Backpacker Kerala Explorer
Welcome to Karala, the Land of God! In this lush, welcoming Southern state of India, you will be surrounded by beaches, waterfalls, rice paddies and verdant green hills, creating altogether a postcard-perfect landscape. Houseboats traverse its many waterways, providing an intimate look at its rural terrain. A must-do in India, this trip will make the best of your stay while in Kerala.
Details
| Unique Experiences: | Drive up to Munnar and go on a hike in the tea plantations Explore a wildlife reserve in Thekkady Relax on a houseboat in Alleppey and spend the night under the stars Explore the backwaters of Alleppey in a kayak |
| Trip Length: | 7 Days |
| Participants: | Up to 16 travelers may book this trip. One or more components of this trip are a shared experience. |
| Inclusions: | Meals: 6 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 3 Dinners Transportation: Kochi Hotel or Kochi Airport (COK) or Kochi Railway Station to Zostel Munnar by Car or Van, Zostel Munnar to Munnar Tented Camp by Car or Van, Munnar Tented Camp to Forest Inn Thekkady in a Car or Van, Forest Inn Thekkady to Alleppey by Car or Van, Alleppey to Kochi by Car or Van Accommodations: 1 Night at Zostel Munnar in a 6-Bed Mixed Dorm, 1 Night at a Tented Camp in Munnar, 2 Nights at Forest Inn Thekkady in a Standard Room, 1 Night at Zostel Alleppey in a 6-Bed Mixed Dorm, 1 Night on a Standard Houseboat in Alleppey |
| Exclusions: | Travel Insurance (Compulsory) Tips and Gratuities Compulsory and Peak Season Surcharges |
| Age Policy: |
Adults: 18 to 99 years of age Children: Prohibited Infants: Prohibited |
Map
Itinerary
Day 1: Kochi to Munnar
Meet your driver in the lobby of your hotel (or at the airport if you’re landing today) and start your journey across the State of Kerala, known by locals as “God’s Own Country”, thanks to its rich and diverse nature and landscape. You will drive uphill and reach the small town of Munnar. Surrounded by breath-taking tea plantations, charming towns bursting with color, and cascading waterfalls, this is the ultimate mountain escape. So, sit back, relax, and let the scenic drive do its magic. Adventure awaits!
Check-in at your accommodation with the rest of the day at your own leisure to explore the surroundings on your own.
Transportation: Kochi to Munnar Hotel by Car or Van
Accommodation: Zostel Munnar in a Dorm Room or similar
Day 2: Munnar
Begin your day with a satisfying breakfast, and then make your way to the hotel lobby to meet your driver. Gather your belongings, complete the check-out process, and prepare for an exciting adventure ahead. Your destination is Munnar Camp, a vibrant city that is worth a visit.
Upon reaching the camp, you can securely store your luggage in the reception locker room. Take a moment to relax and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee before embarking on the trekking tour. You will be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide as you set off on foot towards a serene and picturesque valley nestled at an elevation of 1500 meters.
As you start your trek, get ready to immerse yourself in a visual feast of natural beauty. Traverse through verdant rhododendron valleys and dense rainforests, treating your senses to the sights and sounds of nature. Every step of the journey brings you closer to the highlight of the trek, the magnificent Fantam rock. This impressive rock formation stands tall at an elevation of 2000 meters above sea level, offering breathtaking panoramic views.
Pause for a moment at the top of Fantam rock to take in the awe-inspiring vistas and embrace the tranquility that surrounds you. It's a perfect opportunity to capture the beauty with your senses and create lasting memories. Once you've absorbed the breathtaking scenery, it will be time to retrace your steps and make your way back to the camp.
Dinner will be served at the camp later this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (Light Box), Dinner
Transportation: Munnar Hotel to Munnar by Car or Van, Munnar to Munnar Tented Camp by Car/ van
Accommodation: Munnar Tented Camp in a Standard Tent (or similar)
Miscellaneous: Day trekking tour by walk with stationed English guide
Day 3: Munnar to Thekkady
After breakfast, meet your guide and drive to your next destination, Thekkady; home of the stunning Periyar National Park. The park is notable as an elephant reserve and a tiger reserve. The protected area encompasses 925 km2, of which 305 km2 of the core zone was declared as the Periyar National Park in 1982. It is a repository of rare, endemic, and endangered flora and fauna and forms the major watershed of two important rivers of Kerala: the Periyar Rivef and the Pamba River. Upon your arrival, you will go through the check-in process at the hotel. Once you have completed the necessary formalities, you will have some free time to relax and enjoy at your leisure until the evening activity.
