Kerala: Backwaters & Tea Hills
God's own country, slowly
The journey
Kerala works best unhurried. Begin among the Chinese fishing nets and spice warehouses of Fort Kochi, climb into the Western Ghats to Munnar where tea carpets every slope, walk with a naturalist in Eravikulam among Nilgiri tahr, learn why cardamom is called green gold in Thekkady — then cast off. Your private houseboat drifts the Alleppey canals for a night: kingfishers, toddy tappers, and a cook who turns the day's catch into dinner. It ends, as all good journeys should, with people planning their return.
Fitness required
Gentle walking only. Suitable for all fitness levels and ages 10+.
Day by day
Day1Fort Kochi arrival
Fort Kochi
Fort Kochi arrival
Fort Kochi
Arrive and settle into a heritage hotel. Late-afternoon walk through the old town — Chinese fishing nets, spice warehouses, Mattancherry — and dinner by the harbour.
Day2Kochi to Munnar
Munnar (1,600m)
Kochi to Munnar
Munnar (1,600m)
Climb into the Western Ghats as waterfalls thread the roadside. Afternoon at a working tea factory — pluck, wither, roll, taste.
Day3Eravikulam and the high hills
Munnar
Eravikulam and the high hills
Munnar
Morning in Eravikulam National Park among Nilgiri tahr and rolling shola grasslands. Free afternoon — the resort's views are the activity.
Day4Munnar to Thekkady
Thekkady
Munnar to Thekkady
Thekkady
Down the cardamom hills to Thekkady. Afternoon spice plantation walk — pepper, cardamom, vanilla, nutmeg — and dinner at the plantation lodge.
Day5Alleppey — cast off
Alleppey backwaters
Alleppey — cast off
Alleppey backwaters
Drive to Alleppey and board your private houseboat by noon. Drift the canals all afternoon — kingfishers, toddy shops, village life at water level. Candlelit dinner aboard.
Day6Alleppey to Kochi — farewell
Kochi
Alleppey to Kochi — farewell
Kochi
Sunrise on the water, a final Kerala breakfast, and the drive back to Kochi. Trip ends by early afternoon.
Included
- 5 nights accommodation including houseboat
- 5 breakfasts, 2 dinners, houseboat lunch
- All transfers and local transport
- Naturalist and plantation guides
- All entry fees listed
- Trip host throughout
Not included
- Travel to and from Kochi
- Lunches and dinners except where listed
- Kathakali show tickets (approx ₹500)
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Anything not listed in inclusions
What to pack
- Light cotton clothing and one warm layer for Munnar
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Rain jacket or umbrella
- Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
- Insect repellent for the backwaters
- Reusable water bottle
Good to know
Houseboats cruise daylight hours and anchor at night per backwater regulations. Munnar evenings are cool (10–15°C) — pack a layer. Seafood allergies must be declared in advance for houseboat menus.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 21 days before departure. 50% refund 10–20 days. No refund within 10 days. One free date transfer up to 10 days before departure.