Kerala Backpacking Trip 7N/8D - Munnar Thekkady Alleppey Varkala
CochinKerala8 days
The trip at a glance
About this trip
Explore Kerala from Cochin to Varkala — Hills, Backwaters & Coastal Escapes When people dream of South India, they imagine rolling tea gardens, peaceful backwaters, coconut-lined shores, and vibrant traditions. That dream has a name — Kerala. The real magic of Kerala begins when you move beyond the postcard views. Heritage streets open into bustling cafés, misty mountains give way to fragrant spice plantations, and tranquil backwaters lead to dramatic coastal cliffs and unforgettable sunsets. This 7 Nights 8 Days Kerala Backpacking Trip brings together some of the best experiences of God's Own Country, taking you from the heritage-rich streets of Cochin and Fort Kochi to the rolling tea estates of Munnar, the spice plantations and wildlife experiences of Thekkady, tranquil backwaters of Alleppey, and the coastal charm of Varkala. Along the way, experience Kerala through its culture, landscapes, wildlife, and local experiences. Discover Kerala's traditional arts through Kalaripayattu and Folk Fusion performances, experience the wilderness of Periyar, spend an evening on a traditional houseboat in Alleppey, kayak through the peaceful waterways of Munroe Island, and explore the coastal landscapes of Varkala. As a fixed departure, you'll travel with a group of like-minded travelers led by an experienced Trip Lead, making the journey more social and organised while you experience Kerala's hills, wildlife, backwaters, culture, and coastline. Trip Highlights: Cochin & Fort Kochi: Explore heritage streets, Chinese Fishing Nets, colonial architecture, sunset views, and vibrant cafés. Munnar: Discover misty tea estates, Cheeyappara and Valara Waterfalls, Echo Point, Mattupetty Dam, and Rajamalai. Kalaripayattu & Folk Fusion: Experience Kerala's vibrant cultural traditions through captivating live performances. Thekkady: Explore aromatic spice plantations and discover the lush landscapes of the Western Ghats. Alleppey Backwaters: Enjoy an evening motor boat ride, houseboat stay, dinner, snacks, and a musical evening. Munroe Island: Kayak through peaceful waterways surrounded by mangroves, canals, and coconut groves. Varkala: Experience North Cliff, laid-back cafés, beach time, water sports, and breathtaking Arabian Sea sunsets. Jatayu Earth's Center: Visit the iconic giant bird sculpture and admire panoramic views from its hilltop setting. By the end of this 8 day backpacking trip, you'll have experienced Kerala through its hills, wildlife, culture, backwaters, and coastline — all in one fixed-departure journey.
- Departure
- Cochin
- Destination
- Kerala
- Booking
- On JustWravel
- Organiser
- JustWravel
Your itinerary
Day 1
Cochin Arrival → Local Sightseeing: Experiences at a Glance Cochin Arrival • Chinese Fishing Nets • Fort Kochi Heritage Walk • Café Hopping Your Day Looks Like Upon your arrival at Cochin Airport at 12:00 PM, our representative will welcome you and transfer you to the hotel. Check in to your hotel. Take some time to relax before heading out to explore the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets and watch local fishermen operate these centuries-old marvels. Continue to Fort Kochi, where Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences come alive through colonial architecture, art galleries, boutique stores, and cozy cafés. Post sunset, the evening is at leisure. Explore the Fort Kochi area at your own pace, indulge in café hopping, or simply soak in its lively evening atmosphere. Overnight stay in Cochin. Wravelers' Tip Keep your evening free for Fort Kochi; the area comes alive after sunset with cafés, street scenes, and a relaxed coastal vibe. NOTE: Standard hotel check-in time is 1:00 PM. A single airport pickup will be provided at 12:00 PM, followed by a single pickup from Fort Kochi to the hotel at 10:00 PM.
Day 2
Cochin → Munnar | 140 km (4–5 hrs): Experiences at a Glance Cheeyappara Waterfalls • Valara Waterfalls • Tea Estates • Folk Fusion Cultural Show • Kalaripayattu Your Day Looks Like After breakfast, leave Cochin and begin the scenic drive towards Munnar, one of South India's most picturesque hill stations nestled in the Western Ghats. Stop at Cheeyappara Waterfalls and Valara Waterfalls, surrounded by dense tropical forests. Continue through rolling tea estates, fragrant spice plantations, mist-covered valleys, and winding mountain roads. On reaching Munnar, check into your hotel and relax amidst the refreshing mountain air. In the evening, experience Kerala's vibrant traditions with a captivating Folk Fusion Cultural Show, followed by an energetic Kalaripayattu performance. Overnight stay in Munnar. Wravelers' Tip Keep your camera handy during the drive; the changing landscapes from tropical forests to misty tea plantations are part of the Munnar experience.
