Munnar + Alleppey Travel Guide: The Perfect Kerala 5-Day Combo
The route and driving times
| Leg | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Kochi airport to Munnar | 130 km | 4h 30m |
| Munnar to Alleppey | 175 km | 4h |
| Alleppey to Kochi airport | 60 km | 1h 30m |
| Alleppey to Trivandrum airport | 165 km | 3h 30m |
When to go
October to March: peak, dry, cool nights in Munnar (8 to 22), warm days in Alleppey (24 to 33). June to August: monsoon peak; hotels 30 to 50 percent off, houseboats a moody experience. April to May: humid, avoid for Munnar (too much haze).
5-day plan
- Day 1: Fly to Kochi, transfer to Munnar (4.5h). Sunset at Tea Country resort.
- Day 2: Full Munnar - Eravikulam National Park (Nilgiri Tahr), Mattupetty Dam, tea museum, Top Station.
- Day 3: Morning Munnar walk, transfer to Alleppey (4h). Check in to houseboat by 12 PM.
- Day 4: Full houseboat - Vembanad Lake, canal cruising, all meals on board. Overnight moored.
- Day 5: Disembark 9 AM, drive to Kochi airport, fly out.
Where to stay in Munnar
- Budget (INR 1,500 to 3,000): Munnar Tea Country, Windermere estate cottages.
- Mid-range (INR 4,000 to 8,000): Fragrant Nature Munnar, Blackberry Hills.
- Luxury (INR 12,000+): Windermere Estate, Kaivalyam Retreat, T&U Leisure.
Alleppey houseboat costs (2026)
| Boat class | 1 BR (INR) | 2 BR (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (fan only) | 8,000 to 12,000 | 14,000 to 18,000 |
| Deluxe (AC bedroom) | 12,000 to 18,000 | 18,000 to 26,000 |
| Premium/luxury | 20,000 to 40,000 | 30,000 to 55,000 |
Prices are for 22 hours (12 PM to 9 AM next day) including all meals. Peak season adds 30 to 50 percent. Book through Xandari, Spice Coast, or Rainbow Cruises for the reliable ones.
Add-ons if you have more days
- +1 day Kochi (Fort Kochi walk, Kathakali show).
- +2 days Thekkady / Periyar (wildlife, spice plantations).
- +1 day Marari beach (post-houseboat wind-down).
- +3 days Wayanad (further north; jungle + coffee + Edakkal caves).
Frequently asked questions
Munnar or Alleppey first?
Munnar first. It's uphill (4h drive) and the transition down to Alleppey backwaters (also 4h) feels natural. Reverse route wastes half a day on driving back up.
Is Munnar worth it in one day?
Barely. Two nights lets you actually explore (Eravikulam, tea walks, Top Station). One night is a check-in-and-leave.
How much for a houseboat in Alleppey?
INR 8,000 to 12,000 for a standard 1-BR (fan only) in shoulder season. Deluxe AC 1-BR is INR 14,000 to 18,000. All meals included. Peak season adds 30 to 50 percent.
Which airport for Munnar and Alleppey?
Kochi (COK) is closest for Munnar (4.5h) and works for Alleppey (1.5h). For a Kerala south loop (Alleppey + Varkala), Trivandrum (TRV) is better.
Best month?
November to February for peak dry weather. October and March also excellent. June to August is monsoon deal season if you accept the rain.
AI planner for Kerala combos?
Winnie at trywinnie.com. Knows Munnar and Alleppey's real driving times and won't try to do both in one day.
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