28 Nov to 4 Dec 2026. Seven days from the Kochi harbour to the Varkala cliffs. All pure veg.
How the week flows
Kochi, then the tea hills of Munnar, the spice forests of Thekkady, one night on the backwaters (Alleppey or Kumarakom, your pick), the cliffs of Varkala, and the Padmanabhaswamy Temple on the way to the airport.
Tap a day at the top to jump. Swipe photos sideways. Tap any box with a + to open it.
7 days6 nights, 5 places
~19 hrsTotal driving in the week
12 to 32°CCool Munnar nights, warm coast
Pure vegFood tips every day
1
Sat 28 Nov | Kochi
Land in Kochi
🚗 Airport to Fort Kochi, about 1 hr 15 min 🛏 Kochi
Chinese fishing nets, Fort Kochi creditJew Street, Mattancherry credit
The plan
About 7:00 PMLand at Kochi airport. Driver meets you at arrivals.
8:15 PMCheck in at Fort Kochi, freshen up.
8:45 PMEasy dinner and an early night. Big day tomorrow.
Do, don’t and food
✅ Do
Share your flight number with the driver so he tracks delays.
Order dinner in at the hotel if the flight runs late. Fort Kochi kitchens start closing around 10 PM.
Keep a light bag ready for the morning walk.
⛔ Don't
Don't plan sightseeing tonight, the drive from the airport is long.
Don't change too much cash at the airport, rates are poor.
Pure veg today
Ask your hotel for a pure veg dinner tonight. Fort Kochi has few pure veg restaurants open late.
🛏 Where to stay, 5 to 3 star
Brunton Boatyard (CGH Earth)
5 star₹17,000 to 20,000
Heritage hotel on the harbour
Forte Kochi
4 to 5 star₹10,000 to 16,000
Boutique, walk to fishing nets
Old Harbour Hotel
4 star₹11,000 to 16,000
Restored mansion, garden pool
Hotel Arches
3 star₹4,000 to 5,000
Simple, good value
Napier Heritage
3 star₹5,500 to 6,000
Small heritage stay
You only sleep here one night. Pick Fort Kochi so the morning walk starts at your door.
2
Sun 29 Nov | Kochi to Munnar
Fort Kochi morning, Munnar by evening
🚗 Kochi to Munnar, about 4 to 5 hr. Leave by 12:30 PM 🛏 Munnar
Jew Town, Mattancherry creditThe road into Munnar credit
The plan
7:30 AMFishing nets in the morning light, when the fishermen are working.
8:30 AMBreakfast, then St. Francis Church and Santa Cruz Basilica.
9:45 AMMattancherry Palace murals, Paradesi Synagogue (open today), Jew Town spice shops.
11:45 AMEarly veg lunch.
12:30 PMLeave for Munnar. Short stops at Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls.
About 5:30 PMReach Munnar. First tea gardens near Pallivasal, just before town. Check in, rest.
Do, don’t and food
✅ Do
Leave Kochi by 12:30 PM so most of the ghat road is in daylight. Sunset is around 6 PM.
Keep motion sickness tablets handy for the last 2 hours of bends.
Carry a jacket in the car, Munnar gets cold after dark.
⛔ Don't
Don't push the start later than 1 PM. Driving the hairpins in the dark is slow and tiring.
Don't expect a tea factory on this road. Tea starts only near Munnar, and the Tea Museum closes at 5 PM.
Don't buy 'homemade chocolate' on the roadside without checking for egg.
Pure veg today
Lunch in Kochi before leaving. In Munnar tonight: Saravana Bhavan or Sree Krishna Gujarati Marwari (pure veg).
🛏 Where to stay, 5 to 3 star
Blanket Hotel & Spa
5 star₹12,000 to 15,000
Waterfall view, pool, spa
Fragrant Nature Munnar
5 star₹9,000 to 11,000
Large rooms, hill views
Parakkat Nature Resort
4 star₹6,000 to 9,500
Cottages near Eravikulam
Typical 3 star resort
3 star₹3,000 to 5,000
Many options near town
Book a valley or tea view room. December is cool, so rooms do not need AC.
