9-Day Munnar–Thekkady–Alleppey–Kovalam–Kanyakumari

Overview

A 9-day Kerala and Kanyakumari journey: start with Cochin’s heritage, ascend to Munnar’s tea hills, continue to Thekkady’s forests, enjoy an Alleppey houseboat, unwind at Kovalam’s beaches, witness Cape sunsets in Kanyakumari, and wrap up in Trivandrum.

Itinerary

DAY 1 - Arrive Cochin; city sightseeing

Pick up from Cochin Airport and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon sightseeing: Dutch Palace (closed Fri/Sat), Jewish Synagogue (closed Fri/Sat), Jewish Street, St. Francis Church and Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica (both closed Sun), and Chinese Fishing Nets. Overnight in Cochin.

DAY 2 - Cochin to Munnar (≈4 hrs); arrive and relax

Drive to Munnar, enjoying waterfalls and scenic viewpoints en route. Check into the hotel and relax. Overnight in Munnar.

DAY 3 - Munnar sightseeing (Rose Garden, Mattupetty, Echo Point)

After breakfast, visit Rose Garden, Photo Point, Honey Tree, Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point and Kundala Lake. Afternoon at Rajamalai (Eravikulam) to spot Nilgiri Tahr (subject to park timings). Overnight in Munnar.

DAY 4 - Munnar to Thekkady (≈4 hrs); Periyar highlights

Drive to Thekkady and check in. Explore Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Tiger Reserve since 1978). Optional at extra cost: boating on Periyar Lake, spice plantation visit, elephant ride. Overnight in Thekkady.

DAY 5 - Thekkady to Alleppey; houseboat (check-in 1:00 pm)

Check out after breakfast and drive to Alleppey. Board your houseboat at 1:00 PM; cruise starts with lunch. See paddy fields, coir making, rustic homes, ancient churches/temples and coconut groves. Meals on board. Overnight on the houseboat.

DAY 6 - Alleppey to Trivandrum/Kovalam (≈4 hrs); beaches

After breakfast and checkout, drive to Trivandrum and check in (Kovalam). Enjoy Lighthouse, Hawah and Samudra beaches; optional Sagarika Marine Research Aquarium. Overnight in Kovalam.

DAY 7 - Trivandrum city tour; overnight Kovalam

After breakfast, visit Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Sree Chitra Art Gallery, Napier Museum and the Zoo. Return to Kovalam. Overnight in Kovalam.

DAY 8 - Kovalam to Kanyakumari (≈3 hrs); Cape highlights

Drive to Kanyakumari and check in. Afternoon sightseeing: Padmanabhapuram Palace, Suchithram/Sucheendram Temple, Devi Kanyakumari Temple, Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Gandhi Mandapam and Triveni Sangam. Enjoy sunset; overnight in Kanyakumari.

DAY 9 - Depart from Trivandrum

After breakfast, check out and drive to Trivandrum Airport/Railway Station for your onward journey.

See Map

Route: Cochin → Munnar → Thekkady → Alleppey → Trivandrum/Kovalam → Kanyakumari → Trivandrum.

Munnar – Thekkady – Alleppey – Kovalam – Kanyakumari – Trivandrum