Wayanad, Munnar & Alleppey Backwaters: 8 Days — Kerala’s Hills, Wildlife & Houseboat

Tour Overview

Itinerary Highlights

Day 1: Arrive Calicut — Drive to Wayanad

Arrive at Calicut International Airport (Karipur). Your driver meets you for the scenic 3-hour drive to Wayanad, climbing from the coastal plains into the Western Ghats. Wayanad is Kerala’s hidden gem — a district of misty mountains, dense forests, rushing waterfalls, ancient caves, and wildlife sanctuaries far from the tourist crowds. Sitting at 700-2,100 meters above sea level, the region is known for its responsible and sustainable tourism. Check into your hotel or resort. Spend the evening at leisure, exploring the area around your accommodation. The air is cool, clean, and scented with coffee, pepper, and wildflowers. Overnight in Wayanad.

Day 2: Wayanad — Waterfalls, Caves & Mountain Lakes

Full-day exploration of Wayanad’s natural wonders. Morning: visit Edakkal Caves — two natural rock shelters at 1,200 meters containing petroglyphs (rock carvings) dating back to the Neolithic period, approximately 6,000 years ago. The carvings include human figures, animals, tools, and symbols, providing a rare window into prehistoric human settlement in South India. Reach the caves via a scenic 1.5km uphill walk with spectacular valley views. Then visit Soochipara (Sentinel Rock) Waterfalls, a three-tiered cascade plunging 200 meters through dense forest — swim in the natural pool at the base. Afternoon: Pookode Lake, a serene freshwater lake surrounded by evergreen forest and rolling hills, with pedal boats and a freshwater aquarium. Visit Lakkidi Viewpoint offering panoramic views of the Thamarassery Ghat pass and Wayanad’s mountain ranges. If interest and time permits, visit Kuruva Island — a 950-acre protected river delta on the Kabini River, accessible by bamboo raft, home to rare birds and orchids. Evening: visit a local coffee and spice plantation for a tour and tasting. Overnight in Wayanad.

Day 3: Wayanad Wildlife & Return via Calicut to Athirapilly

Morning: visit Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary (also known as Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary), part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. This 345 sq km sanctuary is an integral part of the elephant corridor connecting protected areas across three states. Morning safari to spot elephants (the sanctuary hosts a significant population), deer, wild boar, monkeys, and if lucky, leopards and tigers. The sanctuary is also home to over 200 bird species. After safari, check out and drive through the scenic route back to Calicut. Brief stop at Calicut Beach to stretch your legs and see the historic port where Vasco da Gama first landed in India in 1498. Continue to Athirapilly (approximately 4 hours). Check into your hotel near the falls. Overnight in Athirapilly.

Day 4: Athirapilly Waterfalls to Munnar — The Niagara of India

Morning: visit Athirapilly Waterfalls — Kerala’s largest waterfall plunging 80 feet (25 meters) over a wide rock face into the Chalakudy River. The falls are often called the “Niagara of India” and have featured in numerous Indian films including the iconic Baahubali. The mist from the falls creates rainbows on sunny mornings. Walk to the viewpoints for spectacular photos and descend to the base pool for an invigorating experience. After the falls, drive to Munnar (approximately 5 hours), a journey through changing landscapes: from tropical forests to cardamom hills to the manicured tea estates at 1,600 meters. En route, stop at scenic viewpoints and waterfalls. Arrive in Munnar by evening. Overnight in Munnar.

