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Written by PRIYANKA SHARMA » Updated on: November 12th, 2024
The Munnar Thekkady Alleppey Tour Packages is a delightful mix of enjoying nature and experiencing the local culture. Kerala, which is fondly referred to as ‘God’s own country’, has something to offer its tourists in three different places that are unique in their beauty and appeal. It begins with the serene mountain terraces of Munnar, the green lush of spices grown in Thekkady, and smooth sailing of house boats in the idyllic backwaters. This tour is as close to four out of five (if water is taken into consideration) elements of India when they are at their most gorgeous.
Opting for the Munnar Thekkady AlleppeyTour Packages gives the tourists a very balanced experience. Munnar is known for its tea estates and beauty of the hill station, which provides a cool and soothing environment that encourages rest. A few hours further is Thekkady which more than caters to the visitors with a glimpse of Kerala’s diverse wildlife and its spices, as well as other activities including wildlife safaris and visits to spice plantations. The tour ends in Alleppey also known as the ‘Venice of the East’, where the tourists get a chance to relax on houseboats and find themselves afloat in the beautiful backwaters. These three places combine together to create a satisfactory blend of Nature, Culture, Adventure and Leisure.
The Indian state of Kerala is endowed with a tropical climate, but each season has different experiences. Here is a guide on the peak seasons suitable for visiting various places:
Peak Season (Winter): The peak season for visiting Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey, and other hill stations begins from October and ends in March, as the temperatures are agreeable and cool in these places. Winters are usually mild and ideal for various forms of sports and excursions. It is also the best period for houseboat rides in Alleppey and wildlife tours in Thekkady.
Off-Peak Season (Rain-Tree): June, July, August, and September are the monsoon months, and as expected, it rains heavily which reinvigorates the green scenery making it captivating. However, the summer season in this region is characterized by heavy rainfall, which affects almost all activities, more so, the backwaters of Alleppey. In Kerala, monsoon tourism is increasing, especially among individuals in search of something different and more peaceful.
All locations on the Munnar-Thekkady-Alleppey area are easy to reach, thus it is more pleasant to visit Kerala through Kerala Holiday packages and these amazing places.
By Air: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (COK) in Kochi, which is connected with most of the major cities in India and even abroad. After Kochi, Munnar is approximately 110 kilometers away, Thekkady is almost 145 kilometers and Alleppey is roughly 83 kilometers by roadway.
By Train: The nearest well-connected railway station is Ernakulam Junction in Kochi which acts as a base center for Munnar, Thekaddy and Alleppy. Due to the cheap but efficient rail services, trains coming into Cochin joining many other towns in India are the most used by visitors to the city.
By Road: The roads in Kerala are scenic and very good, typical of the road network in the state. Many coaches, private cabs and buses are available from Cochin to Munnar, Thekkady and Alleppey. Self-driving is also a popular option among travelers who wish to experience the breathtaking views along the roads.
Located in the Western Ghats, Munnar is the most popular hill station in Kerala, famous for its beautiful tea gardens, cloudy peaks, and quite pleasant weather. Here’s an insight on best things to do and the highlights of Munnar:
The Tea Gardens and The Tea Museum: Munnar Tea Gardens are among the picturesque places in the city as they are spread over hilly areas. Tourists can visit tea estates, see the process of enlacing green leaves in making tea at the Tea Museum, and find out the interesting details regarding tea history of the region.
Eravikulam National Park: This park is famous for harbouring the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and provides the travelers with a very rare and beautiful fauna along with the scenic mountains in the view. It is also a popular destination for trekking. Additionally, The ‘Neelakurinji’ flowers that sprout every 12 years, are also one of the main attractions of this park which trek lovers enjoy a lot.
Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point: These locations are popular for their views and boating activities. In particular this is the point with the most ideal echo that many people enjoy including myself which is known as Echo point.
Anamudi Peak: Anamudi, located at a height of 2695 meters, is the tallest mountain in the southern region of India, which comes along with a few thrills for the zealous trekkers.
Walking on the hills or Trekking: Munnar has a range of trekking routes which includes even the simpler paths and the hard Meesapulimala trek difficulty level.
