Major Tourist Destinations in South/Central Kerala

o Cochin In most cases this is the place you land in Kerala. If you are interested in Cochin
sightseeing either you can do this on first day upon arrival at Cochin or if you have enough
time on last day, go for it.
o Munnar This is the best tourist spot in Kerala. You love to see it 100 times. Munnar is a
hill station.
o Thekkady Thekkady has Periyar wild life Sanctuary and you can visit when you go for
boating at Thekkady. Thekkady has lot of adventurous activities and eco tourism activities
too.
o Alleppey/Kumarakom This is the place where you can go for Houseboat Cruise. Alleppey
even has lot of resorts to relax and there is also a beautiful beach
o Kovalam Lovely beaches
Cochin:


Most of the time, this is the place where you land in Kerala. If you have enough days in
Kerala, a full day visit of Cochin is worth doing. Cochin has lot of sightseeing places
including Marine drive, Chinese fishing nets, Fort Cochin where you can visit Dutch
palace, Jew Synagogue etc.
9 must see places in Cochin!
1. Fort Kochi

Fort Kochi is situated about 13 km from Ernakulam and is famous for Chinese
fishing nets, picturesque beaches and architectural style of the buildings. European
style is clearly evident and that makes this small town stands apart from other
towns in Kerala.
2. Jew Synagogue and Jew Town

Jew synagogue (Paradesi Synagogue) is built in 1568 and is one of the oldest active
synagogues. This synagogue is located in the old part of Mattenchery Town in Kochi
known as Jew Town.
3. Dutch Palace

The Dutch Palace (also known as Mattenchery Palace) is very near to the Jew town. It was
built in 1555 A.D by the Portuguese and presented to Veera Kerala Varma, Raja of Kochi. It
has a huge collection of Kerala Temple murals, portraits and exhibits of the Rajas of Kochi.
4. Marine Drive

It is a popular meeting jaunt for localites (me included!) This scenic pathway is built
facing the Vembanad lake. The walkway has two recently built bridges; the Rainbow
bridge and the Chinese Fishing Net Bridge. The sunset view from here is simply awesome!
S
Sunset view from Marine Drive, Kochi
5. Cherai Beach

Located in Vypin Island, Kochi, Cherai Beach is one of the beautiful beaches facing the
Arabian sea. It is about 25 Kms from Cochin and is an ideal place to unwind and enjoy the
long sandy beach!
6. Hill Palace Museum

Image Credit: Rojypala
Hill palace museum is the Keralas first heritage museum and is also the largest
archaeological museum in Kerala. It is situated near Tripunithura, Kochi. It was built in
1865 and was the administrative headquarters of Kochi Rajas.
7. Bolgatty Palace

This palace was built by Dutch in 1744 and is one of the oldest existing Dutch palaces
outside Holland. Bolgatty palace is located in Bolgatty Island, Kochi. It is now converted
into a heritage resort by the state.
8. Kodanad Elephant Training Center

Kodanad is a rural village near Cochin which is around 42 Kms from Ernakulam town.
This place is famous for the elephant training centre established in 1950. Because of the
Indian government ban to elephant capture, Kodanad is now just a rescue training centre
for stranded baby elephants and wounded elephants.
9. Willingdon Island