Day 5: Munnar — Tea Gardens, Eravikulam & Mattupetty

Full day exploring Munnar’s highlights. Morning: visit Eravikulam National Park (Rajamalai), home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. The park’s undulating shola-grassland landscape at 2,000 meters offers breathtaking panoramas — the views stretch across the Western Ghats to the plains of Tamil Nadu. The Nilgiri Tahr, a sure-footed mountain goat with curved horns, is found only in this high-altitude ecosystem. Visit the Tata Tea Museum to learn about the history, cultivation, and processing of Nilgiri tea — from the orthodox method to modern CTC production. Afternoon: visit Mattupetty Dam with its serene reservoir (boating available), the Echo Point where your voice bounces across the valley, and the Photo Point viewpoint offering postcard-perfect views of tea gardens, streams, and misty peaks. Evening: explore Munnar town’s market for spices, homemade chocolates, tea, and local handicrafts. Overnight in Munnar.

Day 6: Munnar to Alleppey — The Houseboat Experience

Morning: one last walk through the tea gardens in the crisp mountain air. Then drive to Alleppey (approximately 4-5 hours), descending from the hills to the coastal backwaters. Arrive by noon to board your traditional kettuvallam houseboat. Cruise through the legendary backwaters of Kerala — a liquid world of canals, lakes, and rivers where life has centered on water for thousands of years. The Kuttanad region you cruise through is extraordinary: rice paddies cultivated 2 meters below sea level, protected by an ancient system of dykes and sluice gates. Your crew — captain, chef, and assistant — ensures a comfortable journey. Watch village life unfold along the banks: toddy tappers climbing coconut palms, fishermen in dugout canoes, children swimming and waving, women doing laundry on stone steps. The chef prepares fresh Kerala specialties — seafood caught that morning, vegetables from the local market, fragrant rice, and coconut-based curries. Anchor in a quiet backwater as the sun sets. All meals included. Overnight on the houseboat.

Day 7: Alleppey to Cochin — Fort Kochi Heritage

Wake to the sound of temple bells and birdsong across the water. Cruise through the morning backwaters as village life awakens. After breakfast aboard, disembark and drive to Cochin (approximately 1.5 hours). Afternoon: comprehensive Fort Kochi heritage tour. Visit the Chinese Fishing Nets at the harbor entrance, St. Francis Church (India’s oldest European church, 1503), the Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace) with its exquisite Kerala murals, the 450-year-old Paradesi Synagogue in Jew Town, and the aromatic spice markets. Walk through the atmospheric streets of Fort Kochi, where every building tells a story of colonial trade and cultural fusion. If time permits, visit the Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica and Marine Drive. Evening: enjoy a Kathakali performance (optional) or the sunset at Fort Kochi Beach. Dinner at a heritage restaurant. Overnight in Cochin.

Day 8: Cochin Departure

Morning at leisure. If your flight is in the afternoon, visit the Hill Palace Museum in Tripunithura — Kerala’s largest archaeological museum housed in the former royal palace of the Cochin Maharajas. Alternatively, explore the vibrant lanes of Mattancherry for last-minute spice and handicraft shopping. Transfer to Cochin International Airport for your departure, carrying with you the diverse memories of God’s Own Country: Wayanad’s prehistoric caves and misty forests, Munnar’s emerald tea gardens, Alleppey’s liquid highways, and Cochin’s layered history.

What’s Included

• 7 nights accommodation (standard hotels, nature resort, deluxe houseboat)
• Daily breakfast + all meals on houseboat
• Private AC vehicle with English-speaking driver throughout
• Wayanad sightseeing: Edakkal Caves, Soochipara Waterfalls, Pookode Lake, Lakkidi Viewpoint
• Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary entry and safari
• Athirapilly Waterfalls visit
• Eravikulam National Park entry in Munnar
• Tata Tea Museum visit and tea tasting
• Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, and Munnar sightseeing
• Overnight houseboat cruise on Alleppey backwaters
• Fort Kochi heritage walking tour
• Airport transfers (Calicut pickup, Cochin drop)

What’s Not Included

• International/domestic flights
• Travel insurance
• Kathakali dance performance (optional, ~$8-15)
• Boat rides at Pookode Lake and Mattupetty Dam (optional)
• Personal expenses, tips, laundry, drinks
• Monument and camera fees
• Anything not mentioned in inclusions