Kerala Short Getaway
Popular Trek
A Relaxing Kerala Escape Through Tea Gardens, Wildlife & Backwaters
Why Choose Kerala Short Getaway
The Kerala Short Getaway is a perfect travel package for those who want to experience the beauty of Kerala within a shorter duration without missing its most iconic destinations. This journey combines misty hill stations, wildlife experiences, tea plantations, spice gardens, and the famous Kerala backwaters into one memorable South India trip.
Known as “God’s Own Country,” Kerala is one of India’s most beautiful travel destinations, famous for its lush greenery, scenic mountains, peaceful backwaters, tropical climate, and rich cultural traditions. This carefully planned itinerary covers some of Kerala’s most popular destinations including Munnar, Thekkady, and Alleppey while ensuring a comfortable and relaxed travel experience.
The journey begins with an overnight train journey from Mumbai and Pune towards Kochi, Kerala’s cultural gateway. From Kochi, travelers proceed towards the breathtaking hill station of Munnar, known for its endless tea plantations, cool climate, fog-covered valleys, and scenic mountain landscapes.
One of the major highlights of Munnar is the optional Kolukkumalai Peak sunrise experience. Located at one of the highest tea plantations in the world, Kolukkumalai offers mesmerizing sunrise views above the clouds, creating an unforgettable Himalayan-like experience in South India.
Apart from scenic viewpoints, Munnar also offers attractions like Mattupetty Dam, Kundala Lake, Echo Point, and Tea Museum, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and photographers.
The journey then continues towards Thekkady, home to the famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Thekkady offers a blend of wildlife, forests, spices, and Kerala culture. Visitors can enjoy boating at Periyar Lake, explore spice plantations, interact with elephants, and witness traditional performances like Kathakali and Kalaripayattu.
The final major highlight of the trip is the Alleppey Houseboat experience. Cruising through Kerala’s tranquil backwaters while enjoying authentic Kerala cuisine and peaceful village landscapes creates one of the most relaxing travel experiences in India.
The Kerala backwaters are famous worldwide for their calm canals, coconut-lined shores, traditional villages, and houseboat stays. Spending a night onboard a traditional Kerala houseboat allows travelers to experience the true essence of Kerala tourism.
This Kerala Short Getaway is ideal for families, couples, solo travelers, and friend groups looking for a balanced vacation with nature, culture, relaxation, and sightseeing.
From tea gardens and waterfalls to wildlife sanctuaries and backwaters, this itinerary offers a complete Kerala experience in a compact and comfortable travel plan.
Trek Profile Graph
Map & Preview
Explore the Route from Kochi to Munnar, Thekkady & Alleppey
Quick Map Facts
| Region | South India |
|---|---|
| Best Season | March to August |
| Pickup Point | Pune / Mumbai / Kochi |
| Duration | 7 Nights / 8 Days |
| Altitude | 7,900 ft. |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Day by Day Plan
Day-by-Day Kerala Journey Through Tea Gardens, Forests & Backwaters
The journey begins as travelers board their trains from Mumbai and Pune towards Kochi.
Participants from Mumbai board from Dadar Station in the evening, while Pune participants board later at night.
The overnight train journey offers time to relax and prepare for the upcoming Kerala adventure.
Continue the train journey towards Kerala while witnessing changing landscapes, rivers, towns, and coastal regions of South India.
Spend the day relaxing and enjoying the long scenic train ride.
Upon arrival at Kochi, begin your scenic drive towards Munnar.
En route, visit the famous Athirappilly Waterfalls, often referred to as the “Niagara of Kerala.” The waterfall cascades from a height of around 80 meters and is one of Kerala’s most photographed attractions.
The drive towards Munnar passes through lush tea gardens, mountain valleys, waterfalls, and mist-covered landscapes.
Upon reaching Munnar, check into your hotel and relax.
Travelers interested in witnessing a magical sunrise can opt for an early morning excursion to Kolukkumalai Peak.
The sunrise experience from Kolukkumalai offers breathtaking panoramic views above the clouds amidst tea plantations and mountain ranges.
Later, explore famous attractions of Munnar including Mattupetty Dam, Kundala Lake, Tea Museum, and Echo Point.
The cool weather, lush greenery, and peaceful atmosphere make Munnar one of the most beautiful hill stations in India.
Return to the hotel for overnight stay.
After breakfast, proceed towards Thekkady.
Upon arrival, enjoy sightseeing around Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Periyar Lake. Travelers can opt for boating activities to spot wildlife such as elephants, deer, birds, and occasionally wild bison.
Visit spice plantations to learn about Kerala’s world-famous spices including cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, and cloves.
You may also enjoy optional elephant rides and cultural performances like Kathakali dance and Kalaripayattu martial arts.
Overnight stay in Thekkady.
After breakfast, drive towards Alleppey and board your traditional Kerala houseboat.
Cruise through Kerala’s famous backwaters surrounded by coconut trees, paddy fields, and village life.
Enjoy authentic Kerala meals onboard including local Kerala Thali for lunch.
The peaceful backwater environment combined with group activities and scenic landscapes creates a relaxing and memorable experience.
Dinner and overnight stay on the houseboat.
After breakfast, depart from Alleppey and proceed towards Kochi.
Reach Kochi by afternoon and board the return train as per schedule.
Spend the night traveling back with memories of Kerala’s hills, forests, and backwaters.
Arrive back at your hometown with unforgettable memories of Kerala’s scenic beauty and cultural experiences.