Image credit: Photo by roshan_ushus
Willingdon Island is a man-made island created in 1933 under the supervision of Sir
Robert Bristow. Up until recently Cochin airport, Sea port and the railway terminus
(Cochin Harbor Terminus) were functioning on this island. Now, the Cochin Port Trust
and the headquarters of the Southern Naval Command function here. Airport continues to
function as naval aviation wing. There are beautiful walkways and jettys on this island. My
favorite is the Embarkation Jetty. It has a walkway and a jetty close by. A good place to
enjoy a leisure walk over evening sun!
If you are short in time, I suggest you to move directly to your first destination from
Cochin. This can be Munnar which is 4 to 5hrs drive from Cochin, Thekkady which is 5hrs
drive, Alleppey 2hrs, Guruvayoor 2hrs and Athirapilly-vazhachal, a short 2hrs drive. If you
want Kovalam as your first destination, it is better to arrive at Trivandrum instead of
having a hectic travel of 6 to 7hrs on the same day of arrival.
For every travel you need to consider halting time in between for sightseeing, food etc. If
your first destination is Alleppey Houseboat, make sure you reach Cochin at least by 9AM
so that you can check in to Houseboat at 12Noon. If your arrival is after 10AM at Cochin,
then dont plan Alleppey Houseboat cruise on the same day as check in to houseboat is at
12Noon and check out is at 9AM next day. If you are reaching Cochin after 3PM, then dont
plan any travel on that day. In this case best option is to stay in a hotel near to airport or
railway station depending how you come to Cochin. Most of the hotels near to airport gives
free pick up from airport thus can save money on vehicle on that day. Do inform your
travel agent about your mode of arrival to book hotel accordingly. Cochin airport is almost
20km from Cochin city/railway station.
If you are planning to stay at Cochin on arrival day, normally check in time of all hotels is
12 Noon and if you are reaching early morning, do inform this in advance to your travel
agent. In this case you can request for early check in. Most of the hotels allow this subject
to room availability and do note that breakfast will not be complimentary for this day.
If you are planning to travel to other destination on the same day, I suggest you to start
directly to that destination instead of having a half day sightseeing of Cochin and then
traveling to next destination. If you are arriving Cochin by train or bus or after a long flight
travel, try to refresh yourself before driving from Cochin to your next destination. This
helps you to enjoy the trip right from beginning and can visit all sightseeing on the way.
Coordinating your first destination in accordance with your arrival time is very important.
Munnar:

Munnar, a hill station, is one of the most beautiful places in Kerala. There are lots of Tea
plantations and more than a dozen places to see near Munnar. This is a must see place if
you are visiting Kerala. Climate will be mostly cold throughout the year. Munnar is 140km
from Cochin.
Munnar is one of the most popular hill stations in South India. It is nestled in Western
Ghats at an altitude of 6000 ft and is located in Idukki district of Kerala. This picturesque
hill station beckons nature lovers from far and near.

Taken from Wikipedia By kcbimal. Originally from flickr
Large tea plantations, forests, hill ranges, valleys and wildlife makes anyone fall in love
with this place. I am going to share 13 places that you should visit (or try to) when you are
in Munnar. And if you already visited Munnar recently, then I hope these will make you
want to do another trip very soon!
1. Mattupetty Dam

Mattupetty dam : Aruna at ml.wikipedia
Mattupetty dam and its reservoir is located 13 km away from Munnar. This concrete
gravity dam is built between the hill ranges and it is used mainly for water storage for
hydroelectric projects. Its reservoir is an idyllic place to enjoy the serene nature. It is also
said to be one of the waterholes where the elephants in the region often visit..
2. Mattupedi Dairy Farm

Mattupetty is also famous for the Indo-Swiss Farm. This is a highly specialized dairy
farm which comes under Indo-Swiss Livestock Project. Hundreds of high quality cattle are
reared here and new varieties are scientifically developed.
3. Kundala Lake


Kundala Lake is an artificial reservoir of a minor arch shaped dam huddled between the
mountain ranges. It is about a 20 km drive from Munnar. There is boating facility
there..and dont forget to go for a Shikara boat ride while you are there!
4. Top Station

It is about 40 km from Munnar and it is 1,880 meters above sea level. The panoramic view
of the Western Ghats and the valley of Theni from Top station is simply breathtaking. Top
station got this name from its being the uppermost located railway station on the Kundala
Valley Railway.
5. Echo Point
E
Echo Point is about 15 km from Munnar. Go there and scream as loud as you can..and wait
for a minute. You can hear your echo back! Its quite interesting. If you have kids with
you..they will love it. They can experience this natural phenomenon firsthand.
6. Rajamalai (Part of Eravikulam National Park)

Rajamala, part of Eravikulam national park, is located at about 15 kms from Munnar. This
region is the natural habitat of the Nilgiri Tahr (Hemitragas hylocres). It was converted to
a national park to provide a safe sanctuary for the already endangered species of Nilgiri
Tahr.
7. Tea Museum

