Enchanting Kerala Backwater Tours – Ultimate Houseboat & Hill Escape 6 Nights 7 Days
Table of Contents
- Tour Overview
- Tour Highlights
- Day Wise Itinerary
- Package Inclusions
- Package Exclusions
- FAQs
- Best Time to Visit Kerala
- Related Tours
Tour Overview
Escape into the tropical paradise of South India with our Kerala Backwater Tours, a carefully crafted 6 Nights / 7 Days holiday that combines mist-covered hill stations, aromatic spice plantations, exotic wildlife, tranquil backwaters, luxury houseboats, and Kerala’s rich cultural heritage. Popularly known as God’s Own Country, Kerala welcomes travelers with emerald tea gardens, coconut-lined canals, peaceful villages, golden sunsets, and warm hospitality.
Beginning in the historic port city of Kochi, this unforgettable journey takes you through the rolling tea estates of Munnar, the wildlife-rich forests of Thekkady, the enchanting backwaters of Alleppey aboard a traditional luxury houseboat, and the serene lagoons of Kumarakom before returning to Kochi. Every destination offers a unique blend of nature, culture, relaxation, and authentic local experiences.
Whether you are a couple seeking a romantic escape, a family looking for memorable experiences, or an international traveler wishing to explore Kerala’s breathtaking landscapes, these Kerala Backwater Tours promise an unforgettable journey filled with scenic beauty and peaceful moments.
Tour Summary
Discover Kerala’s tea gardens, wildlife sanctuaries, spice plantations, luxury houseboats, tranquil backwaters, colonial heritage, and tropical landscapes on one unforgettable holiday through God’s Own Country.
Why Choose These Kerala Backwater Tours?
Our Kerala Backwater Tours have been thoughtfully designed to showcase the finest experiences Kerala has to offer. From strolling through fragrant tea plantations and exploring lush forests to cruising peacefully aboard a traditional houseboat, every day offers a perfect balance of sightseeing, relaxation, and cultural discovery.
Comfortable driving distances, handpicked accommodations, authentic local cuisine, and carefully selected experiences ensure that your holiday is enjoyable from beginning to end. Whether watching the sunrise over misty hills, spotting wildlife in Periyar, or drifting through palm-fringed canals, every moment creates lifelong memories.
Tour Highlights
Kochi Highlights
- Historic Fort Kochi
- Chinese Fishing Nets
- Dutch and Portuguese colonial heritage
- St. Francis Church
- Vibrant local markets
Munnar Highlights
- Rolling tea plantations
- Eravikulam National Park
- Mattupetty Dam
- Echo Point
- Panoramic mountain landscapes
Thekkady Highlights
- Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Spice plantations
- Bamboo rafting (optional)
- Kathakali cultural performances
- Kerala martial arts show
Alleppey Highlights
- Luxury houseboat cruise
- Coconut-lined backwaters
- Traditional Kerala villages
- Sunset over Vembanad Lake
- Authentic Kerala cuisine onboard
Kumarakom Highlights
- Peaceful backwaters
- Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
- Luxury lakeside resorts
- Village life experiences
- Scenic Vembanad Lake
Detailed Day Wise Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Kochi – Discover the Queen of the Arabian Sea
Upon arrival at Kochi International Airport, meet your representative and transfer to your hotel. After a short rest, begin exploring one of India’s oldest port cities, where Portuguese, Dutch, British, Arab, and Jewish influences blend beautifully with traditional Kerala culture.
Visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, stroll through the charming streets of Fort Kochi, admire the historic St. Francis Church and Santa Cruz Basilica, and explore the colourful spice markets that once attracted traders from around the world. In the evening, enjoy the relaxing seaside atmosphere at Marine Drive or watch an optional Kathakali dance performance showcasing Kerala’s rich performing arts.
Highlights
- Fort Kochi
- Chinese Fishing Nets
- St. Francis Church
- Santa Cruz Basilica
- Marine Drive
- Kathakali Show (optional)
Overnight Stay: Kochi
Day 2 – Kochi to Munnar (Approx. 130 km | 4–5 Hours)
After breakfast, drive towards the breathtaking hill station of Munnar. As the road climbs into the Western Ghats, witness spectacular waterfalls, winding mountain roads, spice plantations, dense forests, and endless tea gardens stretching across rolling hills.
