What makes this 8-day Kerala tour the ultimate trio of landscapes?

Curated by KoiKoi Travel, this trip covers the three signature landscapes of 'God's Own Country': the cool tea-blanketed hills of Munnar, a private houseboat cruise on the Alleppey backwaters, and the sun-kissed cliff beaches of Kovalam.

Can we stay on a private air-conditioned houseboat in Alleppey?

Yes! You have a private traditional thatched houseboat booked solely for your party by KoiKoi Travel, with a personal cook preparing authentic Kerala meals as you cruise village canals.

What can we do on the beaches of Kovalam and Varkala?

In Kovalam, relax on the golden sands of Lighthouse Beach, enjoy fresh coastal dining, climb the 1972 red-and-white lighthouse for ocean views, or take a day trip to Varkala's dramatic red laterite cliffs.

Can we see wild elephants and spices in Thekkady?

Yes! KoiKoi Travel arranges a peaceful boat safari on Periyar Lake inside the wildlife sanctuary to spot wild elephants, followed by a walk through fragrant spice gardens.

How are the drive times spaced between destinations?

Drives average 3.5 to 4.5 hours through scenic Western Ghats landscapes. Your dedicated KoiKoi Travel chauffeur stops for fresh coconut water and photo opportunities at waterfalls.

Can we enjoy an authentic Kerala Ayurvedic rejuvenation massage?

Yes! KoiKoi Travel can arrange authentic Ayurvedic wellness treatments and warm herbal oil massages at certified beachside wellness centers in Kovalam.

What should we pack for an 8-day hills, backwaters, and beach trip?

Pack lightweight beachwear, sunglasses, and hats for Kovalam and Alleppey, and bring a sweater or cardigan for cool evenings in Munnar (12°C–16°C).

Is a private vehicle and chauffeur provided for the entire 8 days?

Yes, KoiKoi Travel assigns an exclusive, sanitized, commercial air-conditioned vehicle and a friendly, local chauffeur who stays with you from Cochin pickup to Trivandrum drop-off.

What authentic Kerala dishes should we taste?

Try traditional Kerala Sadhya on a banana leaf, Appams with stew, Karimeen Pollichathu (pearl spot fish in banana leaf), and fresh tropical fruits like pineapples and tender coconuts.

What are the best airports for arrival and departure?

To avoid road backtracking, KoiKoi Travel recommends flying into Cochin International Airport (COK) and flying out from Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), just 20 minutes from Kovalam.

8 Days - Kerala Hills, Backwaters & Beaches Tour

Highlights

Key Experiences

Munnar Tea Plantations & Mountain Views
Mattupetty Dam Scenic Visit
Echo Point & Kundala Lake Exploration
Periyar Lake Boat Cruise in Thekkady
Thekkady Spice Plantation Visit
Kumarakom Backwaters & Lakeside Relaxation
Alleppey Houseboat Overnight Stay
Kerala Backwaters Scenic Cruise
Kovalam Beach Relaxation
Trivandrum Local Sightseeing

Overview

About This Tour

Planning Kerala sounds easy until you try fitting misty hills, wildlife, backwaters, houseboats, and beaches into one trip without spending your holiday rushing from one place to another. Many travellers also struggle to decide which Kerala destinations are truly worth their limited time.

That is where the 8 Days Kerala Hills, Backwaters & Beaches Tour by KoiKoi Travel makes things easier. This carefully arranged journey combines the cool landscapes of Munnar, the forests and wildlife of Thekkady, the peaceful waterways of Kumarakom and Alleppey, and the tropical beaches of Kovalam. You will enjoy scenic road journeys, tea gardens, wildlife experiences, boat cruises, a memorable houseboat stay, and relaxing time beside the Arabian Sea.

It is an excellent choice when you want to experience several sides of Kerala in one comfortable private holiday.

Itinerary

Day By Day Itinerary

Day 1:Kochi Arrival – Drive to Munnar

Your Kerala adventure begins in Kochi.

After arriving at Kochi Airport or railway station, meet your KoiKoi Travel representative and begin the scenic drive towards Munnar.

The journey gradually changes from coastal scenery to winding mountain roads, green valleys, waterfalls, and tea-covered slopes.

