Luxury Kerala Tour with Houseboat
Cochin — Munnar — Thekkady — Kumarakom — Alleppey — Marari — Cochin | 12 Nights / 13 Days
Kerala is not a destination — it is a state of mind. God’s Own Country, as India’s southern jewel is universally known, distills everything that makes travel transformative: mist-draped tea estates at altitude, ancient spice forests, silent backwater lagoons where time slows to the pace of a drifting kettuvallam houseboat, and beaches that dissolve into the warm Arabian Sea.
The Luxury Kerala Tour with Houseboat by Lewis and Clark Tours is a 13-day private sojourn across Kerala’s most celebrated landscapes — from the colonial charm of Fort Kochi to the green immensity of Munnar, the wildlife-rich jungles of Thekkady, the bird-filled backwaters of Kumarakom, an overnight cruise on an Oberoi luxury houseboat through Alleppey’s canals, and finally the golden silence of Marari Beach.
This is not a group tour with fixed departures. It is a fully bespoke Kerala houseboat luxury package — private vehicle, handpicked Taj and Oberoi properties, expert escorts, and Ayurveda wellness experiences designed around your personal pace and preferences.
Kerala in 13 Days — Five Landscapes, One Extraordinary Journey
What makes this luxury Kerala tour package exceptional is the diversity it captures. Kerala is a state of contrasts — and this itinerary honors every one of them.
Fort Kochi — A port city layered with Portuguese, Dutch, Chinese, and British history. Centuries of spice trade have left behind a city unlike anywhere else in India: synagogues beside cathedrals, Chinese fishing nets silhouetted against the sunset, and heritage boutique hotels in former colonial residences.
Munnar — At 1,600 metres above sea level, Munnar’s tea estates stretch to the horizon in every shade of green. The misty mornings, the silence of the high ranges, and the rare Nilgiri Tahr of Eravikulam National Park make this one of India’s finest hill station experiences — and the luxury resorts here match the setting.
Thekkady / Periyar — The Periyar Tiger Reserve and its surrounding spice plantations represent Kerala at its most aromatic and wild. Boat safaris on Periyar Lake, guided spice plantation walks, traditional Kalaripayattu martial art performances, and deep forest treks fill the days here.
Kumarakom — Named by the New York Times as one of 52 must-visit places in the world, Kumarakom sits on the banks of Vembanad Lake — India’s longest lake — surrounded by a living network of backwater canals, bird sanctuaries, and coconut-fringed shores. It is, by any measure, one of the most serene places on earth.
Alleppey (Alappuzha) — The Venice of the East. Board your Oberoi Backwater Cruise or premium luxury houseboat at Punnamada Lake and drift through a landscape that has barely changed in centuries — past paddy fields, toddy-tappers at work, Chinese fishing nets, and village temples reflected in still green water.
Marari Beach — One of Kerala’s last truly private beaches. Fine golden sand, swaying palms, warm Arabian Sea water, and a luxury beach resort where the rhythm of the day is set entirely by the tides. Ayurveda, yoga at sunrise, sea fishing, and deep silence.
The Luxury Houseboat Experience — Kerala's Most Iconic Stay
The centrepiece of any Kerala houseboat luxury package is the overnight cruise — and the vessel matters enormously.
A traditional kettuvallam is a rice barge built entirely from natural materials — jackwood planks, bamboo poles, and coir rope, without a single nail. Modern luxury conversions retain this heritage construction while adding private bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, sun decks, fully equipped kitchens, and a dedicated crew of chef, captain, and attendant.
Lewis and Clark Tours partners with Kerala’s finest houseboat operators for this itinerary:
Oberoi Motor Vessel Vrinda (Oberoi Backwater Cruise) The gold standard of Kerala backwater experiences. The MV Vrinda is a luxury motor vessel that cruises the Vembanad Lake and Kerala backwater network — with spacious cabin suites, multiple dining areas, a sun deck, library, and spa treatments onboard. An experience that draws direct comparisons to private yacht charters.
CGH Earth — Spice Coast Cruises (Punnamada Lake, Alleppey) For a more intimate kettuvallam experience, Spice Coast Cruises offers beautifully restored traditional houseboats with premium cabin suites, gourmet Kerala cuisine, and a crew that navigates the narrow village canals unavailable to larger vessels.
Premium Independent Houseboats (Punnamada Lake, Alleppey) For maximum privacy, Lewis and Clark Tours can arrange an exclusive luxury houseboat on Punnamada Lake with a full private crew, personalized menu, and a route through Alleppey’s quietest backwater channels.
