This is an account of our first trip to Kerala. It was a 5 days Kerala tour package Munnar to Alleppey. After debating a bit on whether to take guided tour vs independently travel through Kerala, we opted for the former. As it was one of the first trips that we went on. Kerala is one of the southeast state of India. For nature enthusiast it’s a paradise. It can be perceived as a pleasant landscape full of greenery and forests, adorned by sea shores and backwater and covered with widely spread green hills. In short, it is one single state in India that is crafted by God with all the natural beauty. No wonder, it is called God’s own country. So, during the very initial when we started traveling, and we were still falling in love with travel. We decided to take this 5 days Kerala tour package Munnar to Alleppey. (Actually from a tour operator!). Before this we did a one day trip to Mysore and a weekend trip to Ooty during Monsoons.
Although Kerala has many places of interest, on this 5 days Kerala tour package Munnar to Alleppey of ours, we settled for three must visits : 3 days in the hills of Munnar, Thekkady and the backwaters of Alleppey (As the name suggests!!). We took this trip in November 2010. While Munnar is a hill station, a very very beautiful one. At the same time, Thekkady boasts of the famous wildlife sanctuary over the banks of river Periyar. And, Alleppey is fondly called the venice of the east. Since, it has the unique backwater canals and houseboats providing a unique experience. (These backwater canals are formed by water trapped just before the sea). Kerala also has a nice coastline along the sea. And, Alleppey, being just on the coast, has one of the most beautiful beaches of Kerala as well. So, overall we planned for a trip that ranged from the lush green mountains all the way to the tropical beach and backwater.
In short, the 5 days Kerala tour package Munnar to Alleppey gave us everything from the picturesque hill station to the river cruise and wildlife sanctuary to the sea beach and backwaters plus houseboat experience. Everything packed into one trip. This is what the magical state of Kerala has to offer !!
Before starting on the trip, we booked our flight using makemytrip from Bangalore to Cochin. And we also booked our hotels in Munnar, Alleppey and Thekkady using agoda
On the day 1 of our 5 days Kerala tour package Munnar to Alleppey, we took a flight from Bangalore, Karnataka to Cochin, Kerala. It was an early morning flight. We arrived at Cochin by 10am. We had a cab for the whole trip duration in Kerala as a part of the package. The cab driver was waiting for us on the airport. After the initial meeting and greeting with him, we started straight to Munnar. Cochin to Munnar drive is a stunningly scenic drive of 3 hrs. I would say, it is a must take road trip, one of the best road trips in India that we have taken so far. En route, we stopped at a waterfall and then at a spice garden. Finally, after passing through lush green coffee plantations, we arrived in Munnar by afternoon. After checking into our hotel, we had lunch. And then we decided to rest for the day. In the evening, we stepped out in the hotel premises to sync in the beautiful view outside.
Mesmerizing scenery on way from Cochin to Munnar
Day2 : Munnar
We stayed in Munnar for 2 nights. On the second day of our journey, after a nice breakfast in the hotel, we went on a day trip to Munnar. Stopping at a coffee garden to take a few snaps. Thereafter , we reached the Metupatty dam. The scenarie across the dam is simply mesmerizing. (Look at the below snap). As if God himself had painted these mountains and the river on a canvas with different shades of green and blue. We spent some time on the bridge across the dam, taking snaps. Actually, I was simply awe-stuck, watching the scene that stretched in front of me, without blinking my eyes for minutes at a stretch.
Next we visited a beautiful nursery that was blooming with flowers of different colors and varieties. Followed by an elephant trail, and a coffee plantation and several other beautiful spots. We also visited a meadow and a picnic spot near the river bank. There are several small stalls just near the bank of the river selling wooden artifacts and other small homemade soveniers. Horseride is also at offer. Boating on the river is available as well at this spot. However, we opted to walk around leisurely and explore the area.
Soon, it started drizzling. We then took center in the shades of the stalls. We bought a pair of beautiful wooden candle stands from here as a gift for family. Once the rain stopped, we started from here on a backward journey to our resort. However, there was more and more of nature to take in before we could complete the backward journey.
One of the memories that got implanted in my mind forever is that of a meadow. I named it the dream meadow. I spotted it when we were returning from our day trip. There was a beautiful mountain backdrop with mist hanging atop it. In the foothill were a few small cottages. A vast meadow stretched in the front. And then a stream of water flowed at it’s end, separating it from the road. A herd of cattle was grazing in the meadow. Picture perfect, isn’t it?
Day 3 : Visiting Munnar on our Kerala tour package Munnar to Alleppey
The next day in Munnar, we had a trip to Ernakulam wildlife sanctuary. More than a wildlife sanctuary, it was a hiking trip on the beautiful mountain top. We reached till the point which said, this is the last accessible point 🙂 and on our way back, all we could spot is a small mountain goat. Nevertheless, the beautiful scenerie and the amazing weather more than made up for the lack of wildlife encounter for us. This trip itself took more than half the day. Post this, we came back to our hotel.Then we packed our bags for the next day, wherein, we had to start our onwards journey to Thekkady.