This tea museum is first of its kind in India. It is located at KDHPs Nullatanni estate in
Munnar. The aim of this museum according to its founders is to showcase the growth of
more-than-a-century-old tea plantations in this region. Anyone visiting this museum will
get a clear picture of how laborious this tea processing really is.
8. Marayoor Sandalwood Forests
This is located at around 42 kms north of Munnar through the Udumalppetta route.
Marayoor is famous of the natural sandalwood forest. Not only that, this place is said to be
part of the ancient stone age civilization dated back to 10,000 B.C. Stone age paintings,
rock edicts and dolmens found there vouch for this rich heritage.
9. Attukad Waterfalls


Now this is a scenic waterfalls located between Munnar and Pallivasal. It is just 9 km away
from Munnar. But this waterfalls will be in its full glory only after the monsoon (Rainy
season). During other seasons, it is just a trickling mountain stream.
10. Blossom Park

Blossom International Park is about 3 km away from Munnar town and it spreads over 16
acres. It is a peaceful location to enjoy a calm and relaxing nature walk admiring flowers
and surrounding green hillside. The park offer many activities for tourists like boating,
cycling, roller skating etc.
11. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Chinnar wildlife sanctuary is about 60 kms from Munnar. It is situated on SH 17 in the
Marayoor and Kanthalloor Panchayats of Idukki district. It is an ideal spot for trekking and
enjoying wildlife closely. It is the habitat for endangered Grizzled giant squirrel in India.
Almost 34 species of mammals including panthers, spotted deers, elephants, tigers can be
found here. It is also a bird watchers paradise. 245 species of birds live here!

12. Tea Plantations

How can one resist a tea garden tour when you are in Munnar? Rolling hillsides covered
with tea plantations is a sight to behold. The lush greenery and the soothing cold wind with
a mild aroma of tea leaves totally rejuvenates you.
13. Lakkom Water Falls

This waterfalls is about 25 kms from Munnar on the way to Udumalaipettai. Lakkom
waterfalls is part of Eravikulam National Park. The cascading waterfalls and the scenic
surroundings makes it tourists favorite hideout in Munnar.



If you are traveling to Munnar, you should try to stay there at least for 2 nights. For your
onward journey, travel time listed from Cochin is 4 to 5hrs, but in practical you will reach
Munnar in about 7 to 8 hrs only. There are lots of sightseeing spots in between. You can
enjoy waterfalls and rolling hillside with tea gardens on the way. During this travel enjoy as
much as you can on the day and dont be in a rush to reach Munnar. You can even visit
spice plantations on the way. After enjoying the scenery, you will be reaching Munnar by
evening only.
If you feel like, you can spend some time in the market. If your hotel is away from Munnar
town, try to have food and finish all activities in town and move to hotel. Coming back
from hotel to town in night is not a good idea as there can be fog in the road and driving is
not safe.
Second day should be dedicated for sightseeing in and around Munnar. If you want to
cover almost all places, try to start sightseeing by 8.30. Or you can choose places to visit
according to your interest and mood. Purchase spices, tea etc. while you go for shopping.
Selecting the resort/hotel is most important while you are in Munnar. Every hotel in
Munnar is not in town, you will find hotels within a radius of approximately 30km from
Munnar. Most of the good resorts are away from city. If you are a person who wishes to
stay in city, do make sure the hotel you select is in city itself. If you want to be away from
all traffic and love to have a relaxed mood select a resort/hotel accordingly. While
approaching any tour operator, if you have a specific choice, make sure you communicate
this clearly.
It is always better to do a Google search on the hotel selected. Nobody can tell you whether
you will like a hotel or not. As this is very subjective and depends upon your interests and
background. Personally I like to stay away from city when I am on holiday and used to
prefer hotels outside the city. But for business trips, I prefer city hotels.
A normal package can be prepared with 2 night stay at Munnar. If you wish to stay at
Munnar for 3 nights, you will get a lot of time to relax. A package with one night in Munnar
is not that advisable. I have seen many times people taking package with one night at
Munnar and one night at Alleppey when they have only 3 days to spend. This is not a good
idea as they will not be able to cover neither Munnar nor Alleppey.
From Munnar, you can travel to next destinations like Thekkady, Alleppey, or Cochin.
Moving to Kovalam directly from Munnar is not a good idea as travelling time would be
minimum 10hrs. If you are moving to Cochin to catch return flight/train do make sure you
have minimum 6hrs in between, as you may even stop for food during this travel. So do
your time planning accordingly.
Distance to various places from Munnar
Distance from Munnar to Madurai 130KM
Distance from Munnar to Cochin 135KM
Distance from Munnar to Aluva 130KM
Distance from Munnar to Theni 165KM
Distance from Munnar to Thekkady 110KM
Distance from Munnar to Trivandrum 280KM
Distance from Munnar to Alleppey 190km
Distance from Munnar to Kodaikkanal 180km
Thekkady:


