Five nights from Munnar's tea hills through Thekkady and Alleppey's backwaters to the cliff-top beaches of Varkala.
Kerala in 5 Nights — What to Expect
Kerala is a narrow coastal state where the landscape changes every two hours of driving. Tea hills give way to tiger reserves; tiger reserves open out onto backwater lagoons; lagoons eventually reach the sea. This 5-night, 6-day itinerary covering Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey, Varkala is designed to show you that range without turning the journey into a bus marathon. Are bundled in — just show up at the departure terminal and the rest is handled.
The Route
Munnar — Munnar sits at 1,600 metres in the Western Ghats, its hillsides blanketed in tea estates managed since the British era. Mist rolls in by late afternoon and temperatures stay cool year-round. Highlights include Valara Waterfalls, Cheeyappara Waterfalls, Tata Tea Museum. Thekkady — Thekkady is the gateway to Periyar Tiger Reserve — 925 square kilometres of forest where elephants, leopards, and sloth bears roam the hills around Periyar Lake. A boat ride on the lake is the signature experience. Highlights include Periyar Lake. Alleppey — Alleppey — or Alappuzha — is where the backwaters begin in earnest. A night on a kettuvallam houseboat, drifting past paddy fields and coconut groves under a star-filled sky, is the defining Kerala experience. Highlights include Alappuzha Beach. Varkala — Varkala's laterite cliffs drop 47 metres straight to the sea, with cafes and yoga shacks perched along the edge. Papanasam Beach below is considered sacred by Hindus, while the north cliff draws travellers from across the world. Highlights include Kappil Beach, Varkala Beach.
The Houseboat Night
Alleppey's kettuvallam houseboats are converted rice barges fitted with bedrooms, a cook, and a small deck. You drift slowly through narrow canals lined with banana palms and paddy fields. There is no Wi-Fi on board, which turns out to be the whole point. Your cook prepares Kerala meals from fresh ingredients sourced at the morning market.
Accommodation
Your 5-star hotels across the route: Golden Munnar Palace By Hawk Hospitality (2 nights), The Mountain Courtyard Thekkady (1 night), Super Deluxe Houseboat By JCT - Holidays Selections (1 night), WEST BAY MARISOL (1 night). Each property is selected for location, comfort, and proximity to the day's activities.
Meals
Daily breakfast is included throughout. Kerala's food scene is one of its great underrated pleasures — appam with coconut stew at breakfast, a full sadya on a banana leaf for lunch, and grilled karimeen (pearl spot fish) for dinner are the meals to seek out along the way.
When to Go
Kerala's peak season runs October to March, when the skies clear and the beaches are at their best. The monsoon months (June to September) offer lush green scenery, emptier resorts, and better rates — and most of Kerala's experiences are rain-proof. Speak to the Kangaroo Travels team to find the window that works for your schedule and budget.
Trip Highlights
Tea estate drives and misty hill stations in the Western Ghats
Periyar Lake boat ride inside the Tiger Reserve
Night on a traditional kettuvallam houseboat in Alleppey
Kovalam's cliff-top beaches and lighthouse viewpoint
5-star hotels throughout — well-located and comfortable
Day 1: Munnar — Valara Waterfalls
Today covers Valara Waterfalls. Located on the Munnar- Kochi flyover, Valara waterfall, dropping down from an altitude of 100 meters, is considered as o. The day also takes in Cheeyappara Waterfalls, before returning to the hotel by evening.
Day 2: Munnar — Tata Tea Museum
Today covers Tata Tea Museum. On your holiday in Munnar, visit a one-of-a-kind tea museum - the Tata Tea Museum, which was set up to cater to tea afic. The day also takes in Eravikulam National Park, Echo Point, before returning to the hotel by evening.
Day 3: Thekkady — Periyar Lake
Today covers Periyar Lake. A beautiful artificial lake amidst the lush Periyar Tiger Reserve, Periyar lake is a famous attraction that often witnes.
Day 4: Alleppey — Alappuzha Beach
Today covers Alappuzha Beach. One of the most famous attractions of Kerala, Alappuzha Beach is secluded, beautiful and serene. Further adding to the b.
Day 5: Varkala — Kappil Beach
Today covers Kappil Beach. Kappil Beach lies along the Malabar shoreline about 14 km from Kasaragod. Among the finest and cleanest beaches in Keral. The day also takes in Varkala Beach, before returning to the hotel by evening.
Day 6: Varkala — Departure
Morning at leisure — one last breakfast and a slow walk through Varkala if time permits. Check out of the hotel and transfer to the nearest airport or railway station. Kerala's landscapes, houseboats, and food will linger long after you are home.
Inclusions
• 4 Star / 5 Star-star hotel accommodation — Golden Munnar Palace By Hawk Hospitality (2 nights)
• 4 Star / 5 Star-star hotel accommodation — The Mountain Courtyard Thekkady (1 nights)
• 4 Star / 5 Star-star hotel accommodation — Super Deluxe Houseboat By JCT - Holidays Selections (1 nights)
• 4 Star / 5 Star-star hotel accommodation — WEST BAY MARISOL (1 nights)
• Airport pickup and drop transfers
• Intercity transfers by AC vehicle
• Meals as per itinerary
• 12 activity passes (as per itinerary)
Kerala is a narrow coastal state where the landscape changes every two hours of driving. Tea hills give way to tiger reserves; tiger reserves open out onto backwater lagoons; lagoons eventually reach the sea. This 5-night, 6-day itinerary covering Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey, Varkala is designed to show you that range without turning the journey into a bus marathon. Are bundled in — just show up at the departure terminal and the rest is handled.
