The backwaters | Kerala | India
FROM: USD $1,765 pp

PRIVATE TOUR: Combining historic Kochi, the hill station of Munnar and a houseboat cruise on the backwaters of Kerala. In nine sunfilled days feast upon the amazing natural wonders, wildlife, beauty and diversity of stunning Kerala - God's own country.

Inclusions
Itinerary
Prices & Dates
COVID SAFE GUIDE

Trip Highlights

Historic Kochi - Parsi Synagogue, Dutch Palace, St Francis Church, Fort Cochin, colourful boats and Chinese fishing nets on the waterfront
The protected Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and lake - Elephant and tiger reserve
Coastal Alleppey - The Venice of the East
Munnar Hill Station - The summer retreat of the British during colonial times
Tropical Kumarakom and the famous Keralan backwaters

Included

Breakfast daily, 1 lunch and 2 dinners
1 overnight - Traditional Keralan rice houseboat on Keralan backwaters
Boat ride on Lake Periyar OR visit to a tea plantation
Entrance fees to all included sights
All relevant transfer and transportation in private modern Chauffeur driven air-conditioned vehicles
7 nights SUPERIOR hotels. STANDARD and DELUXE hotel options are also available upon request. Accommodation rating – See Trip Notes for details
Touring and excursions as per itinerary
Services of English-speaking Indian specialist guides for all included sight-seeing
An airport arrival transfer day 1 and a departure transfer day 9

Not Included

International flights and visas
Tipping - An entirely personal gesture

Itinerary

Day 1

Kochi

Once you arrive Kochi you'll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to enjoy at leisure.
Overnight: Kochi

Day 2

Kochi

Formerly a princely state, Kochi is also fondly referred to as “The Queen of the Arabian Sea”. This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of the town including the beautiful Parsi Synagogue built in 1568, the Dutch Palace built by the Portuguese in 1555 and St Francis’ Church. A walking tour of Fort Cochin takes you through streets still graced with traces of Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial architecture. Afternoon/evening free.
Overnight: Kochi  |  Breakfast

Day 3

Munnar

Kochi - Munnar. A drive east to to Munnar - a quaint hill station nestled on the verdant slopes of tea plantations, that exudes a rare old world charm and reminds one of the days of the Raj in its elegant splendour. At a height of 1525 metres, Munnar offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills.
Overnight: Munnar  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Days 4-5

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Munnar - Periyar. A short drive south to Periyar, South India’s most popular wildlife sanctuary and home to bison, antelopes, sambar, wild boar, birds and even the odd tiger! Kumli, close to the sanctuary and where you’ll stay, is a pretty little town dotted with small spice and handicraft shops. There is plenty to do in and around Periyar, so we leave the choice to you. Enjoy an included boat ride on Lake Periyar to spot herds of wild elephants or visit the lush nearby tea estates.
Overnight: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary  |  Breakfast x 2

Days 6-7

Kumarakom

Periyar - Kumarakom. A drive to Kumarakom. Perched sleepily on the eastern banks of the mighty Lake Vembanad in the heartland of Kerala’s famed backwaters, Kumarakom has changed little since the Middle Ages but for it’s string of exotic resorts, making it the perfect point to explore the backwaters. Although right in the thick of a tangle of lush tropical waterways, Kumarakom is technically an island on Lake Vembanad. This is an ideal place to chill-out for a few days. There is also a wonderful bird sanctuary, winter home to many migratory birds which is worth a visit.
Overnight: Kumarakom  |  Breakfast x 2

Day 8

Kerala backwaters

This morning board a simply furnished private rice-boat for a journey through the backwaters in and around Alleppey. A distance of some 20 kms will be covered, during which time the boat will glide past colourful local villages. As for dining, the on-board cook will prepare meals using fresh local produce.
Overnight: Rice Boat  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9

Kochi

Alleppey - Kochi. Disembarking at Alleppey, you’ll be driven the short distance back to Kochi. Consider extending your stay in Kochi or elsewhere in Kerala. Alternatively, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
Breakfast

Extend your stay

If you'd like to extend your stay, we offer a variety of hotels, short stays and add-ons for you to choose from. Please read our best places to visit or best things to see each month for suggested places to visit on your holiday. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please let us know so we can accommodate your request.

For information about visas, top travel tips, best time to travel and much more, browse our travel guide.

Prices & Dates

Prices shown are per person when there are 2 persons sharing a room, based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults. The 'Single Room' price is applicable when a single room is required. If travelling solo, an additional ‘1-person’ supplement will apply.

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Dates
Twin / Share
Single Room
26th Jan 2022 - 1st Apr 2022
Unavailable during this period.
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USD $1765
USD $2925
1st Feb 2023 - 1st Apr 2023
Unavailable during this period.
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USD $1765
USD $2925

In Brief

Range
Trip Type
Starts
Kochi
Ends
Kochi
Departs
Any day between 01 Apr - 31 Jan
Hotel Rating
Our rating: Superior
Tour Guide
Yes (for locally included sights)
Meals
Breakfast: 8, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 2
Visiting
Kochi, Munnar, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kumarakom, Alleppey
Countries
Rolling hills and tea gardens of Munnar
Boat along the water at the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Boat sailing along the river, fringed with thick jungle, in Alleppey
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