Journeying through Kerala’s enchanting backwaters on this three-night, four-day excursion is a wonderful way to not only experience local life, but also to witness some of the state’s most captivating points of interest in just a few days.

During the Kerala Backwaters tour, you’ll start by hopping aboard a plane and landing in Cochin, which is where a SITA representative will meet you at the airport. You’ll then head off to enjoy a tasty breakfast at the Courtyard by Marriott, before starting an exciting tour of Cochin. Your local guide will take you sightseeing, where you’ll visit the oldest Jewish synagogue, the famous Chinese fishing nets, St Francis Church (the oldest European church in India) and the Dutch Palace at Mattancherry. After your tour of Cochin, you’ll hop aboard an air-conditioned vehicle and be driven to Kumarakom (approx. 1.5 hours), where you’ll check into your hotel for the night.

Your second morning will be spent exploring Philipkutty’s Farm, which is located on a small island in the backwaters by Vembanad Lake, the largest lake in Kerala. With coconut, nutmeg, cocoa, bananas, peppers and many other fruits and vegetables growing on the farm, you’ll be pleased to know you’ll also enjoy lunch here, before heading back to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure.

Your final full day will give you the opportunity to really get to know Kerala’s intricate network of backwaters. You’ll be transferred to the boat jetty, to then board your traditional rice boat for a day cruise. The comfortable houseboats have proper rooms and attached toilets but were originally used as ferries to transport rice. You’ll enjoy lunch on board and will be able to soak up all the sights and sounds of the palm-lined waterways. Look out for the plethora of wildlife, including frogs and crabs, kingfishers, darters, cormorants, otters, turtles and more. After your cruise around Kerala’s backwaters, you’ll head back to your resort to enjoy the rest of your evening at leisure.