A private day on Kerala's famous backwaters: a cruise through Vembanad's canals, a Kerala meal and an evening on Alappuzha beach.

Highlights: Backwater cruise, Kerala lunch, Alappuzha Beach, Krishnapuram Palace

Itinerary

6:30 AM — Pickup
Home, hotel, Central, East Fort or Trivandrum Airport
10:00 AM — Backwater cruise
Shikara or day houseboat through the canals and paddy fields of the Vembanad backwaters. (Cruise paid direct to the operator)
1:00 PM — Kerala lunch
Own expense — try karimeen (pearl spot) on a banana leaf.
2:30 PM — Alappuzha Beach & lighthouse
The old pier, the lighthouse and the long sandy beach.
4:00 PM — Krishnapuram Palace (on the way back)
18th-century Travancore palace at Kayamkulam, home to a famous Gajendra Moksham mural. (Closed Mondays · entry own expense)
8:30 PM — Drop-off
Back to your door or any point in Trivandrum.

🛶 Choosing a boat: Shikara: small, canopy boat, best for 2–6 people for a few hours. Day houseboat: lunch on board, best for families. Overnight houseboat? Ask us to plan a 2-day trip.
💰 Paying for the boat: The cruise isn't in our price — pay the operator directly. Agree the hours and route before you board.
🏛️ Krishnapuram Palace: Closed on Mondays. On a Monday we add more beach time instead.
🌧️ Weather: Best from September to March. In heavy rain, cruises may be shortened.

Alappuzha Backwaters