami Temple, Horse Palace, Napier Museum, Zoo, Poovar backwaters boating (extra charge)
• Return to hotel

Day 8 — Departure from Trivandrum

• Breakfast and check out
• Transfer to Trivandrum Airport

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Kerala private tour?

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

Does this 8-day Kerala tour include meals?

Yes, selected meals such as lunch and dinner are included during your stay.

Will we have a local guide throughout the trip?

Your private chauffeur also acts as your local guide during transfers and sightseeing.

Are accommodations included each night?

Yes, all accommodations are included—mostly 4-star hotels or resorts plus one night on a houseboat.

What destinations are covered on this Kerala itinerary?

You’ll visit Munnar, Thekkady (Periyar), Alleppey backwaters, and Kovalam beach area.

Is this Kerala tour suitable for families or seniors?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; wheelchair access is available throughout.

How long is the drive from Kochi Airport to Munnar?

The drive typically takes several hours with stops along scenic spots like waterfalls.

Can infants join this private Kerala tour?

Yes, infants can join; prams or strollers are allowed and infants may sit on an adult's lap if needed.

What’s included

Your week includes private transportation with airport pickup in Kochi, all nightly accommodations (from hillside resorts to an Alleppey houseboat), selected lunches and dinners featuring local flavors, plus guidance from your driver who knows every shortcut—and yes, he’ll help you spot wildlife or find chai when you need it most before dropping you off at Trivandrum Airport at journey’s end.