Kerala is not a destination — it is a state of mind. God's Own Country, as India's southern jewel is universally known, distills everything that makes travel transformative: mist-draped tea estates, ancient spice forests, silent backwater lagoons, and beaches that dissolve into the warm Arabian Sea. For discerning travelers seeking the ultimate escape, the Luxury Kerala Tour with Houseboat by Lewis and Clark Tours offers a 13-day private sojourn across Kerala's most celebrated landscapes — from the colonial charm of Fort Kochi to the green immensity of Munnar, the wildlife-rich jungles of Thekkady, the bird-filled backwaters of Kumarakom, an overnight cruise on an Oberoi luxury houseboat through Alleppey's canals, and finally the golden silence of Marari Beach.

Kerala in 13 Days — Five Landscapes, One Extraordinary Journey

What makes this luxury Kerala tour package exceptional is the diversity it captures. Kerala is a state of contrasts — and this itinerary honors every one of them.

Fort Kochi — A Port City Layered with History

Centuries of spice trade have left behind a city unlike anywhere else in India: synagogues beside cathedrals, Chinese fishing nets silhouetted against the sunset, and heritage boutique hotels in former colonial residences. Explore Jew Street, St. Francis Church, the Dutch Palace, and the famous Kochi Fort with its iconic Chinese fishing nets.

Munnar — India's Finest Hill Station

At 1,600 metres above sea level, Munnar's tea estates stretch to the horizon in every shade of green. The misty mornings, the silence of the high ranges, and the rare Nilgiri Tahr of Eravikulam National Park make this one of India's finest hill station experiences. Visit Rajamala, Mattupetty Dam, and Echo Point for unforgettable memories.

Thekkady / Periyar — Wild and Aromatic

The Periyar Tiger Reserve and its surrounding spice plantations represent Kerala at its most aromatic and wild. Enjoy boat safaris on Periyar Lake, guided spice plantation walks, traditional Kalaripayattu martial art performances, and deep forest treks.

Kumarakom — One of the World's Must-Visit Places

Named by the New York Times as one of 52 must-visit places in the world, Kumarakom sits on the banks of Vembanad Lake — India's longest lake — surrounded by a living network of backwater canals, bird sanctuaries, and coconut-fringed shores.

Alleppey (Alappuzha) — The Venice of the East

Board your Oberoi Backwater Cruise or premium luxury houseboat at Punnamada Lake and drift through a landscape that has barely changed in centuries — past paddy fields, toddy-tappers at work, Chinese fishing nets, and village temples reflected in still green water.

Marari Beach — Kerala's Last Truly Private Beach

Fine golden sand, swaying palms, warm Arabian Sea water, and a luxury beach resort where the rhythm of the day is set entirely by the tides. Ayurveda, yoga at sunrise, sea fishing, and deep silence await.

The Luxury Houseboat Experience — Kerala's Most Iconic Stay

The centrepiece of any Kerala houseboat luxury package is the overnight cruise — and the vessel matters enormously.

A traditional kettuvallam is a rice barge built entirely from natural materials — jackwood planks, bamboo poles, and coir rope, without a single nail. Modern luxury conversions retain this heritage construction while adding private bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, sun decks, fully equipped kitchens, and a dedicated crew of chef, captain, and attendant.

Premium Houseboat Options

Oberoi Motor Vessel Vrinda (Oberoi Backwater Cruise)
The gold standard of Kerala backwater experiences. The MV Vrinda is a luxury motor vessel that cruises the Vembanad Lake and Kerala backwater network — with spacious cabin suites, multiple dining areas, a sun deck, library, and spa treatments onboard.

CGH Earth — Spice Coast Cruises (Punnamada Lake, Alleppey)
For a more intimate kettuvallam experience, Spice Coast Cruises offers beautifully restored traditional houseboats with premium cabin suites, gourmet Kerala cuisine, and a crew that navigates the narrow village canals.

Premium Independent Houseboats (Punnamada Lake, Alleppey)
For maximum privacy, Lewis and Clark Tours can arrange an exclusive luxury houseboat with a full private crew, personalized menu, and a route through Alleppey's quietest backwater channels.

What to Expect Onboard

• Private air-conditioned bedroom suite(s)

• En-suite bathroom with hot water

• Sun deck with loungers

• Chef-prepared Kerala cuisine — fresh coconut curries, karimeen (pearl spot fish), prawn moilee, appam

• Full private crew — captain, chef, attendant

• Sunset views across open water

• Birdsong and backwater silence at dawn

Tour Itinerary — 12 Nights / 13 Days

Day 1: Arrival in Cochin

Your Kerala Holiday Tour Package commences in Cochin. Transfer to a luxury hotel for your stay.

Day 2: Cochin Sightseeing

Explore the Gateway of Kerala — visit Jew Street, St. Francis Church (the first European church built in India), the Dutch Palace, and Kochi Fort with its famous Chinese fishing nets. In the evening, enjoy a cultural performance showcasing rich Kerala culture.

Day 3: Cochin – Munnar

After breakfast, visit the Cheeyappara & Valara waterfalls en route to Munnar. Check in to your luxury resort nestled in the hills of Kerala.

Day 4: Munnar Sightseeing

Visit Rajamala and the Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Explore Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point.

Day 5: Munnar – Thekkady

Journey to Thekkady in the Idukki district. Experience the beauty of Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve — the most beautiful wildlife park on earth.

Day 6: Thekkady Sightseeing

Enjoy a free day with activities including Periyar Lake boating, spice plantation tours, Elephant safaris, nature hikes, bamboo rafting, jungle jeep safaris, and Kalaripayattu performances.