The famous Periyar wild life sanctuary is in Thekkady. Thekkady is sometimes referred to
as Kumily or Periyar. Thekkady is the best place to visit if you are interested in adventure
and eco-tourism activities. If you are not interested in such activities, you have only
Periyar wild life sanctuary to see.
To provide a virtual tour to all the major tourist places in Kerala for my guests, I have
decided to travel to these places purposefully and write travel dairies of what I
experienced. This is the first in the series and I hope it will be helpful, for all on tour to
Thekkady.
I have been to Thekkady recently with this purpose in mind. Thekkady is also called
Periyar and sometimes known as Kumily too. Kumily is the place where we normally stay
and Thekkady is where Wildlife Sanctuary is located; both are just 2 -3 km apart.
Thekkady is situated 170 kms from Cochin and it takes approximately 5 hours to reach
there. For most of the package trips, we go to Thekkady after Munnar which is 110km away
or from Alleppey which is about 140km away. The route is a combination of hills as well as
normal roads.

Thekkady is famous for the wildlife sanctuary located here. There is boating facility at
Thekkady where the boat will take you around the Wildlife Sanctuary through the Periyar
Lake. One can see wild animals during this boat ride but need to be very quiet.
Mullapperiyar dam can also be seen during this boat ride. Note that, Mullapperiyar dam
and Periyar wildlife sanctuary can be seen only during this boating and cannot be accessed
by road.
For a guest who opts for one night accommodation, try to reach Thekkady as early as
possible and get tickets for boating in lake. Ticket availability depends on the rush on that
particular day. Advance booking is possible through KTDC where they charge Rs. 500/-
instead of 150/- which is the cost for for normal booking. To do advance booking for
boating at Thekkady, you may contact KTDC Lake Palace on 04869 222014 or send an
email to lakepalacethekkady@ktdc.com. They will respond back with their bank
account details and you can proceed with booking. To take normal ticket, you need to be in
queue and need to produce ID card and your personal details.

Boat timings and charges are as given above. Try to reach Thekkady as per this timing.

Entrance to Periyar Tiger reserve
This is the place where you enter the Periyar Tiger Reserve and need to take ticket for
yourself as well as for your vehicle.

Entrance fee chart to Periyar Tiger Reserve
Once you enter into Tiger reserve, you can see a temple and moving forward will take you
to the boating area. This travel is through lot of greenery.

T
The temple inside Periyar Reserve
The greenery along the way!

Periyar Tiger Trail
There are three hotels inside this reserve; KTDC Lake Palace, KTDC Aranya Nivas and a
budget hotel KTDC Periyar House. If your stay is in any of these hotels, make sure you
reach hotel before 5PM as entrance will be closed after this.


Once you reach boating area, if you do not have pre-booked ticket, be in the queue and
purchase tickets for boating.

You can wait in the waiting area after getting tickets.


Boat Jetty at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Me and my family at Thekkady Boating Area
Once boating is finished, leave the Tiger Reserve; myriad of extra activities awaits you at
Thekkady. Before going for shows in the evening, you can go for an elephant ride, give
elephant bath or even get an elephant shower which is quite thrilling!

Elephant Ride

Give Elephant Bath -All soaked after a drenching elephant shower!

Rate chart for elephant activities
You can go for an Ayurvedic massage from any of the massage centers at Thekkady.


Ayurvedic Massage Center
Do purchase some spices and home made chocolates before you leave Thekkady


I had the chance to eat fried ice cream from Thekkady. Here Ice cream is roasted and is
hot. When you are visit Thekkady, dont forget to taste this from Hotel Silver Crest.

