Kerala tour package
A classic 5 Nights / 6 Days Kerala Tour Package covers the state’s most iconic circuit—misty hill stations, wildlife reserves, and tranquil backwaters.
Below is a complete, ready-to-use itinerary, pricing overview, inclusions/exclusions, and frequently asked questions.
Sample Itinerary: Hills, Wildlife & Backwaters (5N / 6D)
| Day | Route & Stay | Key Highlights & Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Cochin to Munnar (~130 km / 4 hrs)Overnight in Munnar | Pickup from Cochin Airport/Railway Station. Scenic drive through the Western Ghats stopping at Cheeyappara & Valara Waterfalls and spice plantations. Evening at leisure. |
| Day 2 | Munnar SightseeingOvernight in Munnar | Full-day tour covering Eravikulam National Park (home to the Nilgiri Tahr), Tea Museum, Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, and Kundala Lake. |
| Day 3 | Munnar to Thekkady (~90 km / 3 hrs)Overnight in Thekkady | Drive to Periyar. Afternoon boat cruise on Periyar Lake (spot elephants, bison, and birds). Optional evening Kathakali & Kalaripayattu martial arts show. |
| Day 4 | Thekkady to Alleppey (~140 km / 4 hrs)Overnight on Houseboat | Board a private traditional Kettuvallam (Houseboat) at 12:00 PM. Cruise through palm-fringed canals, paddy fields, and narrow village waterways with all meals freshly prepared on board. |
| Day 5 | Alleppey to Cochin (~55 km / 1.5 hrs)Overnight in Cochin | Disembark at 9:00 AM after breakfast. Drive to Cochin for a half-day heritage tour of Fort Kochi, Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, and Mattancherry Palace. |
| Day 6 | Cochin Departure | Morning shopping at Lulu Mall or local spice markets, followed by drop-off at Cochin Airport or Railway Station. |
Estimated Package Pricing (Per Person, Twin Sharing)
| Category | Accommodation & Houseboat Tier | Estimated Cost (5N / 6D) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget / Standard | 2-star / 3-star hotels + Deluxe A/C Houseboat (A/C in bedroom 9 PM – 6 AM) | ₹15,000 – ₹22,000 |
| Premium / Mid-Range | 4-star resorts + Premium Full-Time A/C Houseboat | ₹25,000 – ₹38,000 |
| Luxury | 5-star boutique resorts + Luxury Glass-Walled Houseboat | ₹48,000 – ₹75,000+ |
Note: Prices vary based on travel dates, group size, and peak holiday surcharges.
Standard Inclusions & Exclusions
Included:
- 4 nights hotel accommodation with daily breakfast
- 1 night private Alleppey houseboat stay with all meals (Lunch, Evening Tea/Snacks, Dinner, Breakfast)
- Private A/C vehicle (Sedan/SUV/Tempo Traveller) for all transfers and sightseeing
- Driver allowance, fuel, parking fees, and highway tolls
Excluded:
- Airfare or train tickets to/from Kerala
- Lunches and dinners at hotels (unless a MAP/AP meal plan is selected)
- Entry tickets to monuments, national parks, and Periyar boating
- Optional activities (Ayurvedic spa, jeep safari, cultural shows) and GST (5%)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best time to visit Kerala?
- October to March (Peak Season): Cool, dry, and ideal for sightseeing, beaches, and backwaters.
- April to May (Summer): Warm in the plains, making hill stations like Munnar and Wayanad popular retreats.
- June to September (Monsoon): Lush green landscapes, discounted hotel rates, and the prime season for traditional Ayurvedic rejuvenation therapies.
2. How does the Alleppey houseboat experience work?
Check-in is typically at 12:00 PM and check-out is at 9:00 AM the next morning. The boat cruises for about 4–5 hours during the day and anchors near a village jetty by 5:30 PM (as government regulations prohibit night cruising to protect fishing nets and marine life). All meals are cooked fresh onboard by a private chef.
