Southern India Tour with Houseboat Stay

Upon arrival at Cochin International Airport, you will be welcomed by your representative and transferred to your hotel. After check-in and rest, the afternoon introduces you to Fort Kochi, where European colonial influence remains visible in architecture and street layout.
Visit the Dutch Palace, originally built by the Portuguese and later renovated by the Dutch, featuring Kerala-style murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana. Continue to Jew Town and the 16th-century Jewish Synagogue, one of the oldest active synagogues in the Commonwealth. The surrounding spice market still carries the fragrance of cardamom, pepper and cloves that once drove global maritime trade.
Conclude the day at the waterfront observing Chinese Fishing Nets silhouetted against the Arabian Sea. In the evening, attend a traditional Kerala classical dance performance in an air-conditioned theatre before returning to your hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, depart for Munnar, ascending into the Western Ghats through winding hill roads. The four-hour drive gradually transitions from coastal plains to mist-laden mountains. Waterfalls and forested slopes line the route, offering scenic pauses.
Upon arrival in Munnar, check into your hotel. Known for its expansive tea plantations established during the British era, Munnar presents a cool climate and rolling green hills arranged in patterned estates. The aroma of fresh tea leaves fills the air.
Spend the remainder of the day at leisure exploring nearby plantations or enjoying the serene hill atmosphere. Optional activities include short plantation walks or adventure sports depending on availability. Overnight stay in Munnar.

After breakfast, proceed to Periyar (Thekkady), a journey that continues through the Western Ghats’ dense forest terrain. Upon arrival, check into your hotel before heading toward Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
The highlight of the afternoon is a boat ride on Periyar Lake. As the boat glides through calm waters, observe wildlife along the shoreline including elephants, deer and various bird species. The sanctuary’s thick vegetation and quiet environment provide an authentic forest experience.
Optional visits to nearby tribal villages offer insight into traditional honey collection practices and forest-based livelihoods. Return to your hotel in the evening for overnight stay in Periyar.

After breakfast, travel toward Alleppey, the heart of Kerala’s backwater network. Upon arrival, board your traditional deluxe houseboat, crafted in the style of historic rice barges.
As the boat navigates through interconnected canals and lagoons, observe village life unfolding along the banks — fishermen casting nets, children commuting by canoe and farmers tending paddy fields. Coconut palms line the waterways, creating reflections in still water.
Lunch, evening tea snacks and dinner are prepared onboard using local ingredients. The boat anchors at a peaceful stretch of backwater for the night. Air-conditioning is available in cabins during designated hours. Overnight stay on the houseboat.

Wake up to the gentle movement of water and the sounds of birds along the canals. Breakfast is served onboard while the cruise resumes through narrower waterways and village clusters.
The backwater system of Alleppey, often referred to as the “Venice of the East,” offers a closer look at rural Kerala’s lifestyle. Traditional homes built along canal banks reflect a slow-paced rhythm shaped by fishing and agriculture.
Lunch and dinner continue to be served onboard. As evening approaches, the houseboat anchors once again in a scenic location. Overnight stay on the houseboat.

After breakfast onboard, disembark at Alleppey jetty. Transfer by road back to Cochin, a drive of approximately two hours through coastal Kerala.
Depending on flight timings, you will be transferred directly to Cochin International Airport for your onward journey.
This concludes your Southern India Tour with Houseboat Stay.