Depending on your interest, you can watch any of the shows listed below. This rate and
timings is as on January 2013.
1. Kathakali - 200/Head - 1hr (5 to 7PM)
2. Martial Arts - 200/Head - 1hr (6 to 7.15PM)
3. Tribal dance - 300/Head - 1hr (6 to 7PM)
4. Musical fountain - 150/-Head - 30min (7 to 7.30PM & 8 to 8.30PM)
5. Magic show - 200/Head - 1hr (12Noon to 1Pm & 5PM to 6PM)





Street at Thekkady
Once you are done with the activities of interest, go back to your hotel and relax. Most of
the hotels in Thekkady are in Town area and only a few require travelling. Make sure this is
as per your preference at the time of booking itself. Some resorts at Thekkady have Tree
house and have lot of land area. You can roam around inside the resort itself.
If you could not go for boating on the first day, then start out early for boating on the
second day. And if you plan on moving to the next destination that day, opt for the first
boating which is at 7.30am. You might need to be in the queue by 5.30am depending on
seasonal rush. You might reach your next destination little late but try to have this boating
experience once you are at Thekkady.
If your next destination is Alleppey/Kumarakom Houseboat (resort), then leave Thekkady
as early as possible after the boat ride so that you can reach your houseboat by 12Noon.

If you are staying at Thekkady for more than two night you have lot to do
here
You have the option of going for a full day Gavi tour. This tour includes trekking, boating
and visiting viewpoints at Gavi. Make sure you book this on the day of arrival at Thekkady
itself
.

Ticket charges for Gavi tour are as below. Vehicle charges will be extra.
GAVI ECO-TOURISM
KERALA FOREST DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Ltd. (A Govt. of Kerala
Undertaking)
GAVI DIVISION. GAVI P.O.
(Via) VANDIPERIYAR
Ph: 04869 223270, 9947492399
Website: www.gaviecotourism.com
eMail: gavi@kfdcecotourism.com
PROGRAMME DETAILS
1. Day Package
o 8.00- 8.30 AM- registration
o Trekking through Forest under trained Guide after breakfast
o Return by 12.30pm, have South Indian vegetarian lunch and there after boating in Gavi Lake (row
boat), visit to cardamom plantations, Curing house, Sabarimala view point and Museum of Skelton
of Animals.
o Leave the place after evening tea by 4.30pm.
Tariff: -Rs.1000/- per pax (Full board)
2. Stay at Green Mansion Jungle Lodge
Check in time- preferably after noon by 2 PM.
Check out after 24 hrs. or 2 PM next day whichever is earlier.
Events: A trained Guide will be attached to your group throughout the package. Trekking
through Forest, Boating in Gavi Lake (row Boat), visit of Cardamom Plantations and
curing house, Museum of Skelton of Animals and early morning jeep safari through forest
road for 2 hrs.
Tariff: Rs.2200/- per pax per day (full board)
3. SWISS COTTAGE TENTS:
Stay in permanently pitched Cottage Tents in Forest with attached bath room. All events
and conditions are same as in JUNGLE LODGE
Tariff: Rs.2500/- per pax per day (full board)
4. JUNGLE CAMPING
Night stay in portable small tents in deep forest. Guides and helpers will be staying there
along with you. Dinner will be prepared and served there itself. All events and conditions
are the same as in JUNGLE LODGE except Jeep Safari. Not desirable for ladies and kids.
Tarrif: Rs.10000/- full board. (Minimum rate 4 persons can be entertained;
Rs.2500/- each for extra persons.)
Children up to the age of 6 year have free entry and for those between 6 and
12, it is half of the tariff mentioned earlier.
Gavi is situated deep inside forest in the Poonkavanam of Lord Ayyappa near
Ponnambalamedu. You have to travel 20 kms through forest road to reach Gavi. Any
vehicles can be used for your journey, but the number of your vehicle should be intimated
to us well in advance to arrange permit.
Confirmation of the overnight stay programme is done only after remittance of total
amount in advance before two days, after ascertaining availability. The amount should be
remitted to A/c. No.362801010021042 of Kerala Forest Development Corporation Ltd,
in Vandiperiyar Branch of Union Bank of India (IFSCode:UBIN0536288).
You have other options of staying at Bamboo grooves, Jungle camp etc. at Thekkady.