After reaching Munnar, check into your hotel and take some time to relax.

If time permits, enjoy an easy evening walk around Munnar town or simply relax while taking in the cool mountain air.

Overnight: Munnar

Activities: Scenic mountain drive, Munnar arrival, leisure walk, local exploration

Day 2:Munnar Sightseeing – Tea Gardens, Lakes & Mountain Views

Wake up surrounded by the refreshing landscapes of Munnar.

After breakfast, enjoy a full day of Munnar sightseeing.

Visit the beautiful Mattupetty Dam, where you can enjoy the surrounding mountain scenery and opt for a boat ride.

Continue towards Echo Point, a popular stop surrounded by hills, forests, and calm waters.

Explore the scenic Kundala Lake and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the surrounding tea country.

You can also spend time exploring the famous tea plantations, taking photographs, and enjoying the panoramic views.

Return to your hotel in the evening.

Overnight: Munnar

Activities: Munnar sightseeing, tea plantation, Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, Kundala Lake, boating, photography

Day 3:Munnar – Thekkady

After breakfast, leave the cool hills of Munnar and travel towards Thekkady.

The road takes you through beautiful mountain scenery and green plantation areas before reaching the wildlife-rich region of Thekkady.

After hotel check-in, get ready for an exciting nature experience.

Enjoy a boat cruise on Periyar Lake, where you may see animals and birds along the forested shoreline. Wildlife sightings are naturally unpredictable, but the boat ride itself offers an excellent way to experience the landscape.

Later, explore the local area and enjoy the atmosphere of the spice-growing region.

Overnight: Thekkady

Activities: Scenic drive, Thekkady, Periyar Lake boat cruise, wildlife viewing, nature photography

Day 4:Thekkady Exploration – Wildlife & Nature

Start the day with the fresh forest air of Thekkady.

After breakfast, continue exploring the area's natural attractions.

Take another opportunity for a Periyar Lake boat cruise or choose another available nature activity according to your interests and local operating conditions.

Keep your camera ready while travelling through the forest landscape. Elephants, deer, birds, and other wildlife may sometimes be spotted around the reserve and lake.

You can also explore a spice plantation and discover the aromas of Kerala's famous spices.

Spend the evening relaxing at your hotel or enjoying optional local entertainment.

Overnight: Thekkady

Activities: Periyar wildlife experience, boat cruise, elephant spotting, spice plantation visit, nature walk, photography

Day 5:Thekkady – Kumarakom

After breakfast, begin your journey from Thekkady towards Kumarakom.

The scenery changes once again as you leave the forested hills and move towards Kerala's peaceful waterways.

On arrival in Kumarakom, check into your hotel.

Enjoy the rest of the day at a relaxed pace. You can spend time beside the water, explore the surrounding greenery, enjoy a resort experience, or simply recharge before the next day's backwater adventure.

Overnight: Kumarakom

Activities: Scenic road journey, Kumarakom, lakeside relaxation, nature experience, leisure time

Day 6:Kumarakom – Alleppey Houseboat Experience

Today brings one of the most memorable experiences of your Kerala holiday.

After breakfast, travel to Alleppey, famous for its network of peaceful canals, lagoons, lakes, and palm-fringed waterways.

Board your traditional Kerala houseboat and begin cruising through the backwaters.

Watch coconut palms, small villages, rice fields, fishermen, local boats, and waterside life pass slowly by.

Enjoy freshly prepared Kerala cuisine on board while the houseboat moves through the calm waterways.

As evening arrives, settle into your private cabin and enjoy the unique experience of spending the night on the water.

Overnight: Houseboat in Alleppey

Activities: Alleppey backwaters, houseboat cruise, houseboat stay, village views, Kerala cuisine, sunset views

Day 7:Alleppey – Kovalam

After breakfast on the houseboat, disembark and continue towards Kovalam.

The peaceful backwaters gradually give way to Kerala's tropical coastline.

On arrival in Kovalam, check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Head to the famous Kovalam beaches, feel the sand beneath your feet, swim if conditions are suitable, or simply relax beside the Arabian Sea.

You can also explore the coastal area, enjoy fresh seafood, watch the sunset, or book an optional Ayurvedic massage for a relaxing end to the day.

