Backwater to Desert Trail (Kerala to Rajasthan) – 14 Days
India’s diversity is unmatched, and few journeys capture its richness as profoundly as the “Backwater to Desert Trail (Kerala to Rajasthan) – 14 Days.” This extraordinary cross-country itinerary takes travellers from the lush tropical landscapes of Kerala’s backwaters to the golden sands and royal heritage of Rajasthan’s desert kingdoms. The shift in culture, cuisine, architecture, geography, and lifestyle across these regions is dramatic and fascinating, making this an ideal tour for those seeking an immersive and multi-dimensional Indian experience.
In this in-depth guide, you will find a complete 14-day itinerary, important sightseeing stops, major travel distances, how to reach each location, staying options (without hotel contact numbers), and the best time to undertake this transformational journey. The content is crafted formally and descriptively, suitable for premium travel websites, WordPress blogs, and SEO-focused travel promotions.
Overview of the Backwater to Desert Trail
This trail covers two of India’s most contrasting yet equally beautiful regions:
- Kerala: Known for serene backwaters, palm-fringed canals, tea gardens, Ayurveda heritage, houseboats, and peaceful beaches.
- Rajasthan: The land of kings, showcasing towering forts, opulent palaces, desert dunes, vibrant bazaars, and colourful cultural traditions.
From the quiet rhythm of houseboats on Vembanad Lake to the royal thrum of camel caravans in Jaisalmer, this journey presents India’s cultural tapestry in its purest form. The 14-day itinerary ensures an ideal pace, allowing travellers to enjoy nature, heritage, wildlife, festivals, and cuisine at every stop.
The contrast between Kerala’s lush greenery and Rajasthan’s arid beauty makes this one of India’s most picturesque and unique travel experiences.
14-Day Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kochi – Queen of the Arabian Sea
Arrive in Kochi, Kerala’s cultural and commercial hub. Kochi beautifully interweaves Portuguese, Dutch, Arab, Jewish, and British influences within its port-city ambience.
- Fort Kochi
- Chinese Fishing Nets
- Mattancherry Palace
- Jew Town & Antique Streets
Evening free for a Kathakali dance performance or a harbour-side dinner.
Day 2: Kochi to Munnar – The Green Tea Highlands
Distance: 130 km
Travel Time: 4 hours
Travel to Munnar, one of India’s most peaceful hill stations. The journey passes waterfalls, mist-laden valleys, cardamom plantations, and endless stretches of tea gardens.
- Tea Museum
- Photo Point
- Echo Point
- Kundala Lake
Overnight stay in Munnar.
Day 3: Munnar Sightseeing – Nature’s Retreat
Continue exploring Munnar’s iconic viewpoints and plantations.
- Eravikulam National Park
- Pothamedu Viewpoint
- Lakkam Waterfalls
Evening leisure time for tea shopping or Ayurvedic treatments.
Day 4: Munnar to Thekkady – Spice & Wildlife
Distance: 90 km
Travel Time: 3 hours
Drive to Thekkady, home to the famed Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The region is known for cardamom estates, forest safaris, and Kerala spice traditions.
- Periyar Lake Boat Safari
- Spice Plantation Walk
- Kalaripayattu Martial Arts Show
Day 5: Thekkady to Alleppey – The Backwater Experience
Distance: 140 km
Travel Time: 4 hours
Arrive in Alleppey (Alappuzha), the heart of Kerala’s backwaters. Board a private houseboat for a full-day cruise through canals, paddy fields, fishing villages, and coconut groves.
- Houseboat Stay
- Traditional Kerala Meals
- Sunset on Vembanad Lake
Night stay on the houseboat amidst tranquil waters.
Day 6: Alleppey to Jaipur (Flight via Kochi)
Disembark from the houseboat and drive back to Kochi Airport for a flight to Jaipur, Rajasthan’s Pink City.
Kochi to Jaipur Flight Duration: approx. 3.5 hours
Evening free to explore local markets or enjoy a traditional Rajasthani dinner.
Day 7: Jaipur – Royal Heritage Tour
Jaipur is known for its grand palaces, hill forts, and vibrant bazaars.
- Amber Fort
- City Palace
- Hawa Mahal
- Jantar Mantar
Evening: Visit Chokhi Dhani or explore Johari Bazaar.
Day 8: Jaipur to Jodhpur – The Blue City
Distance: 340 km
Travel Time: 6 hours
Travel through rural Rajasthan landscapes to reach Jodhpur, home of the majestic Mehrangarh Fort and iconic blue-painted houses.
