Christmas in Goa, New Year on the Backwaters10N/11D
Christmas in Goa, New Year on the Backwaters
Start & City : Goa
best deal price
₹
Without GST ₹2,50,740
per person on twin sharing
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Updated On: Nov 14, 2026
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Highlights
Go to the Christmas Eve service at an Old Goa church, and see the churches lit for the season.
Stay on a quiet South Goa beach, away from the crowded party strips.
Walk between the beaches of Gokarna, with sea cliffs and small cafes.
See the old fort and beach at Kannur, in north Malabar.
Walk the lanes of Fort Kochi, and see the Christmas stars and the fishing nets.
Spend New Year's Eve on a private houseboat with a chef, on the Alleppey backwaters.
Essence of Journey
The experiences that capture the true spirit of the entire trip.
| Day | Route | Distance | Major Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1(22 Dec) | Arrive Goa (GOI), to Benaulim | ~30 km, 1 hr | Beach sunset |
| Day 2(23 Dec) | Goa | Local | Old Goa, Fontainhas |
| Day 3(24 Dec) | Goa | Local | Spice farm, Christmas Eve service and dinner |
| Day 4(25 Dec) | Goa to Gokarna | ~140 km, 3.5 hrs | Christmas morning, coast drive |
| Day 5(26 Dec) | Gokarna | Local | Beach walk, Om and Kudle |
| Day 6(27 Dec) | Gokarna to Kannur | ~350 km, 7 hrs | Long coast drive |
| Day 7(28 Dec) | Kannur to Fort Kochi | ~270 km, 6.5 hrs | Fort, then the drive south |
| Day 8(29 Dec) | Fort Kochi | Local | Nets, Mattancherry, Kathakali |
| Day 9(30 Dec) | Fort Kochi to Alleppey | ~60 km, 1.5 to 2 hrs | Lake resort |
| Day 10(31 Dec) | Alleppey | Local | Houseboat, New Year's Eve |
| Day 11(1 Jan) | Alleppey to Kochi (COK) | ~85 km, 2.5 hrs | Drive and departure |
About
This is a private 11-day (10-night) Christmas and New Year tour of South India for travellers, running from 22 December to 1 January. You spend Christmas in Goa, with candlelit churches, a Christmas Eve service and a festive dinner, then follow the coast south through the quiet beaches of Gokarna and historic Kannur to Fort Kochi, and welcome the New Year on a private houseboat in the Kerala backwaters. There are no flights, festive dinners are included, and the trip costs from about INR 250,740 per person (twin sharing) at festive-season rates.
December is a magical time on India's west coast. In Goa, churches glow with lights, paper stars hang from every doorway and families gather for midnight mass. Further south, Fort Kochi fills with nativity scenes and the colour of the Cochin Carnival, while the Kerala backwaters stay calm and green.
This festive journey links three very different coasts. Christmas is spent on a long, quiet beach in South Goa, away from the crowded party strips. Then come the cliff-backed beaches of Gokarna, the old Portuguese fort at Kannur and the heritage lanes of Fort Kochi. On New Year's Eve, you drift through the backwaters on your own houseboat, with dinner cooked on board and village fireworks across the water.
It is the busiest week of the year, and we are honest about it. Hotels and houseboats sell out, roads are busy and the big Goa parties are loud and ticketed. That is why we book early, place you in quieter spots and tell you plainly what is crowded and what is not.
