Lakes & Beaches of Kerala
Seven nights framed by water, greenery and slow rhythms, from colonial Cochin to the backwaters of Kumarakom, a private houseboat and the quiet sands of Marari.
An unhurried escape rather than a checklist of places, travelling privately with your own chauffeur and unrushed days at either end.
Private
Tailor-Made Journey
7
Nights in India
Daily
Breakfast Included
Private
Chauffeur Throughout
Expert
Local Guides
ATOL
Protected Holidays
Backwaters, Beaches and Slow Days
Kerala as a Sequence of Moods
Framed by water, greenery and slow rhythms, this journey through Kerala is designed as an unhurried escape into nature and quiet luxury.
Begin in Cochin, where layered histories and coastal charm create a gentle introduction, before gliding into the stillness of Kumarakom’s backwaters, where life unfolds along palm-lined canals. The experience deepens aboard a private houseboat, drifting through serene waterways in complete comfort, before days conclude along the untouched shores of Marari, where time slows beside the sea.
Journey Highlights
Experiences You Will Never Forget
Four places, seven nights, and no day that asks more of you than you want to give.
The Chinese Fishing Nets
The cantilevered Chinese Fishing Nets of Fort Kochi, drooping towards the water like oversized hammocks.
Kochi by Tuk-Tuk
A tuk-tuk through Mattanchery to the Dhobi Khana laundry station and the spice market on Palace Road.
Kathakali by Night
The famous dance drama of Kerala, **Kathakali**, with its extraordinary costumes and extensive make-up.
Village Life at Kumarakom
A 90-minute walk through village life on the canal banks: paddy fields, toddy tapping and palm weaving.
A Night on a Houseboat
A private kettuvallam through the Alleppey backwaters, with lunch, snacks and dinner served on board.
The Sands of Marari
A traditional fishing village where the fishermen still head out at dawn and the beach stays uncrowded.
Your Journey
Cochin, the Backwaters and the Coast
A short, fluid route from the Malabar Coast into the canals of Kuttanad and back out to the sea.
Cochin
Stop 1
Kumarakom
Stop 2
Houseboat
Stop 3
Marari
Stop 4
Sample Itinerary
Your Lakes & Beaches of Kerala Journey
The itinerary can be extended, shortened or upgraded to suit your preferred travel style.
Days 01 - 02 : Arrive Cochin
Days 1–2
Colonial Kochi
A warm welcome with fresh flower garlands at Cochin airport. Next day, Fort Kochi: the Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis CSI Church, then a tuk-tuk to the Dhobi Khana, through Mattanchery to the spice market. In the evening, Kathakali.
Days 03 - 04 : Cochin - Kumarakom
Day 3-4
The Backwaters of Kumarakom
Drive to Kumarakom, a cluster of little islands on Vembanad Lake with a 14-acre bird sanctuary. The following day is free, or spend 90 minutes experiencing village life on the canal banks, a fine example of community-based tourism.
Day 05 : Kumarakom - Houseboat
Day 5
A Night on the Water
Drive to Alleppey, the Venice of the East, and embark on your houseboat. Sail through the backwaters aboard a reworked kettuvallam, with lunch, evening snacks and dinner served on board.
Days 06 - 07 : Houseboat - Marari
Days 6–7
The Quiet Coast
Disembark after breakfast and drive to Marari, a serene coastal village where local life still revolves around the sea. Two nights free for the beach, resort activities, seafood and Ayurvedic treatments.
Day 08 : Marari - Cochin & Departure
Days 8
Departure
Breakfast at the resort, then a departure transfer to Cochin airport for your onward flight.
Your Holiday
Thoughtfully Arranged From Beginning to End
Your Journey Includes
- 06-night accommodation on sharing double/twin room basis with breakfast
- 01-night accommodation onboard houseboat on full-board basis
- Complete transport in AC vehicle with driver
- English-speaking tour guide for sightseeing as per program
- Tuk-Tuk ride in Cochin
- Kathakali Dance Show in Cochin
- Warm welcome with fresh flower garlands and two water bottles per person per day
Tailor Your Holiday
- Choose from four hotel collections, from comfortable to heritage
- Add Munnar for tea gardens and mountain air
- Add Thekkady for spice plantations and Periyar Tiger Reserve
- Upgrade from a Deluxe to a Premium houseboat
- Add extra nights at Marari for a longer beach stay
- Add monument and activity entrance fees to your package
- Adjust the pace and number of nights in each place
Choose Your Kerala Experience
Travel Kerala Your Way
Choose the style of holiday that suits you. Every journey is privately arranged and can be personalised around your travel dates, preferred hotels, pace and experiences.
Lakes & Beaches Classic
Based on two adults sharing
- Abad Plaza Hotel or Holiday Inn Kochi
- Abad Whispering Palms in Kumarakom
- Deluxe houseboat on the Alleppey backwaters
- Abad Turtle Beach at Marari
- Daily breakfast, plus full board on the houseboat
- Private chauffeur and air-conditioned vehicle
- Kathakali show and tuk-tuk ride in Cochin
Lakes & Beaches Luxury
Based on two adults sharing
- Crowne Plaza, CGH Eighth Bastion or Radisson Blu in Cochin
- Premium houseboat on the Alleppey backwaters
- Xandari Pearl Beach Resort at Marari
- Daily breakfast, plus full board on the houseboat
- Private chauffeur and premium vehicle
- Expert private local guides throughout
- Enhanced touring and experiences
Lakes & Beaches Exceptional
For an extraordinary private journey
- Brunton Boatyard or Taj Malabar Resort & Spa in Cochin
- Coconut Lagoon, a CGH Earth resort, in Kumarakom
- Premium houseboat on the Alleppey backwaters
- Marari Beach, a CGH Earth Experience
- Daily breakfast, plus full board on the houseboat
- Bespoke private touring throughout
- Completely personalised itinerary
Prices are per person based on two adults sharing and vary according to travel dates, availability and final hotel selection. Rates for 4-6 and 7-9 travelling together are lower and available on request. International flights are not included in the guide prices above but can be added to create a complete ATOL-protected holiday where applicable.
Looking for something even more exceptional?
We can create a fully bespoke Kerala journey featuring CGH Earth heritage properties, extending into Munnar’s tea country or Thekkady’s spice hills.
Make It Your Own
Add Extraordinary Private Experiences
Personalise your holiday with special experiences designed around your interests.
Add Munnar
Two nights in South India's largest tea-growing region, with a visit to the Tata Tea Museum.
Add Thekkady
Two nights for a spice plantation, a Periyar boat ride and a Kalaripayattu performance.
Premium Houseboat
Upgrade from a Deluxe to a Premium houseboat for your night on the backwaters.
Longer at Marari
Add nights at the beach, with Ayurvedic treatments and nothing else scheduled.
Travel With Confidence
Why Book With India Vacations?
Your holiday is created by specialists who understand India and know how to make a complex journey feel effortless.
India Specialists
Knowledgeable consultants with first-hand understanding of the destination.
ATOL Protection
Financial protection when your holiday is booked with qualifying flights.
Tailor-Made Travel
Every itinerary can be adapted around your interests, dates and preferred level of comfort.
Personal Assistance
Support before departure and dependable local assistance while you travel.
Your Kerala Story Starts Here
Let Us Create Your Perfect Journey Through India
Speak to an India specialist and receive a personalised itinerary based on your preferred dates, hotels, experiences and budget.
All itineraries are subject to availability and can be tailored to your requirements.