8-Day Kerala Itinerary: Exploring Kollam, Backwaters & Hill Stations with Own Vehicle

Day 1: Arrival & Kollam

Kollam, Kerala, India on May 26, 2025

3:00pm

Arrival at Kollam

Arrive at Kollam and check into your hotel. Begin your Kerala journey with the scenic surroundings of Kerala’s gateway to backwaters.
INR0, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Kollam Beach and Thangassery Lighthouse

Explore Kollam Beach and the historic Thangassery Lighthouse for panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. Lighthouse opens until 6pm, perfect for sunset views.
INR20, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Muthoot Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Kerala cuisine with fresh seafood and traditional dishes at Muthoot Restaurant located near the beach.
INR500, 1h
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Day 2: Kollam to Alleppey

Kollam to Alleppey, Kerala, India on May 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Indian Coffee House, Kollam

Start your day with a classic South Indian breakfast including idli, dosa and strong filter coffee at the historic Indian Coffee House, open from 7am.
INR150, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Alleppey

Depart for Alleppey (Alappuzha) taking approximately 2 hours, enjoying scenic rural Kerala views en route.
Fuel cost approx. INR700, 2h

11:30am

Visit Alleppey Beach and Historical Churches

Walk along Alleppey Beach and visit St. Mary’s Forane Church, reflecting the colonial history of the region. Alleppey Beach is a calm spot ideal for relaxation.
INR0, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Thaff Restaurant

Savour Kerala seafood specialties and biryanis at Thaff Restaurant, known for its fresh ingredients and good service.
INR600, 1h

3:00pm

Relax at Hotel and Prepare for Backwater Cruise

Check into your hotel and rest before the houseboat experience the following day.
INR0, 2h

5:00pm

Evening walk at Marine Drive Alleppey

Enjoy a peaceful sunset walk along Marine Drive promenade, a perfect place for views of the Vembanad Lake.
INR0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Halais Restaurant

Try a mix of Kerala and continental dishes at Halais, a popular restaurant with a lively atmosphere.
INR550, 1h
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Day 3: Backwater Houseboat

Alleppey, Kerala, India on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel before boarding the houseboat.
Included in stay, 1h

9:00am

Board Houseboat for Backwater Cruise

Embark on a full day backwater houseboat cruise exploring scenic canals, lakes, and villages. Houseboat trip typically lasts 8 hours and includes lunch on board.
INR6000, 8h

5:30pm

Return and Dinner at Hotel

After returning from the cruise, enjoy a relaxed dinner at your accommodation or nearby eateries.
INR400, 1h
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Day 4: Alleppey to Munnar via Thekkady

Alleppey to Munnar via Thekkady, Kerala, India on May 29, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Quick breakfast before starting the drive to Munnar via Thekkady.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Thekkady

Travel to Thekkady, a journey of approximately 3.5 hours through picturesque hills.
Fuel approx. INR1000, 3h30m

12:00pm

Visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Boating

Enjoy a 1.5-hour boat ride at Periyar Lake witnessing wildlife such as elephants and deer on the sanctuary banks. Sanctuary opens from 8am to 5pm.
INR300, 2h

2:30pm

Lunch at Green Plantation Restaurant, Thekkady

Feast on Kerala traditional dishes with beautiful plantation views.
INR600, 1h

3:30pm

Drive to Munnar

Continue your hill station journey with a 2.5-hour drive to Munnar famous for tea plantations.
Fuel approx. INR700, 2h30m

6:00pm

Check-in and Relax at Hotel, Munnar

Check into your hotel and unwind surrounded by lush greenery and cool weather.
INR0, Rest

7:30pm

Dinner at Rapsy Restaurant Munnar

Try local and North Indian favorites with some international options in a cozy ambiance.
INR500, 1h
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Day 5: Munnar Sightseeing

Munnar, Kerala, India on May 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a fresh breakfast with locally brewed tea in Munnar.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Visit Eravikulam National Park

Explore Eravikulam Park (open 8am-5pm) to see Nilgiri Tahr and panoramic views of the Western Ghats.
INR350, 2h

11:30am

Tea Museum Visit

Learn about tea processing and enjoy tastings at the Tata Tea Museum.
INR70, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Saravana Bhavan

Relish South Indian vegetarian delicacies at the popular Saravana Bhavan, open from 10am to 10pm.
INR400, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point

Visit picturesque spots a short drive from Munnar — Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point for boating and nature walks.
Boating approx. INR200, 2h

5:00pm

Evening at Leisure and Light Dinner

Enjoy an early dinner or light snacks at nearby cafes after a full day of sightseeing.
INR350, 1h
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Day 6: Munnar to Kumarakom

Munnar to Kumarakom, Kerala, India on May 31, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast before the drive back to the backwaters region.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Kumarakom

Travel 4.5 hours to Kumarakom, known for its serene backwater bird sanctuary and houseboats.
Fuel approx. INR1000, 4h30m

12:30pm

Check in and Lunch at Hotel

Check into your hotel or resort and enjoy lunch with views of Vembanad Lake.
INR700, 1h

2:00pm

Bird Sanctuary Visit

Visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary (open till 6pm) to see migratory and native water birds in this tranquil environment.
INR50, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at the Lakeside

Enjoy the calm lakeside ambiance, take a canoe or boat ride, or simply soak in the setting sun.
INR300 for boating, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cayenne Pepper Restaurant

Savour traditional Kerala and seafood dishes at this popular dining spot in Kumarakom.
INR600, 1h
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Day 7: Kumarakom Leisure

Kumarakom, Kerala, India on June 1, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Relaxed breakfast with lake views to start your day.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Optional Ayurvedic Spa

Book a traditional Ayurvedic massage or spa treatment (confirm timings with your hotel spa).
INR1500 upwards, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Local Cafe

Enjoy light Kerala dishes or fresh fish curry at a local cafe near Vembanad Lake.
INR400, 1h

3:00pm

Village Walk or Market Visit

Take a leisurely walk through nearby villages or visit Kumarakom market for local crafts and spices.
INR0, 2h

6:00pm

Sunset Boat Ride

Experience a serene boat ride during sunset on the backwaters.
INR300, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel

Enjoy a delicious dinner with traditional Kerala fare onsite to close your relaxing day.
INR600, 1h
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Day 8: Departure via Kochi

Kumarakom to Kochi, Kerala, India on June 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast & Check-out

Early breakfast and checkout to start your transfer to Kochi for onward journey.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Kochi

Travel approximately 1.5 hours to Kochi airport or railway station for departure.
Fuel approx. INR400, 1h30m

10:00am

Optional Quick Kochi Sightseeing

If time permits, visit Fort Kochi's Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, and spice markets before departure (opens 9am-6pm).
INR100, 2h
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