Highlights
- Fort Kochi and Mattancherry
- Munnar tea country and Eravikulam
- Periyar lake boat ride
- Private houseboat night at Alleppey
- Two nights on the beach at Kovalam
- Kanyakumari and the Vivekananda Rock Memorial
This is the full length of Kerala, north to south, without doubling back. You fly into Kochi and out of Thiruvananthapuram, so the last three days are spent on the coast instead of on the road back. Kanyakumari is technically in Tamil Nadu, but from Kovalam it’s an easy day out, and the sunset there and the Vivekananda Rock are worth the extra nights.
Day-wise itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Kochi
Pickup at Kochi airport or Ernakulam station. Evening at Fort Kochi: the fishing nets, St Francis Church and the seafront. The Dutch Palace and Jew Town if time allows (the palace is closed on Fridays).
Day 2: Kochi to Munnar
Drive into the hills, stopping at the waterfalls on the way. Afternoon free to rest after the ghat road, or an easy tea estate walk.
Day 3: Munnar sightseeing
Eravikulam National Park for the Nilgiri tahr (outside February and March), then the tea museum, Mattupetty and Echo Point.
Day 4: Munnar to Thekkady
Through cardamom estates to Kumily. Spice plantation walk in the afternoon, cultural show in the evening if you like.
Day 5: Periyar lake, then the houseboat
Early boat ride on Periyar lake. Drive to Alleppey to board your houseboat at about noon, with meals on board and a night tied up on the backwaters.
Day 6: Alleppey to Kovalam
Leave the boat by about 9 am and drive south along the coast to Kovalam. Afternoon on the beach, swimming only between the lifeguard flags.
Day 7: Day trip to Kanyakumari
An early start for Kanyakumari at the southern tip. Take the ferry to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial (it runs only in calm weather), visit the Kumari Amman temple and watch the sunset over the sea.
Day 8: Thiruvananthapuram, departure
Morning darshan at the Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple if you’d like it (the dress code is strict: dhoti for men, saree or pavada and blouse for women; both can be hired outside the temple). Drop at Thiruvananthapuram airport or station.
Kovalam or Varkala?
Kovalam is closer to the airport and Kanyakumari, with calmer bays that suit families. Varkala, further north of Thiruvananthapuram, has the cliff-top walk and cafes, and appeals more to couples. We can base you at either; with Varkala the Kanyakumari day is longer. The sea on both coasts is rough from June to September, so in the monsoon we’d use the extra days for an Ayurveda massage, the city museums or a longer backwater stay instead.
What's included and what isn't
Included
- Hotels for 6 nights (Kochi, Munnar 2, Thekkady, Kovalam 2) with breakfast
- One night on a private houseboat at Alleppey with all meals on board
- Private car with driver from Kochi to Thiruvananthapuram, including the Kanyakumari day
- Pickup at Kochi, drop at Thiruvananthapuram airport or station
- Booking help for Eravikulam and Periyar boat tickets
Not included
- Flights or train tickets (quoted on request)
- Eravikulam, Periyar boat, Vivekananda Rock ferry and monument tickets
- Lunches and dinners on hotel days
- Ayurveda treatments and water sports
- Tips and personal expenses
Visa, costs, best time and travel tips: Kerala Tour Packages.
