Arrival in Cochin – Heritage & City Tour

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

Explore Fort Kochi, with its charming lanes and colonial-era buildings reflecting Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences. Visit Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace), famous for its beautiful Kerala murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana. Continue to Paradesi Synagogue in Jew Town, one of the oldest active synagogues in the Commonwealth, followed by a walk through the area’s spice shops and antique stores. Next, visit St. Francis Church, one of India’s oldest European churches, followed by Santa Cruz Basilica, renowned for its impressive Gothic architecture. In the evening, visit the waterfront to see the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, especially beautiful at sunset against the golden sky. Return to your hotel by evening. Overnight stay in Cochin.

Cochin – Alleppey | Board the Houseboat

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and drive to Alleppey (Alappuzha), known as the “Venice of the East” and the heart of Kerala’s famous backwaters. Arrive at the jetty around midday and board your traditional Kerala houseboat (kettuvallam), offering modern comforts while retaining its traditional charm. After a welcome drink, begin your afternoon cruise from Pallathuruthy through peaceful canals and open lagoons lined with coconut palms, passing through SNDP Thodu and Punnamada Kayal.

Enjoy a freshly prepared Kerala-style lunch onboard while taking in views of village life, fishermen, riverside homes, and lush surroundings. By evening, the houseboat anchors at a peaceful location. Relax with tea and snacks while enjoying the sunset, followed by dinner onboard. Overnight stay on the houseboat in Alleppey, anchored at Mangalam/Marthandam.

Alleppey Backwaters – Village Life & Cultural Immersion

After breakfast, continue your houseboat cruise through narrow canals and peaceful village waterways. Explore Kuppapuram, Chitira Palli, and Veliyanadu, experiencing traditional homes, farming, coir-making, fishing, and local village life. Cruise through Pulinkunnu, known for its banana plantations and scenic churches, before enjoying lunch onboard amidst paddy fields and coconut groves.

Later, visit Champakulam to explore its local market and see the famous Champakulam Chundan (snake boat), linked to Kerala’s traditional boat-racing heritage. Return to the houseboat for dinner and relaxation. Overnight stay on the houseboat, anchored at Nedumudy.

Alleppey Backwaters – Leisure Cruise & Relaxation

Enjoy a relaxed day dedicated to experiencing the peaceful rhythm of Kerala’s backwaters. After breakfast, cruise towards Thakazhi via Mancompu and visit the Banana Plantation near Pulinkunnu dock. Explore Pulinkunnu Church, Kottaram Temple, and St. Mary’s Church, followed by a gentle cruise through the wider Vembanad Lake and quieter canals.

Enjoy traditional Kerala lunch onboard, with the afternoon free for relaxation, photography, reading, or simply enjoying the scenery. Later, visit the local market in Champakulam. End the day with tea, snacks, sunset views, and dinner onboard as the houseboat anchors in a peaceful backwater setting. Overnight stay on the houseboat, anchored at Thakazhi.

Alleppey – Cochin Departure

Wake up to the peaceful sounds of the backwaters and enjoy your final breakfast onboard. After breakfast, cruise back towards the disembarkation point through the scenic canals. By late morning, disembark from the houseboat and transfer by private vehicle to Cochin Airport or Railway Station for your onward journey. Your Kerala Houseboat Tour concludes with beautiful memories of tranquil waterways, charming village life, and a relaxing journey through Kerala’s backwaters.