+44 20 7123 4567 (London Office) experts@indiatourpackages.co.uk
Discover God's Own Country

Kerala Houseboat
Alleppey Backwaters

4 Days / 3 Nights
Kochi → Alleppey → Kumarakom
Group / Private
4.8/5 Rating
Aerial View Alleppey Backwaters
Luxury Houseboat Interior
Kerala Cuisine on Houseboat
Chinese Fishing Nets Kochi
Punnamada Lake Alleppey

Trip Overview

The Kerala Houseboat Alleppey Backwaters Luxury Stay is the ultimate way to experience the enchanting beauty of Kerala — fondly known as God's Own Country. This 4-day journey takes you through the mesmerising backwaters of Alleppey (Alappuzha), the serene lakeside paradise of Kumarakom, and the historic port city of Kochi.

Begin your adventure in Kochi, a vibrant coastal city where centuries-old Chinese fishing nets stand alongside colonial churches and spice markets. Travel to Alleppey — the Venice of the East — and board a traditional Kettuvallam (luxury houseboat) for an overnight cruise through the tranquil backwater canals, lagoons, and palm-fringed waterways.

Continue to Kumarakom, a cluster of islands on the Vembanad Lake, famous for its bird sanctuary and Ayurvedic wellness retreats. This carefully curated tour includes expert local guides, luxury houseboat accommodation with all meals, comfortable hotel stays, air-conditioned private transport, and authentic Kerala experiences. Whether you're on a honeymoon, family holiday, or solo retreat, this tour offers an unforgettable experience of Kerala's incredible natural beauty, culture, and cuisine.

Duration

4 Days / 3 Nights

Destinations

Kochi, Alleppey, Kumarakom

Houseboat

Luxury Kettuvallam

Meals

All Meals on Houseboat

Transport

Private AC Vehicle

Guide

English Speaking

Highlights of the Tour

Overnight stay on a luxury Kettuvallam houseboat cruising through Alleppey backwaters
Explore the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets at Fort Kochi — a symbol of Kerala's maritime heritage
Cruise through palm-fringed canals, lagoons & paddy fields of the Alleppey backwaters
Visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary — home to exotic migratory birds on Vembanad Lake
Savour authentic Kerala cuisine — fresh seafood, fish curry, appam & stew served on banana leaf
Walk through the historic streets of Fort Kochi — Portuguese, Dutch & British colonial heritage
Experience a traditional Kathakali dance performance — Kerala's classical art form
Visit the Alleppey Beach & Lighthouse — a serene stretch along the Arabian Sea
Optional Ayurvedic spa & wellness treatment — Kerala's world-famous healing tradition
Witness stunning sunsets over Vembanad Lake — the largest lake in Kerala

Tour: Detail Itinerary

DAY 1

Arrival in Kochi — Fort Kochi Heritage Walk

Welcome to Kerala! Upon arrival at Cochin International Airport, our representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Fort Kochi. After freshening up, begin your exploration of this historic port city that has been a melting pot of cultures for centuries.

  • Visit the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets (Cheena Vala) — massive cantilevered fishing nets introduced by Chinese traders in the 14th century
  • Explore St. Francis Church — the oldest European church in India, where Vasco da Gama was originally buried
  • Walk through Princess Street & Jew Town — charming lanes with antique shops, art galleries & cafés
  • Visit the Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace) — a Portuguese-built palace with stunning Kerala murals
  • Explore the Paradesi Synagogue — the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth, built in 1568
  • Evening: Enjoy a mesmerising Kathakali dance performance — Kerala's iconic classical art form
Overnight stay in Fort Kochi.
Fort Kochi Heritage
DAY 2

Kochi to Alleppey — Luxury Houseboat Cruise

After a traditional Kerala breakfast, drive to Alleppey (Alappuzha) — approximately 1.5 hours. Known as the Venice of the East, Alleppey is the gateway to Kerala's famous backwater network. Board your luxury Kettuvallam houseboat and begin an unforgettable overnight cruise.

