Kerala tour package

Here is an overview of a popular Kerala Backwater & Houseboat Tour Package, featuring an iconic itinerary centered around Alappuzha (Alleppey) and the surrounding region, complete with frequently asked questions.

​Sample Itinerary: 3-Day Kerala Backwater & Houseboat Experience

• ​Day 1: Arrival in Alappuzha & Village Exploration
  • ​Arrive in Alappuzha (transfer available from Cochin International Airport or Ernakulam/Alappuzha railway stations).
  • ​Check into a lakeside resort or head straight to the boarding area.
  • ​Enjoy a afternoon Shikara or canoe ride through narrow village canals where motorized houseboats cannot go, giving you an intimate look at local life, coir-making, and paddy fields.
  • ​Overnight stay at a hotel or resort in Alappuzha.

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• ​Day 2: The Signature Houseboat Cruise & Overnight Stay
  • ​12:00 PM: Board your private houseboat from the jetty (e.g., Punnamada / Finishing Point).
  • ​Set sail across the vast expanse of Vembanad Lake and cruise through the unique below-sea-level farming region of Kuttanad.
  • ​Enjoy an authentic, freshly prepared Kerala lunch on board (featuring dishes like Karimeen Pollichathu, rice, and regional curries).
  • ​5:30 PM: By government regulation, houseboats anchor by the shore of a quiet backwater village for the night. Take a peaceful evening walk ashore or watch the sunset over the water.
  • ​Dinner served on board and overnight stay in your private air-conditioned cabin.

cabin.

• ​Day 3: Morning Backwaters & Departure
  • ​7:00 AM: Enjoy morning coffee or tea on the upper deck as the sun rises over the backwaters, followed by a traditional breakfast.
  • ​Enjoy a brief morning cruise.
  • ​9:00 AM – 9:30 AM: Check out of the houseboat and transfer to your onward destination (Kochi, Munnar, or departure transit).

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​Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

​1. What is included in a standard houseboat package?

​Most overnight houseboat packages are all-inclusive regarding meals. They typically cover:

• ​Private boat stay with attached western-style bathrooms.

• ​Welcome drink, traditional Kerala lunch, evening tea with snacks, dinner, and breakfast the next morning.

• ​Dedicated crew (captain, chef, and oarsman/helper).

​2. Do houseboats cruise through the night?

​No. By safety regulations set by the Kerala authorities, all engine-operated houseboats must stop cruising and anchor by 5:30 PM. They remain docked at a secure village shore overnight and resume cruising for an hour or two the following morning before checkout.

​3. How do bedroom air-conditioning timings work?

• ​Standard / Deluxe Houseboats: Air conditioning in the bedrooms is typically operated during night hours only (usually from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM), while fans are used during the day.

• ​Premium / Luxury Houseboats: Feature full-time air conditioning available throughout the day and night.

​4. Can we request special meals or dietary preferences?

​Yes. While standard menus highlight authentic Kerala non-vegetarian cuisine, advance notice allows operators to arrange pure vegetarian, Jain, or North Indian food. Guests can also often purchase fresh fish directly from local fishermen to have the onboard chef prepare it.

​5. Are houseboats shared with other travelers?

​No, standard leisure bookings are entirely private for your group or family. The only people on board besides your party will be the mandatory crew members.

​Would you like to customize this package with specific destinations (such as adding hill stations like Munnar or wildlife reserves like Thekkady), or adjust it for a special occasion like a honeymoon?

Next popular 6 nights and 7 days Kerala tour package including alleppey houseboat Cruise

Here is a comprehensive 6 Nights / 7 Days Kerala Tour Package itinerary, detailed day-by-day sightseeing plan, vehicle coverage specifications, and Frequently Asked Questions.

Popular​ 6 Nights / 7 Days Kerala Tour Package

​Package Overview

• ​Duration: 6 Nights / 7 Days
• ​Arrival: Kochi Railway Station (Ernakulam Town / Ernakulam Junction)
• ​Departure: Kanyakumari Railway Station (7th Day Morning Drop)
• ​Transportation: Air-Conditioned Toyota Etios Sedan (Dedicated vehicle for all transfers and listed sightseeing as per itinerary)

​Detailed Itinerary

​Day 1: Arrival at Kochi Railway Station – Munnar (Approx. 130 km / 4 hours)

• ​Morning: Pickup from Kochi Railway Station by your driver with the AC Toyota Etios.
• ​En Route Sightseeing:
  • ​Visit Cheeyappara Waterfalls and Valara Waterfalls.
  • ​Stop at scenic tea plantation viewpoints along the route.
  • ​Visit a spice garden and spice plantation en route.
• ​Afternoon: Arrive in Munnar, check into your resort, and refresh.
• ​Evening: Stroll through Munnar Town and local handicraft markets.
• ​Overnight: Stay at Munnar hotel/resort.

​Day 2: Full Day Munnar Sightseeing

• ​Morning: Post breakfast, set out for a full day of sightseeing in and around Munnar:
  • ​Eravikulam National Park (Rajamalai): Home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr (mountain goat).
  • ​Tea Museum & Factory: Learn about tea processing and the history of tea cultivation in the High Ranges.
• ​Afternoon:
  • ​Mattupetty Dam & Lake: Scenic spot with optional speed boating.
  • ​Echo Point: Natural acoustic phenomenon amidst rolling green hills.
  • ​Kundala Lake: Picturesque dam site surrounded by pine and eucalyptus trees.
• ​Evening: Return to hotel for leisure.
• ​Overnight: Stay at Munnar hotel/resort.