3
Mon 30 Nov | Munnar
Full day in the tea hills
🚗 Local sightseeing, about 3 to 4 hr of driving in total 🛏 Munnar
Tea estate near Munnar creditMorning mist over tea credit
The plan
7:45 AMEravikulam National Park (Rajamala) at opening, for mist, views and the Nilgiri tahr.
11:30 AMWalk into the tea rows for photos. Lunch in town.
2:00 PMMattupetty Dam and lake. The Mattupetty tea factory is on this road, call ahead as Monday hours vary.
3:30 PMEcho Point and Kundala Lake.
4:45 PMTop Station for valley views at sunset, if the road is clear.
Do, don’t and food
✅ Do
Book Eravikulam tickets online the day before.
Wear good walking shoes, the Rajamala walk is uphill.
Ask your driver to call the Mattupetty factory before you go.
⛔ Don't
Don't plan the Tata Tea Museum today. It is closed on Mondays.
Don't feed or touch the Nilgiri tahr.
Don't litter. Munnar is strict about plastic.
Pure veg today
Pack fruit and snacks for Eravikulam. Lunch at Saravana Bhavan or Shree Mahaveer Bhojanalay.
🛏 Where to stay, 5 to 3 star
Blanket Hotel & Spa
5 star₹12,000 to 15,000
Waterfall view, pool, spa
Fragrant Nature Munnar
5 star₹9,000 to 11,000
Large rooms, hill views
Parakkat Nature Resort
4 star₹6,000 to 9,500
Cottages near Eravikulam
Typical 3 star resort
3 star₹3,000 to 5,000
Many options near town
Book a valley or tea view room. December is cool, so rooms do not need AC.
4
Tue 1 Dec | Thekkady
Tea factory, then wildlife
🚗 Munnar to Thekkady, about 3 to 3.5 hr plus the tea stop 🛏 Thekkady
Periyar Lake, Thekkady creditKathakali at Mudra Cultural Centre credit
The plan
7:15 AMShort Ayurvedic massage at the hotel (about 45 min to 1 hr).
8:45 AMCheck out. Drive out past Devikulam towards Lockhart Gap.
9:15 AMLockhart Tea Factory: guided tour of a working 1930s orthodox tea factory, tasting, shop (about 1 to 1.5 hr).
10:45 AMContinue to Thekkady through cardamom country.
1:45 PMReach Thekkady, quick lunch.
3:30 PMPeriyar Lake boat ride (afternoon slot).
5:00 PMKathakali, then Kalaripayattu show at 6 PM.
Do, don’t and food
✅ Do
Book the Periyar boat online in advance. Afternoon slots sell out.
Confirm with your driver that the Thekkady route goes via Lockhart Gap. Most drivers use it.
Choose a 'Green Leaf' or 'Olive Leaf' certified centre for the massage.
⛔ Don't
Don't book the 3 to 4 hr Lockhart tea trail walk today. Keep it to the factory visit so you make the boat.
Don't eat a heavy meal right after the massage.
Don't buy spices from shops with no price labels.
Pure veg today
Ask your hotel for its veg kitchen. Look for 'pure veg' boards on the Kumily to Thekkady road.
🛏 Where to stay, 5 to 3 star
Spice Village (CGH Earth)
5 star₹11,000 to 14,000
Eco resort, thatched cottages
The Elephant Court
4 to 5 star₹9,000 to 10,000
Pool, spa
Abad Green Forest
4 star₹5,000 to 7,500
Good value, near town
Typical 3 star hotel
3 star₹3,000 to 4,700
Kumily town
Stay on the Kumily to Thekkady road, close to the boat jetty and cultural centres.
5
Wed 2 Dec | Alleppey or Kumarakom
Backwaters: pick one
🚗 Depends on option, about 3.5 to 4 hr 🛏 Houseboat or lake resort
Houseboat at Alappuzha creditVembanad Lake at Kumarakom creditKumarakom backwaters credit
🚗 Thekkady to Alleppey, about 4 hr
7:30 AMLeave Thekkady.
12:00 PMBoard in Alleppey, cruise Punnamada and Kuttanad canals.
1:30 PMVeg Kerala lunch on board.
