5 Days in Kerala – Tea Hills, Backwaters, Village Life & Marari Beach

Description

Explore Kerala's diverse beauty in 5 days. Go from Kochi to Munnar's tea hills, cruise Alleppey's backwaters, see Kumbalangy village, and relax on Marari Beach. This trip combines nature, village life, and traditions. It's ideal for first-time visitors wanting a relaxing and authentic Kerala experience.

Duration

5 Days, 4 Nights

Language

English

HIGHLIGHTS

Explore Munnar’s tea estates, viewpoints, and factory visit with tea tasting
Stay on a private Alleppey houseboat with full-board meals
Relax at Marari Beach in an eco-stay or boutique resort
Walk through Fort Kochi’s colonial lanes and heritage sites
Visit Kumbalangy village for a hands-on coir weaving & crab farm demo
Spot wildlife at scenic viewpoints and spice-scented hill roads
Ideal mix of nature, culture, beach, and backwaters in 5 days

Travel Itinerary

Arrive in Kochi and transfer to your heritage hotel in Fort Kochi. Discover the town’s colonial past by visiting the Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church, Dutch Palace, and Jewish Synagogue. Stroll past colorful lanes filled with spice markets and art cafés.
In the evening, you may watch a Kathakali performance or enjoy seafood at a local restaurant. Fort Kochi is the perfect introduction to Kerala’s culture and coastal charm. Overnight stay in Fort Kochi.

Drive up to Munnar (4.5 hours), a green highland region in Kerala. On the way, you'll see waterfalls and spice plantations. Check into your resort, then explore the tea gardens and Eravikulam National Park (if it's open).
Watch the sunset from Pothamedu Viewpoint. Later, you'll get a guided tour of a tea factory and taste local teas. The cool climate and green valleys offer a refreshing break. Overnight stay in Munnar.

After breakfast, drive to Alleppey (5 hours) and board your private, traditional Kerala houseboat. Cruise through the quiet canals lined with coconut trees, paddy fields, and village life. Enjoy freshly cooked onboard meals prepared with local spices.
This floating experience offers a slow, peaceful glimpse into Kerala’s unique backwater life. Watch the sun set over the water and sleep under the stars in a comfortable ensuite cabin. Overnight stay on the houseboat.

After breakfast, you'll drive to Kumbalangy, a special eco-tourism village near Kochi.
Learn local coir weaving and see a sustainable crab farm, which is great for photos. Next, drive 45 minutes to Marari Beach and check into your beachside resort or homestay. In the afternoon, you can relax by the sea, get an Ayurvedic massage, or bike through fishing villages.

After a relaxed morning by the beach, drive back to Kochi (1.5 hours) for your departure.
If time permits, stop at Lulu Mall or explore Jew Town for souvenirs and antiques. Your 5-day journey through Kerala’s hills, waters, and coast comes to an end with lasting impressions of tea, temples, nature, and tranquility.

INCLUDED

4 nights accommodation (heritage, hill resort, houseboat, and beach stay)
Breakfast daily + all meals on deluxe houseboat on fixed menu basis
Private AC vehicle with English speaking driver for all transfers and sightseeing
Guided spice plantation visit in Munnar
Tea factory tour & tasting
Alleppey private houseboat cruise
Kumbalangy village activities (weaving + crab farm demo)
All taxes and tolls

EXCLUDED

Airfare or train tickets
Entry fees to monuments or national parks
Extra meals, snacks, or drinks
Personal expenses, tips, and insurance
Optional Ayurvedic massage or activities at Marari

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it's a perfect 5-day tour for couples, families, and solo travelers who want to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Absolutely. Tell us what you like, and we can add cultural shows, village walks, cooking classes, or massages to your trip.

Yes, your houseboat is private with its own bathroom and staff to cook fresh meals.

October to March is the best time, with comfortable weather for all activities.

Marari is about 1.5 hours from Kochi Airport, making it a convenient and scenic last stop.

Pack light, breathable clothing for the warm weather in Alleppey and Marari. For Munnar, a light jacket or sweater is recommended as it can get cool. Comfortable walking shoes are a must.

Breakfast is included daily at all hotels. On your private houseboat, all meals (lunch, dinner, and breakfast) are freshly prepared and included. Other meals are not included, giving you a chance to explore local food.

Wi-Fi is generally available at your hotel in Kochi, Munnar, and Marari. On the private houseboat in Alleppey, connectivity may be limited or unavailable, allowing for a true digital detox.

This tour is a relaxed pace. It involves light walking during the Fort Kochi and Munnar explorations. The houseboat and beach time are very easy-going and require little physical effort.