5 Day Kerala Private houseboat incl. Resort, Hotel, Cab Tourved

Travelers looking to explore Kerala’s stunning natural beauty and cultural riches often find themselves overwhelmed by options. This 5-day private tour, offered by TourVed, promises an immersive experience combining scenic drives, cultural landmarks, wildlife encounters, and a memorable houseboat cruise — all in a comfortable, personalized package. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, the detailed itinerary, glowing reviews, and inclusive nature suggest it’s a thoughtfully curated journey worth considering.

What we love about this tour? First, the balance of natural and cultural highlights— from waterfalls to temples, wildlife sanctuaries to colonial architecture. Second, the convenience of private transport and guided visits simplifies the logistics and enriches the experience. Third, the all-inclusive houseboat stay offers a unique way to unwind on Kerala’s famous backwaters. That said, one point to consider is the possibility of long travel days, especially given the packed itinerary. This tour seems best suited for travelers eager to see Kerala’s highlights with a flexible, guided approach—especially if you’re after comfort, convenience, and authentic sights.

Key Points

• All-inclusive package with accommodation, meals, and entry tickets simplifies planning.
• Comfortable private transport with a knowledgeable guide enhances the experience.
• Diverse itinerary covering wildlife, waterfalls, tea plantations, and backwaters.
• Houseboat cruise offers a unique, relaxing overnight stay in Kerala’s famous waterways.
• Flexibility and customization available, including vegetarian options.
• Ideal for travelers seeking a comprehensive, guided introduction to Kerala’s top sights.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

This 5-day Kerala tour offers a well-rounded glimpse of what makes this southern Indian state so special. It balances active sightseeing with moments of relaxation, providing a good mix for a range of travelers—from nature lovers to culture buffs.

Day 1 & 2: Historical and Natural Wonders

The journey begins with visits to some of Kerala’s most revered spiritual sites, including the Birthplace of Sri Adi Shankara and the Adi Shankara Temple. These spots are not just religious landmarks but also peaceful places where you can pause and soak in local spirituality and history. Many reviewers appreciated the inclusion of these less-frequented sites, which offer a more authentic and tranquil experience away from tourist crowds.

Next, the tour moves into Kerala’s lush landscape with stops at Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls. These are notable for their striking seven-step cascades and natural beauty, perfect for photo ops and cooling off amid verdant surroundings. These waterfalls are free to visit, giving you a taste of Kerala’s raw, untamed beauty without additional costs.

The Chengulam Dam near Munnar marks a transition into hill country. Here, you get panoramic views of the mountains and the option to join a jeep safari (cost not included), which many guests find adds an adventurous touch. The drive into the hill station is complemented by visits to tea gardens and the Tea Museum, where you can learn about Kerala’s tea industry and enjoy scenic walks through plantations.

Day 3 & 4: Wildlife Encounters and Scenic Views

A significant highlight is the visit to Rajamalai (Eravikulam) National Park, home to the famous Kerala goats (Nilgiri Tahr). This park is praised for its well-maintained trails and breathtaking mountain vistas, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers. Reviewers mention friendly guides and stunning views, emphasizing how much they appreciated the authentic wildlife experience.

The tour also includes visits to Mattupetty Dam, Kundala Dam Lake, and Photo Point—each offering panoramic views and photo-perfect scenery. These stops are brief but impactful, with many travelers noting that the landscapes are simply unforgettable.

A major draw is the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve, where the chance to spot elephants, tigers, and rare macaques makes the wildlife component particularly exciting. Guests often comment on the knowledgeable guides, like Sojimon, who helped enhance their understanding and enjoyment of Kerala’s fauna.

Day 5: Backwaters and Houseboat Stay

The highlight for many is the full-day houseboat cruise through the Alleppey backwaters. This experience is a true Kerala icon—a floating hotel drifting through tranquil, palm-lined waterways. The included meals—lunch, dinner, and breakfast—are appreciated for their quality and authentic flavors, according to reviews. Guests often mention the peaceful, scenic atmosphere and the chance to see rural life from a unique vantage point.

