7-Day Backwater Tour of Kerala – Private Kumarakom & Munroe Island

Quiet Canals, Canoe Rides & Authentic Village Life

This private 7-day Kerala backwater tour takes you from historic Kochi to the calm lakes of Kumarakom and the shores of Ashtamudi Lake, with a private excursion to Munroe Island to glide through narrow canals by canoe. Enjoy handpicked lakeside stays, village life, boat cruises, sunsets and Kerala cuisine, with optional Ayurveda, at a relaxed pace ideal for couples, honeymooners, families and slow travellers. For hills and wildlife as well, see our Kerala Triangle Tour, or view more Kerala tour packages.

Tour Snapshot – Backwater Tour of Kerala

• Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights private Kerala backwater journey
• Route: Kochi → Kumarakom → Ashtamudi Lake, Kollam (with a Munroe Island excursion) → Cochin Airport
• Stays: 2 nights Kochi, 2 nights Kumarakom, 2 nights Ashtamudi Lake
• Arrival & Departure: Cochin International Airport
• Tour Style: Luxury backwaters, slow travel, village life, nature & wellness
• Accommodation: Heritage hotels, luxury lakeside resorts & boutique backwater retreats
• Travel: Private chauffeur-driven vehicle with scenic boat cruises and a Munroe Island excursion
• Best For: Couples, honeymooners, families, senior travellers & slow-travel enthusiasts

Tour Highlights – Backwater Tour of Kerala

• Explore the colonial heritage of Kochi, including Fort Kochi, the Chinese Fishing Nets and spice markets
• Relax at lakeside resorts overlooking the tranquil backwaters of Kumarakom
• Enjoy a scenic cruise across Kerala’s peaceful waterways and experience the region’s slow-paced lifestyle
• Stay beside serene Ashtamudi Lake, one of Kerala’s most beautiful and less-visited backwater destinations
• Take a private excursion to Munroe Island, exploring narrow canals, village life and traditional country boats
• Discover coconut groves, paddy fields, traditional fishing communities and authentic Kerala culture
• Add optional Ayurveda wellness therapies, sunset cruises and cultural performances
• Extend your holiday to Munnar, Thekkady or Kovalam

7 Days Backwater Tour of Kerala Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Kochi – Arrive at Cochin International Airport, where our representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a relaxed walk through Fort Kochi or along Marine Drive. Overnight stay in Kochi.
• Day 2: Kochi Sightseeing Tour – Explore the city’s colonial heritage, including Fort Kochi, the Chinese Fishing Nets, Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace), the Paradesi Synagogue, St. Francis Church and the vibrant spice markets. In the evening, you may choose to watch a traditional Kathakali dance or Kalaripayattu martial arts performance. Overnight stay in Kochi.
• Day 3: Kochi → Kumarakom (Approx. 60–75 km / 2 hrs) – After breakfast, drive to the tranquil backwaters of Kumarakom on the shores of Vembanad Lake. Spend the afternoon relaxing at your lakeside resort, or enjoy an optional sunset boat cruise. Overnight stay in Kumarakom.
• Day 4: Kumarakom Leisure – Enjoy a leisurely day surrounded by Kerala’s peaceful backwaters. Visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, explore nearby villages, take a canoe ride through quiet canals, or simply relax at your resort with an optional Ayurveda wellness treatment. Overnight stay in Kumarakom.
• Day 5: Kumarakom → Ashtamudi Lake, Kollam (Approx. 110 km / 2.5–3 hrs) – Drive south to the beautiful Ashtamudi Lake, one of Kerala’s most scenic and less-explored backwater destinations. Check in to your lakeside resort and spend the evening enjoying sunset views over the lake. Overnight stay at Ashtamudi.
• Day 6: Munroe Island Excursion (Approx. 25 km / 40–45 mins each way) – After breakfast, enjoy a private excursion to Munroe Island, a peaceful network of narrow canals, coconut plantations and traditional villages. Explore the waterways by country boat or canoe, observe local fishing communities and experience authentic backwater life before returning to your resort at Ashtamudi Lake. Overnight stay at Ashtamudi.
• Day 7: Ashtamudi Lake → Cochin Airport (Approx. 165 km / 4–4.5 hrs) – After breakfast, drive to Cochin International Airport for your onward journey, taking home memories of Kerala’s tranquil backwaters, village life and warm hospitality.

Please Note: Travel distances and journey times are approximate and may vary depending on traffic, road conditions, weather and seasonal factors. Boat excursions and sightseeing schedules are subject to local operating conditions and may be adjusted to provide the best travel experience.

