Four slow days on the Kerala backwaters. A traditional kettuvallam houseboat cruise, Vembanad Lake sunsets, Mararikulam beach at golden hour and the Kumarakom bird sanctuary across the lake.
Fly into Kochi, drive 1.5 hours south to Alleppey. Check into a backwater resort or heritage homestay. Afternoon: shikara canoe tour through the narrower canals — paddy fields, coir weaving villages, Chinese fishing nets, toddy-tappers at work. Evening on Alleppey Beach with a lighthouse silhouette and seaside kappa-meen curry.
Morning at leisure. By noon, board your private kettuvallam houseboat — the traditional thatched rice barge converted into a comfortable cruiser. Lunch of karimeen pollichathu (pearl spot in banana leaf) is served on the deck. Slow drift through Punnamada Lake; sunset anchored in a backwater inlet. Dinner and overnight on the boat.
Disembark after a dawn cruise and breakfast. Transfer to Mararikulam, 15 km away — a quiet fishing village with a palm-fringed Arabian Sea beach. Ayurvedic massage optional, or just a hammock between coconut trunks. Evening seafood barbecue on the sand.
Drive to Kumarakom (across the lake) for a dawn canoe through the bird sanctuary — kingfishers, darters, egrets, occasionally migratory Siberian cranes (winter). Late breakfast, then transfer to Kochi airport for your onward flight.
September to March — stable weather, lush post-monsoon greenery.
Absolutely. Add nights, upgrade hotels, add private guides, change your arrival/departure cities, or combine with neighbouring destinations — every itinerary is tailored for you.
Karimeen pollichathu, meen moilee, puttu with kadala, toddy shop fare. We can arrange Jain, vegan, gluten-free or Halal meals with advance notice.
Use the form on this page or call +91-938232964. We confirm your dates, share a final quote, and proceed with a 25% advance to block hotels.
Domestic flights are quoted separately on request so you can choose the best fare and airline for your dates. We can issue tickets on your behalf after you confirm.
Paradise of houseboats and snow valleys.
Sun, sand and susegad nights.
Kingdoms of forts and dunes.
Green waterways and spice coast.