On the way to ernakulam wildlife sanctuary
Day 4 : Munnar – > Thekkady
Today we headed to Thekkady. It was around a 2.5 hrs drive from Munnar to Thekkady. This was also a very scenic drive. During this drive, we mounted several hills and covered several valleys. It was a continous journey followed by sequence of uphill and downhill drive. We reached Thekkady by 12pm. After checking-in and getting fresh we headed for our river cruise over the river Periyar. It was a wonderful cruise. On the bank of the river, across the wildlife sanctuary, we could see herds of deers and elephants grazing peacefully. I felt it was a wonderful way to spot the animals across the river, without disturbing them.
By the time we completed our river cruise, it was evening. We returned back to the hotel and retired for the night. Next day morning, we were supposed to head for our next and final spot – Alleppey.
Day 5 : In Alleppey on our Kerala tour package Munnar to Alleppey.
Next day morning, we headed to Alleppey post breakfast. It was a 2 hr drive from Thekkady to Alleppey. The memories are still afresh in my mind. As we reached near Alleppey, the road went in an absolutely staight line for several kilometers. With nothing but stretches of paddy fields on both sides, soaked in water, and tiny houses across the fields. It took us sometime to reach to our houseboat.
However, we were on the houseboat by 10am. We had booked an overnight stay on the houseboat. We had one of the most wonderful days on the houseboat while it took us around on a trip of the backwaters. It was a small two room boat, with no other guest, so we had all the exclusivity that we wanted. Soon we were sailing across huge backwater canals, waving to the passing by boats. Our cook prepared a delicous meal for us onboard the hosueboat and the driver acted as our guide. However, all I could remember was – “water water everywhere….” .
Sunset as captured from the houseboat in alleppey
We spent the evening at the top deck of the boat. And we had dinner in candlelight on the open deck of the houseboat. As the night arrived, we headed back to the shore where the boat was rested for the night. And we had a wonderful night in a room floating over the backwater waves. The next day morning, we again had a trip across the backwaters before we headed back to the shore to start our onwards journey back to Cochin.
Day 6 : Back to Cochin and Bangalore
Next day morning, we started our journey back to Cochin. But not before we stopped at the Applauzha beach. It was drizzling in the morning. And we were super excited to spend just a few minutes on the beach, our first together on a beach in fact, before we said good bye to this place. Our driver not only drove us happily to the beach, he even lended us his umbrella to combat the rain and enjoy ourselves. After spending some pristine moments on the beach, we headed back to our cab.
Thereafter started our journey back home. We reached cochin (the capital of Kerala) by afternoon and had lunch at a local spot.Then we explored the town a little. We explored a few malls and then reserved a spot to sit and watch the ships sailing across the dockyard on the sea shore. Afterwards, we got to the Ernakulam railway station. From here, we boarded our train back to bangalore at around 4pm. Thus, bidding a goodbye to our great Kerala trip and taking with us lifelong memories of God’s own country, we started our train journey back home.
Tips on 5 days Kerala tour package Munnar to Alleppey
You can plan a trip together for the trio of Munnar, Thekkady and Alleppey like we did.
Spend a little more time in Alleppey though. Maybe 2 days on the houseboat instead of one that we did.
October – March is the perfect time to visit, as, it is neither too hot nor too cold at this time.
Try reaching Cochin in the morning, so that, you can enjoy the scenic drive to Munnar.
There are house boats of different categories from economy to luxury. Most can be booked online just like hotels. Do your due diligence before booking one.
Keep mosquito repellants with you, particularly with the backwater trip.
In the mountains you will need light woolens or a jacket. It will be winter like weather. Pack light cloths and a few jackets for layering in the evening. Check out our travel packing tips to pack like a pro on your trips.
On the beach and on the houseboat you will need light cotton cloths. It will be summer like weather.
Other resources on Kerala
Ever since we did this trip to Kerala, we have done several other trips exploring parts of Kerala. And a major road trip across Kerala. Here are resources from our trips to Kerala that you will find useful :
PS: Some of our links are affiliated, this means we will earn a commission when you buy a service or product by clicking those links. However, this will have no extra cost for you.
You can check any of these for further details of our memorable journey:
I did a luxury river cruise in Alleppey in September – it was such a great way to explore Southern India. Kerala reminds me a little of Bali – tropical and humid. Some really great tips – couldn’t agree more!
I feel Kerala has the perfect name Gods own country. Everything there is so pristine especially the lush green mountains, backwater, and the canals giving the feel of Venice. The tips you mentioned are super helpful and would love spending at least 2 days in water boat. Great pictures Neha esp, the lush green with a trail in between.
Nice…I like your content…
I did a luxury river cruise in Alleppey in September – it was such a great way to explore Southern India. Kerala reminds me a little of Bali – tropical and humid. Some really great tips – couldn’t agree more!
Thank you! Yes. the tropical climate of Kerala is very similar to Bali
I feel Kerala has the perfect name Gods own country. Everything there is so pristine especially the lush green mountains, backwater, and the canals giving the feel of Venice. The tips you mentioned are super helpful and would love spending at least 2 days in water boat. Great pictures Neha esp, the lush green with a trail in between.
Thank you so much Suruchi. Once you visit Kerala, you instantly realize why it’s called God’s own country 🙂