En route, stop at Cheeyappara and Valara Waterfalls before continuing through fragrant cardamom plantations. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and spend the evening surrounded by cool mountain air and panoramic valley views. Enjoy a leisurely walk through nearby tea estates while watching the mist gradually descend over the hills.
Highlights
- Scenic Western Ghats drive
- Cheeyappara Waterfalls
- Valara Waterfalls
- Tea plantations
- Mountain viewpoints
Overnight Stay: Munnar
Day 3 – Munnar Sightseeing
Today is dedicated to exploring the natural beauty of Munnar. Begin with a visit to Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Continue to Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, Kundala Lake, and the Tea Museum, where you can learn about Kerala’s world-famous tea industry. Throughout the day, enjoy breathtaking landscapes, cool mountain breezes, colourful flower gardens, and numerous photography opportunities.
Spend the evening exploring the local market, where you can purchase fresh tea, spices, homemade chocolates, and traditional handicrafts.
Highlights
- Eravikulam National Park
- Mattupetty Dam
- Echo Point
- Kundala Lake
- Tea Museum
- Local shopping
Overnight Stay: Munnar
Day 4 – Munnar to Thekkady (Approx. 95 km | 3–4 Hours)
After breakfast, continue your journey through scenic mountain roads towards Thekkady, one of Kerala’s premier wildlife destinations. The route passes lush spice plantations, cardamom estates, and picturesque villages nestled amidst the Western Ghats.
Upon arrival, visit a fragrant spice plantation where you’ll discover how cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg are cultivated. Later, enjoy an optional boat cruise on Periyar Lake, where elephants, deer, wild boar, and numerous bird species can often be spotted along the forested shoreline.
In the evening, experience a traditional Kathakali dance performance or the ancient martial art of Kalaripayattu before returning to your hotel.
Highlights
- Scenic mountain drive
- Spice Plantation Tour
- Periyar Lake Boat Cruise (optional)
- Kathakali Performance
- Kalaripayattu Show
Overnight Stay: Thekkady
Day 5 – Thekkady to Alleppey – Luxury Houseboat Backwater Cruise (Approx. 140 km | 4–5 Hours)
After breakfast, bid farewell to the misty hills of Thekkady and journey towards the enchanting backwaters of Alleppey (Alappuzha), often referred to as the “Venice of the East.” As the winding mountain roads gradually give way to lush paddy fields, coconut groves, and peaceful canals, you’ll experience a remarkable change in Kerala’s landscape.
Upon arrival, board your traditional luxury Kerala houseboat, beautifully crafted from bamboo, coir, and wood while offering modern comforts. As the houseboat gently glides through the tranquil backwaters, admire picturesque villages, swaying coconut palms, Chinese fishing nets, lush paddy fields, and local fishermen carrying out their daily routines.
Enjoy a freshly prepared authentic Kerala lunch onboard featuring regional delicacies and fresh seafood (optional). Spend the afternoon relaxing on the open deck as the boat cruises through narrow canals lined with charming villages and vibrant birdlife.
As the sun begins to set, witness one of Kerala’s most magical spectacles—the golden evening light reflecting across the calm waters of Vembanad Lake. Enjoy a peaceful overnight stay aboard the houseboat while listening to the soothing sounds of nature.
Highlights
- Luxury Houseboat Cruise
- Traditional Kerala Backwaters
- Village Life Experience
- Vembanad Lake
- Authentic Kerala Cuisine
- Spectacular Sunset
Overnight Stay: Deluxe Houseboat, Alleppey
Day 6 – Alleppey to Kumarakom & Return to Kochi (Approx. 85 km | 2.5–3 Hours)
Wake up to the gentle sounds of birds and rippling water as your houseboat cruises through the peaceful backwaters. Enjoy a traditional Kerala breakfast while watching local life unfold along the canals, where schoolchildren travel by boat and fishermen cast their nets into the calm waters.
