India6 days
Kerala: Backwaters, Houseboats & Coastal Towns — 6 Days
Kochi to Varkala via Alleppey's lagoon network and overnight houseboat stay
This six-day route traces Kerala's network of lagoons and coastline, moving south from the port city of Kochi through Alleppey's interconnected backwaters and concluding at Varkala's cliff-backed beach. The itinerary centers on a night aboard a traditional wooden houseboat (kettuvallam) drifting through narrow canals lined with coconut palms and paddy fields, punctuated by stops in Kochi's spice quarter and a temple visit dating to the second century. Transfers between destinations cover moderate distances by road; water-based movement occurs by houseboat and local boat tours. Accommodation progresses from city hotel to backwater resort to beachfront property.
Highlights
- Sunset cruise and Kathakali dance performance in Kochi's harbor district
- Overnight houseboat cruise through Alleppey's lagoon canals with coconut-fringed banks
- Janardhana Swami Temple at Varkala, a 2,000-year-old hilltop shrine overlooking the Arabian Sea
- White sand beaches at Varkala with cliff-side walking routes
- Spice market exploration in Kochi's colonial quarter
Day by day
1Arrival in Kochi and Spice Market QuarterKochi airport · Kochi's historical spice market · Kochi harbor
Arrival at Kochi airport connects to a hotel transfer and afternoon leisure. After settling, a visit to Kochi's historical spice market and surrounding shops on M.G. Road provides context for the region's history as a trading hub. The evening includes a sunset cruise from Kochi harbor followed by a performance of Kathakali, the classical dance form of Kerala performed with elaborate costume and face paint.
2Kochi to Alleppey and Backwater ResortKochi to Alleppey · backwater resort
An 88-kilometer drive south from Kochi to Alleppey (also known as Alappuzha) takes approximately one hour. Alleppey's position at the confluence of lagoons and tributaries has historically earned it the comparison to Venice. The town sits amid narrow waterways, coconut plantations, and extensive paddy fields. On arrival, guests transfer to a backwater resort. The setting allows for optional water sports and Ayurvedic massage therapies available at resort facilities throughout the day.
3Overnight Houseboat Journey Through Alleppey Backwatersthe houseboat · the resort · narrow emerald-colored canal system linking Alleppey and the Kumarakom region
The houseboat (kettuvallam), a traditional wooden vessel historically used for transporting cargo, arrives at the resort for check-in and departure. The craft is decorated and fitted with sleeping quarters and onboard meals. A full day of cruising navigates the narrow emerald-colored canal system linking Alleppey and the Kumarakom region. The route passes through primarily natural scenery—coconut banks, waterside settlements, and open water—rather than monumental landmarks. The houseboat remains moored overnight, allowing an extended presence within the lagoon landscape.
4Houseboat Checkout and Transfer to Varkala Beachthe houseboat · a beachfront resort · the beach · Alleppey to Varkala
After breakfast aboard the houseboat, disembarkation occurs and guests transfer south to Varkala, a 120-kilometer journey taking approximately two hours. Varkala differs markedly from the lagoon terrain of Alleppey; the coast here features elevated cliffs backing a narrow strip of white sand beach. Check-in occurs at a beachfront resort. An evening walking tour along the sand allows orientation to the beach setting.
5Varkala: Ancient Temple and Lagoon BoatingJanardhana Swami Temple · Kappl lagoon · beach resort
Visit the 2000-year-old Janardhana Swami Temple in the morning. Optional boating at Kappl lagoon follows. Overnight at your beach resort.
6Varkala to Trivandrum DepartureVarkala · Varkala to Trivandrum · Trivandrum airport
After breakfast, checkout occurs at an appropriate time for a 58-kilometer transfer to Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) airport, a drive of approximately one hour. The airport departure marks the conclusion of the tour.