Three Coasts, Three Festive Moods
| Stop (dates) | State | The festive feel | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
|
South Goa (22–25 Dec) |
Goa |
Candlelit churches, carols and Goan Christmas traditions |
Old Goa's UNESCO churches, Fontainhas stars, spice farm, Christmas Eve service |
|
Gokarna (25–27 Dec) |
Karnataka |
Quiet, natural and relaxed |
Om and Kudle beaches, cliff walks, the old pilgrim town |
|
Kannur (27–28 Dec) |
Kerala |
A peaceful break in north Malabar |
St Angelo Fort (1505), Payyambalam beach, Theyyam season |
|
Fort Kochi (28–30 Dec) |
Kerala |
Lively, with carnival lights and nativity scenes |
Chinese fishing nets, St Francis Church, Mattancherry, Kathakali |
|
Alleppey (30 Dec–1 Jan) |
Kerala |
Calm and romantic on the water |
Lake resort, canoe ride, New Year's Eve on a private houseboat |
Christmas in Goa, New Year on the Backwaters - Three Coasts, Three Festive Moods
Who This Festive Tour Is For
Couples and families who want a meaningful, relaxed Christmas rather than a party week
Travellers escaping winter for warm, sunny beaches over the holidays
Culture lovers curious about Goan Christmas traditions and Kerala's festive spirit
Repeat visitors who want to see the coast from Goa to Kerala in one trip
It is not the right trip if you want New Year's Eve at a big Goa beach party. We can arrange a custom plan with New Year in Goa instead, or try to book one event on request, but we cannot promise party tickets.
ACCOMMODATION CATEGORIES
The six stays are the same in every tier. What changes is the room. Each tier maps to a room category at each stay, subject to availability on your dates. Festive-season rates apply.
| Stay | Nights | Premium | Luxury | Ultra-Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Taj Exotica, Benaulim, Goa |
3 |
Luxury room |
Premium room |
Best available villa |
|
SwaSwara, Om Beach, Gokarna |
2 |
Cottage |
Premium cottage |
Best available villa |
|
Best available hotel, Kannur |
1 |
Standard room |
Deluxe room |
Best available room |
|
Brunton Boatyard, Fort Kochi |
2 |
Heritage room |
Harbour-view room |
Best available suite |
|
Punnamada Resort, Alleppey |
1 |
Garden room |
Lake-view room |
Best available suite |
|
Private AC houseboat, Alleppey |
1 |
One-bedroom boat |
Premium boat |
Best available boat |
Christmas in Goa, New Year on the Backwaters Accommodation Categories
Note: Hotel at Kannur is simple, and we say so plainly. Many hotels require a gala dinner on 24 and 31 December, and the cost is included. Room names are confirmed with each stay when dates are fixed.
WHY BOOK THIS WITH BIZAREXPEDITION
An 11-day private festive journey across three states, planned and run by BizareXpedition from arrival at Goa to departure from Kochi.
Booked early for the peak. Rooms and houseboats sell out for Christmas and New Year, and we hold them for you.
Quiet by design. We place you on quiet beaches and on the water, and offer one lively evening if you want it.
Honest about Goa's New Year. The big parties are loud and crowded, tickets sell out, and we do not promise entry. We tell you what we can book.
No flights. The whole route is by road, split into daylight drives with a bridge night in Kannur.
Private, always. Your own vehicle, driver and guides. No group coaches.
A registered company. BizareXpedition Services Pvt. Ltd. (CIN U63090UR2016PTC007433), headquartered in Haridwar, books the hotels and runs the ground arrangements directly.
How Much Does a Christmas and New Year Tour of South India Cost?
This 11-day festive tour costs about INR 501,480 to 541,598 per couple in the Premium tier, which is about INR 250,740 to 270,799 per person on a twin-sharing basis, at festive-season rates. The price includes all 10 nights with breakfast, the private houseboat with meals on board, the holiday gala dinners, a private vehicle and driver for 11 days, local guides, entries, a Kathakali performance and GST.
| Tier | Per Couple (approx.) | Per Person, twin sharing (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
|
Premium |
Rs.501,480 – Rs.541,598 |
Rs.250,740 – Rs.270,799 |
|
Luxury |
Rs.613,620 – Rs.662,710 |
Rs.306,810 – Rs.331,355 |
|
Ultra-Luxury |
Rs.874,440 – Rs.944,395 |
Rs.437,220 – Rs.472,198 |
Christmas in Goa, New Year on the Backwaters 3-Tier Pricing Summary
Indicative pricing, modeled per couple. The range covers date and season variation. A final quote is given once dates and room categories are confirmed.
