8 Day Kerala's Backwaters Small Group Tour

Welcome to Kochi, the queen of the Malabar Coast. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel where you will spend two nights. The remainder of the day is yours to relax in the comforts of your hotel or take a gentle wander around the surrounding streets. Special Information Arrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel. If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed. If you are arriving early and have made your own arrangements prior to your tour commencing, airport transfers will not be included. However, if you are purchasing pre-nights accommodation as part of your Inspiring Vacations package, airport transfers will still be provided to the starting hotel.

This morning after breakfast, meet your tour leader and the rest of your group for a welcome meeting and brief of the days ahead. You will then set out on a sightseeing tour of Kochi. Visit the Portuguese-built Mattancherry Dutch Palace and the Paradesi Synagogue before exploring the historic streets of Fort Kochi. Stop in at St. Francis Church, which still holds the palm-leaf title deed handed by the local Raja to the occupying Portuguese in 1503. Walk along the waterfront to admire the iconic Chinese fishing nets, a lasting reminder of the Oriental influences that have long shaped this spice-trading coastline. You may even get the chance to lend the local fishermen a hand pulling in the day's catch. Return to the hotel after the tour. This evening, head out on a relaxing harbour cruise to take in the sunset over the water. Inspiring Highlights Mattancherry Dutch Palace Paradesi Synagogue Fort Kochi area St. Francis Church Sunset harbour cruise Special Information The Paradesi Synagogue is closed on Friday, Saturday and Jewish holidays. St. Francis Church is closed on Sunday during mass. If your visit falls on these days, the order of sightseeing may be adjusted. Visitors to the Jewish Synagogue should be modestly dressed. Admission will be denied to men and women wearing short pants/shorts and t-shirts/blouses. Bare shoulders and exposed midriffs are not allowed inside the synagogue.

After breakfast, depart Kochi and travel south to Alappuzha. On arrival, board your traditional houseboat for a memorable overnight cruise through Kerala's iconic backwaters. As you glide along the canals and lagoons, watch village life unfold along the banks, paddy fields stretch into the distance, and fishermen at work in the still waters. Lunch is served on board, and as the sun sets the houseboat will moor at a quiet stretch of waterway for the night, where dinner will follow. Inspiring Highlights Backwater houseboat cruise Sunset over the Alleppey backwaters Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.The air conditioner on the houseboat operates only from 9pm to 7am.

Enjoy breakfast on board as the houseboat begins your final morning on the water. After disembarking, continue by road to Kumarakom, one of the most peaceful corners of Kerala. Known for its lush paddy fields, gentle backwater scenery, and traditional crafts such as coir making, this village offers a true glimpse of life in God's Own Country. Later, set out on a guided walk through Kumarakom village to meet locals and experience daily life away from the busier tourist trails. You might also like to wander the quiet town or browse the local market for handicrafts before returning to the hotel. Enjoy your evening at leisure. Inspiring Highlights Guided Kumarakom village tour Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 1.5 hours.

After breakfast, depart Kumarakom and travel towards Thekkady in the Idukki district. The name itself conjures up images of elephants, rolling hills, and air thick with the scent of cardamom and pepper. On arrival, settle into your hotel for a two-night stay. In the late afternoon, head to a local theatre to witness a Kalaripayattu performance, considered one of the oldest martial art forms in the world. The name loosely translates to 'practice of arms in the training ground', and the dynamic display of movement, weaponry, and discipline is something you won't soon forget. The evening is free for you to relax and enjoy at the hotel. Inspiring Highlights Kalaripayattu martial arts performance Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

After breakfast, set out on a guided green walk with a local forest naturalist to learn about the flora and fauna of the Periyar region. The area is a haven for birdlife and a favourite of keen ornithologists, with the chance to spot a remarkable variety of species along the trail. In the afternoon, head out on a plantation walk to see how cardamom, pepper, and other spices are grown, harvested, and processed. Continue on to the bustling Kumily Spice Market for a glimpse of the trade that has shaped this region for centuries. Enjoy your evening at leisure. Inspiring Highlights Guided green walk in Periyar Spice plantation tour Kumily Spice Market visit Special Information The green walk is subject to weather conditions and may be amended on the day if conditions are unsuitable.

After breakfast, leave the cool hills of Thekkady behind and make your way back down to the coastal city of Kochi. On arrival, check in to your hotel. The afternoon and evening are at your leisure. You might choose to take a quiet stroll along Marine Drive at the Kochi waterfront, browse the antique and craft shops that line the streets of the old town, or pick up some last-minute souvenirs at one of the local shopping streets. A relaxed cup of cardamom chai at a nearby café is a lovely way to round out your time in Kerala. Tonight is at your leisure to enjoy a final dinner at a local eatery of your choice. Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.

After breakfast, your time in Kerala draws to a close. At the appropriate time, you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to Kochi International Airport for your departing flight. Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience. Special Information Departure transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport to meet your flight. If you choose to extend your stay (e.g., departing after the final tour date) and have booked your additional accommodation independently, this included service will be forfeited and no refund will be issued. If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.