Our most recommended things to do in Kerala

Cochin: Half-Day Backwater Village Eco Boat Cruise W/ Lunch

1. Cochin: Half-Day Backwater Village Eco Boat Cruise W/ Lunch

Discover the famous backwater canals of Kerala on a half-day tour from Fort Cochin, and immerse yourself in a quiet way of life, far from the pressures of big city life. The tour starts with a pickup from a meeting point in Fort Cochin at 8:30 AM. Drive to a village just outside Cochin City to board a traditional covered country boat. The boats have a capacity for about 20 people, allowing for an intimate experience while enjoying the serenity of the landscape. Your guide will paddle you through the sumptuous vegetation, stopping at a village to see coconut palm weaving and coir making. Then, savor a vegetarian lunch and later, a transfer to Fort Cochin. Arrive back at the meeting point at around 3:00 PM.

Gods Own Place-Kerala Tour

2. Gods Own Place-Kerala Tour

Day 1 - A R R I V A L - T R I V A N D R U M - A L L E P P E Y : You arrive in Trivandrum, which is likely to be your point of entry in Kerala. After your arrival, you'll proceed to Alleppey (also known as Alappuzha), which is famous for its backwaters. Enjoy a relaxing day exploring the backwaters and perhaps taking a houseboat ride. Day 2 - A L L E P P E Y - C O C H I N : Travel from Alleppey to Cochin (Kochi), which is a major port city in Kerala. Explore the historic and vibrant city of Cochin, known for its colonial architecture, Jewish heritage, and bustling markets. Day 3 - C O C H I N - Dutch Cemetery: Visit the Dutch Cemetery in Cochin, which is a historical site showcasing the Dutch influence in the region. Explore more of Cochin's attractions, such as Fort Kochi, the Chinese Fishing Nets, and St. Francis Church. Day 4 - C O C H I N - M U N N A R : Head to Munnar, a beautiful hill station known for its tea plantations and scenic landscapes. Enjoy the cool climate and explore the tea gardens and perhaps go for a trek. Day 5 - M U N N A R - P E R I Y A R : Travel from Munnar to Periyar (Thekkady), which is famous for Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Take a wildlife safari or boat ride in the sanctuary and spot animals and birds. Day 6 - P E R I Y A R - K U M A R A K O M: Proceed to Kumarakom, a serene backwater destination. Explore the backwaters, perhaps take a traditional Kerala houseboat cruise. Day 7 - K U M A R A K O M - K O V A L A M : Drive to Kovalam, a popular beach destination in Kerala. Relax on the beaches, visit the lighthouse, and indulge in some water sports. Day 8 - K O V A L A M - T R I V A N D R U M - A B R O A D: On your last day, head to Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram), the capital city of Kerala. Explore Trivandrum's attractions, such as the Padmanabhaswamy Temple and Napier Museum. Depart from Trivandrum for your international journey.

Kochi: India eSIM Roaming Mobile Data Plan

3. Kochi: India eSIM Roaming Mobile Data Plan

Say goodbye to the hassle of physical SIMs and finding mobile network operator stores with our e-SIM service. After purchase, you'll receive a QR code that you can scan on your compatible device to install the e-SIM wherever and whenever you need it. Choose from a range of data volumes, validity periods, and coverage options in different countries to stay connected with ease. Most iPhone models beyond XS support e-SIM, and follow our instructions in the photo session to check compatibility for other devices. Share the QR code via AirDrop or scan it to another device. Install the e-SIM by connecting to WiFi or a network, and remember to turn on roaming for the e-SIM. If you have trouble connecting to the network, consult our self-troubleshooting guide. If you have a connected trip in Asia, just simply select the 22 Asian countries option, which covers: Vietnam, Hong Kong, Macao, Cambodia, China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Australia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, New Zealand, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Japan, South Korea If your data is used-up? Simple, just buy another e-SIM to top-up. APN (Access Point Name): iboots Local Network:Bharti/Vodafone

Alleppey / Alappuzha Backwater Canoe (Shikara) Cruise

4. Alleppey / Alappuzha Backwater Canoe (Shikara) Cruise

Alleppey also called " Venice of the East" is an important tourist destination in India. The Backwaters of Alleppey are the most popular tourist attraction in Kerala. A houseboat cruise in these backwaters is a delightful experience. Alappuzha is a landmark between the broad Arabian sea and a web of rivers flowing into it. It is a town in Alappuzha District of Kerala state of southern India. In the early first decade of the 20th century the then Viceroy of the Indian Empire, Lord Curzon made a visit in the State to Alleppey, now Alappuzha. Fascinated by the scenic beauty of the place, in joy and amazement, he said, here nature has spent up on the land her richest bounties. In his exhilaration, he exclaimed, Alleppey, the Venice of the East. Itinerary : Pick-from Cochin Port or your hotel is at 9.00 am before the transfer to Aleppey (approximately 1.30 hours) to board the boat at 10:30 am. The boat will cruise slowly through the backwaters and village area of Aleppey with the main attraction during the cruise being the view of backwaters, paddy fields, coconut palms, and the villager's daily life. The cruise will finish around 1.30 pm and you get back to Cochin Port between 3.00 and 3.15 pm. 

Kochi: Private Tuk-Tuk City Tour with Hotel Pickup

5. Kochi: Private Tuk-Tuk City Tour with Hotel Pickup

Discover the highlights of Kochi from a local’s perspective as you ride around in a traditional tuk-tuk. See the city’s historical monuments, learn about its colonial past, and benefit from a convenient hotel pickup and drop-off. Travel to the spice markets and learn about Kochi’s central role in the Indian spice trade for many centuries and its popularity by foreign traders.  See the old buildings that most clearly reveal this deep-rooted colonial influence. Kochi was the first European colony for Portugal in India from the year 1500-1663, followed by the Dutch and later the British.  Explore the fishing village’s ancient Chinese fishing nets, historical European settlements like the Vasco de Gama church, and the Dutch cemetery and towards the Dutch palace. Stop by a museum under ASI and spend time walking through the historical Jewish district and visit the Jewish synagogue.

