Covering Munnar, Alleppey/Kumarakom, Varkala/Kovalam & Trivandrum
If you are looking for a Kerala holiday that combines misty hill stations, tea plantations, peaceful backwaters, a traditional houseboat experience, beautiful beaches and the cultural attractions of Trivandrum, this 5 nights 6 days Kerala tour covering Munnar, Alleppey/Kumarakom Houseboat stay or Hotel stay, 2 nights in Varkala/Kovalam with Trivandrum sightseeing is an excellent choice.
This itinerary is designed for travellers who want to experience the best of Kerala without making the trip too rushed. You get 2 nights in Munnar, 1 night around Alleppey or Kumarakom, followed by 2 nights in Varkala or Kovalam, with a dedicated Trivandrum sightseeing experience.
Kerala Tourism describes the state as a destination where hill stations, backwaters, beaches and wildlife can be combined within relatively short road journeys. That makes this combination particularly convenient for a first Kerala holiday.
Quick Overview of the 5 Nights 6 Days Kerala Tour
| Day | Destination | Overnight Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Kochi → Munnar | Munnar |
| Day 2 | Munnar sightseeing | Munnar |
| Day 3 | Munnar → Alleppey/Kumarakom | Houseboat or Hotel |
| Day 4 | Alleppey/Kumarakom → Varkala/Kovalam | Varkala/Kovalam |
| Day 5 | Trivandrum sightseeing + beach | Varkala/Kovalam |
| Day 6 | Departure from Trivandrum | — |
Recommended duration
5 Nights / 6 Days
Best starting point
Kochi Airport / Kochi Railway Station
Best ending point
Trivandrum Airport / Trivandrum Railway Station
Ideal for
- Couples
- Honeymooners
- Families
- Senior citizens
- Friends
- First-time Kerala visitors
- International tourists
Why This 5 Nights 6 Days Kerala Tour Is Special
Many Kerala itineraries try to include too many destinations in six days. The result is often several hours of driving every day and very little time to actually enjoy the destination.
This itinerary follows a more relaxed route:
Kochi → Munnar → Alleppey/Kumarakom → Varkala/Kovalam → Trivandrum
You experience three completely different sides of Kerala:
Munnar – The Hills
Munnar introduces you to tea plantations, misty mountains, waterfalls, viewpoints and cool weather.
Alleppey/Kumarakom – The Backwaters
The middle part of the trip takes you into Kerala’s famous backwater landscape, with coconut palms, paddy fields, canals and traditional houseboats.
Varkala/Kovalam – The Coast
The final two nights are dedicated to beaches, sunsets, seafood, relaxation and the cultural attractions of southern Kerala.
This combination is one reason Kerala works particularly well for a six-day holiday.
Detailed 5 Nights 6 Days Kerala Tour Itinerary
Day 1 – Kochi to Munnar: Enter the Hills
Your Kerala holiday begins at Cochin International Airport or Ernakulam Railway Station.
Meet your private driver and start the scenic journey towards Munnar.
The road gradually changes from Kerala’s lowlands to the Western Ghats. Along the way, you can see rubber plantations, spice gardens, streams, forests and mountain scenery.
En-route attractions
Depending on arrival time and road conditions, the itinerary can include:
- Cheeyappara Waterfalls
- Valara Waterfalls
- Spice plantations
- Karadippara viewpoints
- Local tea and spice shops
The waterfalls are particularly attractive during and shortly after the monsoon, although access and viewing conditions can vary with weather.
Arrival in Munnar
Continue to your hotel or resort and complete check-in.
The evening is intentionally kept relaxed.
You can:
- Walk around the property
- Enjoy tea or coffee
- Relax at the resort
- Visit Munnar town if time permits
- Enjoy a romantic dinner
- Take photographs of the surrounding hills
Overnight
Munnar – Night 1
Day 2 – Full-Day Munnar Sightseeing
Wake up to cool mountain air and enjoy breakfast before starting your Munnar sightseeing.
Munnar is famous for its tea plantations and mountain scenery, while attractions such as Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty and Kundala add wildlife and nature experiences to the trip.
Eravikulam National Park
One of the major attractions around Munnar is Eravikulam National Park.
