Welcome to God’s own country, Kerala !!
Once you arrive at Kochi airport or Ernakulam station, vehicle arranged exclusively for you would take you to your pre-booked hotel.Check in at the hotel and get refreshed.
Later you would be going for Kochi city tour.Kochi is located on Arabian sea and it is one of the most important and busy ports in India.
This vibrant town has many things to offer in the realm of history, culture, cuisines and shopping !!
In city tour of Kochi, you would be visiting Jewish Synagogue (not open on Saturdays and Jewish holidays) in Jew Town, Mattancherry Palace (not open on Fridays and public holidays).
Later visit Chinese Fishing Nets, the only ones in India and St. Francis Church (not open for visitors on Sundays from 08.00 to 11.00 hrs.) the oldest European Church in India.
In the evening, you can go for shopping. Kochi is famous for spices, silk and South Indian sarees and sweets also !!
To see the artistic side of the town and to experience a good time, go for Kathakali dance performance at 5 pm.
Overnight Stay at hotel in Kochi.
Day 2: Kochi– Alleppey (64 km/ 2 hrs.) Proceed to Alleppey after breakfast.
Upon arrival, check in at the houseboat.
Enjoy serenity of backwaters as houseboat sails through. You can also see villages and scenic islands in the backwaters.
Stay on the houseboat is really an unique experience. While enjoying the backwaters, you would have delicious cuisines on board prepared and served fresh by the Chef !!
Overnight stay at houseboat.
Day 3: Alleppey– Kumarakom (52 Km / 1 hr)After experiencing houseboat stay, proceed to Kumarakom, a beautiful destination located on the backwaters.
Once you arrive at Kumarakom, check in at the backwater facing hotel.
Later proceed for sightseeing tour. Visit Kumarakom bird sanctuary, house boat jetty and tiny villages located on the banks of backwaters.
Overnight stay at Kumarakom.
Travel Tips for Kerala Backwater Tour
- On the second Saturday of August each year, Nehru Trophy Boat Race (the biggest snake boat race in Kerala) starts from Punnamada Kayal in Alleppey .It is a visual treat to watch snake boats, some with as many as 100 rowers, competing with each other.Thus, if you are planning your Kerala Backwater tour in August, try to enjoy this spectacular event.
- There are several man made islands amidst the backwaters. QST & R Block Kayals (backwaters) are quite akin to the dikes of Holland and are famous for the fresh toddy served to the guests.There are shops where you can try out delicious dishes made out of crab, prawns and a variety of fishes and other marine life.
- Few tourists know about the Konkani Brahmin Settlement known as Mullackal where the Bhagavathy Temple is located.Try visiting this settlement and temple.
- Coir is an important part of the lives of people of Kerala and particularly the people of Alappuzha.If you wish to see how Coir is manufactured, you may visit Cherthala which lies about 20 kms form Alleppey.
- The Kerala backwater tour suggested in this itinerary is for those who only wish to experience the backwaters of Kerala in a day or two.In fact, there are several places from where the Kerala Backwater Tour can be started including from Kochi, Kumarakom, Kottayam and Kollam.These Kerala Backwater Tours can be completely customised as per the requirements of the guests in terms of number of days , places covered etc.In case you are looking out for a longer duration backwater tour of Kerala, you may write to us on info@waytoindia.com.
Day 4: Kumarakom – Kochi (62 Km / 1 1/2 hr.)It’s time to say good bye to vivid Kerala.
After having breakfast, transfer to Kochi airport or Ernakulam railway station, as per your train/flight connection.
End of wonderful and memorable tour !!