Tea Tasting Experiences: Munnar as an ultimate tea tourism place, offers several tea tasting and related activities, wherein one can indulge in unique teas and engage with professionals about various tea blends and processes.
As travelers make their way from Munnar’s mountains to the wilderness of Thekkady, they are surrounded by the visual, audible, and olfactory pleasures of Kerala’s spice farms and the diverse flora and fauna. Thekkady is said to be the home of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary which is among the best reserves in India.
This Sanctuary is a paradise for all wildlife enthusiasts as one can see elephants, tigers, leopards, and a number of birds. The stunning combination of forests, rivers, and grasslands of Periyar is itself an added thrill to watching the wildlife.
World Famous Spice Plantations: Thekkady boasts of spice plantations that grow cardamom, pepper, cinnamon among others. A lot of these plantations have walking tours where visitors get to walk around the gardens and appreciate the importance and uses of each spice.
Do boating on Periyar Lake: Most of the visitors prefer to take a boating ride, especially on the Periyar Lake which has mesmerizing views of the wildlife within the Periyar Sanctuary. Catching sight of animals near the water is best done early in the morning or in the evening.
Jungle Safari and Bamboo Rafting: Thekkady also provides a jungle alert plus a bamboo rafting deep into the forest and the animal’s habitat.
Famous for the idyllic landscapes of backwaters and houseboat, Alleppey is truly a paradise where one can unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of Kerala. Houseboat cruising in Alleppey is an experience like none other as it allows the tourists to explore the tranquil backwaters, picturesque areas of rice fields and the village life on the shores.
Houseboat Cruising on the Backwaters
It is not complete if a visit to the backwaters of Alleppeydoes not include a houseboat cruise. The tourists can rent these houseboats where meals, accommodation and sight-seeing of the backwaters is included for an enjoyable and relaxed trip.
Exploring Local Villages and Culture
There is more to balance these houseboats than what has been mentioned above. Alleppey has much more to offer in terms of culture. By going to certain local villages, for example, a tourist can enjoy the countryside in Kerala with the possibilities of observing things like coir being made and paddy being grown and even some crafts.
Beaches in Alleppey
Alleppey also boasts of clean sandy beaches such as the Alappuzha Beach and Marari Beach where one can indulge himself with activities such as beach sports and wait for a breathtaking view of the sunset.
In order to enjoy this Kerala trip to the fullest, it is important to have a good tour itinerary for Kerala. Below is a recommended sample itinerary that covers sightseeing, pitching tents and indulging in various sports within a period of six days.
Day 1-2: Adventures in Munnar
Day 1: Arrive in Munnar and check into your hotel. Let us begin with a walk in Munnar tea gardens with beautiful landscapes. Go to The Tea Museum and introduce yourself with Munnar tea heritage and culture.
Day 2: Early morning go for a trek in Eravikulam National Park and admire the Nilgiri Tahr and warm vistas of Munnar. Thereafter go to Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point and if you are courageous enough, queue up to Anamudi Peak for gorgeous scenes.
Day 3-4: Wildlife and Adventure in Thekkady
Day 3: Move From Munnar inn to Thekkady. After checking in to a midway hotel the guests are taken to a spice plantation to learn about the spices for which Kerala is well known. The fresh cardamom, cinnamon and clove are very enchanting to the olfactory lobes.
Day 4: Wake up early and take a boat ride on Periyar Lake, to catch sight of elephants and other animals that might be near the shores of the lake. In the afternoon, change into some comfortable clothes and go for a more exciting guided jungle safari or go bamboo rafting instead.
Day 5-6: Backwater Experience in Alleppey
Day 5: Arrive in Alleppy and check in to your houseboat. Spend the day cruising through Kerala’s tranquil backwaters, enjoying traditional Kerala meals and stunning views of coconut groves, rice paddies, and quaint villages.
Day 6: After disembarking, explore local villages in Alleppey or relax on Marari Beach before departing.
Kerala has different forms of accommodation in Munnar, Thekkady, and Alleppey regardless if you are traveling on a low budget or in high end looking for luxury.
Budget Options: homestays or cheap guest houses found more in Munnar and Thekkady would give a cozy stay with local flavour.
Mid-Range Hotels: There are several mid range hotels found in all three places that provide quality amenities with nice views at reasonable prices.