5:30 PMAnchor for the night.
Next 9 AMCheck out, drive to Varkala (about 3 to 3.5 hr).
Good
Most boats and routes to choose from
Village life, paddy fields, narrow canals
Lower prices, all budgets
Trade-offs
Busy in season, many boats on the water
More engine noise near the jetties
🛏 Where to stay
Luxury houseboat
Luxury₹17,000 to 25,000
AC all day, bigger deck
Premium houseboat
Premium₹12,000 to 15,750
AC all day, best value
Deluxe houseboat
Deluxe₹9,500 to 10,500
AC only at night
Prices are for one bedroom, 2 adults, with all meals. Add about ₹1,000 to 1,500 per extra person.
🚗 Thekkady to Kumarakom, about 3.5 to 4 hr
7:30 AMLeave Thekkady (optional Vagamon detour).
12:00 PMBoard at Kumarakom, cruise the open Vembanad Lake.
1:30 PMVeg lunch on board.
5:30 PMAnchor, big sunset over the lake.
Next 6:30 AMBird Sanctuary walk before checkout.
Next 9 AMDrive to Varkala (about 3.5 to 4 hr).
Good
Far fewer boats, calm water
Bird Sanctuary next door, migratory birds in this season
Newer, better kept premium boats
Trade-offs
Fewer narrow village canals
Generally pricier, few budget boats
Longer drive to Varkala next day
🛏 Where to stay
Premium houseboat, 1 bedroom
PremiumHigher than Alleppey
Quieter lake route
Luxury houseboat, 1 bedroom
LuxuryHigher than Alleppey
Upper deck, AC all day
Kumarakom has fewer budget boats. Expect premium or luxury boats, priced above Alleppey. All meals included; fix a pure veg menu at booking.
🚗 Thekkady to Kumarakom, about 3.5 to 4 hr
12:30 PMCheck in to a lakeside resort, lunch.
3:30 PM2 to 3 hr private houseboat or shikara cruise on Vembanad.
6:00 PMSunset from the resort jetty, Ayurveda or pool time.
Next 6:30 AMBird Sanctuary walk.
Next 10 AMDrive to Varkala.
Good
Proper room, pool and spa, easy for elders and kids
Still get time on the lake
Resort kitchens handle pure veg well
Trade-offs
You don't sleep on the water
Top resorts are expensive
🛏 Where to stay
Kumarakom Lake Resort
5 star₹25,000 to 35,000
Iconic, villas on the lake
Taj Kumarakom
5 star₹14,000 to 27,000
Heritage bungalow, lake frontage
Coconut Lagoon (CGH Earth)
5 star₹13,000 to 23,000
Boat access only, heritage cottages
The Zuri Kumarakom
5 star₹14,000 to 16,000
Big pool, spa
Backwater Ripples
4 star₹9,000 to 11,500
Infinity pool on the lake
Abad Whispering Palms
4 star₹6,000 to 9,500
Good value on the lake
Lakefront resorts are the reason to stay here. Ask for a lake view room.
Alleppey or Kumarakom?
Point
Alleppey
Kumarakom
Crowd
Busy, many boats
Quiet, fewer boats
Scenery
Narrow canals, villages, paddy
Wide open Vembanad Lake
Nature
Village life
Bird Sanctuary, migratory birds Oct to Feb
Boats
Every budget
Mostly premium and luxury
Stays on land
Mostly simple
Top lake resorts
Drive from Thekkady
About 4 hr
About 3.5 to 4 hr
Column meanings: Point is what is being compared. Alleppey and Kumarakom show how each place does on that point.
Our pick for a quieter, family trip: Kumarakom. Pick Alleppey if you want the classic canal and village scene at a lower price.
Do, don’t and food
✅ Do
Fix a pure veg menu when you book, and confirm again with the cook.
Carry mosquito repellent and a torch.
Keep valuables in your bag, not on the open deck.
In Kumarakom, carry binoculars for the Bird Sanctuary.
⛔ Don't
Don't expect to cruise at night. Boats must stop by evening by rule.
Don't take the cheapest boat. Check photos of the actual boat and AC timings.
Don't swim in the backwaters.