The park is famous for the Nilgiri tahr, an endangered mountain ungulate found in the Western Ghats.
Park operations and access can vary seasonally, so your itinerary should always be checked against the current official opening status.
Tea Gardens
No Munnar trip is complete without spending time among the rolling tea plantations.
Stop at a suitable viewpoint for photographs and enjoy the changing shades of green across the hills.
Mattupetty Dam
Mattupetty Dam is surrounded by mountains and forests and is one of the popular sightseeing stops around Munnar.
Optional boating can be considered depending on operating conditions.
Echo Point
Echo Point is a popular stop where visitors can enjoy the lake, mountains and surrounding forests.
Kundala Lake
Kundala Lake is another scenic stop where boating can be included if available.
Tea Museum
If you are interested in the history of tea production, add the tea museum experience to your itinerary.
Evening
Return to your Munnar hotel.
The evening can be spent relaxing at the resort rather than adding another long sightseeing schedule.
Overnight
Munnar – Night 2
Day 3 – Munnar to Alleppey/Kumarakom: From Mountains to Backwaters
After breakfast, check out from your Munnar hotel.
Today the scenery changes dramatically.
The mountain roads gradually give way to Kerala’s green lowlands and eventually the famous backwaters.
Your destination can be:
Option 1 – Alleppey Houseboat Stay
Board a traditional Kerala houseboat and spend the night cruising through the backwaters.
Option 2 – Alleppey Hotel/Resort Stay
Instead of an overnight houseboat, stay at a backwater resort or hotel and enjoy a shorter cruise or shikara ride.
Option 3 – Kumarakom Resort Stay
For travellers who prefer a quieter and more premium backwater experience, Kumarakom is an excellent alternative.
Kerala Tourism specifically highlights houseboats and backwaters among the state’s signature tourism experiences.
Alleppey Houseboat Experience
For first-time visitors, an overnight houseboat is one of the most memorable experiences in Kerala.
After boarding, the boat slowly moves through the backwaters.
You will see:
- Coconut palms
- Paddy fields
- Small villages
- Fishing boats
- Canoes
- Churches and temples
- Local homes
- Birds
- Narrow canals
- Vembanad Lake landscapes
A traditional Kerala lunch can be served onboard, followed by tea and snacks.
As evening approaches, the boat usually settles at a permitted location for the night.
Houseboat stay usually includes
Depending on the boat and package:
- Welcome drink
- Lunch
- Evening tea/snacks
- Dinner
- Breakfast
- Private bedroom
- Attached bathroom
- Backwater cruise
- Crew service
Air-conditioning schedules vary by boat and category, so confirm this before booking.
Overnight
Alleppey Houseboat – Night 3
Hotel Stay Alternative in Alleppey/Kumarakom
Not everyone enjoys sleeping on a boat.
A hotel or resort stay can be a better option for:
- Senior citizens
- Families with young children
- Travellers who prefer larger rooms
- Guests who want a swimming pool
- Travellers looking for a more luxurious experience
The houseboat experience can then be replaced with a daytime shikara or country-boat cruise.
Kumarakom is another excellent choice if you prefer a resort overlooking the backwaters.
For example, KTDC’s Water Scapes, Kumarakom is an official Kerala Tourism Development Corporation property located on the Vembanad Lake backwater landscape.
Day 4 – Alleppey/Kumarakom to Varkala or Kovalam
After breakfast, check out and continue towards the southern coast.
You have two excellent choices for the final two nights.
Option A – Varkala
Choose Varkala if you want:
- Dramatic coastal cliffs
- Beautiful sunsets
- A relaxed beach atmosphere
- Cafés and restaurants
- Ayurveda
- Yoga
- Shopping
- A more bohemian beach experience
Varkala is particularly attractive for couples and younger travellers.
Option B – Kovalam
Choose Kovalam if you prefer:
- A classic beach-resort holiday
- Easier access to Trivandrum
- Lighthouse Beach
- Hawa Beach
- Samudra Beach
- Ayurveda resorts
- Premium beachfront hotels
Kovalam is one of Kerala’s internationally recognised beach destinations, with three adjoining crescent-shaped beaches and a wide range of accommodation and leisure activities.
