This relaxed cruise explores Kerala in south India, a tranquil region characterised by spice plantations, beautiful beaches and languid backwaters.
The tranquil southern Indian state of Kerala is characterised by spice plantations, meandering rivers, verdant hills and beautiful beaches. This gently paced tour takes in the most enchanting areas including the charming port city of Kochi and the backwaters – a maze of canals which can be explored by boat providing a glimpse into rural village life.
Highlights
- Explore the tranquil southern Indian state of Kerala
- Cruise by traditional houseboat along its characteristic canals and lagoons
- Visit tea estates and exotic spice plantations
- Tour the sights of diverse Kochi, including its Jewish Synagogue and Chinese fishing nets
- Enjoy a classical Kathakali dance performance and many delicious local flavours
Itinerary
Backwater Cruise
8 days/7 nights
Day 1
Kochi
Arrive Kochi and transfer to your hotel. Afternoon at leisure. Enjoy an evening performance of Kathakali, an expressive traditional dance form.
Day 2
Kochi
Morning city tour. Highlights include the Dutch Palace (closed Fri), Jewish Synagogue (closed Sat), Santa Cruz Basilica and the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets. Afternoon at leisure. B
Days 3/4
Munnar
Morning departure for Munnar (4 hrs), blanketed by lush green tea estates. Enjoy an afternoon walk around tea and spice estates. On Day 4 take a scenic 5 hour trek through lush plantations, dense shola forests, mountain ridges and grasslands. B/BL
Day 5
Houseboat
After breakfast drive to Alleppey (5 hrs) and board your houseboat to begin your backwater cruise. Overnight on board. BLD
Days 6/7
Kumarakom
In the morning disembark from your houseboat in Kumarakom and check in to your hotel. Afternoon visit to a bird sanctuary, an ornithologist’s paradise. Day 7 is at leisure to enjoy the beautiful mosaic of mangrove forests and coconut groves interspersed with waterways and canals. B
Day 8
Tour ends Kochi
Transfer to Kochi Airport (2 hrs). Tour ends. B
More South India Tours
Backwater Cruise
This relaxed cruise explores Kerala in south India, a tranquil region characterised by spice plantations, beautiful beaches and languid backwaters.
Hidden Gems of Kerala
Discover beautiful northern Kerala with its spice estates, coffee plantations and wildlife-rich forests while staying at intimate boutique hideaways.
Wonders of the South
Journey through southern India, a land of stunning beaches, fragrant spices, flamboyant temples and a rich cultural heritage.
South India and Kerala Overview
Why visit South India & Kerala? This beautiful part of India is a wonderful complement to any north India holiday, offering a more tropical climate, gentle landscapes, colonial cities and very flamboyant temple architecture.
When is the best time to visit South India & Kerala? It is never cold in most of southern India; however in the hill stations it can drop to 5°C in the “winter” months. For the best weather, visit during the relatively cooler and less humid season, between Oct- Feb. This is also a good time to see some of the more interesting festivals. Mar, Apr, and May are hot and humid whilst the mid-year monsoon period sees heavy rains.
What can I combine Kerala with? North India’s Golden Triangle and Rajasthan, or the little island of Sri Lanka, just off the coast of south India.
How do I get to South India & Kerala? Fly into Bangalore, Chennai or Kochi.