What to expect onboard:
- Private air-conditioned bedroom suite(s)
- En-suite bathroom with hot water
- Sun deck with loungers
- Chef-prepared Kerala cuisine — fresh coconut curries, karimeen (pearl spot fish), prawn moilee, appam
- Full private crew — captain, chef, attendant
- Sunset views across open water
- Birdsong and backwater silence at dawn
This is the alleppey luxury houseboat experience at its finest.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Cochin
Your India trip for Kerala Holiday Tour Packages will commence in Cochin. Your South India tour package operator will receive you. Transfer to a hotel for your luxury stay.
Day 2: Cochin Sightseeing
Cochin, popularly known as the ‘Gateway of Kerala,’ is the perfect place to begin your 10 nights 11 days Kerala tour package. Cochin is popularly called the commercial capital of Kerala and, in ancient times, was considered a critical spice trading port for Arab, Chinese, Greek, and Roman traders. It is also home to famous, vibrant, ancient churches, palaces, and Synagogues. First visit Jew street, as it offers a captivating glimpse into the region’s rich Jewish history and culture and is famous for its Jewish synagogues. Followed by a visit to St. Francis church, a historic gem showcasing the Portuguese influence on the region, as it is the first European church built in India in the 16th century. Later, arriving at Dutch Palace in Mattancherry offers a glimpse into the region’s colonial past. Explore the stunning architecture and impressive collection of murals and artifacts. Then visit Kochi Fort, popularly known as Cheenvala, the Chinese fishing nets are fascinating places to visit. In the Evening, drive you to a cultural center to give you glimpses of rich Kerala culture. Transfer you to the luxury hotel.
Day 3: Cochin – Munnar
After breakfast, en route, visit the Cheeyappara & Valara waterfalls, where you can enjoy the serene view of Valara falling from a distance. It is one of the popular trekking locations in the Idukki district. Head to Munnar and check in to the luxury resort. Munnar is nestled in the hills of Kerala, a paradise for nature lovers. Experience the awe-inspiring sightseeing of sprawling tea plantations, cascading waterfalls, and misty mountains, Munnar offers a serene escape from the hustle-bustle of city life. Transfer you to the hotel.
Day 4: Munnar Sightseeing
On day 4 of the Taj Munnar package, get ready to experience exotic Kerala with a visit to Rajamala. Experience an unforgettable Kerala adventure with the journey to Kerala’s Eravikulam National Park, home to endangered species like the Nilgiri Tahr. Trek through lush green forests, spot rare wildlife, and marvel at the stunning mountain landscapes. Next, heading to the gorgeous Mattupetty Dam, located between mountains. Echo point, the final but essential destination on your day 4 Kerala trip package, is a highly visited location where sound waves bounce off the distant hills to produce an intriguing echo effect. Overnight stay at the luxury hotel!
Day 5: Munnar - Thekkady
After breakfast, check out the hotel, Kerala trip continues for another mesmerizing journey to Thekkady. Located in the Idukki district of Kerala, it is a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility, making it an ideal destination for a refreshing getaway. Get ready to be dazzled by the beauty of Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserves, renowned as the most beautiful wildlife park on earth. With its picturesque landscapes, moist deciduous type vegetation, sprawling spice plantations, and diverse wildlife, Thekkady offers an unparalleled experience. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 6: Thekkady Sightseeing
The following day of the South India tour package allows you to freely engage in various activities and spend the day at your leisure! Periyar Lake boating, spice plantation tours, Elephant safaris, agricultural farm tours, sightseeing, nature hikes, adventure camping, border walks, bamboo rafting, jungle jeep safaris, Kalaripayattu (a traditional martial art) performances, and tribal art displays are just some of the activities that can be enjoyed. Spend the night in Thekkady.
Day 7: Thekkady-Kumarakom
Post Breakfast, drive you to Kumarakom. In January 2023, New York Times chose Kumarakom among the must-visit 52 places worldwide, where Kumarakom got special mention for its famous backwater tourism. You can collect lifetime memories by visiting these exotic places as the full day is at your leisure. Transfer you to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 8: Kumarakom Sightseeing
On this day of South India tour packages, you are at your leisure to enjoy the fascinating backwater paradise of Kumarakom. You can visit a neighboring bird sanctuary as Kumarakom is considered an ‘ornithologist paradise’ and home of majestic bird species like Heron, teal, darter, Siberian stork, etc. Transfer to the hotel.