3. Is a houseboat safe for families with children or elderly travelers?
Yes. Standard and luxury houseboats feature safety railings, life jackets, and attached Western-style bathrooms. For elderly travelers who prefer not to stay overnight on water, a Day Cruise (11:00 AM – 4:00 PM) paired with a lakeside resort stay in Kumarakom or Alleppey is a great alternative.
4. Will the air conditioning work in Munnar and Thekkady?
Munnar and Thekkady are high-altitude hill stations with naturally cool climates year-round, so most hill resorts provide fans or room heaters rather than air conditioning. Similarly, cab drivers often turn off vehicle A/C while climbing steep Ghat roads to prevent engine overheating.
5. Can this itinerary be customized to include beaches or North Kerala?
Yes. With 7 to 8 days, you can easily extend the route south from Alleppey to include Varkala (cliffside beaches) or Kovalam. Alternatively, travelers arriving via Calicut or Kannur can focus on North Kerala circuits covering Wayanad, Bekal, and Kannur.
6. What should I pack for a Kerala trip?
Pack breathable cotton clothing for the warm backwaters and coast, a light jacket or sweater for chilly Munnar evenings, comfortable walking shoes for tea estates and wildlife trails, mosquito repellent, and modest attire (covering shoulders and knees) if you plan to visit temples.
Extending the tour to 6 Nights / 7 Days allows a smooth north-to-south progression from Cochin down to Trivandrum without backtracking.
Routing Tip: Book arrival flights into Cochin (COK) and departure flights out of Trivandrum (TRV)—this saves a 5-to-6-hour return drive up the coast on the final day.
Customized 7-Day Itinerary: Hills, Backwaters & Beaches (6N / 7D)
| Day | Route & Stay | Key Highlights & Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Cochin to Munnar (~130 km / 4 hrs)Overnight in Munnar | Pickup from Cochin Airport/Railway Station. Scenic drive up the Western Ghats with stops at Cheeyappara & Valara Waterfalls and spice gardens. Evening at leisure. |
| Day 2 | Munnar SightseeingOvernight in Munnar | Full-day tour covering Eravikulam National Park (closed Feb–Mar/Apr for Nilgiri Tahr calving), Tata Tea Museum (closed Mondays), Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, and Kundala Lake. |
| Day 3 | Munnar to Thekkady (~90 km / 3 hrs)Overnight in Thekkady | Drive through cardamom hills. Afternoon wildlife boat cruise on Periyar Lake. Optional evening Kathakali or Kalaripayattu martial arts show. |
| Day 4 | Thekkady to Alleppey (~140 km / 4 hrs)Overnight on Houseboat | Board a private Kettuvallam (Houseboat) at 12:00 PM. Cruise palm-lined canals and Vembanad backwaters with lunch, evening snacks, dinner, and breakfast served onboard. |
| Day 5 | Alleppey to Varkala OR KovalamOvernight at Beach Resort | Disembark at 9:00 AM and drive south along the coast (~115 km / 3 hrs to Varkala; ~165 km / 4.5 hrs to Kovalam). Afternoon beach relaxation and sunset viewing. |
| Day 6 | Beach Leisure & Coastal SightseeingOvernight at Beach Resort | If Varkala: Morning yoga/swim at Papanasam Beach, cliffside cafe hopping, and Jatayu Earth’s Center (giant bird sculpture & cable car, ~30 km away).If Kovalam: Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach, optional Ayurvedic spa, and Poovar Island backwater estuary boat ride. |
| Day 7 | Trivandrum Sightseeing & Departure(~45 km from Varkala / ~15 km from Kovalam) | Visit Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple (strict traditional dress code applies) and Napier Museum before drop-off at Trivandrum Airport/Railway Station. |
Choosing Your Beach: Varkala vs. Kovalam
| Feature | Varkala | Kovalam |
|---|---|---|
| Vibe & Setting | Dramatic red laterite cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea; bohemian, laid-back, and scenic. | Crescent-shaped sandy bays framed by palm groves and a historic lighthouse; classic resort town. |
| Best For | Couples, solo travelers, sunset cliff walks, surfing, and vibrant beachfront cafes. | Families with kids, calm swimming bays, luxury beachfront resorts, and Ayurvedic wellness. |
| Distance from TRV Airport | ~45 km (1 to 1.5 hours) | ~15 km (30 minutes) |
| ~45 km (1 to 1.5 hours) | ~15 km (30 minutes) |
Note: If you want a taste of both, you can stay in Varkala on Day 5 and stop at Kovalam on Day 6 en route to Trivandrum, though staying 2 nights in one beach town offers a much more relaxed pace.
