Houseboats, tea gardens and tropical beaches in God's Own Country
Experience the tranquil side of India on this 10-day tour of "God's Own Country". Start in the historic port city of Kochi, where Portuguese churches, Dutch palaces and Chinese fishing nets share the same waterfront. Journey to Munnar's rolling hills, covered in vibrant green tea plantations, and explore the wildlife of Periyar National Park on a lake safari.
The highlight is a journey through the serene backwaters of Alleppey on a traditional houseboat, where you'll glide past lush paddy fields and charming villages while your onboard chef prepares fresh Keralan dishes. End your trip relaxing on the sandy shores of Marari Beach. Accommodation is in boutique hotels and a private houseboat, with all transfers in a private air-conditioned car. Kerala is India's safest and cleanest state for first-time visitors, which makes this itinerary a favourite for couples and families.
The full plan of the tour. Every day can be adapted to your interests – select a day to see the details.
Airport pick-up and transfer to a heritage hotel in Fort Kochi. Evening Kathakali dance performance with a pre-show make-up demonstration.
Guided walk: St. Francis Church, the Dutch Palace in Mattancherry, the Paradesi Synagogue in Jew Town and the Chinese fishing nets at sunset.
Scenic 4-hour drive into the Western Ghats with stops at waterfalls and a spice garden. Check in to a plantation bungalow.
Visit the Tea Museum and a working factory, walk through the plantations and drive up to Top Station for views over Tamil Nadu. Optional Eravikulam National Park visit to see the Nilgiri tahr.
Drive through cardamom hills to Thekkady. Afternoon spice plantation tour explaining pepper, cardamom, vanilla and nutmeg cultivation.
Early boat safari on Periyar Lake looking for elephants, bison and sambar. Afternoon bamboo rafting or a guided nature walk with a tribal tracker.
Board your private kettuvallam houseboat at noon. Cruise through canals and Vembanad Lake with lunch, tea and dinner freshly cooked on board. Overnight moored by a quiet village.
Short morning cruise, then a 30-minute transfer to your beach resort. Afternoon on the sand or an Ayurvedic massage.
Free day. Options: a village cycling tour, a toddy-tapping demonstration or a cooking class with a local family.
Transfer to Kochi airport (about 1.5 hours) for your departure.
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$1,350 USD per person (based on double occupancy) · 10 Days / 9 Nights
| Travellers | Room | Price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (solo traveller) | Single | $1,823 |
| 2 – 3 | Double / twin | $1,350 |
| 4 – 5 | Double / twin | $1,283 -5% |
| 6 and more | Double / twin | $1,242 -8% |
Prices apply to the main season. Christmas, New Year and festival dates may carry a supplement. Ask us for an exact quote for your dates.
Yes. A one-bedroom houseboat for couples or a two- or three-bedroom boat for families. Each boat has a captain, an engineer and a cook.
Very much so. Distances are short, the food is mild on request and the backwaters and beaches are a hit with kids.
Email or call us with your dates. We confirm hotel availability within 48 hours and send a written offer. A 20% deposit secures the booking; the balance is due 30 days before arrival. See our Terms of Use and the general FAQ.
Send us your preferred dates and the number of travellers. You will receive a personalised offer within 48 hours – free and without obligation.
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