Kerala Tour Packages

Kerala Backwater Tour

/ Kerala Tour Packages
duration
9 Nights / 10 Days
Trip
Start: Mumbai / End: Cochin
price
On Request

Kerala Backwaters Tour

Mumbai - Cochin - Periyar - Kumarakom - Houseboat - Marari - Cochin

OVERVIEW

The backwaters of Kerala-meandering inland lakes networked by canals-stretche to over 900kms. Boat trips across these tranquil stretches are an experience unique to Kerala. Large Kettuvalloms (traditional country crafts over 60ft. in length) have been converted into luxury houseboats for these cruises.

Alappuzha
64km from Kochi. Also known as the Venice of the East, Alppuzha is famous for its boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry. A singular characterstic of this land is the region called Kuttanad. The Granary of Kerala, Kuttanaad is one of the few regions in the world where farming is done below sea level.

Kumarakom
Just 12km from Kottyam & 88 km from Kochi. This unique backwater destination situated on the banks of the Vembanad lake is considered the gateway to the backwaters of Kuttanad. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a favourite haunt of migratory birds from across the world which makes it a renowed bird watching centre. Kumarakom is also a centre for houseboat cruises.

Kochi
The commercial and industrial capital of Kerala has one of the finest natural ahrbours in the world. This city is home to the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth as well as numerous old churches and temples. Jew Town, the area around the synagogue is a centre of spice trade and curio shops. Ancient mariners from Arabia, China, Holland, Britain and Portugal have all left their mark on this beautiful island city. Half the fun of visiting Kochi is moving around on the local ferries. A conducted cruise through the winding waterways will take you to several quaint spots.

SHORT ITINERARY

  • Day 01: Arrive at Mumbai
  • Day 02: Mumbai
  • Day 03: Mumbai - Cochin - Periyar
  • Day 04: Periyar - Kumarakom
  • Day 05: Kumarakom - Houseboat
  • Day 06: Houseboat - Mararikulam
  • Day 07: Marari
  • Day 08: Marari - Cochin
  • Day 09: Cochin - Mumbai
  • Day 10: End of the Tour

DETAILED ITINERARY

On arrival you’ll be received by our representative and transferred to hotel. Upon arrival at hotel the guests will be provided with the traditional Indian welcome. Indian welcome consists of Aarti-Tikka and garlands. Overnight at hotel.

In the morning, an hour of boat ride across Mumbai Harbour brings you to the lush green Elephanta Island, where you’ll visit some of the huge and intricately carved Elephanta caves dating back to the 8th century. In the afternoon, you will go for a city tour of Mumbai. The tour includes 'Gateway of India' overlooking the Harbour, the 'Towers of Silence', 'Marine Drive', the 'Colaba Causeway' - the commercial heart of Bombay and the Dhobi Ghat, the unique and colourful outdoor 'laundry'. Drive upto the Malabar Hill to the lovely 'Hanging Gardens' and the Kamla Nehru Park from where you will get a wonderful view of Mumbai and the Arabian Sea, spread out before you. Also visit Mani Bhawan, a small museum dedicated to the life and works of Mahatma Gandhi, and the bustling Crawford Market. Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast you’ll be transferred to the airport to catch the flight to Cochin. Upon arrival, you will be received by our representative and transferred to the hotel. After lunch at the hotel we’ll set out for Periyar. After driving for 190 kms we arrive at our destination at you check in at the hotel.

The morning is filled with unbridled fun and exciting experiences with the boat cruise on the shimmering waters of the lake inside the sanctuary . Herds of wild elephants, Asiatic Deer, Black Bucks will please you to the point of ecstacy. You may be lucky enough to be thrilled at the sight of Tigers coming to shores of the lake for a drink. You return to the hotel only to leave for the Spice Village soon after breakfast. A guided walk along the village will introduce you to the various spices grown there. Thereafter drive through the winding "Ghats" lined with prosperous tea plantations and then arrive at the enchanting palm fringed countryside. A holiday in Coconut Lagoon promises to be a unique experience. Relax at the waterfront, with the occasional native row boat gliding silently by, and the air so calm, you'll just feel like touching the sky with the tip of your finger. Overnight at hotel.

After a leisurely morning at the Coconut Lagoon, with a cruise on the backwaters in traditional country canoes called "vanjis" and glorious sights of the local agricultural activities, is followed by a visit to the beautiful bird sanctuary. Lunch at the hotel. In the afternoon, as you cruise along the eyeful backwaters and the small lakes on traditional rice boats - "Ketuvallam" and begin your journey through the picturesque backwaters and small lakes you'll discover the way of life and activity of the local people. Overnight on board.

Your breakfast will be served on board and the boat will take you away to Alleppey, and you disembark at Puthenagady Jetty. Thereafter you travel for 30 kms to arrive at Mararikulam - one of the picturesque fishing villages that dot the lovely coast line of Kerala. This private, shallow beach is fringed with unending lines of coconut palms. Rest of the day at leisure for own activities and enjoy the facilities of the Resort. Overnight at hotel.

The whole day will pass you by with uninhibited fun and leisure activities of your own. Spend the night at the hotel.

Early in the morning we'll head for the Queen of the Arabian Sea- Cochin or Kochi- frilled with backwaters and rich with the old world charm. After arrival you check in at your hotel, followed by a tour of this palm green commercial captial of Kerala. Here, you'll invariably experience the rich mosaic of a myriad influences- of the Arabs, the Chinese, the Dutch, the British and the Portuguese. We'll take you to visit the Dutch Palace, the Jewish Synagogue, the Church of St. Francis, the Bolghatty Palace and the famous Chinese fishing nets. The afternoon awaits you with a cruise along the harbour. You will be delighted by the picturesque scenery formed by tiny islands which dot the harbour. An evening featuring the Kathakali dance performances and make up demonstration will leave you spellbound. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

In the morning you'll be transferred to the airport to catch the flight to Bombay. On arrival, our representative will transferred you to your hotel. Throughout the day you are at leisure for own activities.

The tour culminates and we'll transfer you to the international airport to catch your onward flight.