Estimated 6N / 7D Package Pricing (Per Person, Twin Sharing)
| Category | Stay & Houseboat Tier | Estimated Cost (6N / 7D) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget / Standard | 2-star / 3-star hotels + Deluxe A/C Houseboat (bedroom A/C 9 PM – 6 AM) | ₹18,500 – ₹26,000 |
| Premium / Mid-Range | 4-star resorts + Premium Full-Time A/C Houseboat | ₹30,000 – ₹45,000 |
| Luxury | 5-star beach & hill resorts + Luxury Glass-Walled Houseboat | ₹58,000 – ₹88,000+ |
Beach Extension FAQs
1. Can I do a round-trip from Cochin instead of flying out of Trivandrum?
Yes, though Day 7 will require a 5 to 6-hour drive (~200–220 km via NH 66) back to Cochin Airport. If flying out of Cochin, schedule your departure flight after 6:00 PM and skip Trivandrum city sightseeing.
2. Are Varkala and Kovalam safe for swimming?
Both beaches have lifeguards on duty during daylight hours. Kovalam’s Lighthouse and Hawa beaches feature sheltered bays with gentler waves suitable for casual swimming, whereas Varkala has stronger swells and currents—stick strictly to the red-and-yellow lifeguard flags there.
3. What is the dress code for Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple on Day 7?
The temple enforces a strict traditional dress code: men must wear a mundu (dhoti) with a bare chest (no shirts/vests), and women must wear a saree, set-mundu, or long skirt and blouse (salwar kameez and trousers are not permitted inside). Dhotis are easily available to rent or buy right outside the temple entrance.
Customize this 7-day Kerala hills, backwaters, and beach itinerary specifically for a honeymoon couple.
A honeymoon itinerary shifts the focus from rushing through tourist checklists to privacy, unhurried mornings, scenic seclusion, and curated romantic experiences.
This 6 Nights / 7 Days Kerala Honeymoon Package keeps the effortless north-to-south route (arriving in Cochin and departing from Trivandrum), while upgrading the pace and stays for couples.
Romantic 7-Day Kerala Honeymoon Itinerary (6N / 7D)
| Day | Route & Stay | Romantic Highlights & Unhurried Experiences |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Cochin to Munnar (~130 km / 4 hrs)Overnight in Munnar (Valley-View Resort) | Private chauffeur pickup from Cochin Airport. Scenic drive past Cheeyappara & Valara Waterfalls. Check into a secluded hillside resort; evening at leisure watching mist roll over the tea valleys. |
| Day 2 | Munnar Private SightseeingOvernight in Munnar (Valley-View Resort) | Unhurried breakfast. Visit Eravikulam National Park (closed Feb–Mar for calving), private guided walk through a lush tea estate, and sunset at Pothamedu Viewpoint. Evening flower-bed decoration & honeymoon cake in-room. |
| Day 3 | Munnar to Thekkady (~90 km / 3 hrs)Overnight in Thekkady (Boutique Jungle Resort) | Drive through aromatic cardamom hills. Walk hand-in-hand through a private spice plantation, followed by a serene afternoon boat ride on Periyar Lake. Optional evening couples Ayurvedic massage. |
| Day 4 | Thekkady to Alleppey (~140 km / 4 hrs)Overnight on Private 1-Bedroom Houseboat | Board an exclusive 1-bedroom Premium/Luxury Kettuvallam at 12:00 PM. Cruise quiet backwater canals with a dedicated private chef. Enjoy a candlelight dinner on the upper deck under the stars. |
