7-Day Kerala Itinerary: Munnar, Alleppey & More

On Travel Team 27 Oct 20264 min read

Seven days is the ideal amount of time for a first trip to Kerala. It lets you experience the state's three big themes – heritage, hills and backwaters – and still end with a day on the beach. This itinerary works for couples, families and friends, and can be adjusted easily.

Route Overview

Kochi → Munnar (2 nights) → Thekkady (1 night) → Alleppey houseboat (1 night) → Varkala (1 night) → Trivandrum departure.

Arrive at Kochi airport and depart from Trivandrum to avoid backtracking.

Day 1: Arrive in Kochi

Settle in and spend the afternoon in Fort Kochi. Walk past the Chinese fishing nets, St Francis Church and the Santa Cruz Basilica, then explore Mattancherry's Dutch Palace and the spice shops of Jew Town. In the evening, watch a Kathakali performance at a cultural centre.

Stay: Fort Kochi heritage hotel or homestay.

Day 2: Kochi to Munnar (about 4 hours)

Drive into the Western Ghats, stopping at Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls and a spice garden near Adimali. Arrive in Munnar by afternoon and take a relaxed walk through the tea estates.

Stay: Munnar resort with a valley view.

Day 3: Munnar Sightseeing

Start early at Eravikulam National Park to see the Nilgiri tahr (check closure dates in February–March). Visit the Tea Museum, then drive to Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point and Kundala Lake. If you have energy, go to Top Station for sunset views over the ghats.

Optional: a pre-dawn jeep safari to Kolukkumalai tea estate for sunrise above the clouds.

Day 4: Munnar to Thekkady (about 3 hours)

Drive through cardamom hills to Thekkady. In the afternoon, take a guided spice plantation tour, then watch a Kalaripayattu martial arts show in the evening.

Optional: an early-morning boat ride on Periyar Lake or a guided nature walk in the tiger reserve the next day (book in advance).

Stay: plantation resort in Thekkady.

Day 5: Thekkady to Alleppey – Houseboat (about 4 hours)

Drive down to Alleppey and board your houseboat around noon. Enjoy a freshly cooked Kerala lunch on board as you cruise through Punnamada Lake, narrow canals and paddy fields. Houseboats anchor in the evening; enjoy dinner on deck.

Stay: overnight on the houseboat.

Day 6: Alleppey to Varkala (about 2.5–3 hours)

After breakfast on the houseboat, drive south to Varkala. Spend the afternoon on the beach below the red laterite cliffs, and walk along the cliff-top path lined with cafés at sunset. Optional stop: Jatayu Earth's Center en route.

Stay: cliff-top hotel in Varkala.

Day 7: Varkala to Trivandrum – Departure (about 1.5 hours)

Visit the Janardhana Swamy Temple or relax on the beach, then drive to Trivandrum. If time allows, see the Padmanabhaswamy Temple area (dress code applies) or the Napier Museum before your flight.

Variations

5 days

Kochi (half day) → Munnar (2 nights) → Thekkady (1 night) → Alleppey houseboat (1 night) → Kochi.

10 days

Add Kovalam (1 night), Kumarakom (1 night), Wayanad or Vagamon (2 nights), or extend to Kanyakumari.

What to Book in Advance

Houseboat (especially October–February)
Eravikulam National Park tickets in peak season
Periyar boat rides and nature walks
Hotels for Christmas and New Year

Getting Around

A private car with a driver is the most convenient way to cover this route. Roads in the hills are winding, so allow extra time and avoid driving after dark.

Budget Guide

Your main costs are hotels, the houseboat and the private car. Choosing a deluxe houseboat instead of luxury, and travelling in the monsoon or shoulder months, can reduce costs significantly.