Visit Eco-tourism Information Center for booking activities listed below:

Bamboo Rafting
Bamboo rafting can be booked at Eco tourism center in advance
o Cost for Full day Bamboo rafting Timing: 8Am to 5PM Rs. 1500/- per person (Min 2 pax)
where rafting for 3hrs and 5 6hrs trekking
o Half day Bamboo rafting 7.30Am to 12.30PM and 9.30AM to 2.30PM 1200/- per people (Min 2
pax) where rafting for 1.5hrs and 3.5hrs trekking
Food is included for both option and advance booking can be done by calling Eco tourism
centre, Thekkady at 04869 224571 and payment should be made in advance.
You can visit spice plantations at Thekkady.

You can go for spice walk, boating, fishing etc.
Tea Trail : You can even have a visit to Tea factory at Thekkady and purchase some fresh
Tea power from here.


Tea plantations at Thakkedy
Church at Thekkady
Hope by now, you have got an idea about all the activities you can do at Thekkady.
Depending on your interest, decide on the number of days to stay there and enjoy to the
fullest.
While returning home, dont forget to purchase spices, tea, homemade chocolates from
Thekkady.
o Distance from Thekkady to Kumily 4km
o Distance from Thekkady to Munnar 110km
o Distance from Thekkady to Kumarakom 138km
o Distance from Thekkady to Cochin 170km
o Distance from Thekkady to Kodaikkanal 120km
Some scanned copies of brochures from Thekkady:





To watch wild life closely, you need to go for boating through the Periyar River. Wild
animals, forest areas of Periyar sanctuary and Mullapperiyar dam from long view can only
be seen during this boating. Vehicles are not allowed inside the sanctuary for sightseeing.
Boating in Thekkady has fixed timings and the guest need to be personally in the queue to
get tickets. You need to give your personal details as well as show ID card while taking this
ticket. Depending on season, the rush for boating varies. In peak seasons, there might be
heavy rush, so try to be in queue at least 3 to 4 hrs before the departure time.
Thekkady has lot of activities/shows running in the evening. If interested, you can watch
Kalarippayattu (martial arts of Kerala), Kathakali, Magic show, musical fountain, tribal
dance etc. You can also go for Ayurveda massage, Elephant ride, Elephant bath, Elephant
shower, Spice plantation tour etc. You can plan for boating through Periyar River as well
above activities if you have one night stay at Thekkady. Unless you are interested in
adventurous activities, dont stay for more than 2 nights there. If you are opting for two
nights stay, you can relax on the second day enjoying the wilderness of Thekkady..
If you are an adventurous person, this is the place for you. Plan for 2 or 3 nights at
Thekkady and you get to do all sorts of adventure activities here. You can go for Gavi tour
which includes full day Jeep safari, trekking etc., bamboo rafting, eco-tourism, nature
walk, night patrolling etc. Go through the details for these activities and fix the number of
days you want to stay at Thekkady.
From Thekkady you can move to Alleppey, Munnar, Cochin, Madurai (Tamil Nadu),
Kodaikkanal (Tamil Nadu). Again Kovalam is not a good idea as there will be lot of
traveling.
Distance to various places from Thekkady
Distance from Thekkady to Kumily 4km
Distance from Thekkady to Munnar 110km
Distance from Thekkady to Alleppey 150km
Distance from Thekkady to Cochin 170km
Distance from Thekkady to Kodaikkanal 120km
Houseboat Cruise in Alleppey:
Alleppey is famous for Kerala style houseboats.
Alleppey has a good beach also. A houseboat cruise is a different experience and should not
miss this if you have enough holidays with you. Houseboats give a different feel than
staying in a hotel. These floating villas have dining hall, rooms with bath rooms and
kitchens. Number of rooms varies from one to nine as of now.
Houseboat cruise can be of two types; you can either opt for a 21hrs overnight cruise or can
take morning cruise for 5 to 6 hrs.
If you are opting for morning cruise, you have to check-in at 10AM and check-out will be at
4 or 5 PM depending on the cruise provider you opt. In this case, you will be greeted with
welcome drink (lime juice or tender coconut) and will serve lunch prepared in boat and
evening snacks. Boat will cruise through the inland canals, backwaters and lakes. And you
can also watch the long stretch of paddy fields at Alleppey (Kuttanad). This cruise, I am
sure, will be one of the most memorable experiences of your lifetime.
Boat will halt during lunch timings and food is prepared in the boat itself. The boat will
have a Captain (driver), Cook and sometimes a helper too depending on the size of boat.
These boats are engine driven.
For overnight stay houseboat cruise (21hrs), you need to check-in to your houseboat at 12
Noon and check-out will be at 9 AM next day. The boat will take you for a cruise at 12 Noon
and will be going around till lunch time. The boat will halt for lunch and after lunch it
cruises till 5.30 to 6PM and then anchors till next day morning. You will be cruising again
next day for at least an hour before check out.
For this kind of cruise, you will be getting welcome drink, lunch, evening snacks, tea,
dinner and breakfast for the next day morning. Food is prepared in the boat itself and all
boats will have their fixed menu. They take your food preference before you reach Alleppey
and raw materials will be stored in boat before it leaves the shore.
If you are a non-vegetarian, you will be getting rice, vegetable (2types), fish fry, curd,
pickles, pappad, Sambar for lunch and chicken, chappathy, rice, vegetable curry, dal for
dinner. If you are a vegetarian, the menu is similar with some changes. It will be Payasam
instead of fish fry for lunch and one more variety of veg curry instead of chicken for dinner.
For breakfast, it will be idly-sambar, omelet and bread butter jam.
Its always advisable to inform them in advance if you have any specific preference as once
you start the journey getting raw materials is not easy. If you have children with you and
want more milk or such food, dont forget to inform that in advance. During the cruise, you
can purchase prawns, extra fish on your own (if you feel like). The crew will cook and serve
that for you.
If you are opting for A/C Houseboat, unless specifically mentioned A/C operates from 9
PM to 6 AM only. If you require full time A/C or need extra hours, then inform the
houseboat operator in advance. You will be charged extra unless your package is with full
time A/C houseboat. If you want extra A/C time, they need to carry extra fuel with them
and unless you tell in advance, this will be difficult.
While on board, do close the windows and doors of your room in the evening. As it is in
water and flies may enter in the evening. Houseboats are normally parked in a safe place
where the owner of houseboat has easy access or is near to his house. Houseboats are of
different categories and rooms may not be as big as your hotel room.
The biggest disadvantage of houseboat is that if there is some issue with A/C or TV in the
night, it may not be able to get it repaired till next day. To get an electrician late night to
that halting place may not be possible. But such things happen very rarely.
Depending on your interest, either go for 21hrs cruise or take a morning cruise and then
stay in a resort at Alleppey or Kumarakom.