| Day 5 | Alleppey to Varkala OR KovalamOvernight at Cliff/Beach Resort | Disembark at 9:00 AM and drive south along the coast (~3 hrs to Varkala; ~4.5 hrs to Kovalam). Check into an ocean-view room; sunset walk along the cliffs or crescent bay. |
| Day 6 | Beach Bliss & Sunset Candlelight DinnerOvernight at Cliff/Beach Resort | If Varkala: Late morning cliffside brunch, couples spa therapy, and golden-hour relaxation at quiet Kappil Beach (where backwaters meet the sea).If Kovalam: Private beachside relaxation, couple’s Shirodhara spa, and a sunset backwater estuary cruise at Poovar Island.Evening: Private beachfront/cliffside candlelight dinner. |
| Day 7 | Trivandrum Departure(~1 to 1.5 hrs from Varkala / ~30 mins from Kovalam) | Leisurely final breakfast by the ocean. Optional quick stop at Azhimala Cliff Shiva Temple (near Kovalam) or local handicraft shopping before drop-off at Trivandrum Airport (TRV). |
Signature Honeymoon Inclusions (Built Into This Package)
- Exclusive 1-Bedroom Houseboat: Full-time air conditioning (not restricted to night hours) and a private upper-deck lounge.
- Romantic Room Setup: Traditional floral bed decoration, honeymoon cake, and a fruit/chocolate basket on one night of the stay.
- Two Candlelight Dinners: One private dinner onboard the houseboat in Alleppey, and one ocean-facing candlelight dinner at the beach resort.
- Couples Wellness: One 60-minute traditional Abhyanga (couples Ayurvedic massage) in Thekkady or at the beach resort.
- Private Chauffeur-Driven Vehicle: Dedicated A/C Sedan or SUV with flexible morning start times (no early wake-up calls unless requested).
Best Beach Choice for Honeymooners
- Choose Varkala if: You want dramatic cliffside views, boutique resorts perched over the Arabian Sea, cozy sunset cafes, and a slightly bohemian, intimate vibe.
- Choose Kovalam if: You prefer a classic 5-star beachfront resort experience with private beach access, infinity pools, and world-class Ayurvedic spa facilities.
Estimated Honeymoon Package Pricing (Per Couple, 6N / 7D)
| Tier | Stay Experience | Estimated Cost (Per Couple) |
|---|---|---|
| Romantic Boutique (4-Star) | Boutique valley-view & beach resorts + Full-Time A/C 1-Bedroom Premium Houseboat + Honeymoon inclusions | ₹62,000 – ₹85,000 |
| Ultra-Luxury (5-Star) | 5-star luxury pool villas / cliff suites + Luxury Glass-Walled Houseboat + All romantic inclusions | ₹1,10,000 – ₹1,65,000+ |
Honeymoon Planning FAQs
1. How private is the Alleppey houseboat?
A 1-bedroom honeymoon houseboat is 100% private for the couple—no other guests share the vessel. A 3-person crew (captain, engine operator, and private chef) operates the boat and retires to their separate quarters at the back of the boat after serving dinner, ensuring complete privacy for the couple.
2. Should we stay in a hotel or a houseboat in Alleppey?
For honeymooners, 1 night on a private houseboat is iconic and unmissable. If you want an extra night of pure luxury without moving around, you can swap the Thekkady night for a lakefront pool villa in Kumarakom right before boarding the houseboat.
3. Are there any hidden honeymoon extras to watch out for?
Verify beforehand that full-time A/C is included on the houseboat (budget boats only run A/C from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM, making afternoon cruising warm), and confirm whether candlelight dinners and flower decorations are bundled into the quote or billed separately at check-in.