Know clearly what is covered and not covered
Everything Included for a Comfortable Kerala Travel Experience
Inclusions
- 3AC train tickets (if booked with package)
- Hotel accommodation on triple sharing basis
- Houseboat stay in Alleppey
- Meals as mentioned in itinerary
- Private transportation for sightseeing
- Kathakali and Kalaripayattu entry fees
- Alleppey to Kochi chair car train transfer
- Local guide support
- Group tour coordination
- Sightseeing as per itinerary
Exclusions
- Personal expenses
- Lunch and dinners not mentioned
- Boating charges at Periyar Lake
- Kolukkumalai jeep safari charges
- Monument entry fees not mentioned
- Adventure activities
- Insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- GST (if applicable)
- Anything not mentioned in inclusions
Before You Go
Essential Travel Tips for a Smooth & Relaxing Kerala Trip
Clothing
- Thermal inner layers for upper and lower body
- Fleece or padded mid-layer jacket
- Water-resistant outer jacket and trekking pants
- Woollen cap, sun cap, gloves, and extra socks
Gear Essentials
- Good trekking shoes with ankle grip and sole traction
- Backpack with rain cover and small day pouch if needed
- Headlamp / torch with spare batteries
- Reusable water bottles / hydration support
Personal Items
- Sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, and basic toiletries
- Personal medicines and small health kit
- Power bank and charging cable
- ID proof and cash for small local expenses
Recommended Fitness Preparation
| Focus Area | Recommended Practice | Suggested Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Cardio Endurance | Brisk walking, stair climbing, jogging, cycling, or incline treadmill work | 4-5 days / week |
| Leg Strength | Squats, lunges, step-ups, calf raises, and controlled bodyweight training | 3-4 days / week |
| Core Stability | Planks, side planks, and basic mobility work for better balance on trail | 3 days / week |
| Loaded Walks | Walking with a light backpack to simulate trekking effort | 1-2 days / week |
Ideal Readiness Graph
Medical Readiness Checklist
| Medical Point | What You Should Do |
|---|---|
| Pre-existing Condition | Inform the organiser in advance if you have asthma, heart issues, blood pressure concerns, or any major medical history. |
| Personal Medication | Carry all prescribed medicines in adequate quantity and keep them easily accessible during both road and trek days. |
| Hydration & Nutrition | Stay hydrated and avoid skipping meals before and during the trek to maintain energy levels and reduce fatigue. |
| Cold Protection | Layering properly is essential to avoid discomfort, energy loss, and cold-related exhaustion in winter conditions. |
| Doctor Consultation | If unsure about your fitness or health, take medical advice before booking or before departure. |
This section is only a general preparation guide. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Every trekker should make decisions based on their own health condition and doctor's recommendation where needed.
How to Reach
Most travelers first reach Kochi and then begin their journey across Kerala’s scenic destinations. Kochi serves as the primary gateway for the Kerala Short Getaway tour. Below is a simple route understanding for planning your journey smoothly.
From Kochi
Kochi acts as the main arrival point and starting hub for exploring Kerala.
- 1Reach KochiTravel to Kochi by flight, train, or bus. Kochi International Airport is well connected to major domestic and international destinations.
- 2Begin Kerala Circuit JourneyFrom Kochi, continue toward popular destinations such as Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey, Kovalam, or Wayanad depending on the tour itinerary
- 3Explore Scenic LandscapesThe journey offers a blend of hill stations, tea plantations, wildlife reserves, beaches, backwaters, and cultural experiences across Kerala.
From Kerala Circuit Route
The Kerala Full Circuit Tour covers multiple destinations, each offering a unique travel experience.
- 1Experience Diverse DestinationsExplore misty mountains in Munnar, wildlife adventures in Thekkady, serene backwaters in Alleppey, and coastal beauty in Kovalam or Varkala.
- 2Enjoy Local Culture & CuisineExperience Kerala’s traditional culture, houseboat stays, authentic cuisine, spice plantations, and peaceful natural surroundings.
- 3Return to KochiAfter completing the circuit journey, travelers usually return back to Kochi for their onward flight or train journey.
Trip Moments
Captured Moments from the Kerala Short Getaway Experience
Upcoming Departures
Fixed Group Departures from Pune, Mumbai & Kochi
| Batch | Date | Price | Seats | Status |
|---|
Booking Terms
Booking, Cancellation & Travel Guidelines
- Bookings are confirmed only after the required advance payment is received.
- Full payment should be completed within the timeline communicated by the organiser.
- Participants must provide accurate personal information, emergency contact details, and any relevant health declaration before departure.
- The organiser reserves the right to change logistics, stays, transport sequencing, or trek movement plans due to operational or safety reasons.
- Cancellation charges may apply depending on how close the cancellation is to the departure date.
- Any non-refundable bookings, permits, reserved transport, or accommodation advances may be deducted where applicable.
- No refund is generally applicable for no-show, voluntary exit from trek, or personal discomfort after the trek has begun.
- In case of weather, road, political, or force majeure disruptions, refund decisions depend on actual recoverable costs.
- Trekking in the Himalaya involves natural risks, changing weather, uneven terrain, and remote conditions.
- All participants are expected to follow the instructions of the trek leader and support team throughout the journey.
- The organiser may remove a participant from the trek if behaviour risks group safety, discipline, or expedition flow.
- Every trekker is responsible for carrying the required clothing, fitness level, and personal medicines suitable for the trek.
Common Questions
Quick Answers Before You Plan Your Kerala Getaway
September to March offers the best weather for sightseeing.
Yes, this package is ideal for families, couples, and friend groups.
Yes, 3AC train tickets are included if booked with the package.
The houseboat stay is generally on triple-sharing basis unless upgraded.
Meals mentioned in the itinerary are included.
No, it is optional and depends on traveler preference.
Hotels in Munnar and Thekkady, and a traditional houseboat in Alleppey.
Yes, Kerala is considered one of the safest tourist destinations in India.
Yes, private transport is included as per itinerary.
Yes, Kerala becomes extremely beautiful during monsoon season.