Main Info
Route: Goa – Cochin – Alleppey – Marari
Theme: Tropical Escape
Ideal For: Sun, sea, seafood, and serenity — perfect for European holidaymakers seeking relaxation, nature, and cultural touches in tropical India.
Description:
This 8-day tropical escape blends the vibrant beach life of Goa with the lush backwaters and coastal calm of Kerala. Start in Goa, where Portuguese charm meets golden beaches, seafood feasts, and colonial-era churches. Explore the sun-soaked coastline, wander through Old Goa’s heritage quarters, or simply relax by the sea.
Fly down to Cochin, the cultural port city of Kerala, where Dutch palaces, spice markets, and fishing nets offer a sensory treat. Then unwind on a private houseboat cruise through Alleppey’s tranquil backwaters, experiencing a rhythm of life that hasn’t changed for centuries. End your journey with beachside serenity at Marari—a quiet, uncrowded alternative to commercial coastal destinations.
This itinerary combines rest, cultural discovery, and a slice of authentic coastal life.
Tour Information
| Departure | Goa (GOI) |
|---|---|
| Departure Time | NULL |
| Return Time | NULL |
| Included |
Accommodation in well-rated beachfront and heritage hotels on twin-sharing basis Breakfast throughout the tour + all meals on Houseboat Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver for all surface transfers Cochin sightseeing with English-speaking guide Half-day heritage tour in Goa 1 Night Deluxe Private Houseboat with traditional Kerala meals Airport assistance & transfers All applicable government taxes |
| Excluded |
International & domestic airfare Travel insurance Meals other than mentioned Entry tickets, camera/video charges at monuments Any extra beverages or snacks Early check-in / late check-out at hotels Personal expenses: spa, tips, shopping, laundry, etc. Any unmentioned items in the “Included” list |
Itinerary
On your arrival in Goa airport, you will be met by our representative and transfer to hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Goa.
Half day sightseeing starts from the slopes of Altinho Hill for a breathtaking view of Panjim and river Mandovi. Arrive to Donapaula for a view of India's largest natural harbour Marmgoa. Proceed to Old Goa visiting Basillica of Bom Jesus where in is enshrined the body of St. Francis Xavier in a silver ornate casket. Then to St. Cathedral, the biggest church in the East. St. Cajetan built like St. Peters (Rome), Church of Lady Rosary and St. Monica. Overnight at hotel.
Day at leisure. (No Transport services on this day) Overnight at hotel.
In time transfer to airport to board flight for Cochin. Meet & assist on arrival and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Morning after breakfast full day sightseeing of Cochin, a city till today influenced by medieval Portugal, Holland and England. You visit St. Francis Church, built in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan friars where Vasco da Gama was buried for 14 years before his remains were transferred to Lisbon. His tombstone still stands. Nearby is the Mattancherry Palace or “Dutch Palace”. The central hall on the I floor was the coronation hall of the rajas of Cochin. Other rooms depict scenes from the Ramayana and Puranic legends connected with Hindu gods. Amazing are the Chinese fishing nets. These cantilevered fishing nets line the entrance to the harbour mouth. They were introduced by traders from the courts of Kublai Khan. You also see the Jew City with the Jewish Synagogue, constructed in 1568, with hand-painted, willow-pattern floor tiles brought from Canton in the mid-18th century by a Rabbi, who had trading interest in that city.
Day at leisure. (No Transport services on this day) Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast, check out from hotel and proceed to Alleppey. By noon board your private Houseboat for overnight stay.
Quote “Houseboat “experience through backwaters are very unique, but we suggest not to compare the facilities / luxury amenities with any of the star hotels “
“Houseboat or Kettuvallams “are huge, tapering barges which were traditionally used to cargo rice and other goods across Kerala. It has a portion covered with bamboo and coir serving as kitchen and rest rooms for the crew. These boats are entirely built without the use of nails. Planks of jack wood are woven together with coir ropes and coated with a black resin made from boiled cashew kernels
Modern-day Kettuvallams called houseboats, carry finished bedrooms, modern toilets, cosy living rooms, a kitchen and even a balcony where tourists can laze on cushions. Sections of the carved roof of wood and plaited palms open out to provide shade and allow an uninterrupted view.
Cruise through the tranquil backwaters, wider and narrow canals passing by lush green paddy fields, villages, temples, churches, rustic houses etc. giving you opportunity to view the life on the backwaters –it beats at its own gentle rhythm. You will step into a different world altogether – this will surely be the highlight of the tour.
The meals will be served on board.
Terms & Conditions at Houseboat-Alleppey
Ø Normal Houseboat cruise start from 12:00 Noon to 17:30hrs & next day from 06:30 AM to 09:00 AM
Ø Between 1730hrs and 06:30hrs, the boat will be anchored in safer place (in the lake or canal) for dinner and overnight stay
Ø Meal plan applied on full board basis (i.e.; inclusive of breakfast, lunch & dinner)
Ø The Menu will be Traditional Kerala with 01 non- veg for lunch & 01 non- veg for dinner
Ø Beverages like soft drinks & any additional dishes items apart from normal menu to order will be charged extra on actual.
Ø Air conditioners in the room will be switched from 2100 PM to 0600 AM
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Marari; on arrival check-in into hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
Later you will be transfer to the airport to board flight for onward destination.
