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Home/Destinations/Egypt to India/India/Kerala Houseboat Cruise

Kerala Houseboat Cruise

"Relax on the backwaters of beautiful Kerala, in the lagoons of Allepey. Spend three nights aboard a private houseboat with your own boatman/chef in air-conditioned comfort. Explore the lush plantations and villages from the relaxing waters. "

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Quick Facts about This Trip:

Trip Start/End:
India (Cochin) / India (Cochin)
Highlights:
India (Kumarakom)
Duration:
4 days
Tour Type:
ExtensionExtensions are designed to add-on to existing tours for a more complete vacation, and can be customized with different hotels, locations, or activities.
Travel Style:
Relaxation Our Relaxation trips offer a retreat from the daily grind and a chance to recharge. From luxurious beach destinations, exclusive spas to breathtaking vistas, our Relaxation trips re-invigorate the soul. The level of luxury can be adjusted up or down to suite your tastes, and the service and attention to detail is always seamless.
Go to Relaxation Page
Price Range:
Our experts can tailor make a perfect custom itinerary - ask us for a quote
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Trip Description

The Kerala Houseboat is the perfect way to experience the calm and unique ecology of the Kerala backwaters. These houseboats are unique to this area of India and were the historic method for transporting rice and other trade through the aqeous centre of Kerala to the ports on the coast at Kollam, Aleppey and Cochin. In the last twenty years, the boats have been converted to all-inclusive luxury barges to take visitors through the small canals and villages that still inhabit this road-less and car-less world. From your daybed in the bows of the boat you can watch the traditional life of backwater and can enjoy a continuous stream of new sights and sounds. Enjoy all meals aboard your air conditioned boat, with delicious local foods prepared in front of your eyes. A superb way to relax and recharge.

Trip Summary

DayActivitiesHotel
Day 1
Cochin - Kumarakom
  • Transfer - Private - Cochin - Kumarakom [1 hr] - Vehicle/Driver
  • Ship-based - Kumarakom cruise day 1
  • Dinner (included)
Houseboat Package
Deluxe a/c one bedroom (B,L,D)
1 DBL (2 Adults)


Day 2
Alappuzha - Kumarakom
  • Ship-based - Kumarakom cruise day 2
  • Lunch (included)
  • Dinner (included)
Houseboat Package
Deluxe a/c one bedroom (B,L,D)
1 DBL (2 Adults)


Day 3
Alappuzha - Kumarakom
  • Ship-based - Kumarakom cruise day 3
  • Lunch (included)
  • Dinner (included)
Houseboat Package
Deluxe a/c one bedroom (B,L,D)
1 DBL (2 Adults)


Day 4
Alappuzha - Cochin
  • Ship-based - Kumarakom cruise day 4
  • Transfer - Kochi - Car/Driver
Depart
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive
  • Request a Quote

Itinerary

  • India

    India is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh largest country by geographical area, the second most populous country in the world. Bounded by the Indian Ocean on the south, the Arabian Sea on the west, and the Bay of Bengal on the east, India has a coastline of 7,517 kilometers (4,671 mi). Home to the Indus Valley Civilization and a region of historic trade routes and vast empires, the Indian subcontinent was identified with its commercial and cultural wealth for much of its long history. Four major world religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism originated there, while Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam arrived in the first millennium CE and shaped the region's diverse culture. Gradually annexed by the British East India Company from the early eighteenth century and colonised by the United Kingdom from the mid-nineteenth century, India became a modern nation state in 1947 after a struggle for independence that was marked by widespread nonviolent resistance. Tourism is typically centered in the Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, including nearby Udaipur, Ranthambore, Khajuraho, and Varanasi. The southern province of Kerala, accessed from Kochi, is gaining in popularity for its houseboats, plantations, and temples of Madurai.

