Example Itinerary

Beaches of Goa, Backwaters of Kerala

Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Luxury Cruises, Beaches
Destinations
India

Explore the coastline and waterways of Southern India with our laid back  Beaches of Goa, Backwaters of Kerala itinerary. You’ll be taking off on 10 days of luxury travel including charming houseboats in Kerala and the stunning, expansive beaches of Goa.

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • Green Paradise: Kerala is a lush marvel blessed with tropical climes and scenic nature: palm-fringed beaches, beautiful backwaters, waterfalls, hill-stations, and plentiful wildlife. Explore this rich ecosystem on a traditional wooden houseboat, cleverly built without a single nail.
  • Famed Port: One of the world's finest natural harbors, Cochi was central to the world spice trade for centuries. The influx of trade infused the area with European churches and palaces, Chinese fishing nets, Portuguese bungalows, and olden synagogues.
  • Haven Shores: Goa attracts visitors with its long coastline and beaches, many churches, galleries, and museums. With many religions co-existing during colonial days, Goa has remained one of the most peaceful states in India.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Map

Kovalam »

On the first day of your relaxing India itinerary, you’ll arrive at Trivandrum Airport, known as the gateway to Kerala, and transfer to Kovalam. This idyllic Kerala beach town is flanked by the Arabian Sea, fringed by rows upon rows of coconut palms. Check into your suite and become acquainted with your new surroundings.

Hotel Options

Day 2

Map

Kovalam »

Today you are free to explore the beaches of Kovalam. There are three spectacular beaches that cover Kovalam’s expansive 17 km coastline. Lighthouse Beach is a particular favorite, while Hawah and Sanmudra are close seconds, and perhaps more ideal for escaping the tourist throngs.

Kovalam
Kovalam

Day 3

Map

Kerala Backwaters

One of Kerala’s most favorited features is its widespread network of backwaters, and the most ideal way to explore them is aboard a traditional wooden houseboat, called a kettuvallam, built without a single nail. Today, you’ll board a luxury kettuvallam for an overnight cruise.

Hotel Options

Day 4

Map

Kumarakom

After your culturally-immersive nautical excursion, it’s time to get back onto dry land. You’ll disembark at Kumarakom, home to a rich ecosystem featuring mangrove forests, paddy fields, coconut groves, and all kinds of exotic birds. Transfer to your luxury backwater resort, Kumarakom Lake Resort.

Hotel Options
Kumarakom
Kumarakom

Day 5

Map

Cochin »

After breakfast this morning, you’ll check out of your hotel and drive two hours to Cochin, West India’s major port city. You’ll be escorted to your luxury eco-resort, Brunton Boatyard, moored on a historic stretch of Cochin's famed harbour.

Hotel Options

Day 6

Map

Cochin »

Today you’ll explore the best that Cochin has to offer, starting with the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations, Paradesi Synagogue. Next up, learn how to mix together just the right ingredients to make a rich, flavorful Indian dish at an authentic Indian cooking class. Finish off your day with a colonial walking tour, learning the rich history of this city which was once a battle ground for European empires.

Cochin
Cochin

Day 7

Map

Goa »

Goa is one of India’s most popular beach destinations, with miles upon miles of unspoilt beaches, as far as the eye can see. Some even say it’s home to Asia’s best beaches. Take an early flight from Cochin to Goa via Bengaluru so you arrive in time to spend the rest of the day at the beach.

Hotel Options

Day 8

Map

Goa »

Explore Goa’s sights today, with a tour that starts with Fort Aguada, a well-preserved 17th century Portuguese fort that overlooks the Arabian Sea. Next up, you’ll head to UNESCO World Heritage Site, Basilica de Bom Jesus, which holds the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. Cap your day off with a languid stroll along the shores of your preferred Goa beach.

Goa
Goa

Day 9

Map

Goa »

You can enjoy more beach time today, with the freedom to explore the vastness of the Arabian Sea, and the white sand shores it laps upon. Agonda beach in south Goa is a particular favorite for those looking to get away from the crowds, while Anjuna beach in north Goa boasts a large flea market and picturesque sunsets. The choice is yours!

Day 10

Map

Departure

After a restful sleep on your final night of your Beaches & Backwaters itinerary, today you’ll check out of your luxury Goa resort and head for the airport, where you’ll transfer to your next destination. 

Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

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