Tour Overview
The Kerala Backwaters & Beaches tour is our most popular Kerala package, designed for travellers who want to experience the full spectrum of this magical state. Over 7 days, you journey through four distinct landscapes — from the cool mist-draped tea gardens of Munnar to the spice-scented forests of Thekkady, the tranquil backwater canals of Alleppey and the golden palm-fringed beaches of Kovalam.
You will spend a memorable night aboard a traditional Kerala kettuvallam (rice boat) houseboat, drifting through the 900 km network of interconnected backwater canals and lagoons while watching village life pass gently by. Expert local guides will lead you through cardamom and pepper plantations, reveal the secrets of Periyar's wildlife sanctuary, and introduce you to the warm-hearted rhythms of Keralan daily life.
This tour is ideal for first-time Kerala visitors, couples, families and nature lovers. From Munnar's purple Neelakurinji flowers to Kovalam's lighthouse at sunset — every moment is crafted to be unforgettable.
Tour Highlights
Overnight houseboat cruise on Alleppey backwaters with all meals
Guided walk through Munnar's rolling tea & spice plantations
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary boat safari for elephant sightings
Leisure time at Kovalam Beach with lighthouse views at sunset
Traditional Kerala Sadya feast on banana leaf with 20 dishes
Authentic Ayurvedic massage at a certified Kovalam wellness centre
Evening Kathakali dance performance in Thekkady
Sunrise over the Munnar valley from Echo Point viewpoint
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Kochi — Gateway to Kerala
Arrive at Kochi International Airport. Transfer to your hotel in Fort Kochi. Evening orientation walk through the historic harbour area — see the iconic Chinese fishing nets lit at sunset. Welcome dinner with traditional Kerala fish curry.
Kochi → Munnar — Tea Gardens & Misty Valleys (4 hrs)
Morning drive through rubber plantations climbing to Munnar at 1,600 m altitude. Visit Cheeyappara Waterfalls en route. Afternoon: guided tour of a working tea factory. Sunset at Echo Point. Check-in to your hillside resort.
Munnar — Eravikulam & Mattupetty
Morning: Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Mattupetty Dam and Indo-Swiss dairy farm. Afternoon: Top Station for panoramic views over the Tamil Nadu plains. Spice market visit and cooking demonstration.
Munnar → Thekkady — Spices & Wildlife (3 hrs)
Drive to Thekkady through cardamom hills. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary boat safari — spot wild elephants, bison and deer at the water's edge. Afternoon: guided spice plantation walk with a local farmer. Evening: Kathakali performance with make-up demonstration.
Thekkady → Alleppey — The Venice of the East (4 hrs)
Morning drive down to the backwater plains. Check in to your traditional Kerala kettuvallam houseboat at noon. Set sail through the emerald green Vembanad Lake and canal network. Watch village life from the deck. Traditional Kerala lunch and dinner prepared fresh on board. Overnight on the houseboat.
Alleppey → Kovalam Beach (3 hrs)
Morning: enjoy sunrise over the backwaters from the houseboat deck. Breakfast on board. Disembark and drive south to Kovalam, Kerala's most famous beach resort. Afternoon at leisure on the crescent-shaped beach. Sunset at Kovalam Lighthouse. Seafood dinner by candlelight at a beachside restaurant.
Kovalam — Ayurveda & Departure
Morning: 90-minute traditional Ayurvedic Abhyanga massage at a certified wellness centre. Visit nearby Padmanabhapuram Palace (wooden architecture). Transfer to Thiruvananthapuram airport for your onward journey. Kerala bids you farewell — until next time.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✓ What's Included
- 6 nights accommodation (heritage / resort hotels)
- 1 night deluxe houseboat with all meals
- Daily breakfast at hotels
- All transfers in AC private vehicle
- All sightseeing as per itinerary
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Periyar boat safari tickets
- Tea factory & spice plantation tour
- Kathakali performance tickets
- 1 Ayurvedic massage session (Kovalam)
- All monument & park entry fees
- Welcome drink on arrival
✕ Not Included
- Domestic / international airfare
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Lunches (except houseboat day)
- Dinners (except Day 1 & houseboat)
- Tips & gratuities
- Personal shopping & expenses
- Additional Ayurveda treatments
- Anything not in the itinerary