  • Cochin

    Kochi (Cochin) has a powerful lure for tourists. Its location between the blue waters of the Arabian Sea and Kerala’s emerald backwaters, rich medley of Indian and foreign architecture, unusual sights like the Chinese fishing nets, and quaint localities like the Jewish Quarter, all draw the attention of visitors. Kochi played a pivotal role in the development of shipping and trade in the southern region with its prime location on the west coast, fine bay, and protected harbor. Merchant ships made frequent stops to stock up on spices, coffee and wood, en-route to the rich markets of Europe and West Asia. The city was alternately controlled by the Portuguese, Dutch and British, whose influences are evident in the architecture of city buildings.

  • Kumarakom

    Kumarakom - An invigorating, fascinating paradise. The slender coconut palms, never ending paddy fields, meandering lagoons and backwaters, mangroves nesting birds of a hundred varieties. The charming emerald peninsula juts into Vembanad Lake where you'll come across plenty of traditional country crafts, boats and canoes. The fresh water of the lake runs into the mainland making a labyrinth of lagoons, brooks, canals and waterways.

    • Traditional BoatTraditional Boat
    • Kerala BackwatersKerala Backwaters
    • Houseboathouseboat

    Day 1: Cochin - Kumarakom

    Meet your driver for a private transfer to Kumarakom. 

    Kumarakom is enthrallingly beautiful. The blue backwaters and the surface of Vembanad Lake reflect the azure sky. The amazing shades of green of the vegetation that include mangroves, coconut palms, and paddy fields cover the verdant countryside. Channels and waterways wind their way through this green paradise. Water lilies and lotuses bloom in the water and birds from the bird sanctuary on Vembanad Lake call as they fly across the clear tropical sky. Kumarakom is an idyllic holiday destination that loves with Kerala Backwater.

    Arrival at Kumarakom and board the houseboat around 12noon, Welcome drink on arrival

    Cruise through the Vembanad lake which is the largest fresh water lake in Asia, R block & C block- the man made islands in the middle of Vembanad lake, Pathiramanal island etc.

    Accommodation: Houseboat Package

    One of the higlights of a Kerala trip - Kerala houseboat cruises. For those who would prefer to avoid the frenzied activity on a vacation, who wish to rest and relax in the very lap of nature, to enjoy luxury in the privacy of a cabin and yet not remain pent up in a hotel, for those who wish to experience the beauty of rural life combined with the advantages of an urban living, a houseboat cruise is the perfect answer.

    A cruise along the palm-fringed waterways of Kerala in a luxury houseboat is the most enchanting holiday experience in India today. In this world of simple pleasures, you will skim past ancient Chinese fishing nets, water lilies, lush paddy fields, coir villages, rustic homes, temples and coconut groves. A tour down the backwaters would provide you with a complete and most enchanting experience on the back waters of Kerala and will also reveal to you some interesting facts about the life of local village people.

    • Paddy fieldPaddy field

    Day 2: Alappuzha - Kumarakom

    Alappuzha, previously known as Alleppey, in Kerala is surrounded by waterways and canals and is therefore also called the "Venice of the East." Alappuzha is famous for the beautiful backwaters surrounding it. Many Kerala Backwater cruises begin or end in Alappuzha. The backwaters with water birds and flowers and greenery along their banks are a beautiful and refreshing sight. See the serene attractions of Alappuzha on Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater.

    Cruise through the Punnamada Lake - the venue of famous Nehru Trophy boat race and Pallathuruthy River, visiting Chambakkulam church and the famous race boat - Chambakkulam Chundan.

    Cruise through the Neumudi River, Kuppapuram canal etc en route visiting paddy fields, typical Kerala villages etc. Tour in a traditional canoe to navigate through the narrower sections of the backwaters, for the next few hours, you will observe and experience a way of life unique to this region, accompanied by a guide. This section of the cruise includes a visit to the St. Mary’s Church, established by St. Thomas in 1721 and Sree Bhagavathy Kshetram – a 100-year old Hindu temple to Mother Goddess - at Nedumudy.