SEASON ADJUSTMENTS
| Season | Dates | What It Means on This Route | Price Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Festive peak (this plan) |
20 December – 2 January |
Highest rates, full hotels and houseboats, busy roads and minimum stays. Prices in this plan are festive-season prices. |
As shown |
|
Late December shoulder |
Before 20 December, and after 2 January |
Pleasant weather and lower rates. Fewer crowds. |
–20% to –35% from the festive price |
|
High season |
January – February |
Dry and bright. The best months for the coast, at lower rates than the festive weeks. |
–25% to –40% from the festive price |
|
Hot |
March – May |
Hot and humid on all three coasts. |
–40% to –55% from the festive price |
|
Monsoon |
June – September |
Heavy rain on all three coasts. Sea is rough and beaches are closed to swimming. We do not advise this route. |
–50% to –65% from the festive price |
Christmas in Goa, New Year on the Backwaters Season Adjustments
The festive window is the busiest of the year. Book six to nine months ahead.
PRACTICAL NOTES
Book early: Rooms and houseboats for 24 to 31 December sell out. We advise booking six to nine months ahead.
Goa parties: The large New Year's Eve parties in North Goa are loud, crowded and ticketed. This plan keeps you in quiet South Goa on Christmas. We can book one event on request, but we cannot promise tickets.
Long days: Day 6 is about 7 hours and Day 7 is about 6.5 hours by road. The Kerala coast highway is under construction in places. We start early and plan breaks.
Swimming: Currents at Gokarna and some Goa beaches are strong. Swim only in the shallows or where lifeguards are posted.
Temples: Gokarna's main temple is for Hindus only in the inner areas. Dress modestly in temples and churches.
Houseboat on New Year's Eve: Houseboats moor by dusk. Nearby boats may play music late.
Gala dinners: Hotels require a gala dinner on 24 and 31 December. The cost is included.
Simple hotel: The hotel at Kannur is simple. We choose the best available and say so.
Safety: Our team is reachable 24 hours.
Visa: Most nationalities can apply for an Indian e-Visa online before travel. Allow at least a week.
Booking Summary
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Itinerary (Day Wise)
This festive trip follows India’s west coast from Christmas in Goa to New Year on the Kerala backwaters. You arrive on 22 December at Taj Exotica on Benaulim’s long, quiet beach in South Goa, far from the party strips. The next day you visit Old Goa’s UNESCO churches, decorated for the season, and see the paper stars hanging over doorways in Fontainhas. Christmas Eve starts at a spice farm and ends with a candlelit church service and a gala dinner. On Christmas morning you drive down the coast to SwaSwara in Gokarna for cliff walks between Om and Kudle beaches. A bridge night in Kannur in north Malabar brings the 1505 St Angelo Fort and, with luck, a Theyyam performance. Next comes Fort Kochi, bright with carnival lights and nativity scenes, where you see the Chinese fishing nets, Mattancherry and Kathakali. The trip ends in Alleppey: a night at a lakeside resort, then New Year’s Eve on your own houseboat, with dinner cooked on board and village fireworks over the water. There are no flights, and the festive dinners are included. Rooms sell out early for this week, so it’s best to book about a year ahead.
Day 1
Arrive Goa | A Quiet Beach In South Goa
Route: Goa International Airport (GOI) – Benaulim, about 30 km
Your driver meets you at Goa airport and takes you to Benaulim, in South Goa, where the beach is long and quiet. Check in and rest.
In the late afternoon, walk on the sand. The festive lights come on in the villages nearby.
Experience of the Day
Airport pickup
Beach sunset
Food
Recommended: Dinner at the resort.
Must-Try: Goan seafood, a first dinner.
Activities to Do
Rest at the resort
Day 2
Goa | Old Goa And Fontainhas
Route: Old Goa churches – Panjim – Fontainhas
Visit Old Goa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986, to see the Basilica of Bom Jesus and the Se Cathedral. In December the churches are decorated for the season, and they are busy with visitors. We go early.
