Kerala: Private Munnar, Thekkady & Houseboat Tour from Cochin

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.84 (117 reviews) 89% rated it 5 stars

Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/7

Duration5d

GroupPrivate

PickupAt your hotel

Tea hills, wildlife boat rides & slow mornings on Kerala backwaters

You’ll wind through tea-scented hills in Munnar, spot elephants from a boat in Periyar Sanctuary, and drift overnight on your own private houseboat across Kerala’s backwaters. With all transport, meals, and local guides included, it’s five days of small surprises—like chai breaks or fireflies—that linger long after you’re home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Travel from Cochin to Munnar

See waterfalls and take photos
Take photos at viewpoint

Day 2 — Munnar sightseeing and activities

Buffet breakfast at hotel
Boating at Mattupetty Dam
Explore forest and reservoir
Visit dam, lake, and boating
Trek in Eravikulam National Park
Visit Tea Museum
See different flower varieties

Day 3 — Travel from Munnar to Thekkady

Boating at Lake Periyar in afternoon
View wildlife from boat

Day 4 — Thekkady to Alleppey houseboat stay

Breakfast at hotel
Board private AC deluxe houseboat
Enjoy evening tea snacks
Dinner on houseboat

Day 5 — Alleppey to Cochin sightseeing

Checkout from houseboat by 9 am
Visit Alleppey beach
Visit St Francis Church
See Chinese fishing nets
Visit Dutch Palace
Visit Jewish Synagogue

The Experience

The first thing I noticed was the smell—wet earth and cardamom as we wound up from Cochin toward Munnar. Our driver, Rajesh, stopped by a roadside chai stall where steam curled up into the morning air. I burned my tongue a bit but didn’t mind. The hills just kept rolling out in green waves. We pulled over for waterfalls (I lost count), and at one point Rajesh pointed out a Nilgiri langur sitting like a little king on a branch. I tried to get a photo but he vanished—maybe camera shy.

Munnar itself felt cool and soft after the city heat. Our guide Suni led us through tea plantations where women in bright saris moved so fast their hands blurred. At Mattupetty Dam there were families picnicking and kids yelling into the echo—Suni grinned and told us to try it too (my voice sounded ridiculous bouncing back). Later we walked through Eravikulam Park; saw a Nilgiri tahr grazing just off the path. The air smelled of eucalyptus and something sweet I still can’t name.

The drive to Thekkady was longer than I expected but not boring—just long enough for me to doze off against the window. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary boat ride started late afternoon when everything went gold. We spotted wild elephants along the shore, some bison too, and birds I couldn’t name (Suni tried). There was this hush on the lake, broken only by someone’s phone going off—a Bollywood ringtone that made everyone laugh.

But honestly? It’s the night on the Alleppey houseboat that sticks with me most. After dinner (fish curry so spicy my nose ran), we sat out watching fireflies blink over the water while our captain steered quietly through palm shadows. I woke early to mist drifting over the Kerala backwaters—everything silent except for distant temple bells and someone frying onions for breakfast below deck. Didn’t want to leave that morning; still don’t really.

What’s included

Your trip includes private transportation from Cochin through all stops in Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey and back.
four nights’ accommodation (hotels plus one night aboard a private AC deluxe houseboat).
lunch and dinner during your cruise.
GST and luxury tax.
plus guidance from locals who know every shortcut—and where to find the best chai stalls along the way.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Sanguine Holidays