  • Board your luxury Kettuvallam houseboat — a traditional rice barge converted into a floating hotel with AC bedrooms, living area & sundeck
  • Cruise through the Alleppey backwater canals — a network of lagoons, lakes & palm-lined waterways
  • Witness local village life along the banks — fishermen casting nets, women washing clothes, children playing by the water
  • Enjoy a freshly prepared Kerala lunch on board — fish curry, prawns, rice, sambar & coconut chutney served on banana leaf
  • Cruise through Punnamada Lake — the famous venue of the Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race
  • Watch a spectacular sunset over the backwaters from your houseboat sundeck with evening tea & snacks
  • Enjoy a candlelit dinner on board under the stars with fresh Kerala seafood
Overnight stay on luxury houseboat.
Alleppey Backwater Cruise
DAY 3

Alleppey to Kumarakom — Bird Sanctuary & Lakeside Bliss

Wake up to the gentle sounds of birds and water lapping against the houseboat. After a hearty breakfast on board, disembark and drive to Kumarakom (approx. 30 minutes) — a serene cluster of islands nestled on the banks of Vembanad Lake, Kerala's largest lake.

  • Early morning sunrise cruise through the backwaters before disembarking
  • Visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary — a 14-acre paradise for birdwatchers with egrets, herons, cormorants, teals & migratory Siberian cranes
  • Explore the Kumarakom village — lush green paddy fields, rubber plantations & coconut groves
  • Optional: Enjoy a relaxing Ayurvedic spa treatment — Kerala's 5,000-year-old healing tradition with herbal oils & therapeutic massages
  • Take a country boat ride through the narrow canals of Kumarakom for an intimate backwater experience
  • Evening: Relax at your lakeside resort overlooking Vembanad Lake with a stunning sunset view
Overnight stay in Kumarakom lakeside resort.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
DAY 4

Kumarakom to Kochi — Marari Beach & Departure

After a leisurely breakfast at your lakeside resort, check out and drive towards Kochi Airport. Depending on your departure time, enjoy a stop at the beautiful Marari Beach — one of Kerala's most pristine and peaceful beaches.

  • Visit Marari Beach — a secluded golden-sand beach with swaying coconut palms, fishing boats & turquoise Arabian Sea waters
  • Optional: Visit a coir-making village to see the traditional art of coconut fibre weaving — a unique Kerala craft
  • Stop at a local spice shop to pick up authentic Kerala spices — cardamom, pepper, cinnamon & cloves
  • Drive to Cochin International Airport (approx. 2 hours) for your onward journey
  • Tour ends with wonderful memories of Kerala's backwaters!
Tour ends. We hope you had an amazing Kerala experience!
Marari Beach Kerala

Inclusion & Exclusion

What's Included

10 Items
  • 3 Nights accommodation — 1 Night luxury houseboat + 1 Night Fort Kochi hotel + 1 Night Kumarakom lakeside resort
  • All meals on the houseboat (lunch, evening tea & snacks, dinner, breakfast)
  • Daily breakfast at hotels
  • All transfers & sightseeing by private air-conditioned vehicle (Sedan / SUV / Tempo Traveller)
  • English-speaking professional tour guide at all sightseeing spots
  • Kathakali dance show tickets in Fort Kochi
  • Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary entrance fees
  • Complimentary bottled water during sightseeing
  • All applicable taxes (GST)
  • Airport pick-up and drop-off

What's Not Included

8 Items
  • Airfare / Train fare to and from Kochi
  • Lunch and Dinner at hotels (can be arranged at additional cost)
  • Ayurvedic spa & massage treatments (optional — from ₹2,500 per session)
  • Camera fees at monuments & sanctuaries (where applicable)
  • Personal expenses — laundry, phone calls, tips, shopping
  • Travel insurance
  • Any services not mentioned in the inclusion list
  • Festival / Peak season surcharges (if applicable)

Get Your Custom Quote

Fill out this form and we'll send you a tailor-made itinerary within 12 hours at the best price.