Kumarakom and Alleppey Resorts:

Alleppey is famous for Houseboats, backwater resorts and beach whereas Kumarakom is
for Houseboats and backwater resorts. Both are just 30km apart. Both places have descent
resorts as well as houseboats. Depending on the option selected, you may move to that
place. You can plan for a resort stay either after a Houseboat morning cruise or for the next
night after overnight cruise.
If you have enough days, I always suggest taking one night stay in a resort after your
Houseboat cruise. In most cases, you will be reaching Alleppey or Kumarakom after 3
night stay at Munnar, Thekkady or any other places and a resort stay here will definitely
relax you.
You can either move back to Cochin to catch your flight back or can travel ahead to
Kovalam after this relaxing stay.
While selecting a resort at Kumarakom or Alleppey, make sure you do enough research.
Make sure the resort is as per your liking because there are few things to do at when you
are in a Kumarakom/Alleppey resort. You can visit Alleppey beach in the evening and can
relax. Some backwater resorts do provide additional facilities like pedal boating, swimming
pool and Ayurvedic spa. And there are resorts providing countryside boating, fishing and
cooking class. This resort can be either at Alleppey, Kumarakom and I know some good
backwater resorts on the way to Cochin also.
Once you are done with Alleppey and Kumarakom , you have several options. It depends
upon your travel plan. You can either move towards Cochin and return back home on the
same evening or stay at Cochin and travel to Guruvayoor or Athirapilly-Vazhachal on the
next day. Or you can move to south from Alleppey to visit Kovalam, Trivandrum, Varkala
and Kanyakumari. You also have the option of going to Thekkady or Munnar from here if
you started the tour from Trivandrum. Alleppey lies almost midway between Trivandrum
from Cochin.
Distance to various places from Alleppey
Distance from Alleppey to Cochin 80km
Distance from Alleppey to Munnar 190km
Distance from Alleppey to Thekkady 140km
Distance from Alleppey to Trivandrum 170km
Distance from Alleppey to Kovalam 180km
Distance from Alleppey to Kanyakumari 250km
Varkala:


Varkala lies in between Alleppey and Trivandrum and has a good beach. There are several
beach resorts if you want to stay here. Opt for this place, only if you have extra days or skip
this place.