Day 4 – Varkala Sightseeing
If you choose Varkala, spend the afternoon exploring:
Varkala Cliff
Walk along the famous cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea.
The cliff area is filled with:
- Restaurants
- Cafés
- Shops
- Ayurveda centres
- Handicraft stores
Varkala Beach
Spend the evening at the beach and enjoy the sunset.
Janardana Swamy Temple
This historic temple is located close to the beach and is an important religious attraction.
Sivagiri Mutt
If you have sufficient time, Sivagiri can be included for travellers interested in spirituality and Kerala’s social reform history.
Evening
Return to your Varkala hotel.
Enjoy dinner at a cliffside restaurant or relax at the resort.
Overnight
Varkala – Night 4
Day 4 – Kovalam Sightseeing
If Kovalam is selected instead, spend the afternoon exploring:
Lighthouse Beach
The most recognisable beach area in Kovalam.
Hawa Beach
A popular beach area surrounded by restaurants and shops.
Samudra Beach
A quieter option for travellers looking for a relaxed evening.
Kovalam also offers Ayurveda, yoga, swimming, catamaran experiences and beachside dining.
Overnight
Kovalam – Night 4
Day 5 – Trivandrum Sightseeing & Beach
Day 5 combines the culture and history of Kerala’s capital with another relaxed evening at the beach.
After breakfast, proceed towards Thiruvananthapuram.
Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple
The Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of the most important landmarks in Trivandrum.
Dress regulations and entry requirements apply, so travellers should check the latest temple rules before visiting.
Photography restrictions also apply within the temple premises.
Kuthira Malika Palace
This historic palace near the temple is known for its traditional Kerala architecture and royal heritage.
Napier Museum
A good option for travellers interested in Kerala’s art, history and cultural heritage.
Sree Chitra Art Gallery
Art lovers can include the gallery in the itinerary if opening hours fit the schedule.
Local Shopping
Depending on time, you can shop for:
- Kerala handicrafts
- Spices
- Sarees
- Traditional souvenirs
- Banana chips
- Local snacks
The official Thiruvananthapuram district tourism information lists Kovalam and several cultural attractions in the capital district as major visitor experiences.
Evening
Return to Varkala or Kovalam.
Spend your final evening relaxing at the beach.
Overnight
Varkala/Kovalam – Night 5
Day 6 – Varkala/Kovalam to Trivandrum & Departure
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Depending on your flight or train timing, you can have some free time for:
- Beach walk
- Shopping
- Breakfast at a beach café
- Relaxing at the resort
Later, proceed to:
Trivandrum International Airport / Trivandrum Railway Station
Your 5-night Kerala holiday ends with memories of mountains, backwaters and beaches.
Where to Stay During This Kerala Tour
Choosing the right hotel location can make a significant difference to the experience.
Where to Stay in Munnar
For a convenient stay, consider:
- Munnar town
- Chithirapuram
- Pallivasal
- Attukad
- Pothamedu
For travellers who want mountain views and a resort atmosphere, Pallivasal and Chithirapuram can be excellent choices.
Some examples available in current local listings include Tea County Munnar, Blanket Hotel & Spa and Parakkat Nature Hotel & Resorts.
KTDC also operates Tea County in Munnar as one of its official destination properties.
Where to Stay in Alleppey
For a houseboat experience, choose a boat operating from established boarding points such as Punnamada or the Finishing Point area.
Current local listings include Waves and Dales Alleppey Houseboats and Alleppey Houseboats.
For a hotel or resort stay, choose a property near the backwaters rather than deep inside the town if your priority is scenery and relaxation.
Where to Stay in Varkala
For the classic Varkala experience, stay around:
- North Cliff
- South Cliff
- Odayam
- Varkala Beach
Current accommodation options include Clafouti Beach Resort, Skylar Seaview Resort and Bluewater Beach Resort.
Where to Stay in Kovalam
For easy beach access, choose accommodation around:
- Lighthouse Beach
- Hawa Beach
- Samudra Beach
- Chowara
Examples include Swagath Holiday Resorts and Manaltheeram Ayurveda Beach Village.
KTDC also operates Samudra Beach Resort in Kovalam.