Day 9: Kumarakom-Alleppey
You can engage in your recreation activities as morning is at your leisure! Check out the resort and drive to another destination– Allepey of Taj hotels Kerala holiday package. After arriving at Alleppey, board the houseboat at noon for the Oberoi backwater cruise. Get ready to be spellbound with an incredible serene view of islands and communities with coconut plantations, paddy fields, Chinese fishing nets, and toddy tappers at work. Overnight stay at the boathouse.
Day 10: Alleppey-Marari
After breakfast, drive you to Marai, another ideal and Kerala’s exotic beach destination for a private luxury tour of Kerala. A beautiful beach on the coast of the Arabian Sea is perfect for holidaying with your family and friends. The entire day is at your leisure! You can visit the beaches of Marari with coconut palm trees and golden sands. Transfer you to the hotel.
Day 11: Marari
You can indulge in your recreation activities on this day with the family. You can experience the serenity and tranquility of the beautiful beaches of Marari, taking you backward in time. You can also explore Yoga und traditional Ayurveda treatment. You can also visit the neighbouring Kumarakom Bird sanctuary, where you can see rare birds like the Indian darter, Little Cormorant, Herons, and White Ibis. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 12: Marari
Post breakfast, the full day is at your leisure! You can visit the nearby tranquil beaches, and adventure freaks can indulge in sea-surfing, parasailing, water skiing, and deep-sea fishing. You can also enjoy yoga classes and Ayurveda treatment along the beach and resorts. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 13: Marari-Cochin
After enjoying the hearty breakfast, check out from the hotel and set off for the Cochin. Board the flight to your onward destination.
Tour Enquiry
Contact information
- +91 981 120 7934
- info@lewisnclarktours.com
- H 44, BSI Business Park, Sector 63, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201301, INDIA
Included
- All accommodation at listed luxury properties (or equivalent category)
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with professional chauffeur (all road transfers)
- Boat transfer to Coconut Lagoon, Kumarakom (where applicable)
- Expert English-speaking cultural escort for city sightseeing
- Overnight luxury houseboat cruise — Alleppey (full crew, all meals onboard)
- Periyar Lake boat safari — Thekkady
- Kathakali performance tickets — Fort Kochi
- Kalaripayattu demonstration — Thekkady
- All monument and sanctuary entrance fees as per itinerary
- Daily breakfast at hotel; all meals onboard houseboat
- Airport arrival and departure transfers (Cochin)
- 24/7 Lewis and Clark on-trip support
Not Included
- International flights to/from Cochin
- India visa fees
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Ayurveda treatment costs (bookable as add-on, rates on request)
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Optional extensions (Maldives, Sri Lanka, Lakshadweep)
Kerala Ayurveda — Ancient Healing, Modern Luxury
No luxury Kerala tour is complete without Ayurveda — and Kerala is the birthplace of authentic Ayurvedic practice. The state’s climate, its extraordinary biodiversity of medicinal plants, and a tradition of Ayurvedic physicians (Vaidyas) that stretches back 5,000 years make Kerala uniquely positioned for genuine therapeutic wellness.
This is not a hotel spa offering a “relaxation massage” called Ayurveda. Lewis and Clark Tours integrates authentic Ayurvedic experiences into this itinerary at Marari and, optionally, at Thekkady:
What is Ayurveda? Ayurveda (Sanskrit: the science of life) is India’s classical system of natural medicine — a holistic approach to health based on individual body constitution (dosha), herbal treatments, specialized massage techniques, and dietary principles. A Kerala Ayurveda experience typically includes:
- Abhyanga — full body warm oil massage using herbal oils prepared from Kerala’s forest plants
- Shirodhara — continuous stream of warm oil poured over the forehead — deeply calming for the nervous system
- Pizhichil — royal oil bath treatment, historically performed for Kerala’s maharajas
- Panchakarma (for extended stays) — a multi-day detox and rejuvenation programme
Where on this tour: Marari Beach (Days 11–12) offers dedicated time for Ayurveda. The Marari Beach Resort by CGH Earth and Turtle Beach Resort both offer exceptional Ayurvedic centres with qualified practitioners. Ayurvedic consultations and treatment programmes can be pre-arranged by Lewis and Clark Tours to fit your specific health and wellness goals.
