Classic Kerala: Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady and a houseboat

Day 1: Arrive in Kochi (Fort Kochi)

Kochi (Fort Kochi)

• Kathakali performance with make-up session · 2 h. Fort Kochi's cultural centres run a nightly shortened show with an explanation of the gestures; arrive an hour early to watch the elaborate make-up being applied.
• Hill Palace Museum, Tripunithura · 2 h. The former Cochin royal palace with crowns, palanquins and a deer park; closed on Mondays.

Local tip: Fort Kochi's cultural centres run a nightly shortened show with an explanation of the gestures; arrive an hour early to watch the elaborate make-up being applied.

Open day 1 route in Google Maps

Day 2: Explore Kochi (Fort Kochi)

Kochi (Fort Kochi)

• Fort Kochi heritage walk: fishing nets, St Francis Church and Santa Cruz Basilica · 2.5 h. Start at the Chinese fishing nets early, when fishermen haul them in; St Francis Church is where Vasco da Gama was first buried. Fishmongers by the nets will cook your pick at nearby stalls.
• Mattancherry Palace, Jew Town and the Paradesi Synagogue · 2.5 h. The palace has some of Kerala's finest Ramayana murals (closed Fridays); the synagogue closes on Fridays, Saturdays and Jewish holidays. Jew Town's spice warehouses and antique shops fill the lanes between.
• Kochi Water Metro ride and Marine Drive sunset · 2 h. Electric boats link the High Court jetty in Ernakulam with Fort Kochi and the islands; cheap, air-conditioned and quicker than the road at rush hour.

Local tip: Start at the Chinese fishing nets early, when fishermen haul them in; St Francis Church is where Vasco da Gama was first buried. Fishmongers by the nets will cook your pick at nearby stalls.

Open day 2 route in Google Maps

Day 3: Kochi (Fort Kochi) → Munnar

Munnar · Kochi (Fort Kochi) to Munnar, Private car ~4–4.5h (KSRTC bus ~5h)

• Eravikulam National Park (Rajamalai) · 3 h. Park buses run from the gate up to the Rajamalai tahr area; book online and go at opening time. Closed for tahr calving roughly Feb–Apr each year.

Local tip: Park buses run from the gate up to the Rajamalai tahr area; book online and go at opening time. Closed for tahr calving roughly Feb–Apr each year.

Open day 3 route in Google Maps

Day 4: Explore Munnar

Munnar

• Tea Museum and factory demonstration · 1.5 h. Shows the orthodox tea process from withering to grading, with tastings; closed on Mondays.
• Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point and Kundala Lake · 3.5 h. The scenic road east of Munnar with pedal and speed boats on the reservoirs; weekends are crowded.
• Spice and cardamom garden visit · 1 h
• Attukad waterfalls and Pothamedu viewpoint · 2 h

Local tip: Shows the orthodox tea process from withering to grading, with tastings; closed on Mondays.

Open day 4 route in Google Maps

Day 5: Munnar → Thekkady (Periyar)

Thekkady (Periyar) · Munnar to Thekkady (Periyar), Private car ~3.5h

• Periyar Lake boat cruise · 1.5 h. Forest department boats leave from Thekkady boat landing several times a day; the first sailing has the best chance of elephants and bison. Book online, as tickets sell out.
• Spice plantation tour · 1.5 h. Cardamom, pepper, clove and coffee on a guided walk around Kumily; buy spices direct at fixed prices.
• Kalaripayattu show at Kumily · 1 h

Local tip: Forest department boats leave from Thekkady boat landing several times a day; the first sailing has the best chance of elephants and bison. Book online, as tickets sell out.

Open day 5 route in Google Maps

Day 6: Thekkady (Periyar) → Alleppey (Alappuzha)

Alleppey (Alappuzha) · Thekkady (Periyar) to Alleppey (Alappuzha), Private car ~4h

• Alappuzha beach and old pier at sunset · 1.5 h
• Toddy shop lunch (karimeen and kappa) · 1.5 h. Kerala's licensed toddy shops serve some of the spiciest local food; the better ones have family rooms.

Local tip: Kerala's licensed toddy shops serve some of the spiciest local food; the better ones have family rooms.

Open day 6 route in Google Maps

Day 7: Overnight houseboat cruise on the backwaters

Alleppey (Alappuzha)

• Overnight houseboat cruise on the backwaters · Full day. Boarding is around noon and check-out around 9am; boats cruise until about 5:30pm, then moor. Meals by the onboard cook are included. Check the licence, the route (Kuttanad paddy canals beat the crowded main channel) and AC hours before paying.

Local tip: Boarding is around noon and check-out around 9am; boats cruise until about 5:30pm, then moor. Meals by the onboard cook are included. Check the licence, the route (Kuttanad paddy canals beat the crowded main channel) and AC hours before paying.

Open day 7 route in Google Maps

Day 8: Depart from Alleppey (Alappuzha)

Alleppey (Alappuzha)

Keep a buffer before your flight; check-out is usually noon.