7-Day Kerala Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Kerala tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaKerala travel expert at TourRadar

• 7 Day Kerala Itinerary, incl. Cochin and Alleppey

  Kerala's essence comes alive across 7 days and 5 key destinations. The route leads from Kochi's Chinese Fishing Nets to Munnar's tea estates at 6,000 feet, through Periyar's spice gardens, Alleppey's backwaters, ending in Kumarakom with traditional Ayurvedic treatments.

  

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  • Day 1

    Cochin

    Plan to arrive at Cochin International Airport in the morning to avoid the afternoon heat. Make your way to Fort Kochi's heritage zone to see the iconic Chinese fishing nets. A recent visitor shared: "The best time to photograph the nets is just before sunset when fishermen raise and lower them against the orange sky." Visit the Jewish Synagogue in the morning before the tour groups arrive around 1 PM. In the evening watch a traditional Kathakali performance when it's cooler but bring a fan since theaters can get warm.

    
  • Day 2

    Cochin to Munnar (4 hours)

    Leave Cochin at 7 AM to get to Munnar before the afternoon mountain mist. You'll drive through beautiful cardamom hills and tea plantations. Make sure to visit the Tea Museum by 2 PM to see tea production in action. Bring something warm to wear since Munnar gets cool in the evenings at 6,000 feet elevation.

    
  • Day 3

    Munnar to Periyar (3 hours)

    Get an early start to make the most of your time in Periyar. Take the jeep safari through spice plantations in late afternoon when you're more likely to spot wildlife. If you're traveling during monsoon season from June to August pack leech socks. The mountain roads get foggy so make sure you have an experienced driver who knows the route well.

    
  • Day 4

    Periyar to Alleppey (3.5 hours)

    Try to reach Alleppey by 1 PM to get on your houseboat before the afternoon gets busy. Most boats now run on solar power but a portable fan will keep you comfortable. You'll get fresh local seafood from the kitchen so let them know about any dietary needs ahead of time. The boats stop near village shores at 6 PM giving you a glimpse into local life.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Kumarakom

    After breakfast on the houseboat head to Kumarakom which is about an hour away. Book your Ayurvedic treatments early since the best practitioners fill up quickly. Choose accommodation facing the lake for the best views. The bird sanctuary is worth visiting early morning with over 180 species to spot.

    
  • Day 7

    Return to Cochin (1.5 hours)

    Leave after 11 AM to miss morning traffic. Take the coastal road to the airport it's faster than going inland. During peak season in December and January give yourself 3 hours for airport procedures.

    

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• South India Tour (Explore Cochin, Munnar and Alleppey)

  Fort Kochi's historic monuments, Munnar's tea estates, and Alleppey's backwaters paint a perfect Kerala portrait over 7 days. Highlights include Valara waterfalls, traditional Kathakali performances, and overnight stays on luxury houseboats serving authentic cuisine.

  

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  • Kochi (Cochin) India

    54 mi

  • Munnar India

    64 mi

  • Alleppey India

    30 mi

  • Kochi (Cochin) India

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• 7 Days in Kerala, incl. Munnar and Alleppey

  Five distinctive destinations showcase Kerala's diversity: from Kochi to Munnar's hills, Periyar's wildlife, Kumarakom's bird sanctuary, and Alleppey's backwaters. Six hotel nights, one houseboat stay, and visits to Eravikulam National Park included.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Munnar

    Visit the green tea plantations, Mattupetty Dam, and Eravikulam National Park. Get to the park when it opens at 7:30 AM to see Nilgiri Tahr mountain goats before crowds arrive. Pack sturdy shoes for the trails, which get slippery in monsoon season. Take an evening stroll through a tea estate but bring a light jacket as temperatures drop after sunset.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Periyar

    Drive 3.5 hours to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Take morning or late afternoon boat safaris on Periyar Lake for the best wildlife viewing. Book bamboo rafting early since it fills up fast. Visit the sanctuary in the morning when elephants are most active. One visitor noted: "The boat ride at Lake Periyar was incredible – we saw wild elephants coming to drink at the water's edge."

    
  • Day 5

    Kumarakom

    After a 3-hour drive, explore Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Visit between November and March to see migratory birds. Arrive at opening time (6:30 AM) for prime bird watching and cooler temperatures. Book an afternoon Ayurvedic massage to relax but reserve in advance.

    
  • Day 6

    Alleppey

    Take a 1-hour mid-morning transfer to experience Kerala's backwaters on a houseboat. Pack light since storage is limited. Tell the operator about dietary needs beforehand. Air conditioning runs from 9 PM to 6 AM, so plan indoor activities during cooler hours.

    
  • Day 7

    Allow 1.5 hours to reach Kochi airport. Start early to avoid traffic, especially if flying domestic after 10 AM. Factor in extra time for village road travel.

    

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