Private 2 Day Tour to Kerala from Mumbai with Flight : Houseboat & Cochin Tour

A Practical Look at the Private 2 Day Tour to Kerala from Mumbai with Flight: Houseboat & Cochin Tour

This private two-day Kerala experience offers a quick but immersive escape from Mumbai, combining a scenic flight, an overnight houseboat stay, and guided sightseeing in Cochin. It’s tailored for travelers craving a taste of Kerala’s famed backwaters, cultural sites, and vibrant history—all packed into a short trip. What makes this tour stand out? The fact that it’s private, flexible, and designed to maximize your time without sacrificing authentic experiences.

One of the best features here is the combination of flying from Mumbai to Cochin, which saves hours compared to train or road travel and keeps the journey efficient and comfortable. Plus, an overnight stay on a houseboat isn’t just a novelty—it’s a chance to experience Kerala’s serene waters in a cozy, personalized setting. The guided tour of Fort Cochin and Mattancherry adds depth with insights into local history and culture, making this a well-rounded mini-adventure.

However, a possible consideration is that this tour is quite packed. The itinerary covers a lot in just two days, and some travelers might find the pace a little rushed, especially if you’re looking for a more relaxed, in-depth exploration. Also, the focus on sightseeing means less time for spontaneous discovery or slow, leisurely moments.

This experience works best for those flying into Mumbai who want to see Kerala’s highlights without the hassle of planning each detail. It’s ideal for busy travelers, honeymooners, or anyone short on time but eager for a meaningful, authentic taste of Kerala’s backwaters and cultural gems.

Key Points

• Efficient itinerary: Combines a flight, houseboat stay, and sightseeing in just two days, offering great value for a quick trip.
• Authentic experience: Overnight on a houseboat provides a genuine Kerala backwaters feel, with all meals included.
• Guided sightseeing: Expert local guide enhances Fort Cochin exploration with historical insights.
• All logistics handled: Includes round-trip flights, private transportation, and airport transfers, making logistics seamless.
• Limited free time: The busy schedule may feel rushed for those who prefer slow-paced travel.
• Suitable for time-starved travelers: Perfect for those flying into Mumbai wanting a taste of Kerala without extra planning.

The Full Breakdown of Your 2-Day Kerala Tour

Day 1: From Mumbai to Kerala’s Backwaters

The tour kicks off early with a flight from Mumbai to Cochin—an element that really streamlines your travel, saving hours versus land or train options. The flight is included in your package, so there’s no need to worry about extra tickets or logistics. Once you land in Cochin, a friendly driver picks you up and whisks you away to Aleppey, known for its tranquil backwaters. The drive takes around 2 hours and 45 minutes, giving you a scenic introduction to Kerala’s lush landscape.

En route, a breakfast stop is included—an appreciated touch that breaks up the journey and fuels you for the day ahead. Once in Aleppey by noon, you check into your houseboat, a cozy vessel that will serve as your floating hotel. The houseboats vary in category—Deluxe, Premium, and Luxury—each with different interiors, but all promise a memorable stay.

The highlight? Your motorboat transfer to the houseboat, cruising through the tranquil backwaters and villages. This is where you really start to feel the magic of Kerala. The houseboat includes all meals—lunch, dinner, and breakfast—so your dining is simple yet authentic, often featuring local flavors and fresh ingredients. Guests have noted the meals are thoughtfully prepared, and some mention that the boat staff is friendly and accommodating.

Staying overnight on a houseboat offers a peaceful retreat, with views of lush greenery, traditional villages, and waterbirds. The boat becomes your cozy, private haven, and many reviews highlight how special it is to wake up tethered in this quiet waterworld.

Day 2: Exploring Cochin’s Highlights

The next morning, you check out early from the houseboat, with a breakfast en route. Your transfer then takes you to Fort Kochi, a historic quarter filled with colonial architecture, narrow streets, and vibrant markets. The guided sightseeing lasts about 1 hour 45 minutes, covering key sites like the Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church, Chinese fishing nets, and the Jewish Town.

What makes this part of the tour appealing is the rich blend of history, architecture, and local color. Reviewers mentioned the local guide’s knowledge as a real plus, with some noting that the guide was able to share anecdotes that brought the sites to life.