Day 3
Munnar Sightseeing: Experiences at a Glance Rajamalai • Eravikulam National Park • KDHP Tea Museum • Echo Point • Mattupetty Dam Your Day Looks Like After breakfast, head out to explore some of Munnar's most scenic landscapes, starting with the Rajamalai region of Eravikulam National Park. Explore the area known for its spectacular Western Ghats views and as a habitat of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Next, visit the Tea Museum by KDHP to discover the history, heritage, and craftsmanship behind Munnar's famous tea. Continue to Echo Point, where you can experience its natural echo phenomenon while enjoying views of the surrounding hills and valleys. End your sightseeing with a visit to Mattupetty Dam, surrounded by lush tea estates, misty hills, and tranquil waters. Overnight stay in Munnar. Wravelers' Tip Carry a light jacket and comfortable shoes; Munnar's weather can shift quickly, especially around the higher viewpoints. NOTE: Entry tickets to Eravikulam National Park are not included. During February and March, the park remains closed for the Nilgiri Tahr calving season. In that case, we can cover the scenic Gap Road route up to Chinnakanal Waterfalls, including beautiful viewpoints and tea plantation landscapes.
Day 4
Munnar → Thekkady | 100 km (3–4 hrs): Experiences at a Glance • Spice Plantation • Periyar National Park Activities • Elephant Ride (optional) • Coffee Factory(optional) Your Day Looks Like Start early in the morning from Munnar and begin your scenic journey towards Thekkady, Kerala's renowned wildlife and spice destination. En route, visit a spice plantation and discover Kerala's famous cardamom, pepper, coffee, cinnamon, and clove plantations. We will reach Thekkady by early afternoon, here you can opt for activities at Periyar National Park, such as a boat safari, jungle hike, and other experiences, at your own cost and subject to availability. If you are not interested in these activities or tickets are unavailable, you can alternatively opt for an elephant ride or visit a coffee factory, also at your own cost. Later, check into the hotel and spend the evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Thekkady. Wravelers' Tip If you're planning to opt for activities at Periyar National Park, keep your afternoon flexible and check availability in advance, as slots are subject to availability. NOTE: Visit to the Spice Plantation is subject to timings. If the visit is not possible on Day 4, we will cover it on the following day. Activities at Periyar National Park, elephant rides, and coffee factory visits are at an additional cost and subject to availability.
Day 5
Thekkady → Alleppey | 150 km (4–5 hrs): Experiences at a Glance Alleppey Backwaters • Vembanad Lake • Evening Motor Boat Ride • Houseboat Stay • Musical Night Your Day Looks Like After breakfast, check out from your hotel and begin your journey towards Alleppey, famously known as the "Venice of the East." Enjoy the scenic drive as the landscapes gradually transition from the spice-scented hills of Thekkady to the lush lowlands of Kerala. On reaching Alleppey, board your traditional Kerala houseboat and settle in for a peaceful experience across the backwaters and Vembanad Lake. Explore the serene waterways through an evening motor boat ride, taking in the coconut palms, emerald paddy fields, and charming villages along the way. Enjoy evening snacks and dinner onboard while soaking in the peaceful surroundings. Wind down with a musical night at the houseboat and experience the charm of Kerala's backwaters. Overnight stay in a houseboat in Alleppey. Wravelers' Tip Keep your evening relaxed; the best part of the houseboat experience is watching Kerala's backwaters slowly change as the sun goes down. NOTE: Music at the houseboat is available only until 10:00 PM.
Day 6
Alleppey → Varkala | 150 km (4–5 hrs): Experiences at a Glance Munroe Island • Mangrove Backwaters • Kayaking • Varkala North Cliff • Café Hopping Your Day Looks Like After breakfast, check out and begin your journey towards the coastal paradise of Varkala. En route, explore Munroe Island, known for its narrow canals, coconut groves, and lush mangrove forests. Enjoy a peaceful kayaking experience through the serene waterways while taking in the region's untouched village life. Continue to Varkala and check into your hotel. Spend the evening at leisure. Head to North Cliff to explore the nightlife, browse local shops, or unwind at one of the many cliffside cafés overlooking the Arabian Sea. Overnight stay in Varkala. Wravelers' Tip Varkala's North Cliff is best enjoyed at an easy pace, so keep your evening free to café-hop, browse local shops, and take in the sea views.
