Kerala Backwaters
Houseboat cruises through emerald backwaters, Ayurveda retreats, spice plantations, and Kathakali performances.
Overview
About this package
A nine-day journey pairing a slow Vembanad houseboat cruise with a passenger-ship crossing to the Lakshadweep atolls — lagoon snorkeling, coconut-palm islets, and some of India's clearest waters.
Vembanad Backwater CruiseArabian Sea Overnight CrossingBangaram Coral Reef SnorkelingKavaratti LagoonAgatti Turquoise Waters
Who it suits
Who this trip is built for
Cruise holidaysMulti-stop itineraries
Good to know
Know before you go
Practical details for the destinations on this trip, straight from our destination guides.
Itinerary
Day by day
Every trip is adjusted around your dates, pace, hotel style, and traveler profile.
1
Day 1
Cochin Arrival & Alleppey Transfer
Arrive in Cochin and transfer to Alleppey. Board your houseboat for an afternoon cruise into the Vembanad backwaters.
2
Day 2
Backwater Villages
Cruise past coir-making villages and paddy fields, mooring overnight on a quiet canal stretch.
3
Day 3
Kumarakom & Disembark
Morning bird sanctuary visit at Kumarakom, then disembark and return to Cochin for an overnight rest before the sea crossing.
4
Day 4
Cochin to Lakshadweep by Ship
Board the passenger ship to Lakshadweep. A full day and night at sea crossing the Arabian Sea to the atolls.
5
Day 5
Kavaratti Lagoon
Arrive at Kavaratti Island. Afternoon lagoon swimming and a visit to the aquarium and local mosque architecture.
6
Day 6
Bangaram Reef Day
Boat transfer to Bangaram Island for a full day of reef snorkeling and glass-bottom boat viewing over pristine coral.
7
Day 7
Agatti Island
Visit Agatti for its turquoise runway-side lagoon, beach time, and a local seafood lunch.
8
Day 8
Return Sea Crossing
Board the return passenger ship to Cochin, an overnight crossing back across the Arabian Sea.
9
Day 9
Cochin Departure
Arrive in Cochin by morning. Transfer to the airport for departure.
Gallery
Kerala Backwaters & Lakshadweep Cruise Expedition, in frame
What's covered
Inclusions & exclusions
Included
- 2 nights houseboat + 4 nights island stays
- Cochin-Lakshadweep return ship passage
- All meals on houseboat and islands
- Kavaratti & Bangaram lagoon excursions
- Kumarakom bird sanctuary visit
- Lakshadweep permit assistance
Not Included
- Airfare to Cochin
- Scuba diving add-ons
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
Best Time to Travel
Oct-Mar
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Traveller words
What travellers say about Taro
5 / 5 rating
“Taro Voyages planned the most incredible honeymoon for us. The overwater villa, the sunset cruise, every detail was perfect. We still talk about it every day!”
Priya & Arjun
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“An absolutely stunning cultural tour. The guide arrangements, hotel selections, and daily itineraries were all top-notch. Will book again for sure.”
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FAQs
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Kerala Backwaters & Lakshadweep Cruise Expedition trip?
9 days, 8 nights.
When is the best time to go on the Kerala Backwaters & Lakshadweep Cruise Expedition trip?
Oct-Mar
What's included in the Kerala Backwaters & Lakshadweep Cruise Expedition package?
2 nights houseboat + 4 nights island stays; Cochin-Lakshadweep return ship passage; All meals on houseboat and islands; Kavaratti & Bangaram lagoon excursions; Kumarakom bird sanctuary visit; Lakshadweep permit assistance
What's not included in the Kerala Backwaters & Lakshadweep Cruise Expedition package?
Airfare to Cochin; Scuba diving add-ons; Travel insurance; Personal expenses
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