Suggested Hotel Categories
| Destination | Budget | Premium | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Munnar | 3-star hotel/homestay | 4-star resort | Luxury mountain resort |
| Alleppey | Budget hotel | Premium houseboat | Luxury houseboat/resort |
| Varkala | Beach hotel | Cliff/beach resort | Premium sea-view resort |
| Kovalam | 3-star hotel | Beach resort | Luxury beachfront resort |
Hotel names can be changed according to your budget, room availability and travel dates.
Approximate Budget for 5 Nights 6 Days Kerala Tour
Kerala package prices vary significantly depending on season, vehicle type, hotel category, houseboat category, number of travellers and room configuration.
For a couple travelling in a private AC vehicle, a practical planning range is:
Budget Category
₹40,000 – ₹50,000 approximately
Usually suitable for:
- 3-star hotels
- Breakfast at hotels
- Budget/premium houseboat or backwater hotel
- Private AC cab
- Standard sightseeing
- 2 nights Munnar
- 1 night Alleppey/Kumarakom
- 2 nights Varkala/Kovalam
Premium Category
₹55,000 – ₹75,000 approximately
Usually includes:
- Better 4-star hotels/resorts
- Premium houseboat
- Better vehicle
- Breakfast
- More scenic properties
- Improved room categories
Luxury Category
₹80,000 – ₹1,20,000+ approximately
Depending on the selected resorts and houseboat, this can include:
- Luxury resorts
- Premium/luxury houseboat
- Larger vehicle
- Premium room categories
- Resort experiences
- Private transfers
These figures should be treated as planning ranges, not fixed package prices. Hotel and houseboat rates can change substantially during Christmas, New Year, school holidays, long weekends and peak travel periods.
What Is Usually Included in the Package?
A typical MyHappyJourney package can be customised to include:
Accommodation
- 2 nights Munnar
- 1 night Alleppey/Kumarakom
- 2 nights Varkala/Kovalam
Transportation
- Private AC vehicle
- Airport/railway pickup
- All sightseeing transfers
- Inter-city transfers
- Airport/railway drop
Meals
- Daily breakfast at hotels
- Houseboat lunch and dinner if an overnight houseboat is selected
Sightseeing
- Munnar sightseeing
- Alleppey/Kumarakom backwater experience
- Varkala or Kovalam sightseeing
- Trivandrum sightseeing
Optional activities
- Boating
- Houseboat cruise
- Ayurveda
- Adventure activities
- Cultural shows
- Additional sightseeing
Entry tickets and activities can either be included in the quotation or paid directly, depending on the selected package.
Houseboat Stay or Hotel Stay – Which Is Better?
This is one of the most common questions when planning this itinerary.
Choose a Houseboat If You Want
- A quintessential Kerala experience
- Backwater views
- Traditional food
- A romantic experience
- A memorable overnight stay
- Something different from a normal hotel
Choose a Hotel/Resort If You Want
- Better facilities
- Swimming pool
- Larger room
- Easier accessibility
- More comfortable sleeping arrangements
- Better choice for some senior travellers
Our recommendation
For a first-time Kerala visitor, choose the overnight houseboat.
For a family with elderly travellers or guests who prefer resort facilities, choose a backwater hotel/resort plus a daytime cruise.
Varkala or Kovalam – Which Should You Choose?
Both are excellent, but they provide different experiences.
| Varkala | Kovalam |
|---|---|
| Cliff views | Classic beach resort |
| Sunset experience | Lighthouse Beach |
| Cafés | Beach restaurants |
| Yoga & Ayurveda | Ayurveda & wellness |
| Relaxed atmosphere | More established resort infrastructure |
| Great for couples | Great for families and couples |
| Bohemian vibe | Traditional beach holiday |
| More dramatic coastline | Easier access to Trivandrum |
Choose Varkala if:
You want a relaxed beach holiday with cafés, cliffs and sunset views.
Choose Kovalam if:
You want to combine beach time with easy Trivandrum sightseeing and resort facilities.
Best Time for This Kerala Tour
Kerala can be visited throughout much of the year, but the experience changes with the seasons.
October to February
One of the most comfortable periods for this itinerary.
Expect:
- Pleasant Munnar weather
- Comfortable sightseeing
- Good beach conditions
- Enjoyable backwater cruising
March to May
Munnar can provide relief from the heat, while the coastal areas are warmer.