In the evening, you will embark on a unique adventure by participating in a Night Patrolling Tour at the Periyar National Park. This excursion will involve walking into the park accompanied by a knowledgeable forest guard guide. The tour will take place from 19:00 to 21:30, allowing you to explore the park's captivating wilderness during the nighttime. You will have the opportunity to witness the park's nocturnal creatures, listen to the sounds of the forest, and experience the serene ambiance of nature after dark. The forest guard guide will provide valuable insights and ensure your safety throughout the tour. Return to the hotel where a local dinner will be served.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transportation: Munnar Tented Camp to Thekkady by Car or Van
Accommodation: Forest Inn in a Standard Room (or similar)
Miscellaneous: Night Patrolling Tour inside Periyar National Park with Local Ranger and English-Speaking Station Guide (basic English)
Day 4: Thekkady
Embark on an unforgettable day trekking tour into the heart of the forest, guided by an English-speaking guide. Immerse yourself in nature's beauty as you encounter rare butterflies, listen to the melodious songs of birds, observe playful lion-tailed macaques, marvel at majestic elephants, and witness the power of Indian bison. This journey promises to awaken your senses and provide a profound connection with the natural world, leaving you with lasting memories of the incredible wildlife and breathtaking surroundings. As the sun sets, we leave the park behind and head back to town, just in time to check-in at your hostel. Evening is free at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (Light Box)
Accommodation: Forest Inn in a Standard Room (or similar)
Miscellaneous: Full Day Hike in Periyar National Park (please bring a copy of your passport along with you)
Day 5: Thekkady to Alleppey
Rise and shine! After check-out, meet your driver and transfer to the last destination of your exploration journey.
Get ready for a captivating adventure as you are driven to the tranquil waters of Alleppey. Check into your hotel and brace yourself for a kayaking experience like no other. Paddle through the serene backwaters and explore the intimate channels that are woven into the fabric of local life. Get up close and personal with the everyday activities of the residents as you witness them bathing, washing clothes, and even doing dishes along the riverbanks. Surrounded by the picturesque scenery of houses nestled beside the tranquil canals, this will be a journey to remember forever.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Zostel Alleppey in a Dorm Room (or similar)
Miscellaneous: Kayaking in Alleppey Backwaters with English-speaking Station Guide
Day 6: Alleppey
Today, set sail on a mesmerizing journey aboard your houseboat! Let the tranquil scenery unfold before your eyes as you unwind on the deck, indulging in delicious snacks and meals expertly prepared by your crew. As the day turns into night, anchor the boat and bask in the beauty of the starry sky above. Dine under the stars on the deck, surrounded by the calm waters, making this the experience of a lifetime.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner
Accommodation: Houseboat in a Standard Cabin
Day 7: Alleppey to Kochi
After a refreshing breakfast on the deck of your houseboat, time to return to the mainland. From there, meet with your driver and transfer to Kochi Airport (KOC), Kochi Railway Station or your Kochi Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Transportation: Alleppey to Kochi Airport (KOC) or Kochi Railway Station or Kochi Hotel by Car or Van
Meet your driver in the lobby of your hotel (or at the airport if you’re landing today) and start your journey across the State of Kerala, known by locals as “God’s Own Country”, thanks to its rich and diverse nature and landscape. You will drive uphill and reach the small town of Munnar. Surrounded by breath-taking tea plantations, charming towns bursting with color, and cascading waterfalls, this is the ultimate mountain escape. So, sit back, relax, and let the scenic drive do its magic. Adventure awaits!
Check-in at your accommodation with the rest of the day at your own leisure to explore the surroundings on your own.
Transportation: Kochi to Munnar Hotel by Car or Van
Accommodation: Zostel Munnar in a Dorm Room or similar
Day 2: Munnar
Begin your day with a satisfying breakfast, and then make your way to the hotel lobby to meet your driver. Gather your belongings, complete the check-out process, and prepare for an exciting adventure ahead. Your destination is Munnar Camp, a vibrant city that is worth a visit.
Upon reaching the camp, you can securely store your luggage in the reception locker room. Take a moment to relax and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee before embarking on the trekking tour. You will be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide as you set off on foot towards a serene and picturesque valley nestled at an elevation of 1500 meters.
