Kochi in 8 Days for Couples - Half-day Fort Kochi historic walk (Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica, Paradesi Synagogue, Mattancherry Palace)
In Collaboration with Holiday Tours And Travels. Updated on February 14, 2026.
Eight-day private-vehicle Kerala itinerary covering Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Thekkady (Kumily), Alleppey (Alappuzha) backwaters and Kovalam with an overnight traditional houseboat, English-speaking driver and scheduled sightseeing as listed in the original activity.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Holiday Tours And Travels, inspired by the tour Kerala Package for 8 Days with Private Vehicle.. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Half-day Fort Kochi historic walk (Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica, Paradesi Synagogue, Mattancherry Palace)
- Tea gardens, Eravikulam National Park and viewpoints in Munnar
- Wildlife boat cruise at Periyar (Thekkady)
- Overnight traditional houseboat cruise in Alleppey backwaters
- Beach time and sunset at Kovalam (Lighthouse Beach)
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Kochi, transfer to hotel and half-day Fort Kochi sightseeing.
Arrival transfer: Cochin Airport to hotel (Kochi)
Meet at Cochin International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Kochi. Pickup timed to meet flight/rail arrival; transfer and check-in or luggage drop.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm your flight/arrival details at booking so pickup is timed correctly; driver will wait at the airport arrival hall.
- Carry a light layer and comfortable shoes for brief city walking after transfer; hotels typically allow early luggage drop but not immediate full check-in.
- Keep a printed or digital copy of your hotel name/address in English and Malayalam to show taxi/driver if needed.
Half-day Fort Kochi sightseeing
Afternoon half-day sightseeing in Fort Kochi and Mattancherry visiting the Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica, Paradesi (Jewish) Synagogue and Mattancherry (Dutch) Palace. Leisurely paced with time for short photo stops and a walk along the promenade.
Tips from local experts:
- Start the sightseeing with lightweight bags and bottled water; some sites have uneven paving—wear comfortable shoes.
- For a romantic moment, catch late-afternoon light near the Chinese fishing nets on Fort Kochi promenade—best around 16:30–17:30.
- Most heritage sites have small entrance fees and limited photo restrictions; keep modest clothing for visiting churches and the synagogue.
Day 2
Drive from Kochi to Munnar with scenic en-route stops at waterfalls and landscaped gardens.
Drive: Kochi to Munnar with en-route stops (Cheeyappara Waterfalls, Blossom Garden)
After breakfast depart Kochi for Munnar. En-route scheduled short stops to view Cheeyappara Waterfalls and Blossom/roadside gardens. Arrive Munnar in the afternoon; hotel check-in and time to relax among tea gardens.
Tips from local experts:
- The road to Munnar is a hill drive with hairpin turns—bring motion-sickness medication if needed and travel light.
- Plan brief stops every 60–90 minutes for restroom breaks and photos; local stalls sell tea and snacks at viewpoints.
- Evening temperatures in Munnar are noticeably cooler—pack a light jacket for late afternoon and dinner.
Day 3
Full day of sightseeing around Munnar: national park, tea museum, lakes and viewpoints.
Munnar full-day sightseeing (Eravikulam, Tea Museum, Mattupetty, Kundala Lake, Echo Point)
A full day exploring Munnar's main sights: Eravikulam National Park (viewing area), Tea Museum, Mattupetty Lake & Dam, Kundala Lake and Echo Point with scenic tea garden views in between. Comfortable walking and short drives between spots.
Tips from local experts:
- Eravikulam has restricted visitor numbers during certain periods; bring photo ID and arrive early if you plan to enter the park area.
- Carry reusable water and small snacks—cafés near Mattupetty and Kundala serve light meals and local tea.
- For a quiet couple moment, visit a tea-plantation viewpoint before sunset for long vista photos and softer light.
Day 4
Drive from Munnar to Thekkady (Kumily) and afternoon wildlife cruise at Periyar.
Transfer: Munnar to Thekkady (Kumily)
After breakfast depart Munnar for Thekkady (Kumily). Transfer through mid-elevation roads with arrival before afternoon activities; hotel check-in and short rest upon arrival.
Tips from local experts:
- Roads between Munnar and Thekkady are hilly and slower than flat driving—allow buffer time for the transfer and stops.
- Local spice shops are common near Thekkady/Kumily; if you plan to buy spices, purchase from reputable shops and check packaging.
- Carry any required medication and a small first-aid kit; mobile signal can be patchy on some stretches.
