Day-wise Itinerary: Kerala Emerald Backwaters & Hills Tour (5N / 6 Days)
Immerse yourself in the classic natural elegance of God’s Own Country with our custom Kerala Emerald Backwaters & Hills Tour. This carefully balanced trip takes you from the arrival gates at Cochin directly up to the mist-laden tea estates of Munnar, down to the rich spice hills of Thekkady, and finishes with a serene lakeside experience at Kumarakom including deep explorations of the traditional Alleppey backwater canals.
Day 1: Cochin Airport to Munnar
Upon arrival at the Cochin Airport or railway station, our dedicated driver will welcome you and handle your luggage. Board your private vehicle and start a scenic drive toward the green hills of Munnar. Along the mountain route, enjoy views of open valleys and stop for photos at the cascading Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls. Arrive in Munnar, check into your hotel, and spend the evening relaxing at your leisure.
Sightseeing Included:
- Airport / Railway Station Welcome & Private Transfer
- En-route photography stops at Cheeyappara and Valara Waterfalls
Meal Plan: Dinner Only
Stay: Overnight Stay in Munnar
Day 2: Full-Day Munnar Sightseeing
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and head out for a full day of sightseeing in Munnar. Visit the Eravikulam National Park, where you can walk along the trails to see the rare Nilgiri Tahr mountain goats. Learn about the region’s plantation history at the local Tea Museum, and enjoy panoramic lake views at Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, and the peaceful waters of Kundala Lake before returning to your room.
Sightseeing Included:
- Eravikulam National Park (Nilgiri Tahr Habitat)
- Munnar Tea Museum & Processing Demonstration
- Scenic stops at Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point & Kundala Lake
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner
Stay: Overnight Stay in Munnar
Day 3: Munnar to Thekkady Hill Drive
After breakfast, check out from your hotel and enjoy a drive along the winding hills toward Thekkady, the premier wildlife and spice hub of Kerala. In the afternoon, board a spacious safari boat on Periyar Lake to look for wild elephants, deer, and diverse bird species near the water’s edge. Spend your evening taking a relaxed stroll through the local spice markets to buy fresh local crops.
Sightseeing Included:
- Western Ghats panoramic plantation drive
- Periyar Lake Wildlife Boating Cruise
- Evening Local Spice Market Orientation
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner
Stay: Overnight Stay in Thekkady
Day 4: Thekkady to Kumarakom Lake Resort via Alleppey Backwaters
Following breakfast, leave the hills behind as you travel down to the serene shores of Vembanad Lake at Kumarakom. Head over to the backwater jetty for a day cruise through the world-famous Alleppey backwater network. Relax as your traditional vessel navigates narrow, palm-fringed canals, vast paddy fields, and peaceful waters. After the cruise, check into your lakeside resort in Kumarakom for a peaceful evening.
Sightseeing Included:
- Alleppey Backwater Day Cruise Experience
- Lakeside relaxation on the shores of Vembanad Lake
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner
Stay: Overnight Stay in Kumarakom
Day 5: Kumarakom Local Leisure & Bird Sanctuary
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your resort. Spend your day enjoying Kumarakom’s peaceful natural scenery. In the early morning hours, visit the famous Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary to view native and migratory birds resting in the lakeside trees. Spend the rest of your day relaxing by the resort pool, enjoying the waterfront breeze, or taking an optional canoe ride through the local village canals.
Sightseeing Included:
- Morning walking tour of Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
- Lakeside leisure and independent resort activities
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner
Stay: Overnight Stay in Kumarakom
Day 6: Kumarakom to Cochin Airport Drop
Savor your final breakfast by the lake before checking out of your resort. Your private vehicle will pick you up for a smooth transfer back to Cochin. Depending on your flight or train schedule, enjoy a brief orientation drive through historic Fort Cochin to view the Chinese Fishing Nets and St. Francis Church, before your final drop-off at Cochin Airport or the railway station.
Sightseeing Included:
- Fort Cochin historic orientation drive (Time permitting)
- Cochin Airport / Railway Station Drop-off
Meal Plan: Breakfast Only
Departure