From Kochi: 1 Night Alappuzha Backwaters Houseboat Cruise

6. From Kochi: 1 Night Alappuzha Backwaters Houseboat Cruise

Alappuzha, also known as the "Venice of the East", is an important tourist destination in India and the backwaters of Alappuzha are the most popular tourist attraction in Kerala. A houseboat cruise on these backwaters is a delightful experience. Alappuzha is a landmark between the broad Arabian Sea and the web of rivers flowing into it. It is a town in the Alappuzha District in the southern Indian state of Kerala. Lord Curzon, the Viceroy of the Indian Empire, made a visit to Alappuzha in the early 20th century. Fascinated by the scenic beauty of the place he said “here nature has spent up on the land her richest bounties”. Detailed itinerary: Day 1: After the pick-up from Cochin Port or at your hotel at 10:15, you will transfer to Alappuzha to board the houseboat around 12:00. Once aboard the houseboat you will slowly cruise through the backwaters and village area of Alappuzha, passing paddy fields and coconut palm. Main meals will be served on board before staying overnight on the houseboat. Day 2: The cruise will finish around 9:00. You will then transfer back to Cochin Port or your hotel, arriving by 11:00.

Full Day Cochin Tour

7. Full Day Cochin Tour

Visits the Dutch Palace (closed on Fridays), which was built by the Portuguese in 1555 and was presented to the Raja of Cochin as a gesture of goodwill. The Jewish Synagogue (closed on Fridays & Saturdays) was originally constructed in 1568, but was destroyed by Portuguese in 1662.This was rebuilt two years later when the Dutch took over Cochin. The St. Francis Church, said to be India's oldest European-built church was constructed in 1503. Having died in Cochin in 1524, Vasco Da Gama was buried here for 14 years before his remains were taken to Lisbon. Evening witness Kerala’s traditional & colourful dance form Kathakali at the cultural centre.

Backwater Houseboat and Fort Kochi Tour from Cochin Port

8. Backwater Houseboat and Fort Kochi Tour from Cochin Port

Benefit from pickup at the cruise ship docks at Cochin Port, and journey on the road to board a houseboat on the backwaters of Kerala (approx 1 hour and 45 minutes). Cruise slowly through the hidden backwaters of Alappuzha (also known as "Alleppey"), considered the hub of the state's backwaters and home to a vast network of waterways and boats. Venture through village areas and the landscape of the Laccadive Sea to marvel at the lush vegetation, paddy fields, coconut palms, and much more. There will be 3 staff members along with your guide to look after you and make sure your experience is as relaxed as possible. Enjoy a lunch of Keralan cuisine as you gently navigate the waterways, which includes rice, vegetable dishes, fish, chicken, and more. End your houseboat cruise and later journey to the serene Fort Kochi area. Marvel at the Cheena vala (Chinese fishing nets (Only for Morning Tour)) in the Arabian Sea, and see other attractions of the region. Then, benefit from drop-off back at your cruise ship in Cochin Port.

Cochin: Alleppey Backwater Private Day Cruise by Houseboat

9. Cochin: Alleppey Backwater Private Day Cruise by Houseboat

Explore the famous Kerala backwaters of Alleppey on board a traditional houseboat. Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, is located between the Arabian Sea and a web of rivers flowing into it. In the early 20th century, the then Viceroy of the Indian Empire, Lord Curzon was so mesmerized by the scenic beauty he declared that Alleppey was “The Venice of the East.” Following a pickup from Cochin Cruise Port or from Cochin Hotels, transfer to Aleppey to board your houseboat. Cruise slowly through the backwaters and village areas to marvel at the lush vegetation, paddy fields, coconut palms, and more. There’s no guide on board but there will be 3 staff members to look after you and make sure your experience is as relaxed as you could wish for. Enjoy a lunch of Keralan cusine as you gently cruise, before later transferring back to Cochin Port or your hotel.

Backwater Cruise, Cloth Weaving, Coir Spinning, Kerala Lunch

10. Backwater Cruise, Cloth Weaving, Coir Spinning, Kerala Lunch

Backwater Cruise in the Gondola ( Shikari Boat). The slowly slide down the waters by the guide using long bamboo poles. It is absolute silence around except for the calls of a myna or Koal bird. The man who punting the boat will stop for a tender coconut water brought down by the coconut harvester, you can see him climbing the tree. After the back water cruise go to a village for watching women engaged in coir spinning and leaf weaving. Later you will visit a small cloth weaving centre where women weave cotton Saree on handlooms. We will sit for lunch at a home for savouring the Sadya the national food of Kerala. After these experiences you will come back to Kochi for dropping back at your hotel.

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What people are saying about Kerala

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 262 reviews

Everything worked out great, although we booked at relatively short notice (a few hours in advance). Our guide knew the city very well, told and showed us interesting things that we would not have discovered ourselves and took the time to answer our questions. Was a very nice and interesting tour, highly recommended!

needs some sort of internet to activate it. I asked people for hotspot and also used their phone to take a photo of the QR code so I can scan it with my phone and activate the plan.

Easy to install and made travelling around India so much easier as everyone uses WhatsApp so we were able to communicate with hotels, guides, taxis etc.

Tommy was a wonderful guide for our family, teaching and showing us the rich history of Kochi. We all loved the experience.

Driver was very good and taken us to the places we wanted to go and recommended many others. Very good tour.