6-Day Kerala Itinerary: Poovar, Alleppey & Kochi - Option 1

Popularly known as the Queen of Arabian Sea, the city also flaunts one of the finest natural harbours of the world and was the centre of the world spice trade for many centuries. Old Kochi (presently called West Kochi), loosely refers to a group of islands which comprise Willingdon Island, Fort Kochi, Mattancherry. Fort Kochi, the western part of the Kochi city of Ernakulam district in Kerala. It is about 12 km away from Ernakulam Town. Fort Kochi has played an important role in the history of Kerala. Fort Kochi also has several attractions like the Santa Cruz Basilica 

Day 1: Arrival in Trivandrum – Transfer to Poovar

• Arrive at Trivandrum International Airport and meet your driver.
• Transfer to Poovar (approx. 1.5 hours).
• Suggested hotel:
• Estuary Sarovar Portico, Poovar (or) Poovar Island Resort.
• Check-in and relax by the backwaters and beach.
• Evening at leisure to enjoy resort facilities and sunset views.

Day 2: Poovar – Backwaters & Beach Leisure

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Optional guided boat cruise through Poovar backwaters and mangroves (extra cost).
• Relax on the golden sand beach or enjoy spa/ayurveda treatments at the resort.
• Overnight at your Poovar hotel.

Day 3: Poovar – Excursion to Kovalam & Trivandrum

• After breakfast, day trip to Kovalam Beach (approx. 45–60 minutes).
• Visit Lighthouse Beach and Hawa Beach; free time for swimming and cafes.
• Optional sightseeing in Trivandrum: Padmanabhaswamy Temple (dress code applies), Napier Museum, local markets.
• Return to Poovar by evening and overnight at the hotel.

Day 4: Poovar to Alleppey (Alappuzha) – Backwater Stay

• Breakfast and check-out from Poovar.
• Drive to Alleppey (approx. 4.5–5.5 hours, depending on traffic).
• Option 1 – Houseboat Stay:
• Check in to a private deluxe houseboat around 12:30–1:00 PM.
• Suggested operator: Lakes & Lagoons Houseboats or Rainbow Cruises.
• Enjoy cruising through narrow canals, paddy fields, and village life.
• All meals served on board; boat anchors by evening.
• Option 2 – Resort Stay:
• Suggested hotel: Lemon Tree Vembanad Lake Resort or Lake Palace Resort, Alleppey.
• Evening at leisure by the lake/backwaters.

Day 5: Alleppey – Backwaters & Local Exploration

• Breakfast on the houseboat or at the resort.
• If on houseboat, disembark by 9:00 AM and transfer to a backwater resort for the night (optional).
• Free time for village walk, canoe ride, or ayurvedic massage.
• Visit Alleppey Beach and local market in the evening.
• Suggested hotel (if not on houseboat):
• Lemon Tree Vembanad Lake Resort / Lake Palace Resort.

Day 6: Alleppey to Kochi – Departure

• Breakfast and check-out from Alleppey.
• Drive to Kochi (approx. 1.5–2 hours).
• If time permits, short sightseeing in Fort Kochi: Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica, and Jew Town.
• Transfer to Cochin International Airport or railway station for departure.

• Poovar (3 nights): Estuary Sarovar Portico / Poovar Island Resort
• Alleppey (2 nights): 1 night deluxe houseboat (Lakes & Lagoons / Rainbow Cruises) + 1 night at Lemon Tree Vembanad Lake Resort or Lake Palace Resort or 2 nights at a backwater resort if you prefer not to stay on a houseboat.
• Kochi: Same-day departure; if you need a hotel for a late flight, consider Trident Cochin or Holiday Inn Cochin for a comfortable short stay.