Kerala tour package itinerary
Classic 6-Day / 5-Night Kerala Tour Itinerary
This popular route covers the best of Kerala’s heritage, hill stations, wildlife, and backwaters.
Arrival (Kochi) ➔ Munnar (2N) ➔ Thekkady (1N) ➔ Alleppey (1N) ➔ Departure (Kochi)
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 1: Arrival in Kochi & Transfer to Munnar
Drive time: ~4 hours (130 km)
Day 2: Full Day Munnar Hill Station Exploration
Local Sightseeing
Day 3: Munnar to Thekkady (Periyar)
Drive time: ~3.5 hours (85 km)
Day 4: Thekkady to Alleppey Backwater Cruise
Drive time: ~3.5 hours (140 km)
Day 5: Alleppey to Fort Kochi Heritage
Drive time: ~1.5 hours (55 km)
Day 6: Kochi Sightseeing & Departure
Transfer to Airport / Station
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General & Logistics
Q1: What is the best time to visit Kerala?
- Peak Season (October to March): Pleasant, cooler weather, ideal for sightseeing, hill stations, and backwater cruises.
Monsoon Season (June to September): Heavy rainfall, ideal for Ayurveda treatments, offbeat travel, and enjoying lush greenery.
Summer (April to May): Warm in lowlands, but suitable for visiting hill stations like Munnar or Wayanad.
Q2: How many days are recommended for a Kerala trip?
A minimum of 5 to 7 days is recommended to comfortably cover major destinations like Munnar, Thekkady, and Alleppey without rushing. For an extended trip covering beaches (Kovalam/Varkala) or northern districts (Wayanad), plan for 8 to 10 days.
Q3: Which airport/railway station should I arrive at?
- Cochin International Airport (COK) or Ernakulam Railway Station (ERS/ERN) is the most central arrival point for Central/North itineraries.
- Trivandrum International Airport (TRV) is best if starting or ending at Kovalam/Varkala beaches.
Houseboat & Accommodation
Q4: How do houseboats in Alleppey work?
Standard houseboat check-in is around 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM and check-out is at 9:00 AM the following day. All meals (lunch, evening tea, dinner, breakfast) are prepared fresh on board by an assigned chef. Air conditioning is typically operational from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM in standard/deluxe boats, while luxury boats offer 24-hour A/C.
Q5: Are tour packages usually inclusive of meals and entry fees?
- Inclusions: Accommodation, daily breakfast, private AC cab for transfers and sightseeing, driver charges, toll/parking fees, and all meals on the houseboat.
Exclusions: Flight/train tickets, monument entry tickets, sanctuary boat safari charges, activity fees (zip-lining, spice tour fees), and personal expenses.
Travel Tips
Q6: What clothes should I pack?
Pack lightweight cotton clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Bring modest attire (covering shoulders and knees) if you plan on visiting traditional temples or places of worship. A light jacket/sweater is helpful for early mornings in Munnar.
Can you modify this Kerala itinerary to include 2 days at Kovalam or Varkala beach?
Here is a 7-Night / 8-Day Kerala tour itinerary modified to include 2 nights at the beach. You can choose between Varkala (famous for red cliffs, sunset views, and cafe culture) or Kovalam (known for its iconic lighthouse, crescent bays, and calm waters).
To keep the route linear without backtracking, this route moves southwards and finishes in Trivandrum.
Arrival (Kochi) ➔ Munnar (2N) ➔ Thekkady (1N) ➔ Alleppey (1N) ➔ Varkala / Kovalam (2N) ➔ Departure (Trivandrum)
Modified Itinerary Breakdown
Day 1: Arrival in Kochi & Transfer to Munnar
Drive time: ~4 hours (130 km)
Day 2: Full Day Munnar Sightseeing
Local Sightseeing
Day 3: Munnar to Thekkady
Drive time: ~3.5 hours (85 km)
Day 4: Thekkady to Alleppey (Houseboat Cruise)
Drive time: ~3.5 hours (140 km)
Day 5: Alleppey to Varkala or Kovalam Beach
Drive time: ~3 to 4 hours
Day 6: Full Day Beach Relaxation & Sightseeing
Leisure & Water Activities
Day 7: Departure from Trivandrum
Drive time: ~1 hour to Airport
Choosing Between Varkala and Kovalam
- Choose Varkala if: You prefer a laid-back, bohemian atmosphere, dramatic clifftop views, surf culture, and independent cafes.
- Choose Kovalam if: You prefer well-established luxury resorts, family-friendly calm swimming bays, and closer proximity to Trivandrum city attractions (like the Padmanabhaswamy Temple).
What are the best outdoor activities and water sports to try in Varkala?
Varkala has emerged as Kerala’s premier destination for adventure seekers and water sports enthusiasts. Thanks to its unique landscape—where dramatic red cliffs meet the Arabian Sea and quiet backwaters sit just minutes inland—you can try everything from high-adrenaline aerial sports to serene mangrove paddling.
Here are the best outdoor activities and water sports to try in Varkala:
1. Surfing & Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
Varkala is one of India’s top surf destinations. The gentle beach breaks near Varkala Beach (Papanasam) and Black Sand Beach make it ideal for beginners, while offshore points attract intermediate surfers.
- Best Spot: Black Sand Beach (Thiruvambadi Beach) and Odayam Beach.
- What to Expect: Several surf schools along North Cliff offer 1.5 to 2-hour beginner lessons (including board rental and certified instructor coaching).
Stand-Up Paddleboarding: Calmer morning ocean waters or nearby backwater lagoons are great for SUP balancing and paddling sessions.
2. Mangrove Kayaking in Paravur / Nedungolam
Just 15–20 minutes north of Varkala lies the serene canal system around Paravur Lake and Nedungolam.
- What to Expect: Paddle through narrow mangrove tunnels where coconut palms bend over peaceful waterways. It’s a stark, tranquil contrast to the ocean waves.
Best Time: Early morning (6:30 AM – 8:30 AM) for bird watching and calm water, or late afternoon for golden hour sunset kayaking.
3. Tandem Paragliding & Paramotoring
Varkala is the only spot in Kerala where you can paraglide off a coastal cliff.
- Location: Flights launch from the Varkala Helipad area on North Cliff.
- What to Expect: A 10 to 15-minute tandem flight with a certified pilot, soaring over the red laterite cliffs and looking straight down at the Arabian Sea.
- Seasonality: Wind-dependent; usually operational during clear weather windows from December through March/April.
4. Motorized Water Sports (Jet Skiing, Parasailing & Banana Boats)
For high-speed adrenaline, head towards the main beach bays or nearby Kappil Beach.
- Jet Skiing: Ride the waves on high-powered watercraft with safety marshals on standby.
- Parasailing: Get towed by a speedboat while strapped into a parachute for panoramic aerial views of the coastline.
- Banana & Bumper Rides: Fun, thrilling group rides pulled across the waves behind speedboats—great for families or groups of friends.
5. Kappil Backwater Boating & Estuary Exploration
Located 7 km north of Varkala, Kappil Lake meets the sea in a picturesque estuary separated only by a narrow coastal road.
What to Expect: Hire self-drive pedal boats, motorboats, or traditional wooden country boats to explore the calm lake waters and coconut groves.
Quick Practical Tips
- Best Time for Water Sports: October to April offers clear skies, dry weather, and optimal sea conditions. Most water sports pause during the heavy monsoon season (June to September).
- Morning vs. Evening: Schedule surf lessons and backwater kayaking early in the morning when the water is flattest and temperatures are cool. Save parasailing or cliffside walks for late afternoon to catch the sunset.