After check-out from the houseboat, continue towards the beautiful village of Kumarakom, one of Kerala’s most picturesque backwater destinations. Located on the shores of the vast Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is famous for its serene atmosphere, luxury lakeside resorts, and rich birdlife.
Visit the renowned Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, home to numerous migratory and resident bird species including herons, egrets, kingfishers, cormorants, and Siberian migratory birds during the winter months. Stroll through peaceful nature trails surrounded by lush mangroves and coconut groves while enjoying the region’s tranquil beauty.
Later in the afternoon, drive back to Kochi. The evening is free for shopping at LuLu Mall, Broadway Market, or local handicraft stores where you can purchase spices, tea, Ayurvedic products, coir handicrafts, and traditional Kerala souvenirs.
Highlights
- Morning Houseboat Cruise
- Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
- Vembanad Lake
- Nature Walks
- Shopping in Kochi
Overnight Stay: Kochi
Day 7 – Kochi Departure
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning before checking out from your hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, you may visit a local café or enjoy a final walk along Marine Drive while taking in the refreshing sea breeze.
Your memorable Kerala Backwater Tours conclude with a transfer to Kochi International Airport. As you depart, carry home unforgettable memories of mist-covered tea plantations, fragrant spice gardens, tropical forests, luxury houseboats, peaceful backwaters, vibrant cultural traditions, and the warm hospitality that makes Kerala one of India’s most enchanting destinations.
Package Inclusions
- Accommodation for 6 Nights in carefully selected hotels, resorts, and a luxury houseboat
- Daily breakfast at all hotels
- Lunch, evening tea/snacks, dinner, and breakfast during the houseboat stay
- Private air-conditioned vehicle for the entire tour
- Professional English-speaking driver
- Fuel charges, toll taxes, parking fees, and driver allowance
- All sightseeing as per the itinerary
- Houseboat cruise through the Alleppey Backwaters
- Travel assistance throughout the tour
- All applicable hotel taxes
Package Exclusions
- Airfare or train tickets
- Lunch and dinner (except meals served on the houseboat)
- Monument entrance fees
- Boat safari charges at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Personal expenses such as shopping, laundry, telephone calls, and tips
- Camera or video charges
- Ayurvedic spa treatments
- Travel insurance
- Adventure activities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under “Package Inclusions”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best time to enjoy Kerala Backwater Tours?
The ideal time is between October and March, when Kerala enjoys pleasant weather, making sightseeing, houseboat cruises, wildlife experiences, and hill station visits extremely comfortable.
2. Is the houseboat stay private?
Yes. Couples and families are generally provided with a private deluxe houseboat featuring an attached bathroom, air-conditioned bedroom (operational as per houseboat policy), dining area, and private deck.
3. Is this tour suitable for honeymoon couples?
Absolutely. The combination of romantic hill stations, luxury houseboat accommodation, peaceful backwaters, candlelight dinners (optional), and beautiful scenery makes it one of Kerala’s most popular honeymoon itineraries.
4. Are vegetarian meals available on the houseboat?
Yes. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals are available. Dietary preferences can usually be arranged with prior notice.
5. What should I pack for this Kerala holiday?
Carry lightweight cotton clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, a light jacket for Munnar, swimwear (if required), and a camera to capture Kerala’s breathtaking landscapes.
6. Is this itinerary suitable for senior citizens and families?
Yes. The itinerary features comfortable driving distances, leisurely sightseeing, premium accommodations, and a relaxing pace suitable for families, honeymooners, and senior travellers.
7. Which destinations are covered in this Kerala Backwater Tour?
This itinerary covers Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey, and Kumarakom, offering the perfect blend of hill stations, wildlife, backwaters, houseboat cruising, and cultural experiences.
Best Time to Visit Kerala
The Kerala Backwater Tours can be enjoyed throughout the year, but the most pleasant period is from October to March, when the weather remains cool and comfortable for sightseeing, wildlife excursions, and houseboat cruises. The monsoon season between June and September transforms Kerala into a lush green paradise and is particularly popular among travellers seeking Ayurvedic wellness treatments. Summer, from April to May, offers excellent opportunities to explore Munnar’s cool hill stations while enjoying fewer crowds and attractive hotel offers.