​Day 3: Munnar to Thekkady / Periyar (Approx. 90 km / 3 hours)

• ​Morning: Breakfast at hotel, checkout, and drive towards Thekkady (Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary).
• ​En Route & Local Sightseeing:
  • ​Drive through winding roads lined with spice plantations (cardamom, pepper, coffee).
  • ​Visit Periyar National Park & Lake for wildlife viewing / boating.
• ​Afternoon:
  • ​Take a guided Spice Plantation Tour to experience spice farming and medicinal plants.
• ​Evening: Optional cultural evening programs (Kathakali dance performance or Kalaripayattu martial arts show).
• ​Overnight: Stay at Thekkady hotel.

​Day 4: Thekkady to Alleppey Houseboat Stay (Approx. 140 km / 4 hours)

• ​Morning: Breakfast at hotel, checkout, and drive to Alleppey (Alappuzha).
• ​12:00 PM: Board your private Kerala Backwater Houseboat from the jetty.
• ​Cruise & Sightseeing:
  • ​Welcome drink upon boarding.
  • ​Cruise through the vast expanse of Vembanad Lake and the palm-fringed canals of Kuttanad.
  • ​Authentic freshly prepared Kerala lunch served on board (Karimeen fish fry, rice, seasonal vegetable curries).
  • ​Sail past backwater villages, rice paddies below sea level, and local fish farms.
• ​5:30 PM: Houseboat anchors by the backwater village shore as per government regulations. Evening walk along the shore.
• ​Overnight: Dinner on board and overnight stay in your private AC cabin.

​Day 5: Alleppey to Kovalam (Approx. 160 km / 4.5 hours)

• ​Morning: Enjoy sunrise over the backwaters and breakfast on board.
• ​9:00 AM: Checkout from the houseboat. Your driver will pick you up in the AC Toyota Etios for the journey to Kovalam.
• ​En Route / Local Sightseeing:
  • ​Drive past Coastal Highway routes, stopping at Poovar Island / estuary viewpoint (optional motorboat ride through mangroves).
• ​Afternoon: Check into your resort in Kovalam.
• ​Evening: Spend the evening relaxing at Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach, or watching the sunset from Samudra Beach.
• ​Overnight: Stay at Kovalam beach resort.

​Day 6: Kovalam to Kanyakumari (Approx. 90 km / 2.5 hours)

• ​Morning: Breakfast at hotel, checkout, and drive towards Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu).
• ​En Route Sightseeing:
  • ​Padmanabhapuram Palace: Famous wooden palace of the Travancore Kingdom.
  • ​Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple: Famous for its architectural heritage and musical pillars.
• ​Afternoon: Arrive in Kanyakumari and check into your hotel.
• ​Late Afternoon / Evening:
  • ​Take the ferry boat to Vivekananda Rock Memorial and the majestic Thiruvalluvar Statue.
  • ​Visit Kanyakumari Amman Temple and the Triveni Sangam (confluence of the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean, and Bay of Bengal).
  • ​Watch the famous sunset at Sunset Point.
• ​Overnight: Stay at Kanyakumari hotel.

​Day 7: Kanyakumari Departure Drop

• ​Early Morning: Optional early morning visit to view the sunrise over the ocean confluence.
• ​Morning: Breakfast at hotel and checkout.
• ​Drop-off: Transfer in your AC Toyota Etios vehicle to Kanyakumari Railway Station for your onward journey.

​Vehicle & Transportation Details

• ​Vehicle Model: Toyota Etios (Sedan, Air-Conditioned)
• ​Passenger Capacity: Up to 3–4 Passengers + Luggage Space
• ​Inclusions:
  • ​Fuel charges, toll taxes, parking fees, driver allowance, and interstate permit charges (Kerala to Tamil Nadu entry for Kanyakumari).
  • ​Dedicated door-to-door transportation for all transfers and listed sightseeing spots across the 7-day tour.

​Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

​1. What are the operating timings for air conditioning in the houseboat?

• ​Standard / Deluxe Houseboats: Air conditioning inside the bedroom operates during night hours (typically 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM).
• ​Premium / Luxury Houseboats: Air conditioning operates on a 24-hour basis throughout the day and night.

​2. Are meals included during the houseboat stay?

​Yes. Overnight houseboat stays include all major meals: Welcome Drink, Traditional Lunch, Evening Tea/Coffee with Snacks, Dinner, and Breakfast the following morning. All meals are prepared freshly on board by an experienced chef.

​3. Will there be an interstate toll/tax required for Kanyakumari?

​Since Kanyakumari is located in Tamil Nadu, commercial transport vehicles crossing from Kerala into Tamil Nadu require an Interstate Permit and road tax. The vehicle driver handles these checkpost permits during the drive.

​4. What is the best time for the ferry to Vivekananda Rock Memorial?

​Ferry operations in Kanyakumari generally run from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM/4:30 PM (subject to sea conditions and weather). It is recommended to queue up by mid-afternoon to avoid peak rush hours.

​5. Can the itinerary be customized if railway timing changes?

​Yes, pickup from Kochi Railway Station in the morning and drop-off at Kanyakumari Railway Station on Day 7 morning can be adjusted according to your train arrival and departure timings.