Walk through Fontainhas in Panjim, a quarter of Portuguese-style houses, and see the Christmas stars hung outside the doors.
Note on crowds: Old Goa is crowded in the festive weeks. We go early in the morning and avoid the middle of the day.
Experience of the Day
Basilica of Bom Jesus
Se Cathedral
Fontainhas
Food
Recommended: Breakfast and dinner at the resort. Lunch in Panjim.
Must-Try: Goan fish thali and bebinca for dessert.
Activities to Do
Optional spa treatment
Day 3
Goa | Spices And Christmas Eve
Route: Spice farm – Christmas Eve service – gala dinner
Visit a spice farm inland in the morning, to walk among pepper, vanilla and cardamom, and eat a lunch cooked from the farm's produce. Return to the beach in the afternoon.
In the evening, join a Christmas Eve service at a local church, where the singing and lanterns are a highlight of the Goan season. Then enjoy the Christmas Eve gala dinner at the resort.
Note on gala dinner: Most hotels hold a set gala dinner on 24 December, and the cost is included in this plan.
Experience of the Day
Spice farm visit
Christmas Eve service
Gala dinner
Food
Recommended: Breakfast at the resort. Lunch at the farm. Gala dinner.
Must-Try: A festive Goan and continental menu.
Activities to Do
Beach afternoon
Day 4
Goa To Gokarna | Christmas Day On The Coast Road
Route: Benaulim – Canacona – Karwar – Ankola – Gokarna, about 140 km
Start with a slow Christmas breakfast, then drive south along the coast, over the state border into Karnataka. The road passes fishing villages, river mouths and the port of Karwar.
Reach Gokarna by the afternoon. SwaSwara sits near Om Beach, among coconut and cashew trees. Rest, and walk down to the sea at sunset.
Experience of the Day
Christmas morning
Drive along the coast
Sunset on the beach
Food
Recommended: Breakfast at the resort. Lunch on the road. Dinner at the resort.
Must-Try: Simple, vegetarian-leaning meals, as the resort serves.
Activities to Do
Rest at the resort
Day 5
Gokarna | The Beaches
Route: Om Beach – Kudle Beach – Mahabaleshwar temple area
Gokarna is a small pilgrim town with beaches on cliffs. Walk the cliff paths between Om and Kudle beaches, about an hour each way, with sea views. The sand is clean and the cafes are simple. Swim only where lifeguards or locals say it is safe, as the currents are strong.
In the late afternoon, visit the old town. The Mahabaleshwar temple is a working Hindu temple, and non-Hindus may be limited to the outer areas. Your guide confirms what you can enter.
Note on the sea: Currents at Gokarna are strong and lifeguards are few. Swim only in the shallows.
Experience of the Day
Cliff walk between beaches
Old town and temple outer area
Food
Recommended: Breakfast and dinner at the resort. Lunch at a beach cafe.
Must-Try: Fresh fish and simple dishes.
Activities to Do
Optional yoga session
Optional boat ride along the coast
Day 6
Gokarna To Kannur | A Long Coast Drive
Route: Gokarna – Udupi – Mangaluru – Kasaragod – Kannur, about 350 km
Gokarna to Kochi is about 620 km by road. We split it into two days, with a night in Kannur. Leave early and drive south through Udupi and Mangaluru, with a lunch stop in a coastal town. The highway is being widened in places, and speeds vary.
Reach Kannur by the late afternoon. Kannur is the heart of north Malabar, with an old fort and long beaches. Rest.
Note on simple hotel: Hotels in Kannur are simple. We choose the best available and say so plainly. In the festive season, Theyyam ritual performances run at some temples in north Malabar. If one runs near your night, we try to arrange a visit, but we cannot promise it.
Experience of the Day
Coast drive through Udupi and Mangaluru
Arrive in Kannur
Food
Recommended: Breakfast at the hotel. Lunch on the road. Dinner at the hotel.