For travelers extending their kerala ayurveda luxury tour, a 3-night Ayurveda retreat at Kumarakom can be incorporated — reducing pace and deepening the wellness experience.
Luxury Hotels on This Kerala Tour
Every property on this itinerary is selected for its connection to place, its quality of service, and its ability to reflect Kerala’s extraordinary natural environment.
Cochin (Fort Kochi) — CGH Earth Old Harbour Hotel / Brunton Boatyard Fort Kochi’s finest heritage addresses. Both properties occupy restored colonial-era buildings within the historic Fort Kochi quarter — within walking distance of the Chinese fishing nets, Jew Town, and the Mattancherry spice market. The combination of antique character and contemporary service is unsurpassed.
Munnar — Tea Valley Resort / Windermere Estate Munnar’s luxury properties are defined by their settings — private tea estate bungalows, valley-facing suites, and the kind of morning mist that makes you never want to leave the terrace. Lewis and Clark Tours selects Munnar properties with private plantation access and curated nature experiences.
Thekkady — Spice Village by CGH Earth A cluster of inspired tribal-style cottages set within a spice garden at the edge of Periyar Tiger Reserve. The Spice Village is consistently ranked among India’s most atmospheric eco-luxury properties — the evening fragrance of cardamom and pepper is an experience in itself.
Kumarakom — Taj Kumarakom Resort & Spa / Coconut Lagoon by CGH Earth Two legendary addresses on the Vembanad Lake. The Taj Kumarakom offers palatial heritage villas with private pool access. Coconut Lagoon is accessible only by boat — a secluded heritage property on a private island in the backwaters, connected to Kumarakom by a small ferry. Both offer extraordinary bird-watching from private water-facing terraces.
Alleppey — Aboard the Luxury Houseboat (Overnight Cruise) Your accommodation on Day 9 is the houseboat itself — anchored at sunset in open water, under Kerala’s extraordinary night sky.
Marari Beach — Marari Beach Resort by CGH Earth / Turtle Beach Resort Marari’s finest beach properties. Private beach access, Ayurvedic spa, yoga pavilion, lagoon pool, and the quietest stretch of Kerala coast. Designed for complete decompression.
Exclusive Experiences on This Kerala Tour
Kathakali Performance, Fort Kochi An evening Kathakali dance-drama performance — one of Kerala’s most ancient classical art forms, performed with elaborate costumes and facial make-up that tell stories from the Hindu epics. Lewis and Clark Tours arranges private pre-performance make-up viewings for an intimate cultural immersion.
Kalaripayattu Martial Arts Demonstration, Thekkady Kalaripayattu is one of the world’s oldest martial arts traditions — originating in Kerala over 3,000 years ago. A private performance by masters of this fluid, acrobatic fighting system is among the most extraordinary cultural experiences in South India.
Periyar Lake Boat Safari, Thekkady A morning boat safari on Periyar Lake inside the tiger reserve — watching wild elephants, bison, sambar deer, and the occasional tiger at the water’s edge. Lewis and Clark Tours arranges smaller, quieter boats for a more intimate wildlife viewing experience.
Spice Plantation Walking Tour, Thekkady A guided walk through a working spice plantation — discovering cardamom, black pepper, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, and clove growing in their natural forest environment, with a spice expert explaining the history and medicinal properties of each plant.
Sunrise Yoga, Marari Beach A private sunrise yoga session on the beach, arranged through the resort’s resident yoga instructor. The combination of sea air, the sound of waves, and the early light of the Arabian Sea sunrise creates a setting for yoga practice that few places on earth can match.
Traditional Kerala Seafood Dinner, Cochin A private dinner at one of Fort Kochi’s finest heritage restaurants — sampling the extraordinary coastal cuisine of Kerala: karimeen pollichathu (pearl spot fish wrapped in banana leaf), prawn curry, fish moilee, puttu and kadala, and fresh toddy.
Why Choose Lewis and Clark Tours for Your Kerala Holiday
Kerala receives millions of visitors annually. The difference between an ordinary Kerala package tour and a genuinely luxury Kerala tour lies entirely in the quality of the operator behind it.