Afterward, the tour continues with a visit to Mattancherry, another historic neighborhood famous for its spice markets, Dutch Palace, and ethnic shops. This adds a layer of cultural depth and provides excellent photo opportunities. The guided local sightseeing here is around 2 hours, and admission tickets are included, ensuring a smooth experience.

Finally, you’re transferred to Cochin Airport for your flight back to Mumbai, completing a tightly packed but rewarding itinerary.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The package offers excellent value, especially considering the all-inclusive flights, private vehicle transfers, houseboat stay, and guided sightseeing. The overnight accommodation on the houseboat is a standout feature, allowing you to experience Kerala’s famous backwaters intimately.

Meals on the houseboat are included—lunch, dinner, and breakfast—giving you a taste of local cuisine without additional expense. The local guide on Day 2 enhances your understanding of Fort Kochi’s historical sites, while the private transport ensures you avoid the hassles of navigation.

Not included are beverages, drinks, and lunch/dinner on Day 2, so you can choose to indulge or keep it simple. Gratuities are suggested but optional, and soft drinks need to be purchased separately.

Practical tips from reviews highlight that the houseboat check-in time is 12:00, and check-out is at 9:00 am. Also, soft drinks and beverages are to be bought before boarding, so plan accordingly.

Houseboat categories and amenities:

• Deluxe, Premium, and Luxury options vary mainly in interior furnishings.
• Air conditioning is available on request, especially in Premium boats.
• The boats are limited to certain hours of operation due to government restrictions, usually from 5:30 pm to 8:00 am.

Transportation:

You’ll travel comfortably in a private vehicle, like a Toyota Etios or Maruthi Dzire, and the entire experience is private, meaning only your group participates.

Insights from Reviews

While the tour is relatively new, one reviewer pointed out how the meals onboard were “thoughtfully prepared,” and the experience of cruising through Kerala’s backwaters was described as “peaceful and beautiful.” The hotel staff on the houseboat was friendly, and the sights in Fort Kochi provided a perfect cultural contrast to the water-based part of the tour.

Some mentioned that the pace can feel a little rushed, especially with the tight schedule on Day 2, but most agreed the experience was worth it for the unique combination of water and cultural exploration.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This 2-day Kerala tour is an excellent choice if you’re in Mumbai and craving a quick escape that combines natural beauty with cultural highlights. It’s especially suited for busy travelers, honeymooners, or first-time visitors who want to see Kerala’s backwaters and historic sites without the hassle of extensive planning. The private nature of the tour means flexibility, and the included flight and transfers make it a simple, stress-free package.

However, if you prefer slow travel or want more time exploring each site in depth, this itinerary might feel a little rapid. It’s a great snapshot—a taste of Kerala’s waterworld and cultural richness packed into a memorable weekend.

FAQ

Is the flight from Mumbai to Cochin included in the tour price?
Yes, the round-trip flights are included, with economy class tickets provided. This is a major convenience and helps save travel time.

What type of houseboat category might I stay on?
You can choose from different categories—Deluxe, Premium, or Luxury—each with varying interior furnishings. All include meals and an overnight stay, but premium options may offer additional comfort or air conditioning.

Are meals on the houseboat included?
Yes, all meals—lunch, dinner, and breakfast—are included onboard, giving you a chance to enjoy local cuisine in a serene setting.

What sightseeing is included in Cochin?
Guided visits cover key attractions like Santa Cruz Basilica, St Francis Church, Chinese nets, and the Jewish Town, offering a well-rounded cultural experience.

How much time do I spend on transfers?
The drive from Cochin Airport to Aleppey is approximately 2 hours 45 minutes. The sightseeing tours in Cochin and Mattancherry are about 1.5 to 2 hours each.

Can I customize the experience?
Since it’s a private tour, there is potential for some flexibility, especially with timing or focus areas, but major components are predefined in the itinerary.

This tour offers a practical, well-organized way to experience Kerala’s waterway serenity and historic charm, perfect for those wanting a snapshot of Kerala with all logistics handled. It’s a smart choice for travelers who prize efficiency without missing out on the essence of Kerala’s unique culture and landscapes.