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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• 7 Day Kerala Itinerary, incl. Munnar and Alleppey

  Natural and cultural riches of Kerala unfold across Munnar's highlands, Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kollam's beaches, and Alleppey's waterways. Boutique stays at Mistletoe Munnar and Spice Routes houseboats complement traditional performances and guided nature activities.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Munnar Tea Country

    Take the 4-hour drive from Kochi to Munnar's rolling green hills. "Watching the sunrise over the tea plantations from our homestay balcony was magical," one traveler noted. Plan your 3-hour tea plantation trek for early morning when it's cooler. Bring a sun hat and water for the 9km walk. The views are beautiful but watch your step after rain. In the evening, check out the traditional Kalaripayattu martial arts show, a Kerala specialty.

    
  • Day 3

    Periyar Wildlife

    Travel to Periyar National Park (3 hours by car) for wildlife viewing. Get there by 6:30 AM for the morning jungle walk and bamboo rafting, which takes about 6 hours. Wear good walking shoes. "The early morning trek gave us incredible chances to see wild elephants in their natural habitat," one visitor said. End your day with a Kathakali dance show, a key part of Kerala's arts.

    
  • Days 4-5

    Kollam Coast & Backwaters

    Drive to Kollam (4 hours) for a change of scene. You can explore Varkala Beach with its red cliffs and quiet Paravur Lake from here. Take a backwater boat ride in late afternoon when the light is perfect for photos. "Take the smaller boats through the narrow canals rather than just the main waterways—you'll see more local life," suggested one traveler.

    
  • Day 6

    Alleppey Houseboat

    Spend a night on an Alleppey houseboat to experience Kerala's famous backwaters. Boats leave at noon and return next morning. "Request a smaller houseboat if possible—they can navigate the narrower canals where you'll see authentic village life," a recent visitor recommended. Meals are included but pack any special snacks you want.

    
  • Day 7

    Return to Kochi

    It's 1.5 hours back to Kochi airport. Book flights for afternoon to avoid morning traffic, especially during monsoon season (June-August).

    

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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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