Must-Try: Malabar-style meals.
Activities to Do
Rest at the hotel
Day 7
Kannur To Fort Kochi | South Along The Malabar Coast
Route: Kannur – St Angelo Fort – Kozhikode – Thrissur – Fort Kochi, about 270 km
Visit St Angelo Fort, a Portuguese fort of 1505 on a headland at Kannur, and the nearby Payyambalam beach. Then drive south through Kozhikode and Thrissur, with a lunch stop.
Reach Fort Kochi by late afternoon. Brunton Boatyard sits on the harbour front. Rest, and sit by the water at dusk.
Experience of the Day
St Angelo Fort
Drive down the Malabar coast
Arrive at the harbour
Food
Recommended: Breakfast at the hotel. Lunch on the road. Dinner at the hotel.
Must-Try: Kerala seafood at the hotel.
Activities to Do
Rest at the hotel
Day 8
Fort Kochi | Nets, Spices And Kathakali
Route: Chinese fishing nets – St Francis Church – Mattancherry – Kathakali
Fort Kochi is festive in late December, with Christmas stars, nativity scenes and a carnival atmosphere. Walk the lanes to the Chinese fishing nets and St Francis Church. Then visit Mattancherry Palace and Jew Town. The palace closes on Fridays and the synagogue on Saturdays, so we plan around them.
In the evening, watch a Kathakali performance, with a talk on the make-up and costume.
Note on crowds: The old quarter is crowded in the last week of December, with the Kochi Carnival leading up to New Year. Lanes can be busy, and we pick quieter hours.
Experience of the Day
Chinese fishing nets
St Francis Church
Mattancherry Palace
Kathakali performance
Food
Recommended: Breakfast and dinner at the hotel. Lunch at a local restaurant.
Must-Try: Kerala meals with fish curry and appam.
Activities to Do
Optional harbour cruise
Day 9
Fort Kochi To Alleppey | To The Lake
Route: Fort Kochi – Alleppey, about 60 km
After a slow breakfast, drive south to Alleppey, and check in at a lake resort. The afternoon is free to rest, swim or take a short canoe ride on the village canals.
The evening is quiet. Tomorrow is the houseboat.
Experience of the Day
Drive to Alleppey
Canoe ride on village canals
Food
Recommended: Breakfast and dinner at the resort. Lunch at the resort.
Must-Try: Kerala-style meals.
Activities to Do
Swimming
Optional Ayurvedic massage
Day 10
Alleppey | New Year'S Eve On The Water
Route: Alleppey backwaters – private houseboat
Board your private houseboat at noon, with its own chef and crew. Glide along the canals through the afternoon, past villages, coconut palms and paddy fields. The boat moors before dusk.
Enjoy a New Year's Eve dinner cooked on board, with fresh fish and local dishes. Fireworks and music from the villages and other boats can be heard across the water. It is quiet by city standards, and festive.
Note on New Year's Eve on the lake: Houseboats move by day only and moor before dusk, including on 31 December. Other boats moor nearby and some play music. We pick a quieter mooring if we can.
Experience of the Day
Private houseboat cruise
New Year's Eve dinner on board
Food
Recommended: Lunch, dinner and breakfast on board.
Must-Try: A festive menu by your chef.
Activities to Do
Village walk if the crew moors near one
Day 11
Alleppey To Kochi And Departure | A New Year Departure
Route: Alleppey – Kochi International Airport (COK), about 85 km
After breakfast on board, disembark at about 9 am and drive to Kochi airport. We advise a flight after 2 pm, as roads are busy on New Year's Day.
You leave having seen three coasts in the festive season.
Experience of the Day
Disembark
Drive to the airport
Farewell
Tour Information
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Need To Know
Be Responsible Traveller
- Minimize Plastic Use : Bring a reusable water bottle, shopping bag, and utensils to reduce the need for single-use plastics. Many destinations have water refill stations and eco-friendly stores.
