India9 days
Kerala: Waterfalls, Backwaters & Beaches — 9 Days
From Athirapally's waterfalls through Kumarakom's backwaters to the Arabian Sea coast, with nights aboard a traditional houseboat.
This nine-day itinerary moves through Kerala's three primary landscape zones: the forested highlands of Athirapally, the lagoon systems of Kumarakom and Alleppey, and the Arabian Sea beaches of Marari. The route traces a south-westward path from Kochi through waterfalls and tea country, descends into the backwater region where traditional houseboats still operate as accommodation, and concludes on a palm-lined coast. The journey alternates between resort-based stays and a night aboard a kettuvallam—a wooden houseboat with cabin and deck—allowing travellers to move through the same waters that have defined Kerala's trade and settlement patterns for centuries. Most days include optional activities; several nights emphasize stillness and water-based movement rather than structured excursions.
Highlights
- Athirapally Waterfall—an 80-foot drop at the edge of the Sholayar forest range
- Houseboat cruise through narrow backwater canals between Kumarakom and Alleppey
- Thumpurmuzhi Gardens and Vazhachal Waterfalls near Athirapally
- Vembanad Lake from a resort base in Kumarakom
- Fisherman village walks on the Marari beach
- Kathakali dance performance in Kochi's evening
Day by day
1Arrival in KochiKochi · Kochi airport · old spice market district · backwaters
Arrival at Kochi airport is followed by transfer to the hotel. The afternoon allows time to visit the old spice market district and the commercial streets of M.G. Road. The evening typically includes a sunset cruise on the backwaters and a screening of Kathakali, the classical dance-drama form native to Kerala, performed in traditional costume and makeup.
2Kochi to Athirapally WaterfallKochi to Athirapally · Athirapally Waterfall · hotel in Athirapally
A two-hour drive inland (78 kilometers) leads to Athirapally, a settlement at the edge of the Sholayar forest range. The primary feature is the Athirapally Waterfall—an 80-foot drop often compared to Niagara Falls in scale—which flows year-round from a catchment in the surrounding hills. Check-in occurs at the hotel; the remainder of the day is unstructured.
3Athirapally Forests and FallsAthirapally Forests and Falls · Thumpurmuzhi Gardens · Vazhachal and Charpa waterfalls · nearby tribal settlements
The day encompasses visits to Thumpurmuzhi Gardens and the Vazhachal and Charpa waterfalls, both within the same forest system as Athirapally. River fishing and visits to nearby tribal settlements are available as optional activities.
4Athirapally to KumarakomAthirapally to Kumarakom · Kumarakom
A four-hour drive south (150 kilometers) descends from the forested highlands into the Kuttanad region and the Vembanad Lake system. Kumarakom sits on the lake's banks and serves as the base for the backwater portion of the itinerary. Resort accommodation is situated on the water's edge, surrounded by lagoon and narrow canals lined with coconut palms. The afternoon and evening allow for optional water sports and Ayurvedic massage treatments at the resort.
5Kumarakom Backwaters
A day at the resort, with optional water sports and Ayurvedic massage available.
6Houseboat Cruise Through Backwaterskettuvallam · Kumarakom to Alleppey
A kettuvallam—a traditional wooden houseboat with cabin, sitting deck, and onboard cooking facilities—departs from the resort at a predetermined time. The vessel follows narrow canals linking Kumarakom to Alleppey, passing through a landscape of lagoons, coconut groves, and fishing settlements. The houseboat serves as both transport and overnight accommodation, allowing travellers to move slowly through the backwater system without daily transfers. A full night is spent aboard.
7Alleppey to Marari BeachAlleppey to Marari · houseboat · beach resort · resort's shoreline
After breakfast on the houseboat, a 35-minute drive (22 kilometers) leads to Marari, a beach village on the Arabian Sea coast south of Alleppey. Check-in occurs at a beach resort. A walking tour of the resort's shoreline is typically offered in the late morning or afternoon.
8Marari Beachfisherman village adjacent to the resort · the resort
Morning visits to a fisherman village adjacent to the resort provide a view of local fishing practices and daily life along the coast. Water sports and Ayurvedic treatments remain available at the resort throughout the day.
9Marari to Kochi DepartureMarari resort · Marari to Kochi airport
After breakfast, you'll check out from the resort and transfer to Kochi airport for your onward journey. The drive north covers 58 kilometers and takes approximately one hour, marking the end of your Kerala tour.