Day 7
Varkala Sightseeing → Jatayu Earth's Center: Experiences at a Glance Jatayu Earth's Center • Panoramic Hilltop Views • Varkala Beach • Water Sports Your Day Looks Like After breakfast, head out to Jatayu Earth's Center, home to the world's largest bird sculpture inspired by the Ramayana. Explore the attraction and admire panoramic views from the hilltop. In the evening, head to the beach and spend some time at leisure. Relax by the Arabian Sea, enjoy the sunset, or indulge in available water sports activities. Return to the hotel and spend the night in Varkala. Wravelers' Tip Wear comfortable shoes for Jatayu Earth's Center, especially if you need to take the walking route to the hilltop. NOTE: Ropeway and entry tickets to Jatayu Earth's Center are not included. If the ropeway is not operational, the hike to Jatayu Earth's Center takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Day 8
Varkala → Thiruvananthapuram | 100 km (2 hrs): Your Day Looks Like After breakfast, check out from your hotel and begin the drive from Varkala to Thiruvananthapuram. Enjoy the final stretch of your Kerala journey as you make your way towards Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. Our representative will drop you at the airport at approximately 12:30 PM for your onward journey. It is recommended to book your return flight after 3:00 PM. Wravelers' Tip Keep some buffer after the airport drop for check-in and security, especially if you're travelling during a busy period.
Inclusions, prices and policies
Package options
Tempo Traveller, doubleOccupancy: INR 34,000 Tempo Traveller, tripleOccupancy: INR 31,500
Inclusions
Pick-up (12 PM) & Drop (12:30 PM) to the Airport (Fixed Time-One Pickup and Drop) Stays as per the itinerary Private transport (Tempo Traveller) throughout the trip Breakfast at Cochin, Munnar, Thekkady, Varkala Lunch, Evening Snacks, Dinner & Breakfast at Alleppey Houseboat. Folk Fusion Cultural Show Kalaripayattu martial arts performance at Punarjani Traditional Village Motor Boat Ride in Alleppey Kayaking at Munroe Island Trip lead throughout the trip All kinds of Permits First Aid Kits Driver Allowance Toll Taxes and Parking Charges State and other Taxes
Exclusions
5% GST Early check-in (Before 1:00 PM) & Late Check-out (After 10:00 AM) at the hotel. Train or Airfare Personal Expenses like Telephone, Fax, Internet, Laundry, etc. Any Extra Meals apart from mentioned in the itinerary Any extra excursions or sightseeing apart from the tour itinerary Entry tickets for Tea museum & Mattupetty dam in Munnar Entry fees for the Eravikulam national park Entry fees for the Jatayu Earth Centre Any other activity which is not included in the inclusion Anything which is not included in the inclusion Expenses caused by factors beyond our control like rail and flight delays, roadblocks, vehicle mal-functions, political disturbances etc We shall not be responsible for any delays & alterations in the programme or expenses incurred – directly or indirectly – due to natural hazards, flight cancellations, weather, sickness, landslides, political closures (Strike, Hartal, Bandh) or any untoward incidents.
Departure availability
2026-10-24: Available 2026-11-14: Filling Fast 2026-11-28: Filling Fast 2026-12-12: Filling Fast 2027-01-09: Filling Fast 2027-01-23: Available 2027-02-06: Available 2027-02-20: Available 2027-03-06: Available 2027-03-20: Available
Before you book
You will complete your booking on the organiser’s website. Check the selected departure, final price, inclusions, cancellation terms and availability there before paying.
Booking questions
Who organises Kerala Backpacking Trip 7N/8D - Munnar Thekkady Alleppey Varkala?
JustWravel organises this trip. Trippy helps you compare its published route, dates, photos and itinerary.
How do I book Kerala Backpacking Trip 7N/8D - Munnar Thekkady Alleppey Varkala?
Select Visit JustWravel to open the published trip page. Complete booking on that website. The departure selected on Trippy is for comparison and is not sent to the organiser; select it again there.
Is the displayed price the final booking price?
The displayed amount is the published starting price per person. Departure, pickup and package choices can change the total. Confirm the selected package, inclusions and final amount on the booking website.
Where can I check cancellation terms and inclusions?
Read the published itinerary and policy sections on this page, then confirm the selected package and cancellation terms with the organiser before booking. Source terms govern bookings completed on an external website.
Source checked: 11/10/2026, 2:54:35 am IST. Source: Published trip page from JustWravel. Confirm current availability and terms there.