This can still be a good period for a holiday if you plan sightseeing around mornings and evenings.
June to September
The monsoon transforms Kerala into a lush green landscape.
This is an excellent choice for travellers who love rain and greenery, but heavy rainfall can occasionally affect outdoor activities, road journeys and waterfall access.
Kerala Tourism notes that the state has a moderate climate through much of the year, although seasonal conditions naturally vary across the hills, backwaters and coast.
Top Attractions Covered in This Kerala Package
Munnar
- Tea plantations
- Eravikulam National Park
- Mattupetty Dam
- Echo Point
- Kundala Lake
- Tea Museum
- Pothamedu View Point
- Waterfalls
Alleppey/Kumarakom
- Kerala backwaters
- Houseboat cruise
- Vembanad Lake
- Paddy fields
- Village life
- Coconut plantations
- Birdwatching opportunities
Varkala
- Varkala Cliff
- Varkala Beach
- Janardana Swamy Temple
- Sivagiri
- Sunset views
- Ayurveda
- Cliffside cafés
Kovalam
- Lighthouse Beach
- Hawa Beach
- Samudra Beach
- Ayurveda
- Yoga
- Beach activities
- Seafood restaurants
Trivandrum
- Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple
- Kuthira Malika
- Napier Museum
- Sree Chitra Art Gallery
- Local markets
- Traditional Kerala architecture
Why Book Your Kerala Tour with MyHappyJourney?
Planning Kerala independently can look simple until you start coordinating hotels, transfers, sightseeing, houseboats and local travel.
This is where a local Kerala tour specialist can make the experience easier.
1. One Complete Itinerary
Instead of booking every hotel and transfer separately, your entire Kerala holiday can be coordinated through one travel team.
2. Customised Hotel Selection
You can choose:
- Budget
- Deluxe
- Premium
- Luxury
We can also recommend properties based on whether you are travelling as a couple, family, honeymooners or senior citizens.
3. Houseboat Options
Not every houseboat offers the same experience.
The boat category, route, food, room size, AC operation and service can make a significant difference.
We can help you select the option that matches your budget.
4. Private Transportation
A private AC vehicle allows you to travel at your own pace instead of following a fixed group schedule.
5. Local Knowledge
A local travel company understands that Kerala is more than a list of tourist attractions.
We can help with:
- Route planning
- Hotel locations
- Sightseeing sequence
- Restaurant suggestions
- Houseboat selection
- Seasonal considerations
- Family-friendly options
6. Flexible Varkala or Kovalam Choice
You don’t have to follow a rigid package.
Choose Varkala for its cliffs and relaxed beach atmosphere or Kovalam for its established beach-resort environment and convenient access to Trivandrum.
7. Support During the Journey
A good holiday is not just about booking tickets.
Having a travel team available when something changes can make the trip much easier.
Who Should Choose This 5 Nights 6 Days Kerala Package?
This itinerary works particularly well for:
Couples
The combination of Munnar’s mountains, an overnight houseboat and two beach nights creates a romantic Kerala holiday.
Honeymooners
Upgrade the hotels and houseboat to premium categories for a more luxurious honeymoon.
Families
The route offers a good mixture of nature, sightseeing and relaxation without adding too many destinations.
Senior Citizens
The itinerary can be customised with fewer walking-intensive attractions and more comfortable hotels.
First-Time Kerala Visitors
If this is your first Kerala trip, this route gives you a taste of the state’s most distinctive landscapes.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 5 Nights 6 Days Kerala Tour
Is 5 nights 6 days enough for Kerala?
Yes. It is enough for a well-planned introduction to Kerala. You cannot see the entire state in six days, but Munnar, backwaters, beaches and Trivandrum provide an excellent combination.
Is this itinerary suitable for a honeymoon?
Yes. Munnar, a private houseboat and two beach nights make this a very good honeymoon route.
Should we choose Alleppey or Kumarakom?
Choose Alleppey if the main attraction is the houseboat cruise.
Choose Kumarakom if you prefer a peaceful resort experience around Vembanad Lake.
Is an overnight houseboat worth it?
For first-time visitors, yes. It is one of Kerala’s most distinctive travel experiences.