Periyar wildlife boat cruise (Thekkady)
Afternoon wildlife boat cruise on Periyar Lake in Periyar National Park to view wildlife from the water (timing depends on park schedule). Relaxed-paced viewing from the boat; return to hotel for overnight stay.
Tips from local experts:
- Boat cruises follow park timings—arrive at the jetty at least 20 minutes early; carry sunscreen and a hat for daytime cruises.
- Binoculars and a zoom lens help for wildlife viewing; boats are open-sided—secure belongings against sudden movements.
- For a romantic touch, choose a late-afternoon cruise (when available) for softer light and calmer waters; confirm cruise timing on arrival.
Day 5
Drive from Thekkady to Alleppey and board a traditional houseboat for an overnight backwater cruise (full-board).
Transfer: Thekkady (Kumily) to Alleppey (Alappuzha)
After breakfast check out and drive to Alleppey (Alappuzha). Arrive in late morning/early afternoon at the boat jetty to board the houseboat for the backwater cruise.
Tips from local experts:
- The transfer to Alleppey is a longer road drive—bring a small day bag and any items you’ll need on the houseboat for the night.
- Plan passport/ID handy for houseboat boarding formalities; boat jetties can be busy—follow staff instructions for boarding.
- If you have dietary requirements, inform the operator at check-in so on-board meals can be arranged accordingly.
Alleppey houseboat cruise (overnight, full-board)
Board a traditionally decorated Kettuvallam (houseboat) for an afternoon-to-next-morning cruise through the Alleppey backwaters. Lunch, dinner and overnight on board as the boat drifts through canals and lagoons.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect simple, comfortable accommodations on the boat—store valuables in a secure bag and keep lights on when moving between cabins at night.
- Bring lightweight clothing and a light sweater for the evening; carry motion-sickness remedies if sensitive to gentle boat movement.
- For a private romantic moment, request a sunset sit-out on the deck when boarding; backwater sunsets are best shortly before 18:00.
Day 6
Disembark in Alleppey and transfer south to Kovalam; evening beach visit.
Transfer: Alleppey to Kovalam (drive)
After breakfast and disembarkation, depart Alleppey for Kovalam. Arrive Kovalam in the late afternoon; hotel check-in and short rest before beach visit.
Tips from local experts:
- The drive from Alleppey to Kovalam takes most of the day—carry chargers, water and light snacks for the journey.
- Kovalam hotels usually have beach-facing rooms available on request; request early check-in if you want direct beach access on arrival.
- Mobile data can be intermittent on some stretches; download maps or directions before the drive if needed.
Evening: Visit Lighthouse Beach (Kovalam)
Short evening visit to Kovalam's Lighthouse Beach area to enjoy the crescent-shaped bay and coastal promenade; good spot for sunset photos and a relaxed walk.
Tips from local experts:
- Lighthouse Beach is the most visited of Kovalam's beaches—arrive before sunset for quieter sections and best light for photos.
- Street vendors sell fresh coconut water and local snacks near the beach; check hygiene and ask for packed items if you have diet restrictions.
- If you want a quieter romantic spot, walk northward along the promenade away from the main jetty area.
Day 7
Full day of leisure at Kovalam beaches (Samudra Beach, Hawa Beach and Lighthouse Beach).
Kovalam: Full day leisure at the beach
A full day to relax on Kovalam's crescent beaches—sunbathing, swimming where lifeguards are present, and enjoying the coastal setting. Return to hotel for overnight stay.
Tips from local experts:
- Swim only in designated areas where lifeguards are present; currents can be strong at times—ask hotel staff about safe sections.
- For a relaxed couples activity, consider a late-afternoon beach walk toward Hawa Beach when the crowds thin and the light softens.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a sunhat; many resorts offer parasols and sunbeds for guests—confirm availability with your hotel.
Day 8
Checkout and transfer to Trivandrum International Airport (or Cochin Airport per original itinerary note).
Departure transfer to Trivandrum International Airport (or Cochin Airport option)
After breakfast check out and transfer to Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) International Airport for onward journey. If travel to Cochin (Cochin International Airport) is required, allow 4–5 hours driving time from Kovalam as noted.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm which airport you are being dropped at (Trivandrum or Cochin) when reconfirming pickup time; travel time to Cochin is significantly longer (approx. 4–5 hours).
- Allow at least 3 hours buffer for domestic flights and 4 hours for international flights from Kovalam—traffic and check-in times vary.
- Keep local currency ready for any last-minute purchases and ensure all luggage is accounted for before leaving the hotel/vehicle.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 8 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 6 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 6 |
| Total Places | 6 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Attraction, Experience, Break |
