Kerala Backwaters & Hills
6 Night / 7 Days
Tour Duration:
6 Night / 7 DaysTour Route
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Kochi (1N)
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Alleppey (2N)
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Periyar (1N)
- Munnar (2N)
Tour Highlights
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Explore historic Fort Kochi, a blend of Indian, Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences
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Overnight stay on a traditional houseboat cruising the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey
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Wildlife experience at Periyar National Park, home to elephants and rich birdlife
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Discover lush tea plantations, misty hills, and waterfalls in Munnar
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Scenic drives through spice gardens, rubber plantations, and forested landscapes
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A perfect mix of culture, nature, relaxation, and soft adventure
Description
This thoughtfully designed Kerala journey offers an authentic introduction to South India’s most celebrated landscapes. From the colonial charm of Kochi to the peaceful backwaters of Alleppey, the wildlife-rich forests of Periyar, and the cool hill station of Munnar, this tour combines comfort, culture, and unforgettable scenery.
Ideal for first-time visitors to India, the itinerary moves at a relaxed pace, allowing travelers to truly experience Kerala’s lifestyle, cuisine, and natural beauty. Expect warm hospitality, scenic drives, and moments of quiet wonder at every stop.
Detailed Itinerary
Upon arrival at Kochi International Airport, meet your representative and transfer to your hotel.
Later, explore Fort Kochi, known for its narrow streets, colonial buildings, and artistic vibe. Visit:
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Chinese Fishing Nets along the coastline
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St. Francis Church, one of the oldest European churches in India
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Santa Cruz Basilica
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Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace) and the historic Jewish Synagogue
In the evening, enjoy a Kathakali dance performance, a traditional Kerala art form known for its dramatic expressions and elaborate costumes.
Overnight stay in Kochi.
The Day Tour Includes
- Airport/Railway Transfer
- Hotel Accommodation
- Sightseeing
- Welcome Dinner
Board your traditional houseboat, beautifully designed with modern comforts. Cruise through palm-lined canals, quiet villages, paddy fields, and coconut groves. Watch local life unfold as fishermen cast nets and children wave from riverbanks.
Enjoy freshly prepared Kerala meals onboard, featuring local spices and flavors.
As the sun sets, relax on the deck and experience the calm rhythm of the backwaters.
Overnight stay on the houseboat.
Today's Sightseeing
The Day Tour Includes
- Transfer to Alleppey
- Overnight Houseboat Stay
- Sightseeing
- Breakfast
- Lunch & Dinner on Houseboat
After breakfast on the houseboat, disembark and drive to Periyar, a scenic journey through rubber plantations and spice gardens. On arrival, check into your hotel surrounded by lush greenery. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari on Periyar Lake, offering chances to spot elephants, deer, birds, and other wildlife along the forested shores.
Optional activities include:
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Boat Safari on Periyar Lake
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Elephant, deer, and bird sightings along the forested shores
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Optional spice plantation visit
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Optional nature walk or bamboo rafting (subject to availability)
Overnight stay in Periyar.
The Day Tour Includes
- Hotel Accommodation
- Breakfast
- Periyar Lake Boat Safari
- Optional Nature Walk / Bamboo Rafting
- Dinner
After breakfast, depart for Munnar, one of India’s most beautiful hill stations.
Enjoy freshly prepared Kerala meals onboard, featuring local spices and flavors.
Arrive in Munnar and check into your hotel. Spend the evening at leisure, enjoying the cool climate and peaceful surroundings.
Overnight stay in Munnar.
Today's Sightseeing
The Day Tour Includes
- Transfer to Periyar
- Resort Accommodation
- Spice Garden Visit & Boat Safari
- Breakfast
- Dinner
After breakfast, set out for a full-day sightseeing tour of Munnar, including:
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Tea Museum, to learn about the history of tea cultivation
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Mattupetty Dam and Kundala Lake
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Echo Point, known for its natural sound reflection
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Viewpoints offering panoramic vistas of tea plantations and valleys
Later, enjoy a leisurely walk through tea gardens or relax at your hotel. Overnight stay in Munnar.
- Transfer to Munnar
- Tea Estate Resort
- Tea Museum Visit
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Today is free to explore Munnar at your own pace.
Optional activities:
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Visit Eravikulam National Park (home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr)
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Easy trekking trails through forested areas
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Ayurvedic massage and wellness therapy
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Shopping for tea, spices, and local handicrafts
Overnight stay in Munnar.
The Day Tour Includes
- Local Sightseeing
- Resort Accommodation
- Tea Plantation Tour & Sightseeing
- Breakfast
- Farewell Dinner
After breakfast, drive back to Kochi International Airport for your onward journey, carrying unforgettable memories of Kerala’s landscapes, culture, and hospitality.
