Planning a Two-Week Kerala Backwaters Trip

Step by step

1. Secure your Kochi arrival

   Fly into Cochin International Airport (COK). Book a pre-paid taxi or request an airport pickup from your first homestay to avoid negotiation fatigue upon arrival.

2. Select your backwater style

   Choose between private houseboat rentals (expensive, less privacy) or village-based homestays (cheaper, deeper cultural immersion). Consider 2 nights on a houseboat and 8 nights in village homestays to get both experiences.

3. Arrange local transit

   Hire a reliable driver for the duration of your trip to move between Kochi, Alleppey, and Kumarakom. Alternatively, use local ferries for short hops, but keep a driver on retainer for long distances.

4. Map your route

   Start at Fort Kochi, head south to the Alleppey canals, travel north to the quieter Kumarakom bird sanctuary area, and return to Kochi for departure.

Packing

• Lightweight, loose-fitting cotton clothing (modest styles for temples)
• Strong, DEET-based mosquito repellent
• Slip-on sandals for frequent removal at entryways
• Universal travel adapter (Type C, D, and M)

Itinerary

• 1 — Watch a Kathakali dance performance at a local center. — Arrive in Kochi, check into a Fort Kochi homestay. — Walk the Chinese Fishing Nets and explore the spice markets of Jew Town. — Wear comfortable walking shoes and light cotton clothing.
• 2 — Enjoy dinner at a waterfront cafe in Fort Kochi. — Visit the Mattancherry Palace. — Take a local ferry to Vypeen Island. — Ferry tickets cost approximately 10 INR.
• 3 — Dinner cooked by the boat crew on board. — Travel to Alleppey (2 hours by taxi). — Board your houseboat for a 2-night cruise. — Ensure your boat has an operating generator for AC at night.
• 4 — Sunset viewing from the deck. — Wake up on the water as the boat navigates narrow canals. — Take a small canoe excursion into parts of the canal too small for houseboats. — Bring strong insect repellent for the evening.
• 5 — Walk the village paths to observe local coir-making. — Disembark in Alleppey. — Check into a canalside homestay. — Respect village privacy; always ask before photographing people.
• 6 — Cooking lesson with your homestay host. — Rent a bicycle to explore the narrow bund roads between paddy fields. — Relax at a local toddy shop for authentic Kerala snacks. — Toddy shops are informal; stick to the ones popular with locals.
• 7 — Sunset cruise on Vembanad Lake. — Travel to Kumarakom (1.5 hours). — Check into a lakeside resort or homestay. — Kumarakom is quieter and more nature-focused than Alleppey.
• 8 — Relax by the lake. — Visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary at sunrise. — Ayurvedic massage treatment. — Book your massage through your accommodation to ensure quality.
• 9 — Quiet evening at the homestay. — Take a village walk to see the duck farming traditions. — Learn how to weave coconut palm leaves. — The heat is intense; plan activities for early morning or late afternoon.
• 10 — Beachside dinner. — Travel to Marari Beach (1 hour). — Relax on the sandy beach. — Marari is much quieter than the commercial beaches in Goa.
• 11 — Final night of your rural stay. — Continue beach relaxation. — Visit the local temple. — Remember to dress modestly for temple visits.
• 12 — Final Kerala-style feast. — Drive back to Kochi (2 hours). — Last-minute souvenir shopping in Ernakulam. — Keep cash for market purchases.
• 13 — Relax. — Visit the Hill Palace Museum. — Explore the trendy cafes in Panampilly Nagar. — Traffic in Kochi can be heavy; allow extra time.
• 14 — N/A — Early check-out. — Transfer to COK airport for your flight home. — Arrive at the airport 3 hours before international flights.