  • 4 Days / 3 Nights
    Duration
  • Kochi → Alleppey → Kumarakom
    Route
  • Luxury Houseboat
    Accommodation Type
  • 4.8/5 Rating
    Guest Reviews
SEND ENQUIRY WHATSAPP US
GUEST REVIEWS

What Our Travellers Say

"The Kerala houseboat experience was absolutely magical! Waking up to the sound of birds and the gentle lapping of water was pure bliss. The food on board was incredible — the freshest fish curry I've ever tasted. Our houseboat crew was so warm and welcoming."
J

James & Claire Wilson

United Kingdom
"We chose this tour for our anniversary and it was the best decision ever. The luxury houseboat was stunning — air-conditioned rooms, a beautiful sundeck, and the sunset over the backwaters was unforgettable. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary was a lovely surprise too!"
R

Rachel & David Patel

Canada
"Kerala truly is God's Own Country! The backwater cruise was so peaceful and the scenery was breathtaking. Fort Kochi's colonial charm was wonderful, and the Kathakali performance was mesmerising. The Ayurvedic massage in Kumarakom was the perfect way to end the trip."
A

Anna Müller

Germany
FREQUENTLY ASKED

FAQ — Kerala Houseboat Tour

What is the best time to visit Kerala backwaters?
The best time to visit Kerala backwaters is from September to March when the weather is pleasant and the monsoon has receded, leaving the backwaters lush and full. The temperatures range from 22°C to 32°C. The monsoon season (June–August) brings heavy rain but offers a unique, dramatic beauty. Avoid the peak summer months (April–May) when it can be very hot and humid.
What is a Kettuvallam houseboat?
A Kettuvallam is a traditional Kerala rice barge that has been converted into a luxury floating hotel. The name means "tied boat" in Malayalam, as these boats are made by tying together wooden planks with coir ropes without using any nails. Modern luxury houseboats feature air-conditioned bedrooms, attached bathrooms, a living area, a sundeck, and a kitchen where a dedicated chef prepares fresh Kerala meals.
Is the houseboat tour suitable for families with children?
Yes! The houseboat tour is perfect for families. The houseboats are spacious and safe, with railings around the deck. Children love watching the village life, spotting birds, and enjoying the gentle cruise. We can arrange family-friendly houseboats with extra beds and child-friendly meals. Life jackets are provided for all passengers.
What meals are included on the houseboat?
The houseboat stay includes all meals: welcome drink upon boarding, lunch (served on banana leaf), evening tea with snacks, dinner (candlelit on the sundeck), and breakfast the next morning. All meals feature authentic Kerala cuisine with fresh seafood, fish curry, prawns, rice, sambar, coconut chutney, and tropical fruits. Vegetarian and special dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely! We specialise in customised tours. You can extend the tour to include Munnar (tea plantations), Thekkady (Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary), Kovalam (beach resort), or Wayanad (hill station). You can also upgrade to a premium houseboat, add Ayurvedic treatments, or modify the daily schedule. Just fill out the enquiry form with your preferences.
Is the houseboat safe and comfortable?
Yes, absolutely! All our houseboats are Kerala Tourism Department certified and undergo regular safety inspections. They are equipped with life jackets, fire extinguishers, and first-aid kits. The luxury houseboats have air-conditioned bedrooms, modern bathrooms, comfortable beds, and a dedicated crew (captain, chef, and helper). The backwaters are calm and there is no rough water.
What is the cancellation policy?
We offer flexible cancellation: Full refund if cancelled 30+ days before departure. 50% refund if cancelled 15-29 days before. No refund for cancellations within 14 days of departure. We recommend purchasing travel insurance for added protection. During peak season (December–January), cancellation policies may be stricter.
How do I reach Alleppey from Kochi?
Alleppey (Alappuzha) is approximately 53 km from Kochi and takes about 1.5 hours by road. Our tour includes private air-conditioned vehicle transfers from Kochi to Alleppey. Alternatively, you can take a scenic train journey (about 1 hour) or a public ferry (about 2.5 hours) through the backwaters. We handle all transport arrangements as part of the tour package.

Ready to Cruise the Kerala Backwaters?

Book your Kerala Houseboat Luxury Stay today and create memories that last a lifetime. Contact us for the best prices and personalised itineraries.

BOOK NOW