Overnight: Kovalam

Activities: Kovalam beach, swimming, beach walk, sunset, coastal exploration, optional Ayurvedic massage

Day 8:Kovalam – Trivandrum Sightseeing – Departure

Enjoy your final morning in Kerala.

After breakfast, travel towards Trivandrum for local sightseeing before your departure.

Depending on your departure schedule, explore attractions around the city and enjoy some final shopping or local experiences.

Later, KoiKoi Travel will arrange your transfer to Trivandrum Airport or railway station for your onward journey.

Your 8 Days Kerala Hills, Backwaters & Beaches Tour ends with memories of mountains, forests, waterways, houseboats, and tropical beaches.

Activities: Trivandrum sightseeing, local shopping, departure transfer

What's Included

Accommodation in selected hotels on double/twin sharing basis
Daily breakfast at hotels
Private air-conditioned vehicle for transfers and sightseeing
Professional driver
Fuel, tolls, parking charges, and driver allowance
Assistance during arrival and departure
Houseboat stay in Alleppey as per the selected package
Transportation according to the itinerary
Applicable taxes

What's Excluded

International and domestic airfare unless specifically included
Lunch and dinner unless mentioned
Personal expenses
Laundry and telephone expenses
Tips and gratuities
Monument, park, boating, and activity entrance fees unless specifically included
Camera or photography charges
Travel insurance
Expenses caused by weather, road closures, delays, or other circumstances beyond the operator's control
Any activity not specifically mentioned under inclusions

Why Choose Us

Why Book With KoiKoi Travel

Travel at your own pace with a private vehicle and itinerary designed around your travel needs.
From Munnar tea gardens and Thekkady wildlife to Alleppey backwaters and Kovalam beaches, the route gives you a broad Kerala experience in just eight days.
Want more time in the hills? Prefer a better houseboat? Looking for a honeymoon-friendly hotel or a family-friendly itinerary? KoiKoi Travel can customize the journey.
Long road journeys can become tiring when poorly planned. The itinerary is arranged to connect Kerala's major experiences in a practical sequence.
From arrival to departure, KoiKoi Travel provides assistance so you can concentrate on enjoying your holiday.

Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Simple answers about booking, payments, trip plans and help during your holiday.

Still have questions about your trip?

Talk to our destination specialist for personalized itinerary guidance & custom quotes.

Trip Guide & Travel Tips

Essential Trip Guide: Kerala Hills, Backwaters & Beaches Tour

Detailed day-by-day insights, local tips, what to pack, and cultural etiquette for this journey.

Read Full Guide

Who Is This Kerala Tour Best For?

This itinerary works especially well for:

Families looking for a varied Kerala holiday
Couples and honeymooners
First-time visitors to Kerala
Nature and wildlife lovers
Travellers who want a houseboat experience
Beach lovers
Travellers who want hills, wildlife, backwaters, and beaches in one trip

What Makes Kerala Special?

Kerala gives you remarkable landscape changes within a relatively short journey. You can wake up among the tea-covered hills of Munnar, explore the forests of Thekkady, cruise through the Alleppey backwaters, and finish your holiday beside the Kovalam beaches.

That variety makes this route especially attractive for travellers who do not want to spend their entire holiday in one type of destination.

Best Time for This Kerala Tour

For comfortable sightseeing and outdoor activities, October to March is generally a popular travel period.

The monsoon months can also be attractive for travellers who enjoy lush landscapes and Kerala's rainy-season atmosphere, although weather conditions can affect some outdoor activities and road journeys.

Always check the latest local conditions before travelling.

Travel Tips for Kerala

Carry comfortable walking shoes for Munnar and Thekkady.
Keep lightweight cotton clothing for the coastal areas.
Carry a light jacket for cooler evenings in Munnar.
Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle.
Carry a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
Keep binoculars handy if wildlife spotting is a priority.
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, so enjoy the complete forest experience.
Confirm your houseboat category before booking.
Respect local rules when visiting religious places.
Keep some flexibility in your schedule because Kerala's weather can change quickly.
For winding mountain roads, travellers prone to motion sickness should prepare accordingly.