Luxury Stays: For the ones who want an experience fit for a king, Kerala has great resorts particularly in Munnar but also in some houseboats in Alleppey that provide all day services such as tours, spa and even satisfaction guaranteed full treatments at an extra cost.
Packing wisely ensures a comfortable journey across Kerala’s varied landscapes. Here’s a list of essentials:
Light Clothing: For the warm climate, pack lightweight, breathable clothes, especially for Alleppey and Thekkady.
Warm Layers: Munnar can get chilly in the early morning and evening, so a light jacket or sweater is helpful.
Comfortable Shoes: Sturdy shoes are essential for trekking, walking through spice plantations, and exploring backwaters.
Rain Gear: If you’re visiting during monsoon season, a raincoat and waterproof bags will be lifesavers.
Sunscreen and Insect Repellent: Kerala’s tropical environment requires protection from the sun and mosquitoes, especially in the wildlife and backwater regions.
Kerala’s cuisine is a flavourful blend of spices, fresh ingredients, and coastal influences. Each stop on this tour has its own culinary highlights.
Traditional Kerala Dishes to Try: Sample Kerala’s diverse flavors with dishes like Appam with Stew, Puttu and Kadala Curry, and Kerala-style Fish Curry. These dishes showcase the state’s unique use of coconut, curry leaves, and spices.
Popular Restaurants: Munnar and Thekkady have a mix of local eateries and multi-cuisine restaurants. In Alleppey, look for seafood specialties, especially fish curries and prawn dishes served on houseboats.
Shades of Culture: Warmth, hospitality, and a sizeable culture is something that people of Kerala are known for. Below are a few things to consider culturally.
Regard for Native Practices: Kerala has a population that comprises the Hindus, the Muslims, and the Christians. When going to religious places, one should dress appropriately and take off the shoes where asked.
Wellness and Ayurveda: The state of Kerala is well suited for Ayurvedic treatment options and therapies. Countries such as India have Ayurvedic massage centers in places such as Munnar and Alleppey which offer soothing massages together with other treatment services.
Festivals and Rituals: During the month of August to September, Onam, the most popular festival in Kerala feasted and celebrated by cultural programs takes place, which might be an added advantage to your visit.
Few practical travel tips can assist in a big way while planning the holiday in Munnar, Thekkady, and Alleppey.
Health and Safety Measures: Always carry necessary medicines, drink a lot of water, and use anti insect repellent while in the forest and backwater regions.
Transportation Tips: Arrange means of transportation before the travel date especially if it is holiday season because buses and taxis get fully booked. Otherwise, renting a car helps in accessing far-off areas for sightseeing.
Conduct, Attitudes and Sustainable Travel Practice: Visiting Kerala, one must accept and adopt the local way of life and take care of the environment. Do not throw trash everywhere and help the local economy by buying their traditional items and eating at their restaurants.
The Munnar-Thekkady-Alleppey journey through the most iconic vistas and experiences of Kerala, is enchanting. The Munnar hills, which are swathed in tea, Thekkady with its wildlife and Alleppey with its backwaters are all covered in this tour and hence it offers a great deal of enjoyment, exploration and serenity from the cultural standpoint. Every place has its own highlights that helps in showcasing the bountiful landscapes of Kerala which makes this trip ideal for everyone who wishes to travel to South India.
No matter how long you stay here or purposes of travel you have, if you have a good Munnar-Thekkady-Alleppey tour design and an adventurous spirit, memories you will cherish for an eternity and love for the beauty of the land called `God's Own Country’ – Kerala, will be acquired.
The best time to visit is during the winter months from October to March, as the weather is cool and ideal for outdoor activities. Monsoon season (June to September) can also offer a beautiful, lush experience, but with occasional travel interruptions.
A 6-day itinerary is ideal for covering the highlights of each destination. However, you can customize your Munnar Thekkady Alleppy tour packages according to the duration based on your interests and travel schedule.
Houseboats are popular, so it’s best to book in advance, especially during the peak season. However, there are often last-minute options available, particularly for day cruises.
Absolutely! Kerala has many other attractions like Kochi, Kovalam, and Varkala, which can be easily added to your itinerary if you have extra time.
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