Private journeys across India · Replies within 24 hours
Reviewed by Mirza Shadab Beg, Founder, Travelage India, Agra · Last updated 24 October 2026
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Short answer: ten days covers all of Kerala from north to south. Start in Fort Kochi, climb to Munnar, visit Thekkady and spend a night on a houseboat at Alleppey, then finish with two nights each at Varkala and Kovalam beaches. Every drive is under about five hours.
Ten days gives you the whole of Kerala in one line: the colonial streets of Fort Kochi, the tea hills of Munnar, the forest and spice country around Thekkady, the backwaters at Alleppey and then the beaches at Varkala and Kovalam. It ends in Trivandrum, so there is no backtracking.
Each drive is under about five hours, with two nights in each of Munnar, Varkala and Kovalam to slow the pace. Varkala is a cliff-top beach with a relaxed, backpacker-meets-yoga feel. Kovalam is more resort-like.
Met at Kochi airport and taken to your hotel in Fort Kochi. Walk the old quarter at sunset, past the Chinese fishing nets and the old churches.
Drive about 130 km (80 miles) to Munnar (four to five hours), climbing through rubber, spice and tea country, with a waterfall stop.
Tea estate and factory, the Tea Museum and, if open, Eravikulam National Park (usually closed for a few weeks in the early part of the year).
Drive about 110 km (70 miles) to Thekkady (three and a half to four hours). In the afternoon, a spice plantation walk.
Morning boat ride on Periyar Lake, where elephants, deer and birds are often seen though sightings cannot be guaranteed. Then drive about 140 km (85 miles) to Alleppey (four hours) and board your private houseboat.
Disembark after breakfast and drive about 130 km (80 miles) to Varkala (three and a half hours). Walk the cliff at sunset.
A free day for the beach, a yoga class or an Ayurvedic treatment. The Janardhana Swamy temple is nearby.
Drive about 55 km (35 miles) to Kovalam (an hour and a half). Spend the afternoon on the beach.
A free day, or a visit to Trivandrum’s Padmanabhaswamy Temple (non-Hindus cannot enter the sanctum) and the Napier Museum.
Drive about 16 km (10 miles) to Trivandrum airport (about 30 minutes) for your onward journey.
Kerala is compact but its roads are winding. Here is what we arrange so the drives feel easy.
The route runs north to south and ends at Trivandrum, so you never return along the same road.
We choose well-kept houseboats with their own crew and meals, and time the boarding so you cruise in the best light.
A government-approved guide joins you in each city, matched to the language and pace you prefer.
Your guide is chosen for the language you prefer and the things you love. Ask for Japanese or Russian and we will arrange it where we can.
Here is every leg with its distance and likely drive time. Times vary with traffic and stops.
| Leg | Distance | Drive time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kochi to Munnar | about 130 km (80 miles) | 4 to 5 hours | Waterfall stop |
| Munnar to Thekkady | about 110 km (70 miles) | 3.5 to 4 hours | Cardamom and pepper plantations |
| Thekkady to Alleppey | about 140 km (85 miles) | 4 hours | Board the houseboat around midday |
| Alleppey to Varkala | about 130 km (80 miles) | 3.5 hours | After houseboat check-out |
| Varkala to Kovalam | about 55 km (35 miles) | 1.5 hours | Beach to beach |
| Kovalam to Trivandrum airport | about 16 km (10 miles) | 30 minutes | Onward flight |
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What is included in your journey
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“…He was very responsive and was always available when we had any questions. He also recommended hotels and places to stay. He was very flexible with providing guides only for the requested days.”
“Very awesome experience.. extremely professional and courteous, the chauffeur and the guides were very knowledgeable and knew the way to maneuver the system. They were highly flexible in adapting to any changes in my schedule.”
“I went to India alone and had an amazing experience with my tour guide, shiraz. He showed me all the beautiful places that india has to offer and even brought to places that was not initially planned after requesting it to make sure that I was completely satisfied with my tour.”
“I had an amazing time with Kishan (driver) and Bobby (guide). They both are very polite, nice and easy going. Bobby taught me so many facts and interesting things about Taj Mahal and India Culture in general.”
“Ali is a wonderful person and a fantastic & experienced driver! He keeps an immaculate car and is always very accommodating with any need, responsive and smiling. We felt comfortable and safe with him. Also a big shout out to Prahlad for his very interesting guided tour of Jodhpur!”
“A dream come true! Bobby’s expertise and warm hospitality made my Agra trip seamless and perfect. The Taj Mahal was beyond words especially with his talented photography skills.”
The right route depends on your time and how much you want to see. The highlighted row is the journey on this page.
| Journey | Time needed | How you travel | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Days Kerala Backwater Tour | 5 days / 4 nights | Private luxury car, houseboat | Backwaters and a houseboat night |
| 6 Days Munnar Thekkady Alleppey | 6 days / 5 nights | Private luxury car, houseboat | Hills first, then the water |
| 7 Days Kerala Tour | 7 days / 6 nights | Private luxury car, houseboat | Hills, tea, wildlife and backwaters |
| Golden Triangle with Kerala | 12 days / 11 nights | Car, plus one flight | North and South India in one journey |
| 10 Days Complete Kerala Tour | 10 days / 9 nights | Private luxury car and houseboat | Hills, backwaters and beaches |
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Yes, for the main highlights from north to south: Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey, Varkala and Kovalam.
It starts in Kochi and ends in Trivandrum, so there is no backtracking. Trivandrum has its own airport.
Varkala is a cliff-top beach with cafes and yoga, and Kovalam is a more resort-style crescent of beaches. We include both.
A private houseboat with a crew, meals and a cabin, cruising the backwaters in daylight. One night is plenty for most travellers.
October to March. June to September is monsoon, lush and green, with heavy rain and rough beaches.
Yes. Our 6 Days Munnar Thekkady Alleppey and 7 Days Kerala tours cover fewer places.
Yes. You have your own luxury car, driver and licensed guides. Nothing is shared with other travellers.
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Your driver meets you at Kochi airport arrivals with a name board. Share your flight details and we confirm everything the day before.
10 days / 9 nights. Starts in Kochi and ends in Trivandrum, with a private luxury car and driver.
A private houseboat has its own crew and meals. Check-in is usually around midday and check-out about 9 am, and cruising is limited to daylight hours. Cabins are simple but comfortable, and air-conditioning usually runs only part of the night. Houseboat rules and timings follow local regulations and can change.
October to March is the most comfortable, with cooler, drier weather. April and May are hot and humid. June to September is monsoon: Kerala is lush and green, rain can be heavy, there are fewer visitors, and it is the traditional season for Ayurveda. Hill roads can be slow in heavy rain.
Varkala and Kovalam have strong currents, and swimming is safe only in the marked areas and during calm months. Beaches are rough during the monsoon. Your hotel and lifeguards advise.
