Weekend in Kerala

Arrive at Kochi Airport and meet your Santos.Travel representative for a transfer to your hotel. In the evening, enjoy an optional sunset cruise along Marine Drive, where you can relax while admiring the city skyline, calm backwaters, and iconic Chinese fishing nets. A perfect way to unwind and soak in the serene atmosphere before your overnight stay in Kochi.

After breakfast, drive to Alappuzha (approx. 2.5 hours), the heart of Kerala’s backwaters. Check in to your traditional houseboat (Kettuvallam), with cozy bedrooms and en-suite bathrooms for your comfort. Drift along the serene backwaters, surrounded by lush paddy fields, swaying coconut palms, and quaint villages. Relax with a fresh coconut, listen to the gentle ripples of water, and enjoy the chirping of birds as you soak in the peaceful scenery. Savor delicious local meals, freshly prepared by your onboard kitchen crew, while the boat slowly glides through the calm waterways. Spend a tranquil overnight stay aboard the houseboat, experiencing the simple charm of Kerala’s backwaters.

After breakfast, check out from your houseboat and drive back to Kochi. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of this historic city, starting with the Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace), built by the Portuguese and presented to the Raja of Cochin, Veera Kerala Varma. Visit the Jewish Synagogue, home to ancient scrolls of the Old Testament and copper plates inscribed in Hebrew, and explore the vibrant Jew Street. Discover St. Francis Church, built in 1503 and the oldest European church in India, where Vasco da Gama was originally buried. Admire the beautiful ceiling paintings of Santa Cruz Basilica, and see the iconic Chinese fishing nets along the waterfront. In the evening, transfer to Kochi Airport for your onward journey, concluding your memorable weekend in Kerala.