Vaikundam Kerala Canal Cruise – 7 Nights – 8 Days South to North
- One Way
AlleppeyCochin - MV Vaikundam
To truly know Kerala, you must experience her waterways - the inroads of this lush land and famously called the "Green Venice of the East"by National Geographic.
A seven-night backwaters cruise takes you through emerald canals, shimmering lagoons, serene lakes and winding rivers, where life unfolds along the water's edge. Drift past villages and townships alive with temples, churches, mosques, bustling markets, boatyards and coir markers, while sunsets paint the horizon over vast tropical lakes.
This journey is more than a cruise - a dive into Kerala's soul. From witnessing martial arts that inspired Karate, to temple dances. Ayurveda traditions, canoe rides through bird sanctuaries and gliding along narrow canals where homes brush the boat's edge - the experience is both breathtaking and deeply enriching. A living tapestry of culture, nature and timeless beauty awaits on Kerala's emerald waterways
Itinerary
DAY 1 Borad MV Vaikundam Cruise from Punnamada Village - Alleppey - Alleppey
“Sailing into serenity - A journey through Kerala’s living waters." Set sail on MV Vaikundam from the historic town of Alleppey, where Kerala’s life-giving rivers meet the Arabian Sea. Watch the serene backwaters unfold as you glide past lush paddy fields, swaying coconut groves, and timeless village life. Enjoy a traditional Kerala lunch on board before anchoring at Kanjippadom for a guided village walk and a visit to a traditional boatyard. Discover the art of Kettuvallom building before unwinding on board for the night. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinne
DAY 2 Kanjippadam - Karumadi - Pallana - Karumadi
“From Buddha to the backwaters — stories etched in soil and spirit" After breakfast, cruise to the serene village of Karumadi, where lush paddy fields and winding canals paint a picture of rural Kerala. Visit ancient shrines, including the ruins of a Buddha statue - remnants of Kerala’s Buddhist past. Sail on to Thottappalli, learning about the region’s unique, sea-level paddy farming methods. Aboard the boat, enjoy an insightful talk on Ayurveda by a local expert. Anchor at Pallana village to explore the legacy of a beloved poet and social reformer, with a special poetry recital by a local leader. Plant a symbolic coconut tree - Kerala’s sacred ‘Kalpavriksha’ - and discover its deep cultural and economic significance. End the day with a tuk-tuk ride to the coast for a sunset visit to the harbour. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3 Pallana - Changankari - Changankari
“A journey through sacred traditions and timeless craftsmanship." After breakfast, take a short drive (approx. 30 min) to a sacred serpent grove - Kerala’s only temple with female priests - where age-old rituals unfold amidst deep-rooted spiritual traditions. Continue to the artisan village of Mannar (45 min. drive), renowned for its exquisite bell-metal craft. Witness the intricate lost-wax casting process used to create temple lamps, vessels and ornate locks (except on Sundays and religious holidays). Return to the boat for lunch and a leisurely cruise through Kerala’s peaceful countryside. Explore a nearby village, unwind on board, enjoy dinner and settle in for the night. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4 Changankari - Champakkulam - Pulinkunna - Champakkulam
“Sacred rivers, living legends and the mirror of tradition.” Begin your day with a visit to Aranmula, famed for its legendary metal mirrors - handcrafted by master artisans and found nowhere else in the world. Explore the revered Aranmula Sree Parthasarathy Temple, steeped in myth and nestled on the banks of the sacred Pamba River. Enjoy a warm, traditional lunch hosted by a local family in their riverside home. In the afternoon, cruise to Champakkulam, once a bustling hub of the spice trade and home to one of Kerala’s oldest Christian churches. Walk through the village to meet local artisans, schoolchildren and small business owners keeping centuries-old traditions alive. End the day as we sail to the quiet village of Pulinkunnu for an overnight stay on board. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5 Pulinkunnu - Kainakari - Kavalam - Kavlalam
“Canals, community and culture - A journey into the soul of backwater life." Start your day with a peaceful morning walk through the village, soaking in the charm of rural Kerala. After breakfast, cruise to Kainakari and hop into a country boat for a guided ride through narrow canals, witnessing daily life up close. Watch toddy tapping in action and learn about its cultural and agricultural significance. Visit Chavara Bhavan - the ancestral home of Saint Chavara - now preserved as a museum honoring his legacy of compassion and social reform. Return to the boat for lunch as we sail to Kavalam, where the river flows backward into Lake Vembanad. Walk along paddy field dykes, meet local farmers, and engage with the inspiring women of the Kudumbashree collective. As the sun sets, enjoy a cultural evening featuring traditional classical dance at a local church hall. Overnight stay on board. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6 Kavalam - Kumarakom
