Alongside breathtaking nature and miles of beaches, the picturesque Backwaters - a network of waterways in the hinterlands of Kerala - highlight the beauty of India, making it one of the most popular destinations worldwide. Experience this captivating tour, perfect as a prelude to your Ayurveda therapy.
Welcome at Cochin Airport and transfer to the hotel. The scenic port city of Cochin spreads across islands and peninsulas between the Arabian Sea and the Backwaters. City tour includes visits to the Mattancherry 'Dutch' Palace, known for its wall paintings, the Synagogue in the heart of the city, St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, and the Santa Cruz Basilica (built by the Portuguese in 1557). In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performance. Overnight in Cochin.
After breakfast, continue to Kumarakom, a stunning paradise of green rice fields, mangrove forests, coconut palms, and enchanting waterways. Travel by local boats and canoes through the water world of Vembanad Lake to the resort. Numerous leisure activities such as fishing or boating (at a charge). Overnight in Kumarakom.
Breakfast. Around noon, start your houseboat tour on a traditional rice barge ('Kettuvalam') that has been converted into a comfortable houseboat. As you head to Alleppey, you will pass typical villages of Kerala, allowing you to experience the life of the Backwaters residents up close, hence the name of this tour. Overnight on the houseboat with full board.
In the morning, disembark and transfer to Cochin Airport. Transfer to your booked hotel in Trivandrum or Kottayam available at an additional cost.
The itinerary depends on arrival in Cochin and is subject to changes.
For the 3-day tour, the Cochin city tour is omitted, with direct transfer from Cochin to Kumarakom.
The Mattancherry 'Dutch' Palace is closed on Fridays and the Jewish Synagogue on Saturdays.