The Day Tour Includes
- Airport/Railway Transfer
- Breakfast
Included / Excluded
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A: The ideal time for Kerala tour is September to March with pleasant weather (20-32°C). October-February is peak season with minimal rainfall. Monsoon (June-August) offers lush greenery but occasional heavy rains. Summer (April-May) can be warm but hill stations like Munnar remain pleasant. Houseboat operations are year-round except during extreme monsoon warnings.
A: We provide premium category houseboats (kettuvallams) with 1-2 bedrooms (depending on group size), each with attached modern bathrooms. Houseboats feature living/dining area, sun deck, kitchen, and experienced crew (captain, cook, helper). All houseboats are government-approved with safety equipment. AC is available but operates only when generator is running (usually evenings).
A: Yes, this tour is suitable for all age groups. The itinerary is well-paced with adequate rest periods. Houseboats are stable with safety railings. Hill station drives are scenic but winding - we provide comfortable AC vehicles with experienced drivers. For elderly guests, we can arrange golf carts at certain locations and adjust walking distances. Families with children enjoy village interactions, boat rides, and wildlife spotting.
A: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to elephants, tigers (rare sightings), Indian bison (gaur), sambar deer, wild boars, and lion-tailed macaques. Bird watchers can spot over 265 species including hornbills, kingfishers, and raptors. The boat safari offers excellent opportunities to see elephants drinking at water's edge. Morning hours increase wildlife sighting chances. Remember, wildlife sightings are never guaranteed as animals roam freely in their natural habitat.
Kerala Backwaters & Hills
Tour Duration: 6 Night / 7 Days
Why Book With Us?
Premium houseboats with experienced local crew
Expert naturalist guides for wildlife safaris
Carefully curated authentic Kerala experiences
Comfortable stays including tea estate resorts
Traveller Reviews for This Package
See what our recent travellers have to say about their experience
Customer Reviews for Kerala Backwaters & Hills
Ananya Sharma
Delhi, India • Domestic Traveler
Heavenly Kerala Backwaters Experience
"As someone who loves nature, this Kerala's Signature Journey tour was paradise! The Alleppey houseboat experience was incredibly peaceful - waking up to misty backwaters was surreal. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary visit was thrilling; we spotted elephants, bisons, and rare birds."
"Munnar's tea estates were breathtaking. The tea tasting session was educational, and the sunset views from the estates were picture-perfect. Perfect balance of relaxation and adventure in this Kerala Backwaters & Wildlife Tour!"
David Wilson
London, UK • International Traveler
Perfect Blend of Nature and Culture
"This Kerala Backwaters & Hills was everything we hoped for and more! The Kumarakom bird sanctuary was a photographer's dream. The traditional Kathakali dance performance in Kochi was mesmerizing and gave us deep insight into Kerala's culture."
"The highlight was definitely the plantation walk in Munnar where we learned about tea processing. The local cuisine cooking class was fantastic too. A perfectly paced itinerary that covers all of Kerala's highlights!"
Priya Nair
Bangalore, India • Domestic Traveler
Rejuvenating Solo Escape to God's Own Country
"As a solo traveler seeking peace, this Kerala's Signature Journey was perfect! The Ayurvedic wellness center in Kumarakom was transformative - the treatments were authentic and rejuvenating. The silent valley trek in Munnar was challenging but rewarding with incredible views."
"The houseboat staff was exceptionally caring and the local food was delicious. Only suggestion: extend the backwaters stay by one more day. Overall, a wonderful Kerala Backwaters Tour for solo travelers!"
Sophia Chen
New York, USA • International Traveler
Wildlife Photographer's Dream in Kerala
"As a wildlife photographer, the Kerala's Signature Journey offered incredible opportunities! The Periyar tiger reserve boat safari gave us amazing sightings of elephants bathing. The early morning bird watching in Kumarakom was spectacular with kingfishers and herons everywhere."
"The tea estate landscapes in Munnar were perfect for landscape photography. Our guide was knowledgeable about animal behavior and knew all the best spots. This Kerala Wildlife & Backwaters Tour exceeded all expectations for nature lovers!"
Rahul Mehta
Chennai, India • Domestic Traveler
Perfect Family Vacation in God's Own Country
"Traveling with kids (ages 8 and 12), this Kerala Backwaters & Hills was perfect! The children loved the houseboat experience and spotting wildlife in Periyar. The spice plantation visit was educational for all of us."
"The resorts were family-friendly with great facilities. The pace was perfect - not too rushed. Special thanks to our guide who kept the kids engaged with stories about Kerala's history. Highly recommend this Kerala family tour package!"
Quest Guide India - Kerala Tour