Lewis and Clark Tours is a Delhi-based India DMC with deep expertise in designing private luxury journeys for travelers from the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe. For the Kerala itinerary specifically:
- All-private transport — dedicated air-conditioned vehicle and chauffeur throughout all road legs
- No group departures — your Kerala journey begins on the date you choose
- Handpicked CGH Earth, Taj, and Oberoi properties — with direct hotel relationships for guaranteed room category
- Houseboat pre-selection — we inspect and book only premium vessels, not whatever is available at booking time
- Ayurveda pre-arrangement — treatment programmes booked in advance with qualified practitioners
- 24/7 on-trip support — a dedicated Lewis and Clark Tours contact throughout your Kerala stay
- Personalised additions — cooking classes, fishing trips, village walks, or extension to the Maldives or Sri Lanka on request
“Kerala requires patience and the right introduction. Rushing through Kumarakom is like visiting the Louvre in an hour. We give you Kerala at Kerala’s pace.” — Lewis and Clark Tours Team
Explore More Luxury India Tours
Trails of Luxury South India Tour — Discover the temples, coastlines, and royal heritage of South India on a curated private journey.
Luxury Golden Triangle Tour — Experience Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur with palace hotel stays, private guides, and iconic monuments.
Luxury India Through the Land of Colors — A grand journey through Rajasthan’s forts, palaces, and desert landscapes in refined comfort.
Luxury Golden Triangle Wildlife Tour — Combine the Golden Triangle with a Ranthambore tiger safari for heritage and wilderness in one itinerary.
India Luxury Tour with Golf — Play championship courses at Delhi Golf Club and inside Rambagh Palace on a 7-day private golf holiday.
Private Guided India Tours – Enjoy a fully customized exploration of India with dedicated guides, seamless private transportation, and carefully curated luxury experiences throughout your journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a luxury houseboat in Kerala?
A luxury houseboat in Kerala (locally called a kettuvallam) is a traditional rice barge converted into a floating accommodation with private bedrooms, en-suite bathrooms, a sun deck, kitchen, and full crew. Premium luxury versions include the Oberoi Motor Vessel Vrinda and CGH Earth’s Spice Coast Cruises vessels, which offer yacht-level comfort on Kerala’s backwater network.
Which is the best houseboat experience in Kerala for luxury travelers?
For maximum luxury, the Oberoi Backwater Cruise (MV Vrinda) is the finest experience — comparable to a private yacht charter with hotel-quality cabins, spa services, and gourmet cuisine. For a more traditional kettuvallam experience with premium amenities, CGH Earth’s Spice Coast Cruises on Punnamada Lake in Alleppey is outstanding.
What is the best time for a Kerala houseboat tour?
October to February is the ideal season — dry weather, calm backwaters, and lush post-monsoon landscapes. December and January are peak season. Monsoon (June–September) offers extraordinary natural beauty and is favored for Ayurveda treatments.
What Ayurveda treatments are available on this Kerala tour?
The Marari Beach stay (Days 11–12) includes dedicated time for Ayurvedic treatments. Available therapies include Abhyanga (herbal oil massage), Shirodhara (forehead oil flow), Pizhichil (royal oil bath), and multi-day Panchakarma programmes. All treatments are administered by qualified Kerala Ayurvedic practitioners and can be pre-arranged by Lewis and Clark Tours.
How many nights on the houseboat are included?
This itinerary includes one overnight on the luxury houseboat (Day 9: Alleppey). Additional houseboat nights can be arranged on request — including multi-night Oberoi Backwater Cruise packages.
Is this tour suitable for couples and honeymooners?
Yes — the Luxury Kerala Tour with Houseboat is among India’s finest honeymoon itineraries. The combination of heritage Kochi, misty Munnar, wildlife Thekkady, the Taj Kumarakom resort, and a private houseboat sunset over the backwaters is deeply romantic. Lewis and Clark Tours offers honeymoon enhancements including private candlelit dinners, flower-decorated rooms, and couples Ayurveda sessions.
Can the Kerala tour be extended to the Maldives?
Yes. Cochin has direct and connecting flights to Malé. Lewis and Clark Tours can arrange a seamless 4–7 night Maldives extension at partner overwater villa resorts — creating a combined South India and Indian Ocean luxury journey.
What is the starting point and ending point of this tour?
The tour begins and ends at Cochin International Airport (COK). Domestic connections from Delhi, Mumbai, or other Indian cities to Cochin are easily arranged by Lewis and Clark Tours.
Highlight of Luxury Kerala
Overnight in Luxury Houseboat of Taj Hotels Group or at Oberoi backwater cruise. Our company offers different types of luxury tours of Kerala, Tailor-made like Kerala couple tours, Kerala tour package for the family at best, South India tour packages for 10 days as well Luxury Golden Triangle India with Kerala Tour package.