“Vembanad tales: spices, stories and the soul of the lake.” Today, cruise through the vast and vibrant Vembanad Lake - where four rivers meet and a rich ecosystem of birds, fish and aquatic plants thrives. Pass through tranquil lagoons and scattered islands as you soak in the energy of Kerala’s largest lake. In the afternoon, visit the island home of a Syrian Christian family, built over generations by reclaiming land from the backwaters. Enjoy a traditional home-cooked lunch, walk through the family’s farm and learn about the spices and ingredients that give Syrian Christian cuisine its distinctive flavor. Hear personal stories of resilience and heritage from your hosts. Return to the boat and sail toward Thanneermukkom, where a unique barrage separates the saltwater and freshwater zones of the lake. Relax on board, enjoying the breeze and the peaceful rhythm of the backwaters. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7 Kumarakom - Chenganda - Vaikom - Chenganda
“From birds in flight to stories on stage – A day of nature and culture. ” Begin the day with a serene country boat ride into the Kumarakom backwaters, part of the Vembanad wetland ecosystem. Glide past mangroves and paddy fields, spotting a wide variety of migratory and endemic birds like the kingfisher, herons, darters, storks and more in their natural habitat. Return to the boat for breakfast, then cruise to Chenganda - a rustic village known for its vibrant coir industry and sustainable way of life. Meet the women who skillfully spin and weave coir from coconut husk and the men who dive for clams - both essential to the local economy. Learn how coir is used today as a natural alternative to plastic and how clam shells are transformed into eco-friendly bio-concrete. In the late afternoon, we anchor at the historic town of Vaikom. Visit a cultural centre to experience Kathakali, Kerala’s iconic dance-drama. Then take a short tuk-tuk ride to the ancient Shiva temple, where architecture, spirituality and community converge. Return to the boat for a farewell dinner, celebrating your unforgettable journey through Kerala’s backwaters. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8 Vaikom - Pallipuram - Departure - Vaicom
“From sacred combat to royal legacy - farewell to Kerala. ” Your journey concludes with a powerful immersion into Kerala’s ancient martial tradition. After breakfast, visit a traditional Kalari training centre in a nearby village to witness a captivating performance of Kalarippayattu - India’s oldest martial art, rooted in the Dhanur Veda. Learn how this discipline unites body, mind and spirit through mastery of energy points (Marma), healing practices and precise physical training. Discover the spiritual sanctity of the Kalari space, with its guardian deity, sacred rituals and deep reverence for the gurus who uphold this ancient legacy. After the performance, you will be transferred to Cochin airport to connect with your flight to onward destination. Meals: Breakfast
Dates & Prices
Payment will be made in AUD.
Prices displayed in other currencies are approximate and a guideline only
Cruise rates are per person based on double/twin occupancy.
| Cabin Type | Cruise Dates | |
|---|---|---|
| 06 Jan 27 | 09 Oct 2706 Nov 2708 Dec 2722 Dec 2701 Jan 28 | |
| Deluxe Cabin | AU$2756 | AU$32224 |
| Superior Cabin | AU$2381 | AU$2620 |
Single occupancy 75% of the full twin rate. Exact rate will be displayed when booking is requested
On the Vaikumdam Deluxe cabins are 100% of the twin rate.
On the Mahabaahu Suite cabins are 100% of the twin rate.
Payment & Cancellation
Inclusions/Exclusions
Inclusions
- Accommodation for 7 nights on a twin sharing basis.
- All Meals
- All transport services as per the itinerary by Air-conditioned vehiclell entrances, performances, activities excursions as per the itinerary.
- Services of English speaking local guide
- All entrances, performances, activities excursions as per the itinerary.
- One way Airport transfer from Cochin airport to Nettoor (in case of North to South) OR from Nettoor to Cochin airport (in case of South to North).
Exclusions
- Expense of personal nature like laundry, telephone/fax calls, internet, alcoholic beverages (unless specified), camera/video camera fee at monuments/National Park, medical expenses, Salon/massages etc.
- Any Insurance. We highly recommend that you get your travel and health insurance done prior to your trip.
- Any Tipping
- Visa Fees
- Any Insurance. We highly recommend that you get your travel and health insurance done prior to your trip.
- International & domestic Air fares.
- Expenses caused by factors beyond our control like rail and air plane delays, roadblocks, vehicle malfunctions, political disturbances, taxes, lost luggage, etc.
- Any other services not mentioned in the inclusion
- 5% GST
- SPECIAL NOTES: Hotel Check-In 1400 hours, Check-out time 1200 NOON. Prices are subject to change with any change in the cost. Rates include only those items specified in your itinerary. In case of any currency fluctuations or amendment in local Government taxes, or any fuel hike, we will advise you the supplement price
- Departure
- Alleppey
- Departure Time
- 14:00
- Cruise Highlights
- Traditional MV Vaikundam: A small, nine-cabin teak and jackwood vessel with a restaurant, bar-lounge, open sundeck and Ayurvedic massage room. The intimate size allows it to navigate narrower waterways than larger river ships.
- Kalaripayattu demonstration: Visit a traditional training centre to see Kerala’s ancient martial art, often described as one of India’s oldest martial-arts traditions.
- Visit the temple town of Vaikom, including its important Shiva temple, and experience Kathakali at a local dance school or cultural centre.
- Birdwatching and canoeing: Take an early-morning excursion to a bird sanctuary, followed by a canoe trip through exceptionally narrow canals running between rural homes, paddy fields and coconut groves
- Ship Features
-
- Air-conditioning
- Massage Room
- Restaurant
- Sun Deck
- Television
This cruise is available on request. Please contact us for availability and pricing.