Kerala Holidays – Kerala Houseboat
Here is a comprehensive 7-day Kerala holiday itinerary featuring an iconic houseboat experience, along with essential details and FAQs.
7-Day “Best of Kerala” Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kochi
- Activity: Arrive at Cochin International Airport (COK). Spend the afternoon exploring historic Fort Kochi.
- Highlights: Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, Mattancherry Palace, and Jewish Synagogue.
- Overnight: Fort Kochi / Ernakulam.
Day 2: Kochi to Munnar (approx. 4–5 hours drive)
- Activity: Scenic drive ascending into the Western Ghats.
Highlights: En-route views of Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls, tea plantations, and mist-covered hills.
- Overnight: Munnar.
Day 3: Munnar Sightseeing
- Activity: Full day exploring tea estates and nature spots.
- Highlights: Eravikulam National Park (home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr), Tea Museum, Mattupetty Dam, and Echo Point.
- Overnight: Munnar.
Day 4: Munnar to Thekkady (approx. 3–4 hours drive)
- Activity: Travel through winding mountain roads surrounded by spice plantations.
- Highlights: Periyar National Park boat safari or bamboo rafting, spice plantation tour (cardamom, pepper, cinnamon), and an evening Kathakali or Kalaripayattu performance.
- Overnight: Thekkady (Kumily).
Day 5: Thekkady to Alleppey (Houseboat Boarding)
- Activity: Drive down to Alleppey (Alappuzha) backwaters.
12:00 PM: Board your private houseboat (Kettuvallam) at the jetty.
Cruise Highlights: Welcome drink followed by traditional Kuttanadan lunch onboard. Sail through Vembanad Lake, narrow palm-fringed canals, and paddy fields.
- 5:30 PM: Boat anchors for the night per government environmental regulations. Evening walk in local lakeside villages.
- Overnight: Onboard the houseboat (dinner served on boat).
Day 6: Alleppey to Marari or Varkala Beach
- Activity: Morning backwater cruise during breakfast onboard. Check out around 9:00 AM and transfer to the beach.
- Highlights: Relax at Marari Beach (30 mins drive) or head south to Varkala Cliff Beach (3 hours drive). Enjoy seafood and sunset over the Arabian Sea.
- Overnight: Marari / Varkala.
Day 7: Departure from Kochi or Trivandrum
- Activity: Morning leisure at the beach. Transfer to Kochi Airport (COK) or Trivandrum Airport (TRV) based on your flight.
Houseboat Types & Inclusions
| Boat Type | Features | AC Coverage | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe | Basic comfort, essential amenities, traditional interior | Night-time only (9:00 PM – 6:00 AM) | Budget travelers |
| Premium | Upgraded interiors, glassed living areas, superior meal menu | Full-time AC | Families & Couples |
| Luxury / Ultra Luxury | Upper deck/jacuzzi, butler service, multi-cuisine private chef | 24/7 AC throughout | Honeymooners & Luxury travel |
Standard Inclusions Onboard:
- Private bedroom with attached bathroom
- Dedicated 3-member crew (Captain, Guide/Oarsman, Private Chef)
- All meals onboard: Welcome drink, lunch, evening tea/snacks, dinner, and breakfast (featuring traditional Karimeen fish fry, Kerala rice, chicken/vegetable curries)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the best time to visit Kerala?
A: October to March offers the best weather (18°C–30°C), ideal for hill stations, beaches, and backwater cruises. June to September is monsoon season, popular for Ayurvedic treatments and lush scenery.
Q: Why do houseboats stop cruising at 5:30 PM?
A: Government regulations prohibit night cruising on the backwaters to protect local fishermen’s nets and ensure safety. Boats anchor in calm, scenic spots until morning.
Q: Is food included on the houseboat, and can dietary preferences be accommodated?
A: Yes, all standard houseboat packages are fully inclusive of meals. Chefs can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, Jain, or specific dietary requests if informed prior to check-in.
Q: Which backwater hub is better: Alleppey or Kumarakom?
- Alleppey: Known for vibrant village views, narrow canals, and traditional life.
Kumarakom: Known for sprawling views over Vembanad Lake, bird sanctuaries, and quieter luxury resorts.
Q: What should I pack for a Kerala trip?
A: Light cotton clothing for coastal/backwater regions, a light jacket or sweater for Munnar evenings, comfortable walking shoes, insect repellent, sunscreen, and swimwear.
Can you tailor this Kerala itinerary for a specific budget and duration?
I would be happy to customize the itinerary for you!
To help me tailor the perfect Kerala trip, please share a few details:
- Duration: How many days/nights do you have in mind?
- Budget & Style: Are you looking for Budget (standard hotels, Deluxe houseboat), Mid-range/Premium (3-4 star resorts, Premium houseboat), or Luxury (5-star resorts, Luxury/Upper-Deck houseboat)?
- Travelers: Who is traveling (e.g., couple/honeymoon, family with kids, group of friends)?
- Preferences: Any specific focus, such as extra time on the backwaters/houseboat, relaxing at the beach, or staying in the hills/tea plantations?
Once you let me know, I’ll put together a detailed day-by-day plan with cost breakdowns and recommended stay options!