7-Day Kerala Backwater Tour

Private Kerala backwater journey through Kochi, Kumarakom and Ashtamudi Lake with a Munroe Island excursion, luxury lakeside stays and authentic village experiences

Discover the tranquil beauty of Kerala on this carefully crafted 7-Day Kerala Backwater Tour, exploring the state's peaceful lakes, winding canals and authentic village life. Beginning in the historic city of Kochi, continue to the serene backwaters of Kumarakom before unwinding on the picturesque shores of Ashtamudi Lake. Stay at handpicked luxury lakeside resorts, enjoy scenic boat cruises, witness traditional fishing communities, coconut groves and lush paddy fields, and experience the timeless rhythm of Kerala's backwaters.

Tour Snapshot – Kerala Backwater Tour

• Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights private Kerala backwater journey
• Route: Kochi → Kumarakom → Ashtamudi Lake → Kochi
• 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 travelers & slow travel enthusiasts

Tour Highlights – Kerala Backwater Experience

• Explore the colonial heritage of Kochi, including Fort Kochi, Chinese Fishing Nets and spice markets
• Relax at luxury 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 the 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
• Optional Ayurveda wellness therapies, sunset cruises and cultural performances during your stay
• Extend your holiday to Munnar, Kovalam or Thekkady

7 Days Kerala Backwater Tour 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), 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. 50 km / 1.5 hrs) – After breakfast, drive to the tranquil backwaters of Kumarakom on the shores of Vembanad Lake. Spend the afternoon relaxing at your luxury 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 luxury lakeside resort and spend the evening enjoying spectacular 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, 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 → Kochi Airport (Approx. 145 km / 3.5–4 hrs) – After breakfast, drive back to Cochin International Airport for your onward journey, taking home unforgettable memories of Kerala's tranquil backwaters, village life, luxury stays 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.

This itinerary can easily be extended with destinations such as Munnar, Thekkady, Varkala or Kovalam. It also combines perfectly with South India cultural tours, Ayurveda wellness retreats, wildlife safaris and bespoke luxury holidays across Kerala.

Tour Inclusions

• Private air-conditioned vehicle with professional English-speaking chauffeur throughout the tour
• Airport transfers and all transportation as per the itinerary
• Accommodation in handpicked heritage hotels, luxury lakeside resorts and boutique backwater retreats
• Private sightseeing and scenic boat cruises as mentioned in the itinerary
• Private excursion to Munroe Island with a traditional country boat experience
• Daily breakfast at hotels (other meals available on request)
• All toll taxes, parking charges, fuel costs and driver allowances
• Personalized travel assistance before and throughout your Kerala holiday

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

Personalize Your Journey

• Extend your holiday with Munnar or Thekkady
• Add a relaxing beach stay in Kovalam or Varkala
• Include Ayurveda wellness therapies and rejuvenation programs
• 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

Best Time to Visit

• October – March: Pleasant weather for sightseeing, boat cruises and outdoor experiences.
• July – September: Lush monsoon landscapes, peaceful backwaters and excellent Ayurveda season.
• April – June: Fewer visitors, attractive hotel offers and a quieter travel experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Why choose Ashtamudi Lake instead of Alleppey?
  A: Ashtamudi offers a quieter and more exclusive backwater experience with fewer crowds, luxury lakeside resorts and easy access to Munroe Island.
• Q: Is Munroe Island worth visiting?
  A: Yes. It's one of Kerala's most authentic backwater experiences, known for its narrow canals, village life, traditional fishing and peaceful country boat rides.
• Q: Is this tour suitable for honeymooners and families?
  A: Absolutely. The relaxed pace, luxury accommodation and private experiences make it ideal for couples, families and senior travelers.
• Q: Can this itinerary be customized?
  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 travelers 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, luxury lakeside resorts and boutique stays
• Authentic local experiences including Munroe Island and Kerala's hidden backwaters
• Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
• Dedicated local support from planning until your journey concludes