Backwaters of Kerala Cruise

Arrive in Kochi and transfer to the jetty for embarkation. After settling into your cabin and enjoying lunch onboard, head out to discover the layered history of this coastal trading port. Explore the heritage quarter of Fort Kochi, where Portuguese, Dutch and British influences remain visible in architecture and churches. Visit St Francis Church, wander the old Jewish quarter and see the famous Chinese fishing nets that line the waterfront. Return to the vessel for a welcome drink and your first dinner onboard.

Meals:  L,D

Cruise inland toward Vaikom, home to one of Kerala’s most revered Shiva temples. This important pilgrimage site showcases traditional temple architecture and centuries of spiritual history. Continue sailing across the vast expanse of Vembanad Lake toward Kumarakom. In the afternoon, experience a Kathakali performance — a classical dance drama distinguished by intricate costumes, expressive gestures and elaborate facial makeup.

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning, explore the quieter waterways around Nattakam. Board a small traditional country boat for a closer look at narrow canals and village life along the banks. Later, visit the Kumarakom region, known for its wetlands and birdlife. Mangroves, paddy fields and coconut groves frame scenes of everyday rural life — fishing nets drying in the sun, children cycling along pathways and farmers tending fields below sea level.

Meals:  B,L,D

Sail into the heart of the Kuttanad region, an area famous for its fertile rice-growing plains. Visit the ancestral home of a respected 19th-century social reformer whose work helped shape Kerala’s educational landscape. Later, enjoy a guided walk through the village of Kavalam, including a visit to an ancient Syrian Christian church reflecting the state’s long-standing Christian heritage. In the evening, enjoy a performance of Mohiniattam — a graceful classical dance form native to Kerala.

Meals:  B,L,D

Arrive in Alappuzha, often called the “Venice of the East” due to its intricate canal system. Visit a private museum showcasing regional art, decorative pieces and collections reflecting Kerala’s commercial history. In the afternoon, travel to the coast near Thottapally to witness a demonstration of Kalaripayattu, a traditional martial art considered one of the oldest in the world. Walk through a local fishing community and along the coastal landscape before returning onboard.

Meals:  B,L,D

Cruise further through the backwaters to visit a unique temple set within a forested grove, dedicated to serpent worship and steeped in centuries-old ritual traditions. Later, take a relaxed walk through a riverside village to gain insight into daily life in this water-bound landscape, where fishing, farming and boat building remain essential livelihoods.

Meals:  B,L,D

Sail toward Pallippuram on the shores of Vembanad Lake. Visit one of Kerala’s oldest Christian churches, a significant pilgrimage site with deep historical roots. Spend the afternoon enjoying a final stretch of scenic cruising — a chance to relax on deck, reflect on the journey and absorb the peaceful rhythm of the waterways. This evening, gather for a farewell dinner onboard.

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast, disembark in Kochi

Meals:  B