Mattancherry Palace is generally closed on Fridays, and the Paradesi Synagogue on Saturdays and Jewish holidays, so we plan your Kochi sightseeing around these days. The drive from Ashtamudi Lake to Cochin International Airport takes around four hours or a little more, so we recommend booking an onward flight that departs in the afternoon or evening.

This itinerary can easily be extended with destinations such as Munnar, Thekkady, Varkala or Kovalam, and combines well with Ayurveda wellness retreats and wildlife experiences in Kerala.

Inclusions – Backwater Tour of Kerala

• Private air-conditioned vehicle with a professional English-speaking chauffeur throughout the tour, including airport transfers and all transportation as per the itinerary
• 6 nights’ accommodation: 2 nights in Kochi, 2 nights in Kumarakom and 2 nights at Ashtamudi Lake, in handpicked heritage hotels and lakeside resorts
• Daily breakfast at hotels (other meals can be arranged on request)
• Private sightseeing in Kochi, as mentioned in the itinerary
• Private excursion to Munroe Island with a traditional country boat experience
• All toll taxes, parking charges, fuel costs and driver allowances
• Personalised travel assistance before and throughout your Kerala holiday

Optional experiences, including Ayurveda wellness treatments, sunset cruises, cultural performances, multilingual guides and hotel upgrades, can be arranged to personalise your journey.

Not Included – Backwater Tour of Kerala

• International and domestic flights
• Visa fees and travel insurance
• Meals other than daily breakfast
• Optional experiences, such as the Kumarakom sunset cruise, Ayurveda treatments, and Kathakali or Kalaripayattu performances
• Monument and bird sanctuary entrance fees
• Tips for chauffeurs, guides and boat crew
• Personal expenses such as laundry, camera fees and shopping

Personalise Your Journey

• Extend your holiday with Munnar or Thekkady, as on our Kerala Triangle Tour
• Add a relaxing beach stay in Kovalam or Varkala
• Include Ayurveda wellness therapies and rejuvenation programmes
• Upgrade to ultra-luxury resorts or heritage palace hotels
• Private multilingual guides, including French, German, Spanish and Italian
• Add village walks, cooking experiences, canoe rides and cultural performances
• Combine Kerala with the Golden Triangle or Rajasthan for a longer India journey

Best Time to Visit – Backwater Tour of Kerala

• October – March: Pleasant weather for sightseeing, boat cruises and outdoor experiences, and the best months for birdlife at Kumarakom
• April – June: Fewer visitors, attractive hotel offers and a quieter travel experience, with warmer days
• July – September: Lush monsoon landscapes, peaceful backwaters and a popular season for Ayurveda, although boat excursions may be adjusted around heavy rain

FAQs – Backwater Tour of Kerala

• Q: Why choose Ashtamudi Lake instead of Alleppey?
  A: Ashtamudi offers a quieter backwater experience with fewer crowds, peaceful lakeside resorts and easy access to Munroe Island. If you would like Alleppey and a houseboat stay, see our Kerala Triangle Tour.
• Q: Is Munroe Island worth visiting?
  A: Yes. It is one of Kerala’s most authentic backwater experiences, known for its narrow canals, village life, traditional fishing and peaceful country boat rides.
• Q: Does the tour include a houseboat stay?
  A: No overnight houseboat stay is included. A houseboat cruise on Vembanad Lake at Kumarakom can be arranged as an optional extra on request.
• Q: How long is the drive back to Cochin airport?
  A: The drive from Ashtamudi Lake to Cochin International Airport takes around four hours or a little more, so we recommend booking an onward flight that departs in the afternoon or evening.
• Q: Is this tour suitable for honeymooners and families?
  A: Yes. The relaxed pace and private experiences make it ideal for couples, families and senior travellers.
• Q: Can this itinerary be customised?
  A: Yes. Every itinerary can be tailored to your interests, travel style and preferred hotel category.
• Q: Can I combine this tour with Munnar or Kovalam?
  A: Certainly. Many travellers extend their Kerala holiday with Munnar, Thekkady, Kovalam or Varkala.

Why Choose Premium India Tours

• Private tailor-made Kerala holidays designed around your interests and travel pace
• Handpicked heritage hotels, lakeside resorts and boutique stays
• Authentic local experiences, including Munroe Island and Kerala’s quieter backwaters
• Transparent pricing with clear inclusions and exclusions
• Dedicated local support from planning until your journey concludes