Kerala Backwaters & Hills

**Scenic Journey Through the Western Ghats**
Begin your Kerala holiday with a scenic road journey from Cochin towards Munnar. The route gradually moves into the Western Ghats, with changing landscapes of greenery, mountain slopes, plantations and winding roads. Rather than being simply a transfer, this drive introduces you to the contrasting landscapes of Kerala and sets the tone for the days ahead. The mountain journey offers opportunities to pause, photograph the scenery and enjoy the transition from the busy arrival point to the calmer atmosphere of the hills.

**Cheeyappara Waterfalls Photo Stop**
En route to Munnar, pause at Cheeyappara Waterfalls, a scenic waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. The waterfall is particularly attractive when seasonal water flow is favourable, making it a pleasant place for photographs and a short break during the journey. As the experience is dependent on seasonal flow and local conditions, the stop remains subject to operational and weather conditions.

**Arrival in Munnar**
Continue towards Munnar, known for its rolling tea plantations, misty mountain scenery and pleasant climate. The arrival into the hill town marks the beginning of the more relaxed and nature-oriented part of your Kerala experience. After reaching the hotel, complete your check-in and settle into your Deluxe Room. The remainder of the day is kept relaxed, allowing you to unwind after the mountain drive and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Munnar.

**Mattupetty Dam**
Begin your Munnar sightseeing with a visit to Mattupetty Dam, a scenic reservoir set among green hills and tea plantations. The surrounding landscape provides an attractive combination of water, forested slopes and cultivated tea-covered hills, making it one of the pleasant scenic stops around Munnar. Visitors may also have the option of enjoying boating at the destination, subject to availability and payable directly. Take time to appreciate the mountain setting and capture photographs before continuing with the day's sightseeing.

**Echo Point**
Continue to Echo Point, a popular scenic destination where the surrounding hills create a natural echo effect. The setting is defined by the green mountain landscape and the open views around the water and hills. It is a relaxed stop within the Munnar sightseeing circuit and provides an opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere of the hill country rather than rushing between attractions.

**Kundala Lake**
Proceed to Kundala Lake, a peaceful high-altitude lake surrounded by lush green hills. The calm setting makes it a refreshing part of the day's itinerary, especially when combined with the surrounding mountain scenery. Optional boating facilities may be available at the destination and are payable separately. Spend some time enjoying the views and the tranquil atmosphere before continuing through the Munnar region.

**Munnar Tea Plantations**
No visit to Munnar is complete without experiencing the region's characteristic tea landscapes. Spend time exploring the beautiful tea plantation areas, where rolling green slopes create the distinctive scenery associated with the destination. The plantations add a strong visual character to the journey and provide opportunities for photographs while showcasing the agricultural landscape of the hills. The experience is primarily scenic and allows travellers to appreciate the natural setting around Munnar.

**Relaxed Evening in Munnar**
After the day's sightseeing, return to the hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure. Following a full day through the surrounding hills, this unhurried evening provides time to rest, enjoy the hotel surroundings and prepare for the next stage of the journey.

**Scenic Drive Through the Cardamom Hills**
Leave Munnar after breakfast and travel towards Thekkady through the scenic Cardamom Hills. The landscape gradually changes as the route moves away from the tea plantations of Munnar and into an area associated with spice plantations, forests and mountain scenery. The drive offers another perspective of Kerala's highland landscapes, with greenery continuing throughout much of the route. Travel times are approximate and may vary according to traffic, weather and road conditions.

**Arrival & Relaxation in Thekkady**
On reaching Thekkady, complete your hotel check-in and take time to settle into your Deluxe Room. The remainder of the afternoon allows you to slow down after the road journey before beginning the local experience. Thekkady provides a different atmosphere from Munnar, with its association with spice plantations and the surrounding forested landscape.

**Spice Plantation Visit**
Later, visit a spice plantation and learn about some of the spices that are closely associated with Kerala, including cardamom, pepper, cinnamon and cloves. The plantation experience offers an opportunity to understand the variety of spices grown in the region while enjoying the greenery of the surrounding landscape. Any applicable plantation entry or activity charges are payable separately unless specifically included in the final package confirmation.

**Optional Kathakali / Kalaripayattu Performance**
In the evening, guests may choose to experience a traditional Kathakali Dance or Kalaripayattu performance. These experiences are optional and available at additional cost, subject to availability and local operating schedules.

**Scenic Journey to Alleppey**
After breakfast, leave Thekkady and travel towards Alleppey. The approximately 140-kilometre journey takes around 4–5 hours under normal conditions, though actual travel time may vary depending on traffic, weather and road conditions. Along the way, the landscape gradually transitions from the hills and forests of Thekkady towards the greener and more water-rich environment of the backwater region. The journey connects two very different sides of Kerala within the same holiday.

**Traditional Kerala Houseboat Experience**
On arrival in Alleppey, board your traditional Kerala Houseboat and begin the day's most distinctive experience. The houseboat provides a peaceful way to explore the backwaters while surrounded by Kerala's characteristic greenery. As the boat moves through the waterways, the pace naturally becomes slower, allowing travellers to enjoy the scenery and the quiet atmosphere away from the roads.

**Backwater Cruise Through Villages & Paddy Fields**
Cruise through tranquil waterways lined by lush paddy fields, coconut palms, traditional homes and small villages. The journey offers a glimpse into the local lifestyle that has developed around Kerala's extensive backwater network. Rather than focusing only on individual attractions, the houseboat experience is about observing the landscape, waterways and everyday surroundings at a relaxed pace.

**Meals Onboard the Houseboat**
Meals onboard will be arranged according to the selected houseboat meal plan. The houseboat stay therefore becomes both an accommodation experience and an opportunity to enjoy Kerala's backwater environment while travelling through the waterways.

**Houseboat Check-out & Departure from Alleppey**
Begin the final morning with breakfast onboard before checking out from the houseboat according to the operator's scheduled timing. The morning provides a final opportunity to appreciate the peaceful surroundings of Alleppey's waterways before leaving the backwater region.

**Journey from Alleppey to Cochin**
After disembarking, continue towards Cochin by private AC Sedan. The journey of approximately 55 kilometres generally takes around 1.5–2 hours, although actual timing can vary according to traffic and road conditions. The transfer brings the journey back towards Kerala's major coastal city and your departure point.

**Free Time for Shopping or Local Exploration**
Depending on your flight or train schedule, enjoy some free time for shopping or local exploration in Cochin. This time can be used at your own pace before the final airport or railway station transfer.

**Departure Transfer**
Later, proceed to Cochin Airport or Railway Station by private AC Sedan according to your departure schedule. Your Kerala holiday concludes with memories of misty Munnar, spice-filled Thekkady and the peaceful backwaters of Alleppey.