Day 7: Thekkady – Kumarakom

Drive to Kumarakom, named by New York Times among the must-visit 52 places worldwide. The full day is at your leisure.

Day 8: Kumarakom Sightseeing

Enjoy the fascinating backwater paradise of Kumarakom. Visit the neighboring bird sanctuary — home to Heron, teal, darter, Siberian stork, and more.

Day 9: Kumarakom – Alleppey

Board the houseboat at noon for the Oberoi backwater cruise. Be spellbound by serene views of islands, coconut plantations, paddy fields, and toddy tappers at work. Overnight stay at the houseboat.

Day 10: Alleppey – Marari

Drive to Marari, Kerala's exotic beach destination on the Arabian Sea. The entire day is at your leisure.

Day 11: Marari

Experience the serenity of Marari's beautiful beaches. Explore Yoga and traditional Ayurveda treatment. Visit the neighboring Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.

Day 12: Marari

Full day at leisure. Enjoy sea-surfing, parasailing, water skiing, and deep-sea fishing. Experience yoga classes and Ayurveda treatment along the beach.

Day 13: Marari – Cochin

After breakfast, check out and drive to Cochin to board your flight to your onward destination.

Kerala Ayurveda — Ancient Healing, Modern Luxury

No luxury Kerala tour is complete without Ayurveda — and Kerala is the birthplace of authentic Ayurvedic practice. The state's climate, biodiversity of medicinal plants, and a tradition of Ayurvedic physicians stretching back 5,000 years make Kerala uniquely positioned for genuine therapeutic wellness.

Ayurvedic Treatments Available

• Abhyanga — full body warm oil massage using herbal oils

• Shirodhara — continuous stream of warm oil poured over the forehead

• Pizhichil — royal oil bath treatment, historically performed for Kerala's maharajas

• Panchakarma — a multi-day detox and rejuvenation programme

Where on this tour: Marari Beach (Days 11–12) offers dedicated time for Ayurveda. The Marari Beach Resort by CGH Earth and Turtle Beach Resort both offer exceptional Ayurvedic centres with qualified practitioners.

Luxury Hotels on This Kerala Tour

Every property on this itinerary is selected for its connection to place, quality of service, and ability to reflect Kerala's extraordinary natural environment.

• Cochin (Fort Kochi) — CGH Earth Old Harbour Hotel / Brunton Boatyard

• Munnar — Tea Valley Resort / Windermere Estate

• Thekkady — Spice Village by CGH Earth

• Kumarakom — Taj Kumarakom Resort & Spa / Coconut Lagoon by CGH Earth

• Alleppey — Aboard the Luxury Houseboat (Overnight Cruise)

• Marari Beach — Marari Beach Resort by CGH Earth / Turtle Beach Resort

Exclusive Experiences on This Kerala Tour

• Kathakali Performance, Fort Kochi — One of Kerala's most ancient classical art forms

• Kalaripayattu Martial Arts Demonstration, Thekkady — One of the world's oldest martial arts traditions

• Periyar Lake Boat Safari, Thekkady — Watch wild elephants, bison, sambar deer at the water's edge

• Spice Plantation Walking Tour, Thekkady — Discover cardamom, black pepper, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, and clove

• Sunrise Yoga, Marari Beach — A private sunrise yoga session on the beach

• Traditional Kerala Seafood Dinner, Cochin — Sample karimeen pollichathu, prawn curry, fish moilee, and more

Why Choose Lewis and Clark Tours for Your Kerala Holiday

Lewis and Clark Tours is a Delhi-based India DMC with deep expertise in designing private luxury journeys for travelers from the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe.

• All-private transport — dedicated air-conditioned vehicle and chauffeur throughout

• No group departures — your Kerala journey begins on the date you choose

• Handpicked CGH Earth, Taj, and Oberoi properties — with direct hotel relationships

• Houseboat pre-selection — we inspect and book only premium vessels

• Ayurveda pre-arrangement — treatment programmes booked in advance

• 24/7 on-trip support — a dedicated contact throughout your Kerala stay

• Personalised additions — cooking classes, fishing trips, village walks, or extension to the Maldives or Sri Lanka

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a luxury houseboat in Kerala?

A luxury houseboat in Kerala (locally called a kettuvallam) is a traditional rice barge converted into a floating accommodation with private bedrooms, en-suite bathrooms, a sun deck, kitchen, and full crew. Premium luxury versions include the Oberoi Motor Vessel Vrinda and CGH Earth's Spice Coast Cruises vessels, which offer yacht-level comfort on Kerala's backwater network.

2. What is the best time for a Kerala houseboat tour?

October to February is the ideal season — dry weather, calm backwaters, and lush post-monsoon landscapes. December and January are peak season. Monsoon (June–September) offers extraordinary natural beauty and is favored for Ayurveda treatments.

3. What Ayurveda treatments are available on this Kerala tour?

The Marari Beach stay (Days 11–12) includes dedicated time for Ayurvedic treatments. Available therapies include Abhyanga (herbal oil massage), Shirodhara (forehead oil flow), Pizhichil (royal oil bath), and multi-day Panchakarma programmes. All treatments are administered by qualified Kerala Ayurvedic practitioners.

4. How many nights on the houseboat are included?

This itinerary includes one overnight on the luxury houseboat (Day 9: Alleppey). Additional houseboat nights can be arranged on request — including multi-night Oberoi Backwater Cruise packages.

5. Can the Kerala tour be extended to the Maldives?

Yes. Cochin has direct and connecting flights to Malé. Lewis and Clark Tours can arrange a seamless 4–7 night Maldives extension at partner overwater villa resorts — creating a combined South India and Indian Ocean luxury journey.