The overnight stay in the houseboat offers time to relax and reflect on the journey, with many reviewers describing it as a highlight of their trip. Afterward, a visit to Marari Beach and Cochin’s top sights, like the Chinese fishing nets, Fort Kochi area, and the Dutch Palace, round out the experience with a blend of culture, history, and leisure.

Practical Aspects

The tour’s price of $598 per person seems reasonable considering the inclusions—private transport, all accommodation, meals, and site entry fees. The detailed itinerary ensures you won’t be scrambling for tickets or public transport, making it ideal for travelers who prefer a guided, hassle-free approach.

The private transportation with air conditioning, the experienced guides, and the tailored itinerary help create a smooth flow, minimizing fatigue and maximizing sightseeing. The flexible dining options, including vegetarian choices, cater to dietary needs.

However, the packed schedule may lead to some long days, especially when covering multiple sites in a single day. Also, some travelers might find the inclusion of optional activities like jeep safaris to be a spontaneous expense, as they are booked on the spot.

What Reviewers Say

Reviewers consistently highlight the knowledgeable guides and the stunning scenery as best parts of the trip. One reviewer mentions the guide Sojimon, noting his friendly and caring attitude, which added value to the wildlife and cultural visits. Others appreciated the seamless organization, with mentions of well-coordinated pickups, comfortable cabs, and excellent accommodation.

A few reviews mention less positive experiences, mostly relating to hotel check-ins or the length of travel days, but these seem to be isolated cases. The impression is a well-organized, enjoyable holiday with memorable sights.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is perfect for first-time visitors to Kerala who want a rundown without the hassle of booking each component separately. It suits those who value comfort and convenience—from private transport to all meals included—and are eager to see both natural wonders and cultural landmarks. Adventure seekers will appreciate the wildlife safaris and waterfalls, while relaxation lovers will enjoy the houseboat stay and beach visits.

Travelers with an interest in local history, wildlife, and scenic landscapes will find this itinerary rich and varied. It’s also a good pick for couples and families, given the private, flexible nature of the tour.

Final Thoughts

This 5-day Kerala adventure offers a well-balanced mix of sights, sounds, and experiences. The inclusion of a private houseboat stay is a definite highlight, offering a restful night in Kerala’s iconic backwaters. The guided visits and private transport reduce stress and allow for a deeper understanding of each site.

While the schedule is packed, the variety of attractions—from waterfalls and tea gardens to wildlife sanctuaries and historic sites—ensures there’s something for all. The reviews emphasize the quality guides and breathtaking scenery, making this tour stand out as a reliable, value-packed option for those wanting a broad, authentic taste of Kerala.

If you’re after a comfortable, organized way to explore Kerala’s highlights with a mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation, this tour could be your ideal match. Just prepare for some busy days and plenty of unforgettable vistas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, simplifying your start and end points.

Are meals included?
Yes, the package covers all meals on the houseboat (lunch, dinner, breakfast) and some local meals during sightseeing. Vegetarian options are available on request.

What sites are included in the itinerary?
The tour covers spiritual sites, waterfalls, dam views, tea plantations, wildlife sanctuaries, and the famous backwaters with a houseboat stay.

Is the houseboat cruise overnight?
Yes, guests stay overnight on the houseboat, enjoying scenic views and the tranquil atmosphere of Kerala’s backwaters.

Are entrance fees included?
Most admissions are included, but some optional activities, like jeep safaris, are booked separately and may incur additional charges.

How is transportation arranged?
Private, air-conditioned vehicles with a dedicated driver guide you between sites, ensuring comfort and flexibility.

Can I customize the experience?
Since it’s a private tour, there’s some flexibility—especially regarding dietary preferences and possibly activity options.

What do reviews say about the guides?
Guests frequently highlight guides like Sojimon for their friendliness, knowledge, and caring attitude, greatly enhancing the trip.

Is there free cancellation?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, offering peace of mind.

With its blend of scenic beauty, cultural richness, and comfortable logistics, this Kerala tour offers an authentic and memorable exploration suited for most travelers eager to experience the best of God’s Own Country.