Day 1: Arrival in Kochi & Journey to Alappuzha

• Upon arriving at Kochi Airport, arrange for a cab to take you on a scenic drive to Alappuzha, approximately 2.5 hours by road.
• If you’re traveling in the evening, consider a stop at the peaceful Marari Beach for a relaxing moment by the sea. For morning or afternoon travelers, a visit to the popular Alleppey Beach is a great alternative, where you can enjoy the coastline and vibrant atmosphere before continuing your journey to Alappuzha.

Alappuzha Dining: Alappuzha offers a wide range of dining options, especially around Kaichoondi and Cullen Road, where you can explore a variety of local and international flavors. Alternatively, many hotels also serve delicious meals, allowing you to enjoy authentic Kerala cuisine right where you’re staying.

Alappuzha Accommodation: For a truly immersive experience, choose a hotel located right on the backwaters, where you can enjoy stunning views and easy access to the tranquil waterways. If you’re looking for something unique, consider staying on a houseboat, which offers an unforgettable way to experience Alappuzha’s beauty from the water.

• Start your day with a leisurely 3-hour boat ride through the serene backwaters of Alappuzha. Be mindful that some boat operators may suggest a stop at a food joint, which could shorten your experience by about 45 minutes. If you’ve opted for a houseboat stay, this ride is already included as part of your package.
• Alternatively, for a quicker but still scenic experience, you can choose a 30 or 60-minute speedboat ride that allows you to take in the beauty of the backwaters in a shorter time.
• After your boat ride, enjoy a relaxing lunch and take some time to unwind before heading to Thekkady. If you prefer to extend your stay in Alappuzha, you can opt to depart early the next morning, ensuring you still have time to enjoy the afternoon boat ride at Periyar National Park.
• The road trip to Thekkady takes about 4 hours, offering picturesque views throughout the journey.

Spices & Tea Shopping: If you’re interested in purchasing spices and tea, the route from Alleppey to Thekkady is an excellent place to stop. The shops along this stretch typically offer better prices and higher-quality products compared to those near Munnar or along the way to Kochi, where prices tend to be significantly higher. This is a great opportunity to stock up on fresh, authentic spices and teas at more affordable rates.

Day 3: Exploring Periyar National Park

• For the best experience, it’s highly recommended to book your Periyar National Park boat ride directly through the park’s official website in advance, rather than going through KTDC, to ensure a smoother and more efficient booking process.
• After the boat ride, take some time to relax and soak in the natural beauty of the park from your accommodation, ideally situated right next to the forest. This serene setting will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings and wildlife.

Periyar Dining: There are numerous excellent restaurants along Kumily Thekkady Road and in the Amaravathi area, offering a diverse range of delicious dining options. Whether you’re craving local Kerala cuisine or international dishes, you’ll find something to satisfy your taste buds in this beautiful region.

Periyar Accommodation: For an unforgettable experience, consider booking a stay at a property next to the forest, where you can immerse yourself in the natural surroundings. Opt for larger accommodations for added peace of mind, as smaller properties may sometimes have lower occupancy. This will ensure a more comfortable and safe stay during your time at Periyar.

Day 4: Scenic Drive to Munnar

• After an early start, embark on a scenic drive to Munnar, passing through lush spice plantations and enjoying stunning views of Cardamom Hill along the way.
• The journey to Munnar will take approximately 3 to 4 hours from Thekkady, offering breathtaking landscapes at every turn.
• Upon reaching Munnar, unwind with a refreshing evening tea amidst the stunning tea plantations, immersing yourself in the beauty and tranquility of this hill station for an unforgettable experience.

Munnar Dining: Munnar offers a variety of excellent dining options, particularly in the Anachal region and along Munnar Colony Road. Here, you can enjoy a range of delicious local cuisine that captures the essence of Kerala’s flavors.

Munnar Accommodation: For a truly immersive experience, try to book a hotel located within the tea plantations themselves. If that’s not feasible, ensure your room offers a clear view of the tea estates so you can fully absorb Munnar’s natural beauty throughout your stay.

