To avoid the houseboat jam you could travel from Kollam-Alleppey on an overnight houseboat.

I don’t know Olavipe Homestay but it looks very nice. It should be possible to visit Fort Cochin for the evening if you take a taxi- it is best to check with the homestay that this is possible.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Have a great trip.
Best Wishes,
Erin

we are a group of 7 italian friends. We will stay for a few days in Amritapuri and then we have 2nts for the backwaters.

What to choose one day on a houseboat and 1 in a homestay or have an excursion to Munnar?

Do you know Olavipe homestay?

Dates would be 3 or 4/6 January.

Could you suggest a company which has good eco-houseboats, I would not like to spend too much time looking for a good one. Also coming from Amritapury were would you suggest we take a houboat? From Kumarakom or Kottayam (better than from Allepy, wright?)

Thanks for your help,finally a clear, concise guide which answers many questions.

Gabriella Fusi

A homestay in the backwaters would be a great way to experience another side of Kerala. Have a look at my Community Greenpalm Homes Review- I love that place!

Thekkady and the backwaters homestay would be a good plan for just 6 days. I think Kovalam is too far away and isn’t as unique as these other parts of Kerala. If you wanted a day at the beach you could visit Marari Beach which isn’t too far from the backwaters, or Cherai beach near Cochin. Have a look at my article Which Kerala Beach is Right For You? Part 2-Central Kerala.

A car and driver should cost about 1500 rupees a day, and can easily be arranged in the country through your hotel or the tourist office.

Let me know if you have any other questions.
Have a great trip, Erin

Your posts are so helpful and interesting to read. My husband and i are planning our first trip to Kerala this January – about 6 days. We are definitely planning on some time in Thekkady – at the Muthoot Cardamom County. That seems like it would be a bit too quiet for 6 full days though. We would also love to spend a couple days exploring villages, the backwaters (can you do that from Thekkady?) and maybe beaches unless that is overkill for 6 days. Can you suggest a possible itinerary for this? Is Kovalam a good option?

Also, would we need a car/driver and what those costs might be? Thanks! Nitika

I think you have planned all the main sights around Munnar- I’m sure you’ll have a great time.

It will probably work out cheaper to book the hotels and flights yourself. I use http://www.kayak.co.uk to find flights. It depends where you are flying from though. If you are flying within India there are lots of budget airlines that Kayak doesn’t cover.

Regards,
Erin

My name is jay and I am planning for my honeymoon between Dec 4 – Dec 15 I am planning to spend about 6-7 days there but we really don’t want to do too much traveling, instead we like to go out for seightseeing and sped time with each other more! Here is plan; something I put togather for 3 days–What are other good places I can visit aroud Munnar? How far is Alleppey Backwater and what is a MUST seen stuf around Munnar? Thanks in advance for helping! Also, any good airline I can purchase tickets for good price? Should I get a package form an agent or book hotels/airfar by myself?

Day 01: Cochin –Munnar

Day 02 :Munnar
full day sightseeing trip of Munnar –visit – Mattupetty Lake & Dam, Echo Point, Kundale Lake, Blossom Garden, Rajamalai, (pls help me add if I am missing any MUST seen place)

Day 03: Munnar
visit Eravikulam Wildlife sanctuary & Tea Plantation. (pls help me add if I am missing any MUST seen place)

I hope this helps,
Erin