Kerala, “God’s Own Country,” is a dream destination for travelers seeking serene backwaters, misty hill stations, and golden beaches. If you’re planning a 6-day Kerala trip covering Munnar, Alleppey, and Kovalam, this well-structured itinerary ensures you experience the best of Kerala’s landscapes, culture, and adventures.
From Munnar’s tea plantations to Alleppey’s houseboat cruises and Kovalam’s beachside relaxation, this guide provides a day-by-day breakdown with must-visit attractions, stay options, and travel tips.
Overview: 6-Day Kerala Itinerary
| Day | Destination | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Kochi → Drive to Munnar | Spice Gardens, Cheeyappara Waterfalls |
| Day 2 | Munnar Sightseeing | Tea Gardens, Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam |
| Day 3 | Munnar → Alleppey | Houseboat Stay, Backwater Cruise |
| Day 4 | Alleppey → Kovalam | Alleppey Beach, Relax at Kovalam |
| Day 5 | Kovalam Sightseeing | Lighthouse Beach, Varkala Cliff |
| Day 6 | Kovalam → Trivandrum Departure | Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Shopping |
Detailed 6-Day Kerala Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kochi → Drive to Munnar (130 km / 4 hrs)
- Morning:
- Arrive at Cochin International Airport (COK) or Ernakulam Railway Station.
- Meet your driver and proceed to Munnar (scenic drive via spice plantations).
- Stop at Cheeyappara & Valara Waterfalls for photos.
- Afternoon:
- Check into your resort/homestay in Munnar.
- Visit Spice Garden (learn about cardamom, pepper, and vanilla cultivation).
- Evening:
- Relax at your resort or explore Munnar town.
- Enjoy a bonfire & Kerala-style dinner (try appam with stew).
Stay Options in Munnar:
✔ Luxury: Fragrant Nature Munnar, The Leaf Munnar
✔ Mid-Range: Tea Valley Resort, Blackberry Hills
✔ Budget: Green Ridge Holiday Home, Munnar Castle
Day 2: Munnar Sightseeing
- Morning:
- Visit Eravikulam National Park (spot Nilgiri Tahr).
- Explore Tata Tea Museum (history of tea-making).
- Afternoon:
- Head to Mattupetty Dam (boating & scenic views).
- Stop at Echo Point & Kundala Lake (pedal boating).
- Evening:
- Shopping at Munnar Market (tea, spices, chocolates).
- Optional: Kathakali dance performance.
Pro Tip: Start early to avoid crowds at Eravikulam National Park.
Day 3: Munnar → Alleppey (160 km / 5 hrs)
- Morning:
- Drive to Alleppey (Alappuzha) via paddy fields & coconut groves.
- Stop at Thommankuthu Waterfalls (if time permits).
- Afternoon:
- Check into a luxury houseboat.
- Enjoy a backwater cruise through Vembanad Lake.
- Evening:
- Sunset views from the houseboat.
- Savor Kerala seafood & traditional meals onboard.
Stay Option:
✔ Premium Houseboat: Alleppey Houseboat with AC & private deck
✔ Budget Houseboat: Non-AC traditional Kerala houseboat
Day 4: Alleppey → Kovalam (160 km / 4.5 hrs)
- Morning:
- Disembark from the houseboat.
- Visit Alleppey Beach (short stroll).
- Afternoon:
- Drive to Kovalam (stop at Varkala Cliff for lunch).
- Check into a beach resort in Kovalam.
- Evening:
- Relax at Lighthouse Beach.
- Enjoy a beachside seafood dinner.
Stay Options in Kovalam:
✔ Luxury: The Leela Kovalam, Taj Green Cove
✔ Mid-Range: Sagara Beach Resort, Samudra KTDC
✔ Budget: Beach & Lake Resort, Kovalam Beach Hotel
Day 5: Kovalam Sightseeing
- Morning:
- Visit Kovalam Lighthouse (panoramic views).
- Relax at Hawah Beach (less crowded).
- Afternoon:
- Explore Poovar Island (backwater boat ride).
- Optional: Ayurvedic massage at a spa.
- Evening:
- Sunset at Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium.
- Shopping for souvenirs at local stalls.
Day 6: Kovalam → Trivandrum Departure (15 km / 30 mins)
- Morning:
- Visit Padmanabhaswamy Temple (optional).
- Explore Napier Museum & Zoo (for families).
- Afternoon:
- Transfer to Trivandrum Airport (TRV) for departure.
- Shopping tip: Buy Kerala handicrafts & coir products at Chalai Market.
Best Time to Visit Kerala
- October to March (Ideal for sightseeing & backwaters)
- April to June (Hot but good for hill stations)
- Monsoon (July-Sept) (Lush greenery but heavy rains)
Travel Tips for Kerala Trip
✔ Book houseboats & resorts in advance (peak season gets crowded).
✔ Carry light cotton clothes + a jacket for Munnar nights.
✔ Try local food – Karimeen Pollichathu, Puttu-Kadala, Malabar Parotta.
✔ Hire a private cab for hassle-free travel between cities.
✔ Keep cash – Some remote areas don’t accept cards.
Estimated Trip Cost (Per Person)
| Category | Budget (₹) | Mid-Range (₹) | Luxury (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 6,000 | 12,000 | 25,000+ |
| Food | 3,000 | 6,000 | 10,000+ |
| Transport | 5,000 | 8,000 | 15,000+ |
| Activities | 2,000 | 4,000 | 8,000+ |
| Total | ₹16,000 | ₹30,000 | ₹58,000+ |
Conclusion
This 6-day Kerala itinerary covers the best of Munnar, Alleppey & Kovalam – from tea estates & backwaters to beach relaxation. Whether you’re a couple, family, or solo traveler, this plan ensures a perfect mix of adventure & leisure.
Ready to explore Kerala? Book your trip today and experience “God’s Own Country” in all its glory!
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