Kerala is a whole Indian state, so this route focuses on a satisfying mix of Kochi, the backwaters, and the hill country around . You’ll move at a comfortable pace, with nearby stops grouped together and travel times noted between them.
Budget
About ₹18,000–₹45,000 per person for local transport, attractions, and meals over 7 days, excluding accommodation and long-distance travel to Kerala. A private Alleppey–Munnar transfer and private boat hire can raise the total.
Best time to visit
October to March is generally pleasant for this route. The monsoon months, roughly June to September, bring lush scenery but can mean heavy rain and disrupted hill travel.
Fort Kochi and Mattancherry
Settle into historic Fort Kochi, then explore nearby Mattancherry for a gentle introduction to Kerala’s coastal culture.
Morning
Walk the Fort Kochi waterfront
Start at the and stroll along the waterfront to St. Francis Church; the walk between them takes about 10 minutes.
FreeMorning
Visit St. Francis Church
Explore one of India’s oldest European churches, about a 10-minute walk from the fishing nets.
FreeAfternoon
Explore
Take an auto-rickshaw from St. Francis Church to the palace in about 15–20 minutes, depending on traffic.
About ₹5Afternoon
Wander
Browse the antiques and spice shops around ; it is about a 5-minute walk from .
FreeEvening
Watch sunset at
Return to the waterfront by auto-rickshaw in roughly 15–20 minutes from , then enjoy the sunset and street snacks.
Free
Fort Kochi’s art and cafés
Keep the day within Fort Kochi, balancing its creative heritage with a relaxed evening by the sea.
Morning
See the Basilica of Santa Cruz
Visit the church and its colourful interiors; it is about a 10-minute walk from the Fort Kochi waterfront.
FreeMorning
Browse the
Walk about 10 minutes from the basilica to learn about Kathakali and check performance schedules.
About ₹100–₹500Afternoon
Explore the
Take an auto-rickshaw for about 10 minutes from the Kathakali Centre to this compact museum.
About ₹20–₹50Afternoon
Take a relaxed café break
Return to the central Fort Kochi lanes in about 10 minutes by auto-rickshaw and pause for Kerala food or coffee.
About ₹300–₹800Evening
Enjoy a Kathakali performance
Walk about 10 minutes from to the ; arrive early if you want to see the makeup demonstration.
About ₹300–₹800
Kochi to Alleppey
Travel south to Alleppey and spend the afternoon getting acquainted with the backwaters and beach.
Morning
Travel from Kochi to Alleppey
Take a train or private car from Ernakulam or Fort Kochi to Alappuzha; allow about 1.5–2.5 hours, depending on your starting point and transport.
About ₹50–₹1,500Afternoon
Take a backwater cruise
Reach the Alappuzha boat jetties by auto-rickshaw in about 10–15 minutes from the station; choose a shorter shared cruise or a longer private boat.
About ₹500–₹5,000Evening
Watch the sunset on Alleppey Beach
Take an auto-rickshaw for about 15 minutes from the boat jetty to the beach and walk along the shore.
Free
Alleppey backwaters
Slow down for a full day around the canals and villages that make the Alleppey backwaters special.
Morning
Cruise the canals
Join a morning boat trip from Alappuzha; local transfers to the departure point generally take 10–20 minutes from central town.
About ₹500–₹5,000Afternoon
Visit
If your boat operator includes it, continue by boat to this small lake island; travel time varies, often around 30–60 minutes from the main backwater routes.
About Included in boat fare or ₹500–₹2,000Evening
Relax at
Take a taxi from central Alleppey in about 30–40 minutes to enjoy a quieter coastal evening; arrange your return ride in advance.
Free
Alleppey to Munnar
Make the scenic inland journey to , with the rest of the day kept light after the drive.
Morning
Drive from Alleppey to
Arrange a taxi or driver for the hill journey; allow about 4–5 hours, including traffic and photo stops.
About ₹500–₹1,000 by bus or ₹4,000–₹7,000 by private carAfternoon
Visit the Tea Museum
Take a taxi from central in about 10 minutes to learn about the region’s tea-making history.
About ₹125–₹200Evening
Stroll through town
Return to the town centre in about 10 minutes by taxi and browse the market before dinner.
Free
Munnar tea country
Explore the tea-covered hills and viewpoints east of , keeping the day to one scenic driving loop.
Morning
Walk around
Drive from town in about 30 minutes; enjoy the reservoir and surrounding hills.
About ₹10–₹50Afternoon
Visit Echo Point
Continue about 15 minutes by car from for lakeside views and the familiar echo effect.
About ₹30–₹50Afternoon
Stop at
Drive roughly 20 minutes from Echo Point to enjoy a quieter stretch of water and tea-country scenery.
FreeEvening
Return to for dinner
The drive back to town takes about 45–60 minutes from Kundala, depending on road conditions.
About ₹300–₹800
Munnar’s highlands
Finish with mountain scenery and a relaxed tea-country outing near .
Morning
Explore
Drive about 20–30 minutes from town to the park entrance; shuttle arrangements and access can change, so check current opening details.
About ₹200–₹500Afternoon
Visit the
Take a taxi for about 30–40 minutes from the park area to this tea estate museum; confirm opening hours before setting out.
About ₹100–₹300Evening
Enjoy a final tea-country sunset
Return toward town by taxi in about 30–40 minutes, stopping at a safe roadside viewpoint if conditions allow.
Free
Good to know
Getting around
Book the Alleppey– transfer ahead of time and allow extra time for winding hill roads. Within Kochi and Alleppey, auto-rickshaws are handy for short hops.
Backwater boats
Compare boat duration, route, and inclusions before booking. Shared cruises are more economical; overnight houseboats cost considerably more.
Munnar access
Check current timings, entry rules, and weather for and tea museums before visiting. Park access may be restricted at certain times of year.
Comfort
Carry sun protection and water for the coast, plus a light layer for cool evenings. Modest clothing is appreciated at churches and other religious sites.