Kerala Houseboat Tour

Arrive at Cochin International Airport or Railway Station, where our representative welcomes you and assists with a private transfer to your hotel. After check-in and a short rest, begin your guided sightseeing tour of Cochin (Kochi) , often described as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea” and a key highlight of many Kerala holiday packages.

Your exploration begins in Fort Kochi, where narrow lanes and colonial-era buildings narrate stories of Portuguese, Dutch, and British influence. Visit the Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace), known for its exquisite Kerala murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana. Continue to the Paradesi Synagogue in Jew Town, one of the oldest active synagogues in the Commonwealth, followed by a walk through spice shops and antique stores.

Next, visit St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, before stopping at Santa Cruz Basilica, admired for its Gothic architecture. In the evening, head to the waterfront to witness the famous Chinese fishing nets, best viewed at sunset when the nets silhouette against golden skies.

Return to the hotel by evening.

Overnight stay in Cochin.

(Approx. 53 km / 1.5 hours)

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Alleppey (Alappuzha), often called the “Venice of the East” and the heart of Kerala backwater tours.

On arrival at the jetty around midday, board your traditional Kerala houseboat (kettuvallam), redesigned with modern comforts while retaining its rustic charm. After a welcome drink, the cruise begins in the afternoon from Pallathuruthy through the serene canals and open lagoons lined with coconut palms. It will travel towards SNDP Thodu and Punnamada Kayal, allowing you to experience the emerald beauty of Kerala.

Lunch is freshly prepared onboard, featuring regional Kerala flavours. As the houseboat glides past villages, you observe daily life—children waving from riverbanks, fishermen casting nets, and women washing clothes along the canals.

By evening, the houseboat anchors at a calm spot. Enjoy tea and snacks as the sun sets over the backwaters, followed by dinner onboard.

Overnight stay on the houseboat (Alleppey). The houseboat is anchored for the night at Mangalam/Marthandam.

Wake up to the gentle sounds of water and birds. After breakfast onboard, the cruise resumes through narrower canals and village waterways.

Today’s journey focuses on cultural immersion. Pass through Kuppapuram and Chitira Palli, villages known for their traditional homes and farming lifestyle. Later, explore Veliyanadu village, where you can witness coir-making, toddy tapping, and traditional fishing techniques (subject to local conditions).

The houseboat continues toward Pulinkunnu, famous for its banana plantations and scenic churches that line the waterways. Lunch is served onboard as you enjoy uninterrupted views of emerald paddy fields and coconut groves.

In the afternoon, visit Champakulam, one of Kerala’s oldest Christian settlements. Explore the vibrant local market and see the legendary Champakulam Chundan (snake boat), associated with Kerala’s famous Nehru Trophy Boat Race.

By evening, return to the houseboat for dinner and relaxation under the open sky.

Overnight stay on the houseboat. The houseboat is anchored for the night at Nedumudy.

This day is entirely devoted to unwinding and absorbing the slow rhythm of Kerala’s backwaters, making it especially rewarding for honeymooners, senior travellers, and guests seeking a break from fast-paced sightseeing. After a relaxed breakfast onboard, the houseboat tours the route to Thakazhi via Mancompu. Once the boat is docked at the Pulinkunnu dock, you can visit the Banana Plantation.

Take a tour of Pulinkunnu Church, Kottaram Temple, and St. Mary’s Church. The houseboat then resumes its gentle cruise through wider stretches of the Vembanad Lake and quieter interior canals that are inaccessible to larger vessels.

This uninterrupted cruising time also makes the day ideal for photography, journaling, or simply sitting on the deck and enjoying the breeze.

Lunch is freshly prepared onboard by the houseboat crew, featuring traditional Kerala dishes. The afternoon is intentionally unstructured, allowing guests to rest, read, or take short walks along the banks when the houseboat anchors briefly near villages (subject to local conditions). Then visit the local market in Champakulam.

In the evening, enjoy tea and snacks as the sky changes colour over the backwaters. Dinner is served onboard, followed by a peaceful night surrounded by water and silence—one of the most calming experiences offered in Kerala’s backwater holidays.

Overnight stay on the houseboat in Alleppey. The houseboat is anchored for the night at Thakazhi.

Wake up to the soft sounds of the backwaters and enjoy your final breakfast onboard. After breakfast, the houseboat begins its return toward the disembarkation point, passing through familiar canals one last time.

By late morning, check out from the houseboat and transfer by private vehicle to Cochin Airport or Railway Station for your onward journey. The drive back allows time to reflect on the unique experience of living on water and witnessing Kerala’s rural life up close.

Your Kerala Houseboat Tour concludes with lasting memories of serene waterways, village landscapes, and a slower, more mindful way of travel.