Pure veg today
All meals are on board. A good cook can do a full veg Kerala spread: avial, thoran, sambar, pachadi, payasam. Lake resorts in Kumarakom also cook pure veg on request.
6
Thu 3 Dec | Varkala
Cliffs and the sea
🚗 Alleppey to Varkala, about 3 to 3.5 hr 🛏 Varkala
Varkala cliff and beach creditSunset from the cliff credit
The plan
9:00 AMBreakfast on board, houseboat checkout.
12:30 PMReach Varkala, check in, lunch.
3:30 PMWalk the North Cliff path: cafes, shops, sea views.
4:30 PMPapanasam beach and the old Janardhana Swamy Temple.
6:00 PMSunset from the cliff top.
Do, don’t and food
✅ Do
Swim only between the lifeguard flags.
Use the stairs to go down to the beach, not the sandy slopes.
Dress modestly near the temple end of the beach.
⛔ Don't
Don't swim when red flags are up. Currents here are strong.
Don't walk near the cliff edge after dark, much of it has no railing.
Don't assume cliff cafes are pure veg. Most share one kitchen.
Pure veg today
Ask clearly for 'pure veg, no egg'. Many cafes have big veg menus.
🛏 Where to stay, 5 to 3 star
Gateway Varkala (Taj)
4 star, top end₹8,000 to 11,500
Pool, Ayurveda centre
Villa Luca by Elixir Cliff
4 star₹6,500 to 7,000
Near the cliff
Hindustan Beach Retreat
4 star₹4,000 to 6,500
On Papanasam beach
Clafouti Beach Resort
3 star₹3,000 to 4,000
North Cliff, sea facing
Varkala has no true 5 star. Gateway Varkala (Taj group) is the top choice. Cliff stays are best for views.
7
Fri 4 Dec | Trivandrum
Temple, then home
🚗 Varkala to Trivandrum, about 1.5 hr 🛏 Fly home
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple creditLast look at Papanasam beach credit
The plan
7:00 AMQuiet morning at the beach, breakfast, pack.
9:00 AMCheck out and drive to Trivandrum.
10:30 AMSree Padmanabhaswamy Temple darshan before the noon closing.
12:30 PMLunch in Trivandrum.
AfternoonRest or shop at Chalai market, then head to the airport for the evening flight.
Do, don’t and food
✅ Do
Follow the temple dress code. Men: dhoti (mundu), no shirt. Women: saree or a long skirt with a blouse. Dhotis can be rented at the gate.
Leave phones and cameras at the cloak room.
Keep 2 hours for the temple, queues vary.
⛔ Don't
Don't arrive after about 11:30 AM. The temple closes around noon and reopens in the evening.
Don't carry bags or electronics inside.
Don't cut the airport too fine. Allow 45 min from the city.
Pure veg today
Trivandrum has many pure veg restaurants. Ariya Nivaas near Thampanoor is a well known choice for a meals plate.
✈️ Flight home from Trivandrum airport tonight.
Getting around: travel options
The route is about 700 to 750 km over 7 days. Prices are for the whole trip with an AC vehicle, fuel, tolls and driver allowance, from recent Kerala taxi rate cards. Confirm parking and extra km rates before you book.
Car with driver, sedan
Up to 3 people₹15,500 to 17,000
Best for a couple or 3. Driver handles the hairpins.
Car with driver, Innova
4 to 6 people₹21,000 to 25,000
Most popular for families. More luggage space.
Tempo Traveller, 12 seat
7 to 12 people₹29,000 to 34,000
For a big group, one vehicle for everyone.
Car + train mix
AnyCar ₹11,000 to 13,000, train ₹200 to 600 per person
Car for hills (Day 1 to 5), train along the coast to Varkala and Trivandrum.
KSRTC bus + train
AnyUnder ₹2,000 per person
Cheapest, but slow, crowded and hard with luggage.
Self drive
Any₹2,500 to 4,000 per day + fuel
Not advised. Ghat roads, buses and night driving are tiring.
Our pick: a car with driver for the full loop. Hill roads to Munnar and Thekkady have no trains, and a driver saves you the hairpin bends.
