DomesticFamily

7-Day Backwaters and Beaches

The coastal half of Kerala — Alleppey backwaters, the cliffs at Varkala and the quieter end of Kovalam, with Fort Cochin at the start. Less driving than the hill circuits.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Cochin
Airport pickup, Fort Cochin — Chinese nets, St Francis Church, Jew Town.
Meals
Dinner
Stay
Cochin
Day 2: Cochin to Alleppey
Short drive, board the houseboat at noon, cruise the backwaters.
Meals
All meals
Stay
Houseboat, Alleppey
Day 3: Alleppey to Varkala
Disembark and drive south to the Varkala cliffs.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Stay
Varkala
Day 4: Varkala
Papanasam beach, the cliff walk and Janardanaswamy temple.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Stay
Varkala
Day 5: Varkala to Kovalam
Short drive to Kovalam. Sunset from the lighthouse.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Stay
Kovalam
Day 6: Kovalam
Free day on the beach. Optional Ayurvedic massage.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Stay
Kovalam
Day 7: Departure
Transfer to Trivandrum airport.
Meals
Breakfast

Trip Highlights

Overnight houseboat
Varkala cliff and Papanasam beach
Kovalam lighthouse beach
Fort Cochin heritage walk
Two full beach days with nothing scheduled

What's included

Accommodation as per the itinerary, on twin sharing
Daily breakfast, plus all meals aboard the houseboat
All transfers and sightseeing by private air-conditioned vehicle
Houseboat cruise with crew where the itinerary includes one
Driver allowance, fuel, tolls, parking and inter-state permits

What's not included

Airfare and train fare
Lunch and dinner on land unless specified
Boat safari and park entry fees at Periyar
Ayurvedic treatments unless the package is a wellness one
Anything not listed under inclusions

Pickup point

Cochin International Airport (Trivandrum on request)

Cancellation policy

Cancel 30 days or more before departure — full refund minus a ₹2,000 processing fee.

Cancel 15 to 29 days before departure — 50% of the trip cost is refunded.

Cancel 7 to 14 days before departure — 25% of the trip cost is refunded.

Cancel within 7 days of departure — no refund.

Houseboat and resort advances already paid are non-refundable. Peak-season dates from 20 December to 5 January carry a stricter policy, confirmed at booking.

Frequently asked questions

Is the monsoon a bad time to visit Kerala?

It is the best time for some things and the worst for others. June to September brings the waterfalls alive and the tea slopes at their greenest, and Ayurveda centres consider it the ideal treatment season. Beaches and long boat cruises are better between October and March.

Overnight houseboat or a day cruise?

An overnight boat moors in a quiet canal for the night and is the better experience. A day cruise costs less and suits families with very young children who would rather sleep on land.

How much driving is there?

Kerala looks small but the hill roads are slow. Cochin to Munnar is around four hours, Munnar to Thekkady another four. We keep at most one long drive a day and never two back to back.

Can Ayurveda treatments be added to any trip?

Yes. A single-day treatment can be added anywhere. A genuine panchakarma course needs seven days minimum and a doctor's consultation first — that is the Ayurveda Retreat package, not an add-on.

Is Kerala good for elderly travellers?

Very. Most sightseeing is short walks and boat rides. Tell us about mobility needs and we will pick ground-floor rooms, skip the steep plantation walks and use a larger vehicle.

Ready to book Backwaters and Beaches?

Tell us your dates and group size and our team will confirm availability, hold the rooms and send you the invoice and vouchers.

Book This Tour

₹32,999₹38,000

Save ₹5,001

+ tax as applicable

Runs on any date you choose — tell us when and we will confirm availability.

Tour Option

Twin Sharing₹32,999

Kerala

God's own country awaits.

Know Before You Go

Is the monsoon a bad time to visit Kerala?It is the best time for some things and the worst for others. June to September brings the waterfalls alive and the tea slopes at their greenest, and Ayurveda centres consider it the ideal treatment season. Beaches and long boat cruises are better between October and March.
Overnight houseboat or a day cruise?An overnight boat moors in a quiet canal for the night and is the better experience. A day cruise costs less and suits families with very young children who would rather sleep on land.
How much driving is there?Kerala looks small but the hill roads are slow. Cochin to Munnar is around four hours, Munnar to Thekkady another four. We keep at most one long drive a day and never two back to back.

All questions →