6-Day Kerala Wilderness & Backwater Escape

5 Nights 6 Days
  

Cochin - Munnar - Thekkady - Kumarakom

Tour Itinerary

 

Day 1

Cochin
  • Arrival & The Cultural Tapestry of Cochin
  • Your family’s adventure begins at Cochin International Airport or the Railway Station, where our representative will greet you.
  • Cochin (Kochi) is a historic melting pot that offers a wonderful introduction to Kerala's global heritage.
    • Exploration: Start at the Jewish Synagogue and Jew Town, where children will love the vibrant antique shops.
    • History: Visit the Dutch Palace and St. Francis Church to learn about the explorers who shaped the world. 
    • The Shoreline: Head to the coast to see the Chinese Fishing Nets. Watching the fishermen operate these ancient mechanical structures is a highlight for many families.
    • Evening: Enjoy a stroll along Marine Drive, a scenic promenade overlooking the backwaters.
    • Overnight stay at a Deluxe Hotel in Cochin.

Day 2

Munnar
  • The Scenic Climb to Munnar
  • After breakfast, check out and begin the drive to Munnar.
  • This journey is often called the "Green Route" because of its mesmerizing beauty.
    • Waterfall Stops: En route, we pause at the Valara and Cheeyappara Waterfalls. These are excellent spots for family photos against the backdrop of cascading white water and lush greenery. 
    • Arrival: As you reach Munnar, the air becomes noticeably cooler. Check into your resort and spend the evening enjoying the mountain views.
    • Overnight stay in Munnar.

Day 3

Munnar Sightseeing
  • Munnar – Tea Gardens & High-Altitude Wonders
  • Today is dedicated to exploring the vast emerald landscapes of Munnar.
    • Eravikulam National Park (Rajamalai): A must-visit for families. Board the park bus to reach the heights where the endangered Nilgiri Tahr (wild mountain goat) can be spotted roaming freely.
    • Mattupetty Dam: A scenic reservoir where the family can enjoy a speed-boat ride.
    • Echo Point: A favorite for kids! Shout into the valley and hear your voice bounce back from the mountain walls.
    • Kundala Lake: Enjoy a tranquil ride in a Shikara-style boat, drifting past the hills. 
    • Top Station: The highest point in the region, offering a breathtaking 360-degree view of the Western Ghats and the plains of Tamil Nadu.
    • Overnight stay in Munnar.

Day 4

Thekkady
  • Into the Wild – Thekkady Wildlife Experience
  • Bid farewell to the tea gardens as you head to Thekkady, home to the famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
    • Wildlife Safari: Board the boat at Periyar Lake. This is a unique experience where you sit back while the boat glides past the forest edge. Keep your eyes peeled for wild elephants, deer, and exotic birds.
    • Evening Options: You may choose to watch a Kathakali (dance) or Kalaripayattu (martial arts) performance, providing the children with a glimpse into Kerala's ancient arts.
    • Overnight stay in Thekkady.

Day 5

Kumarakom
  • Kumarakom – Life on the Backwaters
  • After a hearty breakfast, descend to the plains to reach Kumarakom, a cluster of little islands on Lake Vembanad.
    • Village Life: Kumarakom offers the "essence of Kerala." Experience the slow-paced life of a backwater village, where the primary modes of transport are small boats.
    • Bird Sanctuary: Visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, a paradise for birdwatchers where you can spot migratory birds like the Siberian Stork.
    • Leisure: The evening is for family bonding—perhaps a sunset walk along the lake or a dip in the resort pool.
    • Overnight stay in Kumarakom.

Day 6

Cochin Departure
  • Farewell to God’s Own Country
  • Enjoy one final Kerala breakfast overlooking the waters. After check-out, we will transfer your family back to Cochin (Airport or Railway Station) for your onward journey.
  • Your "Wonder Kerala" tour ends here, but the memories of the hills and waters will last a lifetime.

Customizable Stay & Transport Options

We offer this package in multiple tiers: Standard, Deluxe, Premium, and Luxury. Families can choose their preferred level of accommodation, from cozy homestays to five-star luxury lakeside resorts. Your transport is also flexible; while we provide a private A/c Indica as standard, we can upgrade you to a spacious SUV or Innova for added legroom and comfort.

Terms & Inclusions

Important Notes:

  • Seasonal Rates: A peak season hike applies to bookings from October 1st onwards.
  • Holiday Supplements: Mandatory supplementary charges apply for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
  • Flexibility: Slight itinerary alterations may be necessary during peak season to ensure guest comfort, but the category of accommodation will remain as promised
  • Availability: Rooms are subject to availability at the time of booking.

The Package Includes:

  • Accommodation for a couple in your chosen category (Standard/Deluxe/Premium/Luxury).
  • Daily Breakfast (CP Plan); Houseboat stay includes all meals (AP Plan).
  • Private A/C vehicle for airport/railway station pickups, all transfers, and sightseeing.
  • Toll fees, parking charges, and driver’s bata.
  • Complimentary stay for children below 5 years (sharing bed).

The Package Excludes:

  • Extra person charges and additional bedding.
  • Entry tickets to monuments, national parks, and museums.
  • Personal expenses (Laundry, tips, etc.) and optional activities.

More Tour Packages

Frequently Asked Questions6-Day Kerala Wilderness & Backwater Escape

What are the main destinations covered in this 6-day Kerala family tour?

+

This comprehensive itinerary takes you through the diverse landscapes of South Kerala, starting in the historic port city of Cochin, ascending to the tea-covered hills of Munnar, exploring the wildlife of Thekkady, and concluding with the serene backwaters of Kumarakom.

Can we customize the type of accommodation and transport for this package?

+

Yes. The package is highly flexible and offered in four tiers: Standard, Deluxe, Premium, and Luxury. While a private A/C Indica is the standard transport, families can choose to upgrade to more spacious vehicles like an SUV or Innova for added comfort during the mountain drives.

What wildlife experiences are included in the Thekkady segment of the trip?

+

In Thekkady, families can enjoy a unique boat safari on Periyar Lake. Unlike traditional safaris, this allows you to view wild elephants, deer, and exotic bird species from the safety of a boat as they come to the water's edge within the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Are there specific activities for children in Munnar?

+

Absolutely. Munnar is very kid-friendly, featuring Echo Point, where children love hearing their voices bounce off the hills, and Mattupetty Dam, which offers exciting speed-boat rides. They can also spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr at Eravikulam National Park.

What is the best way to experience the backwaters in Kumarakom?

+

Kumarakom provides an authentic "essence of Kerala" through its slow-paced village life. You can explore the backwaters via small traditional boats, visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary to see migratory species like the Siberian Stork, or simply enjoy the lakeside views from your resort.

Does the package price include entry fees to sightseeing spots?

+

The standard package includes accommodation, daily breakfast, and all private transfers (including tolls and parking). However, entry tickets to monuments, national parks (like Eravikulam), and museums, as well as optional activities like Kathakali performances, are excluded to give you the flexibility to choose what you want to see.