Kerala: Backwaters, Beaches & Homestay — 7 Days
Kochi to Varkala by ferry, train and coastal roads, with a night in a local home and time on quiet beaches
This seven-day route moves south from Kochi through Kerala's network of backwaters, lagoons, and coastal towns, ending at Varkala. The itinerary centers on water-based travel—ferry rides through Alleppey's ecosystem, a train journey down the coast, and time spent on beaches at Kollam and Varkala. A single night in a homestay in Alleppey provides contact with local residents; the remaining nights are in simple hotels or guesthouses. The tour includes one guided walking tour of Fort Kochi's colonial quarter, one harbour visit to observe fishing practices, and open time in Varkala and Kollam for independent exploration, relaxation, or optional activities such as temple visits or local healers. Breakfasts, one lunch, and one dinner are included throughout; vegetarian options are available at all meals.
Highlights
- Chinese fishing nets and colonial architecture in Fort Kochi
- Morning ferry cruise through Alleppey's backwaters, lagoons, and canals
- Kollam Harbour to observe fishing vessels and local maritime practices
- Overnight homestay in Alleppey with local family
- Beach time at Kollam and Varkala on the Arabian Sea coast
- Janardhana Swamy Temple gardens in Varkala
- Train journey from Varkala back to Kochi
Day by day
1Arrival in Kochi: Port City OrientationFort Kochi · Chinese fishing nets · Fort Kochi waterfront
Arrival in Kochi, a port city on the Arabian Sea historically significant as a trade hub. The afternoon is spent in the seaside neighbourhood of Fort Kochi, where Chinese fishing nets stand along the waterfront and colonial-era buildings line the streets. The group gathers to walk the area and meet one another, with free time to photograph the waterfront or wander nearby cafes and shops.
2Fort Kochi to Alleppey: Colonial Quarter & Backwater SettlementAlleppey · St Francis Church · the Dutch cemetery · the Jewish Quarter · a nearby island community
A guided walking tour covers Fort Kochi's main sites: St Francis Church, the Dutch cemetery, and the Jewish Quarter, which contains a synagogue and antique shops. The group then travels to Alleppey, a settlement built on a peninsula and interwoven with backwater channels, lagoons, and canals. After arriving, the afternoon includes a guided visit to a nearby island community where local inhabitants explain their way of life along the water. Overnight accommodation is in a homestay with a local family, the only night of the tour spent outside standard hotel lodging.
3Alleppey Backwaters Ferry Cruise & Kollam ArrivalKollam · Alleppey's backwaters · Thangassery Light House · Kollam beach
A morning ferry cruise moves through Alleppey's backwaters, navigating narrow channels, lagoons, and canals to observe the water-based ecosystem and settlements. The afternoon involves a bus journey south along the coast to Kollam, a port town. The evening offers a choice: rest on the beach, climb Thangassery Light House overlooking the coast, or visit the town's evening activities.
4Kollam Harbour & Coastal Drive to VarkalaKollam Harbour · Varkala · Janardhana Swamy Temple
A morning visit to Kollam Harbour allows observation of fishing vessels and the role of fishing in the local economy. Note that the harbour is not open to visitors during May and June. Afterward, a private vehicle journey follows the coast southward to Varkala, a town set on the Arabian Sea shore. The remainder of the day is unstructured, allowing time to walk the town, visit local healers, or enter Janardhana Swamy Temple and its attached gardens.
5Varkala: Independent ExplorationJanardhana Swamy Temple · beach overlooking the Arabian Sea
A full day with no scheduled activities. Travellers may walk to Janardhana Swamy Temple, an ashram compound with gardens and spiritual significance in Kerala's history, or spend time on the beach overlooking the Arabian Sea. The day allows for solitary movement through the town or group outings with other travellers, depending on individual preference.
6Varkala to Kochi by Train & Evening ActivitiesVarkala to Kochi · Kochi
A train journey north returns the group to Kochi. In the late afternoon, time is available to walk the streets of Kochi or attend a Kathakali dance performance (traditional classical dance-drama). The evening is set aside for a group gathering to reflect on the week.
7Departure from Kochi
Your final morning in Kochi. Exchange contact details with fellow travellers, then depart for the airport or your onward journey at a time that suits your schedule. Until next time.
Included
- What's Included
- Accommodation
- Simple hotels or guesthouse (twin-share) (5 nts), homestay (1 nt).
- Meals
- Breakfasts: 1, Lunches: 1, Dinners: 1
- Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
- Vegetarian options available
- Local Guide
- Guided
- This adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
- Wifi
- Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.