    Accommodation: Houseboat Package
    • Sunset at KollamSunset at Kollam

    Day 3: Alappuzha - Kumarakom

    Kollam previously known as Quilon in Kerala, India is an ancient port located on the edge of the Ashttamudi Lake. Traders visited Kollam in ancient times from lands as far away as Phoenicia, Arabia, Greece, Rome and China. In more recent times the Portuguese established a trading post at Kollam, after which the Dutch and British set up their factories to export spices, sandalwood, ivory and coir. Kollam is also a beautiful destination and a gateway to the Kerala backwaters. You can see the tourist attractions of Kollam on Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater

    Cruise through the Thakazhi canal, Veliyanad village, Kidangara River, Kavalam, Kuttanad - called as the rice bowl of Kerala, visiting of Karu backmadikuttan - the 200 yrs old statue, temples etc.

    Accommodation: Houseboat Package
    • CochinCochin

    Day 4: Alappuzha - Cochin

    After the morning cruise and breakfast, check out of the houseboat at Alleppey around 10.00am.

    Private transfer to Kochi with vehicle and driver.

    Accommodation: Depart

    Depart from Kochi international airport - end of itinerary.

Accommodation

  • Collectibles

    Rajasthan is justly famous for the brightly coloured silks, artistically woven fabrics, richly detailed carpets and other exotic textiles. Be sure to stop in to a shop for a glass of chai, a leisurely conversation, and the chance to admire some beautiful fabrics.

  • Culinary Delights

    The Perfect Chai Tea

    1 cup boiling water
    1 tsp tea leaves
    1 tsp of spices (cardamom, ginger, cloves, black pepper, cinnamon)
    1 dash of milk

    • HouseboatHouseboat
    • BedroomBedroom

    Houseboat Package

    One of the higlights of a Kerala trip - Kerala houseboat cruises. For those who would prefer to avoid the frenzied activity on a vacation, who wish to rest and relax in the very lap of nature, to enjoy luxury in the privacy of a cabin and yet not remain pent up in a hotel, for those who wish to experience the beauty of rural life combined with the advantages of an urban living, a houseboat cruise is the perfect answer.

    A cruise along the palm-fringed waterways of Kerala in a luxury houseboat is the most enchanting holiday experience in India today. In this world of simple pleasures, you will skim past ancient Chinese fishing nets, water lilies, lush paddy fields, coir villages, rustic homes, temples and coconut groves. A tour down the backwaters would provide you with a complete and most enchanting experience on the back waters of Kerala and will also reveal to you some interesting facts about the life of local village people.

    • More information

The Fine Print

  • Trip Operator

    Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

  • Contact Information

    Horizon & Co.
    Tel: 1-800-387-2977
    Email: admin@horizon-co.com
    Web: www.horizon-co.com

  • What's Included:

    • Guaranteed departure - Tours, Transfers, Flights, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services
  • What's not Included:

    • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras - Visas - Vacation insurance
  • Trip Terms & Conditions

    • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
    • Tour quotes do not include international air fare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
    • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
    • We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
    • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
    • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.Horizon-co.com/Terms-and-Conditions
    • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.
  • Request a Quote

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Testimonials

"We cannot emphasize enough how happy we were to be with Horizon as we witnessed the treatment some travellers received from their tour companies. Our tour director was great during the tour, however he was absolutely outstanding in his concern and treatment of the group during our unexpected stay in Amsterdam."

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Horizon & Co. Advantage

• Proven Experts - 48 years travel experience, with 35 in-house region specialists.
• Customized Travel - Your own private local guides, boutique hotels, seamless transfers.
• Best Value - Our rates are about 30% less than similar quality travel companies.
• Quality Assured - Virtuoso supplier to the world's top travel agents and discerning clients.

All tour activities on this page are suggestions by our region experts. With proprietary rates from 100,000+ hotels and services, we can fit any tour to your budget or style. Click on the "Request a Quote" button to get a no-obligation free custom quote from our regional experts.

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