Trip Highlights

  • Explore Cochin’s historic landmarks, including Mattancherry Palace, St. Francis Church and Santa Cruz Basilica.
  • Watch the traditional Chinese fishing nets along the Fort Kochi waterfront.
  • Cruise through Alleppey’s palm-lined canals and open backwaters aboard a traditional Kerala houseboat.
  • Experience local life around Kuppapuram, Veliyanadu and Pulinkunnu while cruising through village waterways.
  • Visit Champakulam market and see the traditional Champakulam Chundan snake boat.
  • Spend relaxed evenings aboard the houseboat with freshly prepared meals and backwater views.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

A 4 Nights / 5 Days itinerary for Kerala Houseboat Tour.

  • Arrive at Cochin Airport or Railway Station, where our representative will meet you and assist with the hotel transfer.
  • After check-in and some rest, begin sightseeing in Fort Kochi.
  • Visit Mattancherry Palace, Paradesi Synagogue, St. Francis Church and Santa Cruz Basilica.
  • In the evening, head to the waterfront to see the famous Chinese fishing nets before returning to the hotel.

Departure: Cochin

  • After breakfast, check out and drive to Alleppey.
  • On arrival, board your traditional Kerala houseboat and settle in for the backwater cruise.
  • Cruise through Pallathuruthy, peaceful canals and open stretches around Punnamada while enjoying views of coconut palms and waterside villages.
  • Enjoy freshly prepared lunch onboard as you watch everyday village life along the waterways.
  • In the evening, enjoy tea and snacks before dinner is served onboard.

Departure: Houseboat in Alleppey

  • Wake up amid the backwaters and enjoy breakfast onboard before the cruise resumes.
  • Pass through village stretches around Kuppapuram, Chitira Palli and Veliyanadu. Observe local activities such as farming, fishing and traditional village life, subject to local conditions.
  • Continue towards Pulinkunnu, known for its banana plantations and churches along the waterways.
  • Later, visit Champakulam market and see the traditional Champakulam Chundan snake boat.
  • Return to the houseboat for dinner and a relaxed evening.

Departure: Houseboat in Alleppey

  • Begin the morning with breakfast onboard and continue your leisurely cruise through the Alleppey backwaters.
  • Cruise towards Thakazhi via Mancompu and enjoy views of paddy fields, coconut groves, and quiet canals.
  • Visit places such as Pulinkunnu Church, Kottaram Temple and St. Mary’s Church as per the planned route.
  • Spend the afternoon relaxing onboard, taking photographs or simply enjoying the passing scenery from the deck.
  • In the evening, enjoy tea, snacks and dinner while the houseboat anchors for the night.

Departure: Houseboat in Alleppey

  • Enjoy your final breakfast onboard as the houseboat cruises towards the disembarkation point.
  • Check out from the houseboat and meet the driver for your transfer to Cochin.
  • Proceed to Cochin Airport or Railway Station for your onward journey.

Departure: Cochin

Package Inclusions & Exclusions

  • Accommodation in Cochin as per the confirmed itinerary.
  • Houseboat accommodation in Alleppey as mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Meals onboard the houseboat as specified in the itinerary.
  • Airport/Railway Station transfers as per the itinerary.
  • Cochin sightseeing and road transfers as per the confirmed itinerary.
  • Alleppey backwater cruise and planned village experiences.
  • Services of the houseboat crew during the cruise.
  • Applicable taxes as per the final confirmed quotation.
  • International or domestic airfare or railway fare.
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, tips, shopping and room service.
  • Meals not mentioned in the confirmed itinerary.
  • Monument entrance fees, camera fees and guide charges unless specifically included.
  • Optional activities or experiences not included in the itinerary.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Additional expenses due to weather, delays, or circumstances beyond your control.
  • New government taxes or charges introduced after package confirmation.

Important Information

  • Valid government-issued photo ID.
  • Light and comfortable cotton clothing.
  • Comfortable footwear for sightseeing in Cochin and village visits.
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat.
  • Insect repellent, especially for evenings around the backwaters.
  • Light rainwear or an umbrella if travelling during the monsoon.
  • Personal medicines and a basic first-aid kit.
  • Charger and power bank.
  • Throwing plastic, food waste or other litter into the backwaters.
  • Swimming or jumping into the backwaters from the houseboat.
  • Entering restricted crew or operational areas of the houseboat without permission.
  • Drone photography without the required local permission.
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Best fit: October to March, when the weather around Cochin and Alleppey is generally more comfortable for sightseeing, houseboat cruising and spending time on the open deck.

Also possible: April and May can work for travellers who don't mind humid conditions. June to September brings greener backwater scenery and fewer crowds, though rain can affect outdoor plans and cruising conditions.

Avoid: There is no strict off-season for Alleppey houseboats, but periods of heavy monsoon rain can affect cruising and village visits. Check the weather conditions before planning travel during the monsoon.

  • Houseboats usually cruise during the daytime and anchor at designated locations in the evening.
  • Exact cruising routes and village stops may vary depending on water levels, weather and local operating conditions.
  • Meals are freshly prepared onboard. Share vegetarian or other dietary preferences before the trip.
  • Some village experiences and local activities are subject to availability and local conditions.
  • Confirm the houseboat category, cabin type, and included services before booking.

Additional Information

  • A 25% deposit is required to confirm the booking.
  • The balance payment must be made 15 days before the start date.
  • Full payment is required for late bookings/peak season.
  • Additional payments need to be made as per supplier deadlines.

  • Cheque/Demand Draft

  • Bank Transfer

  • QR Code

  • Cancellation charges apply as per the final confirmed booking terms.

  • Refund processing may take 2–4 weeks due to banking procedures.

  • No refunds are available for partially used services or cancellations made after the journey has commenced.

Note: The cancellation amount is calculated based on the total booking amount, not the advance deposited. Charges may vary; view the full cancellation/refund policy here.

How Booking Works

A simple process to customise and confirm your Kerala Houseboat Tour.

01

Share Details

Tell us your travel month, group size and preferred pace.

02

Get Your Plan

Our specialist refines hotels, route timing and sightseeing flow.

03

Confirm Details

Finalise inclusions, hotel category and payment terms clearly.

04

Receive Confirmation

Get your confirmed itinerary and travel details by email or WhatsApp.

Ready to plan your journey?

Tell us your travel month, group size and preferred pace. Our experts will help customise this tour for you.

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FAQs


FAQ’s

Q: What is included in the 5-Day Kerala Houseboat Tour package?

Ans: Kerala Houseboat Tours include accommodation on traditional houseboats with modern amenities, all meals prepared with local ingredients, guided sightseeing tours of backwater villages, transportation between destinations, and trips to spice plantations and bird sanctuaries.

Q: What is the best time to take the Kerala Houseboat Tour?

Ans: Kerala Houseboat Tours are best enjoyed between October and March when the weather is pleasant, with comfortable temperatures and minimal rainfall. Although the monsoon season from June to September brings lush greenery and fewer tourists, heavy rains may limit access to some waterways.

Q: Are meals provided onboard, and can dietary preferences be accommodated?

Ans: All meals are served onboard throughout the trip and are freshly prepared by a team of skilled chefs. Guests with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or other dietary needs can be accommodated upon request. Traditional Kerala breakfast items include fresh seafood and coconut curries.

Q: What should I pack for the 5-day houseboat experience?

Ans: Pack lightweight, comfortable cotton clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent, and comfortable walking shoes for village visits.