Tour Overview
The Fort Kochi & Backwaters tour is our most compact yet richly rewarding Kerala package — perfect for travellers with limited time who still want the authentic Kerala experience. In just 5 days, you discover two of Kerala's most distinctive worlds: the layered colonial heritage of Fort Kochi and the timeless serenity of the Alleppey backwaters.
Fort Kochi is unlike any other city in India. Its streets are a living museum of 500 years of maritime history — Portuguese whitewashed churches, the ornate Paradesi Synagogue in the Jewish Quarter, Dutch colonial bungalows and the iconic Chinese fishing nets that have stood since the 14th century. Your expert heritage guide will bring these stories to life through hidden lanes and quiet courtyards.
Alleppey, known as the Venice of the East, is the gateway to Kerala's 900 km backwater network. Your traditional kettuvallam houseboat — once used to transport rice and spices — has been lovingly converted into a floating cottage with every comfort. As you drift through the mirrored canals, time slows to a gentle ripple.
Tour Highlights
Chinese fishing nets at Kochi harbour — iconic at sunrise and sunset
Paradesi Synagogue tour — the oldest active synagogue in India (1568)
St. Francis Church — where Vasco da Gama was originally buried
Overnight houseboat cruise through Alleppey canal network
Kathakali make-up demonstration and performance in Fort Kochi
Mattancherry Spice Market & Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace) tour
Fresh seafood lunch at a fisherman's wharf restaurant
Sunset kayaking through narrow village canals in Alleppey
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Kochi — First Glimpse of God's Own Country
Arrive Kochi Airport. Transfer to your heritage boutique hotel in Fort Kochi. Afternoon: first encounter with the famous Chinese fishing nets and harbour promenade. Evening: Kathakali performance — traditional Kerala dance-drama with full face painting. Dinner at a heritage restaurant in the Fort Kochi quarter.
Fort Kochi Heritage Walk — Layers of Empire
Full day Fort Kochi heritage walk with an expert local guide. Visit St. Francis Church (1503 AD), Santa Cruz Basilica, Paradesi Synagogue (1568) in the Jewish Quarter and the Dutch-built Mattancherry Palace. Explore the famous Jew Town spice markets. Afternoon: Jewish heritage quarter and antique shops. Evening: sunset from the Chinese fishing nets with a chilled king coconut in hand.
Mattancherry & Local Markets — The Spice Trade Lives On
Morning: deep dive into the Mattancherry wholesale spice warehouses — still fragrant with cloves, cardamom, nutmeg and pepper exported to the world. Visit a working coir factory. Afternoon: Kerala art gallery hopping in Fort Kochi's Burgher Street. Cooking class: learn to make authentic Kerala fish moilee with a local chef. Free evening for exploring cafés and studios.
Fort Kochi → Alleppey — The Floating Life (1.5 hrs)
Morning drive to Alleppey. Board your traditional houseboat at noon. Set sail immediately onto the vast Vembanad Lake. Lunch freshly prepared by your houseboat chef — a feast of Keralan fish curry, rice, thoran and pappadam. Afternoon: drift through narrow village canals. Stop at a local toddy shop and coir weaving cooperative. Sunset from the upper deck. Dinner and overnight on board.
Alleppey — Sunrise on the Water → Kochi Departure
Watch the sunrise paint the backwaters gold from your houseboat sundeck — one of the most beautiful mornings you will ever have. Breakfast on board. Disembark at 9 AM. Drive to Kochi for your flight home. Optional last stop at the Kerala Folklore Museum en route. Transfer to Kochi Airport with a heart full of Kerala.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✓ What's Included
- 4 nights (3 nights Fort Kochi heritage hotel + 1 night houseboat)
- Houseboat all meals included
- Daily breakfast at hotel
- All transfers in AC private vehicle
- Fort Kochi heritage guided walk (4 hrs)
- Kathakali performance tickets
- Paradesi Synagogue & church entry fees
- Spice market guided tour
- Kerala cooking class
- Sunset kayaking in Alleppey
- Welcome drink on arrival
✕ Not Included
- Domestic / international airfare
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Lunches (except houseboat day)
- Dinners (except Day 1 & houseboat)
- Tips & gratuities
- Personal shopping
- Anything not in itinerary