From Kollam's backwaters to Kashmir's alpine lakes, an honest guide to flight routing, real prices, and a sample itinerary.
In This Article
Kollam grew up around its backwaters and cashew trade, and a night on a Kerala houseboat is close to a rite of passage for families here. That familiarity makes Kashmir's own houseboat tradition on Dal Lake an easy sell, though the two experiences could not be more different in setting, one framed by coconut palms and paddy fields, the other by snow-dusted peaks. For Kollam travellers who already love houseboat stays, Kashmir offers a version of that same idea in a completely different climate.
Quick Answer: A Kashmir package from Kollam typically runs 6D/5N, starting around ₹9,999 per person for a budget double-sharing trip, up to premium houseboat-and-private-cab packages. Most travellers from Kollam route via Delhi or a connecting metro to reach Srinagar.
How to Reach Kashmir from Kollam
Kollam's nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), around 1 to 1.5 hours by road. From there, fly to Delhi, roughly 3 hours, then connect onward to Srinagar, another 1.5 to 2 hours. Including the road transfer and Delhi layover, expect a total travel time of around 10 to 12 hours for the full journey.
- ✓Kollam to Trivandrum airport: around 1 to 1.5 hours by road
- ✓Trivandrum (TRV) to Delhi: approximately 3 hours
- ✓Delhi to Srinagar (SXR): approximately 1.5 to 2 hours
- ✓Total travel time including transfer and layover: roughly 10 to 12 hours
Kashmir Package Pricing from Kollam
- ✓Budget travellers typically pay ₹9,999 to ₹18,000 per person for a 5N/6D trip in double-sharing standard hotels.
- ✓Step up to ₹18,000 to ₹35,000 per person for mid-range packages: a houseboat night included, 3-star+ hotels.
- ✓Premium - ₹40,000 to ₹75,000+ per person for a luxury houseboat, 4-5 star stays, and a private cab throughout.
Once you land in Srinagar, these price bands cover the trip end to end. Ask specifically for a mid-range or premium package if you want a proper deluxe houseboat category on Dal Lake, comparable to the better houseboats back home in Kollam's backwaters.
A Sample 6-Day Kashmir Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive Srinagar, houseboat check-in, Dal Lake shikara ride at sunset
- Day 2: Full day Srinagar, Nishat and Shalimar gardens, floating vegetable market at dawn
- Day 3: Gulmarg gondola and meadow walk
- Day 4: Pahalgam, Betaab Valley, riverside walk
- Day 5: Aru Valley or a relaxed second houseboat night
- Day 6: Departure from Srinagar airport
Best Time to Visit Kashmir from Kollam
March through May brings mild spring weather and tulip blooms, a comfortable first trip north for anyone used to Kollam's coastal climate. Autumn, from late September into October, turns the chinar trees gold around Dal Lake, a very different scene from Kollam's evergreen backwaters. Winter, December to February, is for travellers who specifically want to see snow settle over the houseboats.
If you love Kerala houseboat stays, ask for a deluxe or luxury category houseboat on Dal Lake rather than the standard tier, the difference in comfort and views is significant and worth the upgrade for a one-time trip.
FAQs
Is there a flight from Trivandrum straight to Srinagar?
No, you will need to connect through Delhi or occasionally Mumbai, there is no direct service currently.
How is a Dal Lake houseboat different from a Kollam backwater houseboat?
Dal Lake houseboats are stationary rather than cruising, with carved wooden interiors and a shikara used for movement around the lake, a different but equally memorable experience.
Can Kollam travellers do this trip in under a week?
Yes, a 6-day itinerary works well, though given the travel time from Kerala, a 7-day trip gives you more breathing room.
ViaKashmir has helped many Kollam travellers plan Kashmir trips built around a proper houseboat experience. Tell us your dates and preferences and we will put a package together for you.
Kashmir Pulse Editorial
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Via Kashmir is a Srinagar-based travel company built around one goal: giving travellers the best possible Kashmir experience. Our team puts together the best-priced hotels, cabs, Kashmir tour packages, and adventure packages with real sports activities, drawing on daily, on-the-ground knowledge of Kashmir's roads, weather, and seasons.
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