Day 9: Jodhpur Sightseeing – Rajput Grandeur
Discover Jodhpur’s royal architecture:
- Mehrangarh Fort
- Jaswant Thada
- Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum
Evening optional desert tour or shopping in Clock Tower market.
Day 10: Jodhpur to Jaisalmer – Into the Desert
Distance: 280 km
Travel Time: 5 hours
Head toward Jaisalmer, the Golden City rising out of the Thar Desert. The golden-sandstone architecture appears ethereal under the desert sun.
Day 11: Jaisalmer Fort & Desert Havelis
Full-day exploration of Jaisalmer’s heritage:
- Jaisalmer Fort
- Patwon-ki-Haveli
- Salim Singh-ki-Haveli
- Gadisar Lake
Evening: Camel ride on Sam Sand Dunes followed by cultural performances.
Day 12: Jaisalmer to Bikaner – Royal Desert Kingdom
Distance: 330 km
Travel Time: 6 hours
- Junagarh Fort
- Lalgarh Palace Museum
- Bhandasar Jain Temple
Day 13: Bikaner to Delhi (Flight/Train)
Depart from Bikaner for Delhi, completing the Rajasthan leg of the journey.
Distance: approx. 440 km (if by road)
Day 14: Departure from Delhi
Your 14-day journey ends with unforgettable memories—from Kerala’s emerald waterways to Rajasthan’s golden desert horizons. Transfer to the airport or station for onward travel.
Important Points to See on the Trail
Kerala Highlights
- Chinese Fishing Nets (Kochi)
- Tea Gardens of Munnar
- Eravikulam National Park
- Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Alleppey Backwaters
Rajasthan Highlights
- Amber Fort (Jaipur)
- City Palace Jaipur
- Mehrangarh Fort (Jodhpur)
- Jaisalmer Golden Fort
- Sam Sand Dunes
- Junagarh Fort (Bikaner)
Major Distances Across the Journey
| Route | Distance | Approx Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Kochi → Munnar | 130 km | 4 hours |
| Munnar → Thekkady | 90 km | 3 hours |
| Thekkady → Alleppey | 140 km | 4 hours |
| Jaipur → Jodhpur | 340 km | 6 hours |
| Jodhpur → Jaisalmer | 280 km | 5 hours |
| Jaisalmer → Bikaner | 330 km | 6 hours |
How to Reach the Starting Point
Reaching Kochi
By Air: Cochin International Airport (COK) has global connectivity.
By Rail: Ernakulam Junction & Ernakulam Town are major stations.
By Road: NH-66 and other highways connect Kochi to Kerala’s major cities.
Staying Options (Properties)
Kochi
Heritage waterfront hotels, boutique homestays, modern business hotels, and art district retreats.
Munnar
Tea estate resorts, hillside retreats, mountain-view cottages, and premium eco-resorts.
Thekkady
Forest lodges, Ayurvedic resorts, spice plantation homestays, and boutique villas.
Alleppey
Luxury houseboats, lake-view resorts, and peaceful backwater homestays.
Jaipur
Royal palace hotels, havelis, heritage stays, luxury resorts, and upscale city hotels.
Jodhpur
Fort-view hotels, palace heritage stays, boutique blue-city inns, and desert-edge resorts.
Jaisalmer
Havelis, golden fort-view hotels, desert camps, and opulent heritage stays.
Bikaner
Heritage palaces, boutique havelis, and comfortable urban hotels.
Best Time to Undertake the Backwater to Desert Trail
The ideal months for this 14-day journey are October to March. These months offer:
- Pleasant climate in both Kerala and Rajasthan
- Perfect weather for houseboat stays and desert safaris
- Clear skies for photography
- Cultural festivals like Navratri, Diwali, and Christmas
Conclusion
The “Backwater to Desert Trail (Kerala to Rajasthan) – 14 Days” is one of India’s most remarkable cross-cultural and cross-geographical experiences. From Kerala’s emerald waterways, misty tea estates, spice-scented hills, and wildlife sanctuaries to Rajasthan’s golden deserts, towering palaces, and vibrant culture—this journey reveals the soul of India in its fullest form.
Perfect for photographers, honeymooners, nature lovers, heritage travellers, and luxury explorers, this tour captures India’s essence in a way that is both deeply enriching and visually magnificent. Each day offers new landscapes, flavours, traditions, and unforgettable memories.
This itinerary stands as a celebration of India’s extraordinary contrasts—lush backwaters to majestic deserts—woven together in a seamless, magical travel experience.