- Support Local and Sustainable Businesses : Eat at local restaurants, buy souvenirs from local artisans, and choose tour operators that prioritize sustainable practices and support the local community.
- Respect Wildlife and Natural Habitats : Avoid disturbing wildlife or their natural habitats. Stick to designated paths and observe animals from a distance without feeding or touching them.
- Dispose of Waste Properly : Follow local guidelines for recycling and waste disposal. If facilities aren't available, carry your waste with you until you can dispose of it responsibly.
- Educate Yourself and Others : Learn about the local environment, culture, and customs. Respect local practices and traditions, and share your knowledge about responsible travel with others.
- Choose Sustainable Activities : Engage in eco-friendly activities such as hiking, snorkeling, or visiting national parks. Avoid activities that exploit animals or damage the environment.
- Leave No Trace : Follow the principle of "Leave No Trace," which means leaving natural areas as you found them. Pack out all trash, avoid picking plants, and refrain from carving or writing on rocks or trees.
- Plant Trees Whenever Possible : Participate in local tree-planting initiatives or plant trees in your own community. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, provide oxygen, and help support biodiversity, making them vital for a healthy environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) & People Also Ask — Christmas in Goa, New Year on the Backwaters
We help you prepare for your trip and ensure an effortless and enjoyable travel experience.
How many days do you need for a Christmas and New Year trip across three coasts?
Eleven days is enough, from 22 December to 1 January. This plan has three nights in Goa, two in Gokarna, one in Kannur, two in Fort Kochi and two at Alleppey. With three more days, add a night in Gokarna and a night in Goa.
What is a goa karnataka kerala christmas new year tour package international guests can book?
It is a private 11-day festive journey from Goa through Gokarna and Kannur to Fort Kochi and Alleppey. You keep Christmas in Goa and spend New Year's Eve on a private houseboat. You have your own vehicle, driver and guides, with rooms booked for the peak.
Is this a good triple coast festive season trip for foreigners?
Yes. It gives three kinds of coast: a Goan beach, quiet Gokarna and the Kerala backwaters. The festive season adds lights, churches and carnival to each. It is also the busiest time, and we plan for crowds.
What does a south india new year combined package include?
It includes six stays, a private vehicle and driver, a private houseboat with chef, the Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve gala dinners, local guides, entries and daily breakfast. International flights, visas and party tickets are not included.
Can we spend New Year's Eve in Goa?
Yes, but not in this plan. This plan puts Christmas in Goa and New Year's Eve on the houseboat. For New Year's Eve in Goa, we move the Goa nights to 29 December to 1 January, and the trip ends in early January. We price that as a custom plan.
Why is there a night in Kannur?
Gokarna to Kochi is about 620 km by road, a drive of about 12 hours. A night in Kannur splits it into two days of 7 and 6.5 hours, and gives a stop at an old fort and a beach. There are no flights on this route.
Are the beaches safe for swimming?
Some are. Currents at Gokarna are strong and lifeguards are few, so we advise the shallows only. South Goa beaches are calmer, and we point out lifeguard zones. The sea is rough from June to September.
How early should we book?
Six to nine months ahead. Hotels and houseboats for 24 to 31 December sell out, and many have minimum stays. We hold rooms for you as soon as you confirm dates.
How much does the 11-day festive trip cost?
This 11-day trip costs about Rs.501,480 to Rs.541,598 per couple in the Premium room tier, about Rs.613,620 to Rs.662,710 for Luxury, and about Rs.874,440 to Rs.944,395 for Ultra-Luxury. Prices are festive-season prices and include the six stays, the houseboat, vehicles, guides, gala dinners and GST. International flights are not included.
Do we need a visa for India?
Yes. Most nationalities can apply for an Indian e-Visa online before travel. Check which airports accept e-Visa arrivals for your nationality, and apply at least a week ahead on the official e-Visa site.
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Christmas in Goa, New Year on the Backwaters
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₹2,50,740
per person on twin sharing
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