Kerala Backwaters Express

Overview

A short, backwaters-focused trip for travellers with limited time — a night in Kochi, then straight to a houseboat and canal-side stays in Alappuzha.

Why This Journey

If Kerala's backwaters are the one thing on your list, this route gets you there quickly without the longer hill-and-coast circuit.

Highlights

A night in Fort Kochi's old quarter
A private houseboat cruise on the backwaters
A relaxed, minimal-driving three-day pace

Day by Day

Day 1
Arrive Kochi

Private airport pickup and transfer to your hotel in Fort Kochi. Evening walk past the Chinese fishing nets on the waterfront, followed (most evenings) by a Kathakali dance performance introducing the elaborate make-up and storytelling of this Kerala art form.
Day 2
Onward to Alappuzha

Drive from Kochi to Alappuzha (approx. 1.5–2 hours).
Day 3
Alappuzha Sightseeing

A slower second day on or around the backwaters, either extending the houseboat cruise or transferring to a canal-side resort for canoe trips through the narrower waterways that houseboats can't reach.
Day 4
Departure

Morning at leisure in Alappuzha before a private transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Inclusions

3 nights' hotel accommodation with daily breakfast
Private air-conditioned vehicle and driver throughout
Local English-speaking guide at each destination
All monument entrance fees for the sights listed above
Airport and inter-city transfers

Exclusions

International and domestic flights (unless a flight is explicitly listed as included)
Lunches and dinners (unless requested)
Personal expenses, tips and travel insurance
India visa fees
Camera/video fees at monuments where applicable

Accommodation

Well-located hotels in each city, twin-sharing with breakfast included; a 5-star or heritage-property upgrade is available on request.

Transportation

Private air-conditioned vehicle and driver for the full itinerary, plus any internal flights specifically listed in the day-by-day plan; airport transfers included.

Meals

Daily breakfast included. Lunches and dinners are at your own choice so you can explore local restaurants, with recommendations from your guide — let us know if you'd prefer these pre-arranged instead.

Best Time to Travel

October to March for the most comfortable sightseeing temperatures.

Important Notes

Let us know of any festival dates, mobility considerations or dietary needs in advance so we can plan around them.

About starting prices: Starting prices shown are indicative and may vary according to travel dates, number of travellers, hotel category, transportation, itinerary changes, season and availability. Final pricing is always confirmed with you in writing before booking — there are no hidden fees.

Customization

Every element here — duration, hotel category, pace and stops — can be adjusted. Tell us your dates and interests via the enquiry form and we'll tailor this starting point to you.

FAQs

Can we add a beach stop at the end?

Yes — Kovalam is about four hours from Alappuzha and is a common two- or three-night add-on to this route.

Is this itinerary private or a group tour?

Fully private — your own vehicle, driver and guide, on your own schedule, not a fixed-departure group tour.

Can this be shortened or extended?

Yes. Every itinerary on this site is a starting point — tell us your available dates and we'll adjust the pace and stops accordingly.

Customize This Journey

Tell us your dates and group size and we'll tailor this itinerary to you.

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