Hope with the above details, you will be now in a position to chart your travel itinerary
with the destinations chosen and number of nights to be spent at each location decided.
Get Route Plan Done
Some suggested route plans are mentioned below. Depending on your interest, you may
decide on the number of days to be spent at each destination. You may skip any place in
between also. As km is also mentioned, this will help you to get the routing done easily for
your holidays.
If arrival is at Cochin
1. Cochin (135 km) Munnar (110 km) Thekkady (160 km) Alleppey resort
Alleppey Houseboat (80 km) Cochin
2. Cochin (135 km) Munnar (110 km) Thekkady (160 km) Alleppey resort
Alleppey Houseboat (80 km) Varkala (150 km) Kanyakumari (90 km)
Trivandrum/Kovalam (230 km) Cochin
3. Cochin (80 km) Alleppey resort Alleppey Houseboat (210 km) Kanyakumari (90
km) Trivandrum/Kovalam (230 km) Cochin
4. Cochin (135 km) Munnar (110 km) Thekkady (160 km) Alleppey resort
Alleppey Houseboat (80 km) Cochin (90 km) Guruvayoor (140 km)
Athirapillyvazhachal (70 km) Cochin
5. Cochin (300 km) Wayanad (300 km) Cochin (135 km) Munnar (110 km)
Thekkady (160 km) Alleppey resort Alleppey Houseboat (80 km) Varkala (150
km) Kanyakumari (90 km) Trivandrum/Kovalam Cochin
If arrival is at Trivandrum
1. Trivandrum/Kovalam (90 km) Kanyakumari (150 km) Varkala (80 km)
Alleppey Houseboat Alleppey resort (160 km) Thekkady (110 km) Munnar (135
km) Cochin

It is quite easy to plan your Kerala package from Bangalore, if you know where to go and how to go as
there are lot of sightseeing options in Kerala that can easily be planned from Bangalore at a relatively
low cost. Here are the steps for any interested tourist to book a tour package from Bangalore to Kerala
1.Decide where to go in Kerala The options available range fromKovalam, backwaters in
Alleppey, Munnar, Athirappilly, Thekkady in Central Kerala and Wayanad, Bekal etc in North Kerala
2. If the place that you choose is in Central Kerala, book your flight tickets, train tickets or bus tickets
from any of the offices in Madiwala in Bangalore or from online sites like Redbus.in . Please note that it
is relatively hard to get Train tickets especially in a weekend (as there are lot of people who will be
travelling from Bangalore to Kerala specially in weekends)
3.Book with a tour operator and confirm your hotels, type of rooms etc in advance before starting from
bangalore. It is best to avoid the impromptu arrangments as the chances of getting the hotel rooms are
less on weekend walkin guests.
4.It is always better to have a chauffeur driven car for your complete travel in Kerala and go for an all
inclusive package if possible with Kochi as the base location for your trip. You need to arrange for the
pickup and drop from Kochi in a vehicle as most buses which travel to and fro from Kerala touches
Kochi.
5.Arrange for arrangements in the morning if you are reaching by train or bus.Most tour operators will
arrange this if you ask for the same.
6.If you are planning for a trip to Munnar, Thekkady or Alleppey you need to reach Kochi by 10 AM so
that vehicle can pick you up and you will enjoy your weekend getaway from Bangalore without much
hassle.
7.You can do sightseeing in Kochi on the last day if you are visiting Munnar, Thekkady or Alleppey and
then take a return flight from Ernakulamstation
8.If you are planning for Northern Kerala, then you can hire a car directly from Bangalore or can go
to Mangalore in train/ flight and then take a cab from there. Some of the sightseeing in Wayanad etc is
closed on Monday. So choose your day of visit accordingly.
9. Please note that you need to also factor in some time for doing sightseeing in Mysore if you are
planning for Northern Kerala as Mysore is on the way if you opt for a cab
Hope this helps :) and we advise the same to all our guests from Bangalore as well