13D / 12N

13 Days 12 Nights Kerala Tour Itinerary from Kochi to Kochi Covering Trivendrum, Kovalam, Varkala, Thekkady, Vagamon, Munnar & Alleppey

Kerala
Kochi to Kochi
Curated Itinerary
1
Trivendrum → Kovalam

Arrival at Trivendrum | Temple Visit Stay in Kovalam

Upon arrival in Trivandrum, proceed to your hotel and complete the checkout formalities. Before leaving the city, make sure to visit some of Trivandrum’s iconic temples and cultural spots:

  • Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple – A magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, known for its intricate Dravidian architecture and spiritual significance.
  • Attukal Bhagavathy Temple – Famous for the annual Attukal Pongala festival, this temple offers a serene atmosphere and rich cultural heritage.
  • Kuthiramalika Palace Museum – Located near the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, showcasing royal artifacts and traditional Kerala architecture.

After completing your sightseeing in Trivandrum, embark on the short drive to Kovalam. The distance is approximately 16 km and should take about 30 minutes by car.

En Route Sightseeing

  • Vizhinjam Lighthouse – A historic lighthouse offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea, located just before Kovalam.

Arrival and Afternoon in Kovalam

Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and settle in. Kovalam is famed for its pristine beaches and vibrant coastal culture. Spend your afternoon exploring these highlights:

  • Lighthouse Beach – A crescent-shaped beach with golden sands and a prominent lighthouse, perfect for sunbathing and scenic walks.
  • Hawah Beach – Known as the “Eve’s Beach,” this spot offers calm waters and is ideal for swimming and relaxation.
  • Samudra Beach – A quieter stretch ideal for a peaceful stroll or enjoying local seafood at nearby shacks.
  • Kovalam Art Gallery – Showcasing local artwork and handicrafts, great for cultural immersion and souvenirs.

The evening is free to relax by the beach or explore the local markets and cafes. Enjoy the tranquil ambiance and coastal beauty of Kovalam before retiring for the night.

2
Trivendrum → Varkala

Trivendrum to Varkala

Visit the temples and then proceed to Varkala for sightseeing.

Recommended Activities & Sights

Varkala - Thiruvananthapuram
Vehicle • Varkala • Starts at 9:00 AM • 1.5 hours
3
Varkala → Varkala

Varkala Sightseeing

After breakfast proceed for Varkala siteseeing.Major side seings are: visit to Sivagiri, Janardhana Swamy Temple, Vishnu Temples,the Papasnanam Beach, Kappil Lake.
4
Varkala → Thekkady

Post breakfast head to Thekkady from Varkala

A day journey from Varkala to Thekkady offers a scenic transition from coastal charm to lush highland beauty. The 200 km drive takes about 6–7 hours via NH183, winding through picturesque landscapes, tea plantations, and forested hills. Starting early from Varkala, travelers pass towns like Adoor and Kanjirappally before reaching the cool, verdant environs of Thekkady. En route, roadside eateries and spice gardens offer pleasant breaks. Thekkady, home to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, welcomes visitors with its rich biodiversity and tranquil ambiance, making the long drive worthwhile. It’s a rewarding trip blending Kerala’s coastal, rural, and highland experiences in a single day.

Recommended Activities & Sights

Thekkady Sightseeing - Alleppey
Vehicle • Thekkady • Starts at 8:00 AM • 10.0 hours
5
Thekkady → Vagamon

Thekkady to Vagamon

Post Breakfast start your journey to Vagamon. A scenic ride from Thekkady to Vagamon winds past spice gardens, misty valleys, and tea estates. Enjoy stops at Ramakkalmedu view point, Pine Valley, and Vagamon Meadows. End the day amid cool winds, serene hills, and a peaceful nightstay in a hillside resort, perfect for relaxation and nature lovers.

6
Vagamon → Munnar

Vagamon to Munnar

A picturesque journey from Vagamon to Munnar passes through rolling meadows, tea gardens, and cloud-kissed hills. Visit Parunthumpara, Panchalimedu, and scenic waterfalls en route. In Munnar, explore tea plantations or relax in cool misty surroundings. Conclude the day with a comfortable nightstay at a hillside resort amid tranquil mountain views.

7
Munnar → Munnar

Munnar Extended Sightseeings

After breakfast at the hotel, head out for sightseeing in and around Munnar. Complete any remaining sights from the previous day before starting new activities.

 

Munnar Extended Sightseeing:

  • Eravikulam National Park – Famous for Nilgiri Tahr and scenic landscapes, ideal for photography.
  • Spice Garden – Explore local spices and plantations.
  • Rajamalai (Eravikulam Hills) – Panoramic views and trekking opportunities.

 

Return to the hotel in the evening for overnight stay.

Recommended Activities & Sights

Munnar Sightseeing
Vehicle • Munnar • Starts at 9:00 AM • 10.0 hours
8
Munnar → Munnar

Munnar Local Sightseeings

After breakfast at Munnar hotel, we would start the sights of Munnar.