The Route
Munnar — Munnar sits at 1,600 metres in the Western Ghats, its hillsides blanketed in tea estates managed since the British era. Mist rolls in by late afternoon and temperatures stay cool year-round. Highlights include Valara Waterfalls, Cheeyappara Waterfalls, Tata Tea Museum. Thekkady — Thekkady is the gateway to Periyar Tiger Reserve — 925 square kilometres of forest where elephants, leopards, and sloth bears roam the hills around Periyar Lake. A boat ride on the lake is the signature experience. Highlights include Periyar Lake. Alleppey — Alleppey — or Alappuzha — is where the backwaters begin in earnest. A night on a kettuvallam houseboat, drifting past paddy fields and coconut groves under a star-filled sky, is the defining Kerala experience. Highlights include Alappuzha Beach. Varkala — Varkala's laterite cliffs drop 47 metres straight to the sea, with cafes and yoga shacks perched along the edge. Papanasam Beach below is considered sacred by Hindus, while the north cliff draws travellers from across the world. Highlights include Kappil Beach, Varkala Beach.
The Houseboat Night
Alleppey's kettuvallam houseboats are converted rice barges fitted with bedrooms, a cook, and a small deck. You drift slowly through narrow canals lined with banana palms and paddy fields. There is no Wi-Fi on board, which turns out to be the whole point. Your cook prepares Kerala meals from fresh ingredients sourced at the morning market.
Accommodation
Your 5-star hotels across the route: Golden Munnar Palace By Hawk Hospitality (2 nights), The Mountain Courtyard Thekkady (1 night), Super Deluxe Houseboat By JCT - Holidays Selections (1 night), WEST BAY MARISOL (1 night). Each property is selected for location, comfort, and proximity to the day's activities.
Meals
Daily breakfast is included throughout. Kerala's food scene is one of its great underrated pleasures — appam with coconut stew at breakfast, a full sadya on a banana leaf for lunch, and grilled karimeen (pearl spot fish) for dinner are the meals to seek out along the way.
When to Go
Kerala's peak season runs October to March, when the skies clear and the beaches are at their best. The monsoon months (June to September) offer lush green scenery, emptier resorts, and better rates — and most of Kerala's experiences are rain-proof. Speak to the Kangaroo Travels team to find the window that works for your schedule and budget.
Trip Highlights
Tea estate drives and misty hill stations in the Western Ghats
Periyar Lake boat ride inside the Tiger Reserve
Night on a traditional kettuvallam houseboat in Alleppey
Kovalam's cliff-top beaches and lighthouse viewpoint
5-star hotels throughout — well-located and comfortable
Itinerary
Day 01
Munnar — Valara Waterfalls
Today covers Valara Waterfalls. Located on the Munnar- Kochi flyover, Valara waterfall, dropping down from an altitude of 100 meters, is considered as o. The day also takes in Cheeyappara Waterfalls, before returning to the hotel by evening.
Day 02
Munnar — Tata Tea Museum
Today covers Tata Tea Museum. On your holiday in Munnar, visit a one-of-a-kind tea museum - the Tata Tea Museum, which was set up to cater to tea afic. The day also takes in Eravikulam National Park, Echo Point, before returning to the hotel by evening.
Day 03
Thekkady — Periyar Lake
Today covers Periyar Lake. A beautiful artificial lake amidst the lush Periyar Tiger Reserve, Periyar lake is a famous attraction that often witnes.
Day 04
Alleppey — Alappuzha Beach
Today covers Alappuzha Beach. One of the most famous attractions of Kerala, Alappuzha Beach is secluded, beautiful and serene. Further adding to the b.
Day 05
Varkala — Kappil Beach
Today covers Kappil Beach. Kappil Beach lies along the Malabar shoreline about 14 km from Kasaragod. Among the finest and cleanest beaches in Keral. The day also takes in Varkala Beach, before returning to the hotel by evening.
Day 06
Varkala — Departure
Morning at leisure — one last breakfast and a slow walk through Varkala if time permits. Check out of the hotel and transfer to the nearest airport or railway station. Kerala's landscapes, houseboats, and food will linger long after you are home.
Cost Includes
• 4 Star / 5 Star-star hotel accommodation — Golden Munnar Palace By Hawk Hospitality (2 nights)
• 4 Star / 5 Star-star hotel accommodation — The Mountain Courtyard Thekkady (1 nights)
• 4 Star / 5 Star-star hotel accommodation — Super Deluxe Houseboat By JCT - Holidays Selections (1 nights)
• 4 Star / 5 Star-star hotel accommodation — WEST BAY MARISOL (1 nights)
• Airport pickup and drop transfers
• Intercity transfers by AC vehicle
• Meals as per itinerary
• 12 activity passes (as per itinerary)
Cost Excludes
• Airfare (book your own flights separately)
• Meals not mentioned in inclusions
• Personal expenses (laundry, tips, telephone, shopping)
• Entry fees to monuments/attractions unless specified
