Houseboat, Munnar and Thekkady

A change of scenery

A five-day loop that starts with a night on an Alleppey houseboat, continues to the Periyar forests at Thekkady, and finishes in the tea hills of Munnar before a drop in Kochi. The road distance is about 650 km, so a morning arrival in Kochi keeps the first day unhurried.

1. Day 1

   Kochi to the Alleppey houseboat

   • Meet on arrival in Kochi and drive straight to Alleppey.
   • Board around noon for a cruise through the canals, with a pause for lunch.
   • The boat anchors for the night, then makes a short morning cruise before checkout.
   • Deluxe, premium, and luxury boats are available. The overnight stay includes welcome tea, meals, and drinking water.
2. Day 2

   Alleppey to Thekkady

   • The drive into the cardamom hills takes about four hours.
   • After check-in, take the Periyar Lake boat if park tickets are available.
   • An evening cultural show or a spice-village walk can be added locally. Entrance fees for those activities are separate.
3. Day 3

   Thekkady to Munnar

   • Drive up to Munnar and stop at Eravikulam National Park when the sanctuary is open.
   • Visit a tea museum, then Mattupetty, Echo Point, and Kundala if daylight allows.
   • Eravikulam usually closes from February to April for the Nilgiri tahr breeding season. The tea museum is closed on Mondays. Park tickets are booked separately.
4. Day 4

   Munnar

   • Use the day for viewpoints missed on arrival, a plantation walk, or time at the hotel.
   • Top Station and the local market are easy add-ons when the weather is clear.
5. Day 5

   Munnar to Kochi

   • Drive down to Kochi for your departure.
   • If the flight or train is later, a short Fort Kochi stop can cover the shore, St Francis Church, and the Chinese fishing nets.
   • The driver drops you at the airport, railway station, or hotel.

Frequently asked questions