 

Munnar Sightseeing (You can spread these sights over your stay depending available time. No sights will be visited twice):

  • Tea Plantations – Explore the sprawling tea estates and learn about tea processing.
  • Mattupetty Dam – Popular for boating and panoramic views of the hills.
  • Echo Point – Famous for natural echo phenomenon and picturesque surroundings.
  • Attukal Waterfalls – Serene waterfall surrounded by lush greenery.
  • Kundala Lake & Dam – Pedal boating and tranquil scenery.
  • Pothamedu Viewpoint – Scenic viewpoints ideal for photography and short walks.
  • Tea Museum – Learn about tea processing (optional).
  • Kathakali / Punarjani Traditional Village – Cultural performance showcasing Kerala traditions (optional).
  • Rose Garden – Stroll among vibrant flowers and take photos.
  • Spice Garden – Explore Kerala’s aromatic spices and plantations.

 

Optional: Local markets in Munnar town for spices, tea, and handicrafts.

Recommended Activities & Sights

Munnar Sightseeing
Vehicle • Munnar • Starts at 9:00 AM • 10.0 hours
9
Munnar → Alleppey

Travel to Alleppey to Experience the Houseboat

After breakfast at 9 AM, depart for Alleppey after enjoying the misty mountains.. The distance from Munnar to Alleppey is approximately 160 km, and it takes around 5 hours by road. You should reach Alleppey by 2:00 PM.

 

Check in at the Houseboat and start your cruise through the scenic backwaters of Alleppey. Relax on the luxurious houseboat while cruising past village sides and paddy fields, witnessing authentic Kerala village life. The houseboat is fully furnished with bedrooms, a private balcony, and a kitchen, and includes a chef, oarsmen, and a cabin assistant.

 

Important Pointers for Houseboat Stay:

  • From 5:30 PM to 8:00 AM the next day, the boat will be anchored and idle on the lake due to fishing activities by local villagers (as per government rules).
  • Deluxe Houseboat: AC operational in bedroom only from 9:00 PM – 6:00 AM.
  • Premium Houseboat: AC runs 24/7, but only one AC can operate at a time (either deck or bedroom).
  • AC takes 30 minutes to 1 hour to cool the room since it runs on a diesel engine.
  • Enjoy a unique and exclusive experience cruising the rich Alleppey backwaters.

Recommended Activities & Sights

Munnar to Alleppey
Vehicle • Munnar • Starts at 8:00 AM • 5.0 hours
10
Alleppey → Alleppey

Travel to Alleppey for an Houseboat Experience

Upon arrival in Alleppey, check in to your private houseboat by 2:00 PM and begin your tranquil cruise through the enchanting backwaters. Glide through narrow canals, lakes, and tiny hamlets while witnessing the calm village life of Kerala.

 

Your houseboat experience includes:

  • Cruise through Vembanad Lake and scenic backwater canals
  • Traditional Kerala meals freshly prepared on board (lunch, tea/snacks, and dinner)
  • Sunset view from the open deck
  • Comfortable stay with a private bedroom and attached washroom

Important Points to Remember:

  • The boat remains anchored from 5:30 PM to 8:00 AM as per government rules.
  • Deluxe Houseboat: AC runs 9:00 PM – 6:00 AM in the bedroom only.
  • Premium/Luxury Houseboat: AC runs 24×7 (only one unit active at a time).
  • The crew includes a chef, oarsman, and cabin assistant to make your stay comfortable.

 

Relax in the serenity of the backwaters and enjoy a peaceful overnight stay in the houseboat.

11
Alleppey → Kochi

Leave the Houseboat and Enjoy the Kochi Sightseeing

After the round of magnificent mangrove laden lake, boat would drop you around 9:00, we will route you to Fort Kochin. Enjoy the various sites in the fort Kochi. Fort Kochi is steeped in the history and culture of all who have occupied it through the ages. Its roots and essence are unique in its diversity. Dutch Palace, Dutch Cemetery, St. Francis Church, Jewish synagogue, and Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica.

Recommended Activities & Sights

Alleppey - Fort Kochi
Vehicle • Alleppey • Starts at 9:00 AM • 10.0 hours
12
Kochi → Kochi

Fort Kochi Sightseeing

After breakfast at 9 AM, head out to Fort Kochi to explore its iconic sights.

 

Sights to visit in Fort Kochi:

  • Fort Kochi Beach – Free entry
  • Chinese Fishing Nets – Approx. 30 minutes, Free entry
  • St. Francis Church – Approx. 30 minutes, Free entry
  • Indo-Portuguese Museum – INR 50 per couple (closed on Mondays)
  • Mattancherry Palace / Dutch Palace – INR 50 per couple (closed on Fridays)
  • Jewish Synagogue – Free entry (closed on Friday and Saturday)
  • Jew Street – Popular street for shopping, Free entry

 

Optional experiences:

  • Sunset Cruise on the Kochi Backwaters – Experience scenic sunset views (cost varies, approx. INR 800–1,500 per person)
  • Cultural Center Show – Traditional Kerala dance performances (Approx. INR 1,000 per couple)

 

It usually takes around 4–5 hours to cover the Fort Kochi monuments. The optional sunset cruise and cultural show can be enjoyed later in the day before returning to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Recommended Activities & Sights

Kochi City - Kochi Airport
Vehicle • Kochi • Starts at 9:00 AM • 5.0 hours
13
Kochi → Kochi

Head to Kochi Airport Post Breakfast

Check Out from the hotel after breakfast.

 

Please enjoy the sights of Kochi, if you have not covered them yet and you got time to cover it.

 

We will drive to Kochi International Airport to catch your return flight.

Recommended Activities & Sights

Kochi City - Kochi Airport
Vehicle • Kochi • Starts at 9:00 AM • 5.0 hours

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