As you start your trek, get ready to immerse yourself in a visual feast of natural beauty. Traverse through verdant rhododendron valleys and dense rainforests, treating your senses to the sights and sounds of nature. Every step of the journey brings you closer to the highlight of the trek, the magnificent Fantam rock. This impressive rock formation stands tall at an elevation of 2000 meters above sea level, offering breathtaking panoramic views.
Pause for a moment at the top of Fantam rock to take in the awe-inspiring vistas and embrace the tranquility that surrounds you. It's a perfect opportunity to capture the beauty with your senses and create lasting memories. Once you've absorbed the breathtaking scenery, it will be time to retrace your steps and make your way back to the camp.
Dinner will be served at the camp later this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (Light Box), Dinner
Transportation: Munnar Hotel to Munnar by Car or Van, Munnar to Munnar Tented Camp by Car/ van
Accommodation: Munnar Tented Camp in a Standard Tent (or similar)
Miscellaneous: Day trekking tour by walk with stationed English guide
Day 3: Munnar to Thekkady
After breakfast, meet your guide and drive to your next destination, Thekkady; home of the stunning Periyar National Park. The park is notable as an elephant reserve and a tiger reserve. The protected area encompasses 925 km2, of which 305 km2 of the core zone was declared as the Periyar National Park in 1982. It is a repository of rare, endemic, and endangered flora and fauna and forms the major watershed of two important rivers of Kerala: the Periyar Rivef and the Pamba River. Upon your arrival, you will go through the check-in process at the hotel. Once you have completed the necessary formalities, you will have some free time to relax and enjoy at your leisure until the evening activity.
In the evening, you will embark on a unique adventure by participating in a Night Patrolling Tour at the Periyar National Park. This excursion will involve walking into the park accompanied by a knowledgeable forest guard guide. The tour will take place from 19:00 to 21:30, allowing you to explore the park's captivating wilderness during the nighttime. You will have the opportunity to witness the park's nocturnal creatures, listen to the sounds of the forest, and experience the serene ambiance of nature after dark. The forest guard guide will provide valuable insights and ensure your safety throughout the tour. Return to the hotel where a local dinner will be served.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transportation: Munnar Tented Camp to Thekkady by Car or Van
Accommodation: Forest Inn in a Standard Room (or similar)
Miscellaneous: Night Patrolling Tour inside Periyar National Park with Local Ranger and English-Speaking Station Guide (basic English)
Day 4: Thekkady
Embark on an unforgettable day trekking tour into the heart of the forest, guided by an English-speaking guide. Immerse yourself in nature's beauty as you encounter rare butterflies, listen to the melodious songs of birds, observe playful lion-tailed macaques, marvel at majestic elephants, and witness the power of Indian bison. This journey promises to awaken your senses and provide a profound connection with the natural world, leaving you with lasting memories of the incredible wildlife and breathtaking surroundings. As the sun sets, we leave the park behind and head back to town, just in time to check-in at your hostel. Evening is free at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (Light Box)
Accommodation: Forest Inn in a Standard Room (or similar)
Miscellaneous: Full Day Hike in Periyar National Park (please bring a copy of your passport along with you)
Day 5: Thekkady to Alleppey
Rise and shine! After check-out, meet your driver and transfer to the last destination of your exploration journey.
Get ready for a captivating adventure as you are driven to the tranquil waters of Alleppey. Check into your hotel and brace yourself for a kayaking experience like no other. Paddle through the serene backwaters and explore the intimate channels that are woven into the fabric of local life. Get up close and personal with the everyday activities of the residents as you witness them bathing, washing clothes, and even doing dishes along the riverbanks. Surrounded by the picturesque scenery of houses nestled beside the tranquil canals, this will be a journey to remember forever.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Zostel Alleppey in a Dorm Room (or similar)
Miscellaneous: Kayaking in Alleppey Backwaters with English-speaking Station Guide
Day 6: Alleppey
Today, set sail on a mesmerizing journey aboard your houseboat! Let the tranquil scenery unfold before your eyes as you unwind on the deck, indulging in delicious snacks and meals expertly prepared by your crew. As the day turns into night, anchor the boat and bask in the beauty of the starry sky above. Dine under the stars on the deck, surrounded by the calm waters, making this the experience of a lifetime.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner
Accommodation: Houseboat in a Standard Cabin
Day 7: Alleppey to Kochi
After a refreshing breakfast on the deck of your houseboat, time to return to the mainland. From there, meet with your driver and transfer to Kochi Airport (KOC), Kochi Railway Station or your Kochi Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Transportation: Alleppey to Kochi Airport (KOC) or Kochi Railway Station or Kochi Hotel by Car or Van
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