Can we replace the houseboat with a hotel?
Yes. A backwater resort or hotel can replace the houseboat, with a daytime cruise added separately.
Is Varkala better than Kovalam?
Neither is universally better.
Varkala is better for cliffs, sunsets, cafés and a relaxed atmosphere.
Kovalam is better for classic beach-resort holidays and convenient access to Trivandrum.
Can we stay two nights in Varkala?
Yes.
The itinerary works perfectly with:
2N Munnar + 1N Alleppey/Kumarakom + 2N Varkala.
Can we stay two nights in Kovalam?
Yes.
The alternative is:
2N Munnar + 1N Alleppey/Kumarakom + 2N Kovalam.
Can Trivandrum sightseeing be included?
Yes. Day 5 is designed specifically for Trivandrum sightseeing.
Which airport should we use?
For this particular route, arriving at Kochi and departing from Trivandrum is generally the most logical arrangement.
This avoids unnecessary backtracking.
Can we start and end in Kochi?
Yes, but the route becomes longer because you have to travel back north after visiting southern Kerala.
Can we start from Trivandrum?
Yes. The itinerary can be reversed or redesigned according to flight schedules.
Is a private car included?
A typical customised MyHappyJourney package can include a private AC vehicle, but the final quotation depends on vehicle type, number of passengers and itinerary.
Which vehicle is suitable for a couple?
A sedan such as a Dzire/Etios-class vehicle is usually sufficient for two passengers with moderate luggage.
Which vehicle is better for a family?
For four or more passengers with luggage, an SUV or larger vehicle may be more comfortable.
Does the houseboat include meals?
Overnight houseboats commonly offer meals onboard, but the exact meal plan depends on the boat and package selected.
Confirm whether lunch, dinner and breakfast are included before booking.
Is Kerala suitable for children?
Yes. Kerala has plenty of family-friendly experiences. However, the itinerary should be adjusted according to the children’s age.
Is Kerala safe for couples?
Kerala is a popular destination for couples and honeymooners. As with any destination, travellers should follow normal safety precautions.
How much does this Kerala package cost?
For two adults, a practical planning range is approximately ₹40,000–₹75,000 for budget to premium arrangements, while luxury packages can go above ₹80,000 depending on hotels, houseboat category, vehicle and travel season.
Does the package include entry tickets?
This depends on the quotation. Entry tickets can be included or excluded and clearly mentioned in the final package proposal.
Can we add Kanyakumari?
Yes, but adding Kanyakumari will make the itinerary more demanding. If you want Kanyakumari, the route should be redesigned rather than simply adding it to an already full day.
Can we add Thekkady?
Yes, but doing so would require reducing time elsewhere. A better alternative is a 6N/7D itinerary if you want Munnar + Thekkady + Alleppey + Varkala/Kovalam.
Can we add a wildlife safari?
Yes, but it is better to add wildlife destinations such as Thekkady when there is an additional night available.
What should we pack for Kerala?
Pack:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Cotton clothes
- Light jacket for Munnar
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Umbrella/raincoat
- Personal medicines
- Swimwear
- Camera
- Comfortable footwear
Is this Kerala tour good for senior citizens?
Yes, with some modifications. We recommend comfortable hotels, shorter sightseeing days and avoiding unnecessary trekking or long walking routes.
Final Thoughts
A good Kerala holiday does not need to involve ten destinations.
Sometimes the best trip is one where you have enough time to actually enjoy each place.
This 5 nights 6 days Kerala tour covering Munnar, Alleppey/Kumarakom, Varkala or Kovalam and Trivandrum brings together the landscapes that make Kerala special.
Start among the tea-covered mountains of Munnar.
Then slow down on the peaceful backwaters of Alleppey or Kumarakom.
Finally, spend two relaxing nights beside the Arabian Sea in Varkala or Kovalam, while exploring the cultural treasures of Trivandrum.
For first-time visitors, couples and families, this is a balanced Kerala itinerary that combines nature, culture, relaxation, sightseeing and authentic Kerala experiences without trying to squeeze the entire state into six days.
If you are planning your Kerala holiday, MyHappyJourney can customise this 5N/6D itinerary according to your hotel category, number of travellers, houseboat preference, vehicle and budget.