Kerala tour package
Here is a comprehensive 6-Day / 5-Night Kerala Tour Package originating from New Delhi, featuring a premium Alleppey backwater houseboat stay, followed by essential FAQs.
Tour Package: Exotic Kerala & Premium Backwaters
Duration: 5 Nights / 6 Days
Route: New Delhi \rightarrow Kochi \rightarrow Munnar (2N) \rightarrow Thekkady (1N) \rightarrow Alleppey (1N Houseboat) \rightarrow Kochi (1N) \rightarrow New Delhi
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: New Delhi to Kochi & Transfer to Munnar
- Board an early morning non-stop flight from New Delhi (DEL) to Cochin International Airport (COK).
- Meet your private chauffeur at Kochi airport and drive to Munnar (approx. 4 hours / 125 km).
- En route, stop by Cheeyappara and Valara Waterfalls as well as lush spice plantations.
- Check-in at your resort in Munnar and relax.
- Overnight stay: Munnar.
Day 2: Exploration of Munnar
- Post-breakfast, visit Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, Kundala Lake, and the Tea Museum.
- Take a stroll through the Eravikulam National Park (home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr).
- Overnight stay: Munnar.
Day 3: Munnar to Thekkady (Periyar)
- Scenic drive to Thekkady through tea and cardamom hills (approx. 3 hours / 90 km).
- Enjoy a boat safari on Periyar Lake inside the wildlife sanctuary or take a guided spice plantation tour.
- Evening options: Enjoy live performances of Kalaripayattu (martial art) or Kathakali.
- Overnight stay: Thekkady.
Day 4: Thekkady to Alleppey (The Premium Houseboat Experience)
- Drive to Alleppey (approx. 3.5 hours / 138 km) to arrive at the houseboat jetty by 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM.
- Check-in to your Premium Private Houseboat: Receive a traditional welcome drink.
- Cruise & Sightseeing: Cruise through Punnamada Lake, Kainakary, and narrow backwater canals.
- Dining: Enjoy freshly prepared traditional Kerala lunch (including backwater Karimeen/Pearl Spot fish fry or custom vegetarian options) cooked onboard by a private chef.
- Enjoy evening tea/coffee with local snacks as the boat anchors around 5:30 PM near a scenic canal side.
- Candlelight dinner and overnight relaxation.
- Overnight stay: Onboard the Premium Houseboat (Full-time / 24-hour Air Conditioning included).
Day 5: Alleppey to Kochi
- Wake up to scenic water views; enjoy a morning short cruise and traditional breakfast onboard.
- Check out at 9:00 AM and transfer to Kochi.
- Explore Fort Kochi, the historic Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, Mattancherry Palace, and Jew Town.
- Overnight stay: Kochi.
Day 6: Kochi Departure to New Delhi
- After breakfast, complete any last-minute souvenir shopping (spices, tea, banana chips).
- Transfer to Cochin International Airport (COK) for your direct return flight to New Delhi.
Estimated Cost Guidelines (Per Couple)
- Comfort Premium Package: ₹95,000 – ₹1,35,000 (Includes return flights, 4-star hill/beach resorts, private AC sedan/SUV cab, and a private 1-bedroom Premium Houseboat with all meals).
- Luxury Package: ₹1,40,000 – ₹2,10,000+ (Includes 5-star luxury resorts, private Luxury/Ultra-Luxury Jacuzzi Houseboat, and flight upgrades).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Houseboat & Cruise FAQs
Q1: What is the difference between a Deluxe and a Premium Houseboat in Alleppey?
A: In Deluxe Houseboats, air conditioning is typically operated only at night (from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM). In Premium Houseboats, full 24-hour AC is available throughout the living room and bedrooms, accompanied by superior plush interiors, glass-walled dining/living areas, upgraded meal menus, and dedicated staff (captain, driver, and personal chef).
Q2: Does the houseboat travel all night?
A: No. As per Kerala Government government & Maritime regulations, all engine-operated boats must stop cruising and anchor by 5:30 PM to allow local fishermen to lay their nets in the backwaters. The boat remains anchored at a quiet, secure village bank overnight and resumes a short morning cruise after breakfast before checkout at 9:00 AM.
Q3: What meals are included on the houseboat stay?
A: Overnights include full board: Welcome Drink, Lunch, Evening Tea/Coffee with Snacks, Dinner, and Breakfast. Meals feature authentic Kerala cuisine (like Karimeen fry, chicken curry, and fresh vegetables). North Indian, Pure Vegetarian, or Jain options can be pre-arranged upon request.
Q4: Is the houseboat private or shared?
A: Premium overnight tour packages reserve private houseboats. You get exclusive access to the bedroom(s), living deck, and onboard crew without sharing with other tourists.
Travel & Logistics FAQs
Q5: What is the best way to travel from New Delhi to Kerala?
A: Flying directly from New Delhi (DEL) to Cochin International Airport (COK) is recommended. Multiple direct flights operate daily with a flight duration of around 3 hours and 15 minutes.
Q6: When is the best time of year to visit Kerala?
A: October to March offers pleasant weather for backwater cruises and hill station sightseeing.
Would you like to customize this itinerary for specific travel dates, adjust the number of days, or tailor the houseboat inclusions for a specific group size?