Kerala, often known as God’s Own Country, is a tropical heaven. A Kerala winter tours is partial without taking a backwater tour. The state is famous for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural aspects, and serene backwaters. As the winter starts, it’s temperate climate transforms it into an even more stunning place.
That’s firstly perfect for tourists looking to escape the chill of colder regions. With its pleasant weather, Kerala’s backwaters firstly offer an ideal escape. If planning a Kerala 8 days backwaters trips, then meanwhile opt for a week long tour of backwaters. It will further immerse you in nature’s charm and beauty.
Day 1 Arrival in Kochi Gateway to Kerala
Your Kerala backwater journey begins in Kochi, that is a vibrant city. Kochi is famous for its colonial past, bustling markets, and charming coastal views. It’s warm winter days and cool evenings provide an ideal start to your trip. Upon reaching, firstly check into your hotel. After that, take an easy evening stroll along Fort Kochi’s waterfront. You can visit the famous Chinese fishing nets, one of the city’s most unique landmarks. Meanwhile, enjoy a sunset over the Arabian Sea. The colonial buildings, the old spice market, and the ancient churches add to the rich culture.
During the evening, indulge in a local Kerala. Enjoy meal banana chips, sambar, appam, and Kerala style fish curry at one of the restaurants. Rest up as you’ll embark further on your first backwater journey the next day.
Day 2 Kochi to Alleppey Cruising Through the Backwaters
On the second day, take an early drive from Kochi to Alleppey (also called Alappuzha). That is about 1 to 2 hours away. This region is famous as the Venice of the East.
Alleppey is famous for its complex network of canals, lagoons, and houseboats. Your day will firstly begin with a cruise along the backwaters. It is an ideal experience. That will take you further through the ideal Vembanad Lake and its nearby waterways.
These backwater cruises are the highlight of Kerala tourism. During that, spending a day on a houseboat is a must. The houseboats, known as kettuvallams, are turned into lavish floating hotels. That gets complete with pleasant rooms, bathrooms, and even kitchens.
As you glide through the quiet waters, You will be amidst the lush greenery. Meanwhile, you will see palm trees, paddy fields, and rustic regions. Keep an eye out for local wildlife for example kingfishers and egrets. You may perhaps even spot a stray water buffalo cooling off by the water’s edge.
For a truly immense experience, enjoy a freshly made seafood lunch aboard your houseboat. That is made by the crew using local products.
The sights and sounds of the backwaters will meanwhile make you feel revived. It will take you further to a world away from the stresses of daily life.
Day 3 Exploring Alleppey’s Surroundings
After a restful night on the houseboat, wake up to a scenic sunrise. Meanwhile, explore more of Alleppey’s ambiance. After that, you can visit the famous Alleppey Beach.
There, you can enjoy a quiet walk along the coastline. The Alappuzha Lighthouse offers a great vantage point. From there, you can view the scenic town and its backwaters from above.
If you love to explore Kerala’s cultural aspects, visit the Krishnapuram Palace. It is an ancient site known for its Kerala mural paintings and building beauty.
Further, you can venture to Kuttanadu, often known as the Rice Bowl of Kerala. It’s famous for its lush rice paddies and the unique practice of farming below sea level. That further makes it a charming area to explore on foot or by boat.
As night falls, try staying in one of the charming home stays around Alleppey. These places further offer an intimate and real experience during Kerala winter tours of yours. That is often with home cooked Kerala meals and the chance to talk with local families.
Day 4 Alleppey to Kumarakom A Serene Retreat
On the fourth day, take a short 30 minute drive to Kumarakom. It is a scenic village lying along the Vembanad Lake. Kumarakom is quieter and less crowded than Alleppey, making it an ideal place.
Here, you can meanwhile unwind and enjoy Kerala’s natural beauty at an easy pace. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a must visit for nature lovers. There, you can spot foreign birds like herons, egrets, and ducks, especially during the winter months. At that time, the sanctuary further teems with life.
If you are seeking a lavish experience, check into one of the upscale resorts. That firstly line the shores of the lake. Many of these resorts offer spa treatments, yoga sessions, and Ayurvedic wellness charms.
It meanwhile offers the perfect chance to relax and revive. Take a canoe ride through the backwaters and explore hidden canals. Meanwhile, observe the calm life of the rural and their vibrant green fields.
Day 5 Houseboat Cruise in Kumarakom
Kumarakom is an ideal base for further exploring the backwaters. Today, embark on one more houseboat cruise. This time go through a unique stretch of the Vembanad Lake.
The area is filled with small islands, fishing regions, and lush vegetation. As you glide through these waters, enjoy the serene beauty and peace. That meanwhile define Kerala’s backwaters.
The day’s activities can be changed as per your choices. It comes with options for fishing, bird watching, or simply resting onboard while enjoying the views. For lunch, enjoy a famous Kerala feast.
That contains rice, fish curry, vegetable stir fry, and payasam (a sweet dessert). If you wish, you can also learn about the local methods of fishing. As you meanwhile watch fishermen casting their nets in the clear waters.
Day 6 Kumarakom to Vypin Island
After spending previous days delving in nature, take a trip to Vypin Island on day six. Vypin is firstly nestled near Kochi and is reachable by a short boat ride.
It is known for its scenic landscapes, pristine beaches, and historical landmarks. Above all, Vypin offers a blend of natural beauty and local culture.
After that, visit the scenic Cherai Beach. There, you can relax by the sea or indulge in water sports like swimming and kayaking.
The island also boasts places for example the Pallipuram Fort. That is a reminder of the Portuguese impact in the region.
Day 7 Departure from Kochi
On the final day of your Kerala winter tours, drive back to Kochi for your departure. As per your flight time, you can spend the morning exploring more of Koch’s attractions.
For example the Mattancherry Palace, the Jewish Synagogue, or the Indo Portuguese Museum. During the evening, you can take in a famous Kathakali dance program. You can meanwhile see a Kalaripayattu martial arts show before heading to the airport.
Conclusion
A week tour of backwaters of Kerala during the winter is a unique and enjoyable experience. Whether cruising on houseboats, resting in serene regions, or enjoying the stunning landscapes. The serene beauty of Kerala’s backwaters offers the perfect escape.
It stands out further with its blend of natural beauty, cultural aspects, and tranquil ambiance. The Kerala winter tours offer an ideal and soothing travel experience. Above all, make sure to plan your trip well in advance. That meanwhile ensure that you don’t miss out on this once in a lifetime journey.