Day 5: Scenic Drive Along Munnar-Udumalpet Road

• After a hearty breakfast, set off on a picturesque drive along the Munnar-Udumalpet Road. Along the way, explore the stunning Eravikulam National Park, renowned for its rich wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. You’ll also pass small waterfalls, scenic tea and spice plantations, and the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, famous for its sandalwood trees. The drive covers approximately 120 km from Munnar city and will take about 3 hours, with additional time for stops at Eravikulam National Park.
• To make the most of your visit to Eravikulam National Park, it’s recommended to book your tickets in advance through the park’s official website for a hassle-free experience.
• If you finish the Munnar-Udumalpet Road drive before 3:30 PM, consider heading towards the Munnar Top Station Highway for more scenic views. This route includes stops at the Tea Plantations Photo Point, Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, Kundala Dam, and the Ripple Tea Factory. The round-trip drive covers around 50 km from central Munnar and takes approximately 2 hours, with additional time for sightseeing at each stop.

Day 6: Scenic Drive Along the Kochi-Madurai Road

• Today’s drive promises to be an unforgettable scenic journey, so make sure to start early to fully enjoy the breathtaking views with multiple stops along the way.
• After breakfast, begin your journey along the Kochi-Madurai Road. You’ll immediately be greeted with stunning viewpoints, including Signal Point, Skyfall Viewpoint, Lockhart View Point, and the picturesque Lockhart Gap (especially beautiful in December with its cloud-covered vistas). Be sure to stop at the Chinnakanal Waterfalls, Anayirangal View Point, and the Elephant Abode Boating Center, among other beautiful spots, to take in the natural beauty.
• You can extend your drive to Aduvizhanthan, and on the return journey, stop for a delicious lunch at Pooppara, where you’ll find several good restaurants. If you’re driving a self-rented Zoom car with a white plate, you can cross into Tamil Nadu without a permit and visit the Bodimettu View Point, which is just 2.6 km from Aduvizhanthan.
• The total drive covers about 86 km from Munnar city and will take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, with additional time spent at scenic spots along the way.

Day 7: Farewell to Kerala

• On your final day in Kerala, take a moment to savor the serene morning views of the tea plantations before having breakfast. Afterward, it’s time to begin your journey to Kochi Airport, located approximately 110 km from Munnar, a 3.5-hour drive.
• If you have extra time, you can visit a spice garden on your way to Kochi Airport. The visit usually takes about 2.5 hours. However, note that while you’ll have the chance to learn about local spices, the gardens often promote their products like spices and medicines afterward. If you’re looking for better quality items at lower rates, it’s recommended to purchase them before reaching Thekkady. To avoid delays, you may want to skip the sales discussions and continue your journey to the airport to ensure you arrive on time.
• Kochi Airport is relatively smaller than major city airports, so check-in and security are usually quicker, typically requiring about 1 hour. We recommend departing from Munnar at least 8 hours before your flight to allow for the 3.5-hour drive, 1 hour at the airport, 1 hour for a meal stop, and an additional 2.5 hours if you plan to visit a spice garden.
• Ensure that your return flight is in the evening to give you enough time for a relaxed departure.

On the Way Dining: As you make your way back to Kochi Airport, you’ll find plenty of restaurants along the route once you’ve descended from the hills. These stops offer a chance to relax and enjoy a meal before continuing your journey.

Airport Dining: Food and beverages at Kochi Airport tend to be relatively more expensive compared to airports in cities like Delhi and Mumbai. It’s a good idea to plan accordingly and budget for these higher costs, especially if you’re planning to grab a bite before your flight.

NOTE

• Our custom itineraries include mapping for sightseeing, dining options, and accommodation locations.
• To receive specific names of accommodations, restaurants, and sightseeing locations tailored to your personal preferences, you’ll need to choose a custom plan.
• The starting price mentioned covers
  • SIC Transportation (add 145$ for self-driven car)
  • Basic Stays (add 75$ for 3Star)(add 170$ for 4Star)
  • Cost of all 3 Meals
  • National Park Entry Tickets & Boat
  • Alappuzha boating
• The prices listed are dynamic; those who book well in advance—about 2 to 3 months ahead—can secure better rates. However, last-minute bookings and reservations during peak season tend to be more expensive.