The element of this trip that most people have questions about is the houseboat, and for good reason, since it is unlike any other accommodation experience in India. A few things to know before you get on board.

The movement of the boat is during the day, that is, between 12.30 and 5.30. After that, it docks in a designated spot on the canal or Lake and remains there through the night. This is not a limitation. Often, the anchored evenings are the most peaceful part of the experience. The canal at night is still, in a way, quiet, and you do not find that anyplace else. There is no road noise, no construction, no crowds. Just water sounds, irregular bird calls, and the silence of a canal village settling down to its evening routine.

On a houseboat, the kitchen is small and functional. The crew cooks fresh food from ingredients that are sourced locally. Expect rice, fish curry, vegetable dishes cooked with coconut, and simple but well-prepared meals. If you are a vegetarian or have any dietary restrictions, let me know when you book, not when you are on board. The crew shops for provisions before departure, and it is not easily possible to change the menu once the boat is out of the dock.

Electricity is produced in a small onboard system on the houseboat. AC runs from 9 PM to 6 AM. During the day, use natural ventilation from the deck. Charge all your gadgets the night before you board.

Munnar rewards early risers. The tea gardens are cleanest in the morning before the clouds drop into the valleys. If you are planning on walking through the estates, do so before 9 AM. By mid-morning, often mist rolls in from the sides of the valley, and visibility is reduced. The afternoons in Munnar can be quiet to the extent of being totally still, which is good for those couples who want some time to go unstructured. The market area in Munnar town is small but active and has several shops selling local tea, spices, and homemade chocolates. Prices here are reasonable, and products are locally sourced.

Alleppey is best experienced as two different experiences: the town and the backwaters. The town has a busy and working character, including a fishing harbour and local markets. The backwaters are the reverse. Once the houseboat goes out of the main canal junction and into the narrower waterways, the pace of everything changes. Villages appear on the banks. Fishermen throw nets from small wooden boats. Children wave from the canal-side homes. It is an unscripted and unperformed side of Kerala that few other experiences provide.

Kumarakom is the quietest destination in this itinerary. There is no town centre to speak of, no busy market, and no organised evening entertainment. What it has to offer is lakeside calm and the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary that is worth a visit early in the morning. Take binoculars if you have them. The sanctuary is small, but the density of bird activity during the winter months makes it a worthwhile stop, especially for couples who enjoy open nature.

Kochi is where the trip starts and ends. The historic neighbourhood of Fort Kochi, which encompasses most of the sightseeing, is relatively small, so it can be walked comfortably in half a day. The place around the Chinese Fishing Nets is busiest in the late afternoon when the light is good, and the harbour is active. The Jewish Quarter in Mattancherry is a short walk or auto-rickshaw ride from Fort Kochi and tends to be a lot quieter than the main waterfront area.

Kerala has a unique cultural character, which is something to be aware of as a traveller. Entry to active temples requires humble dress. Remove shoe wear at the entrance. Photography within temples and many heritage sites is either restricted or forbidden. Follow signage, and if in doubt, ask before raising a camera.

Bargaining is not the standard fare in Kerala, the way it is in some other parts of India (particularly in the established shops and government emporiums). The prices in Munnar tea shops and spice stores in Kochi are generally fixed. Respect that and avoid the impulse to negotiate at every counter.

Tipping is not compulsory but is a true token of appreciation for your driver, boat crew, and hotel housekeeping. Amounts need not be large, but they are recognised and appreciated by the people who make your trip run smoothly.

This tour begins and ends at Kochi. All transport to Kochi is at your own arrangement. Below is a practical breakdown of the major options from various parts of India.

By Air

Kochi International Airport, officially Cochin International Airport, for that matter, is situated at Nedumbassery, which is about 30 kilometres from the city centre. It is one of the busiest airports in South India and has direct connectivity from most of the major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata. Flight time from Delhi is about three-hours and from Mumbai around two hours.

International travellers can fly into Kochi directly from several Gulf cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Doha, and Muscat, making it a practical point of entry for the non-resident Indian when travelling from the Middle East.

Once you land, we will have our Memorable India representative meet you at the arrival area and transfer you straight to Munnar. Share your exact flight information with our team at least 48 hours before the trip to ensure the pick up is coordinated with your arrival time.

By Train

Kochi has two major railway stations: Ernakulam Junction or Ernakulam Town and Ernakulam Central. Both are well connected on the Kerala coastal rail network connecting Thiruvananthapuram in the south and Mangaluru in the north.

From Delhi, the Kerala Express and the Rajdhani Express are some of the trains that go to Ernakulam, with journey times ranging from around 40 to 48 hours depending on the service. From Mumbai, Netravati Express reaches Ernakulam in around 24 to 28 hours. From Bengaluru, there are several daily trains to Ernakulam in about 8 to 10 hours.

Train travel to Kochi is practical and comfortable for travellers from South India and is worth considering if you do not wish to fly. Book berths in advance on the IRCTC website, especially during peak traveling months between October to March, as trains on this route get filled up quickly.

By Road

Kochi is linked by National Highways with Bengaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore, and Thiruvananthapuram. The drive from Bengaluru to Kochi is about 560 kilometres and takes nearly nine to ten hours, depending on traffic, especially through the Palakkad and Thrissur sections. Government run Kerala KSRTC buses, and several private operators run overnight bus services on this route. From Chennai, the distance is about 680 kilometres, and journey times either by road or bus are about 12 to 13 hours.

Road travel from North India directly to Kochi is not practical for most travellers. Fly or take the train from and pick up the Memorable India tour from Kochi.