India · KERALA BACKWATER HOUSEBOATS
45 reviewed
A Kerala houseboat is a converted rice barge with a cook aboard, and the real choice is between a day on the wide Vembanad lake and a punted country boat through the village canals, which is quieter and gets far closer to the banks. Below are the 15 best backwater tours, how long each runs, whether meals and an overnight are included, whether they start from Alleppey or Kochi, and what each costs.
Cruise Kerala backwaters on a quiet non-mechanized boat, visit coconut and coir craft, then enjoy a hearty vegetarian banana-leaf lunch.
“Absolutely amazing tour. Arathy was the best. Such a peaceful afternoon cruising the backwaters.”
Silent punting on Kerala backwaters from Kochi, with Vaikom village crafts, banana-leaf vegetarian lunch, and a relaxing canoe tea stop.
“Meera, our tour guide, was very friendly and provided us with much interesting information about the flora and fauna along the river, as well as the local economy of the surrounding villages. The lunch was delicious, too! Be sure to have decent balance due to needing to walk along a slab of wood to depart the boat occasionally. Assistance is offered by staff, though, as needed.”
5 days of Munnar, Thekkady, backwaters, and a luxury houseboat ride from Kochi, with a private vehicle and hotel stays.
“Paradise holidays are a great holiday service provider. Ms Punitha and Ms. Jeni have been a great help through out the journey. They have provided the best hotels as per the expectations communicated to them !”
4 days in Kerala with Munnar tea country and an overnight private houseboat, plus Kochi culture and Fort Kochi sights by car.
“This was a great tour. Communication with the organizer, George, and our driver, Lalan, through WhatsApp, was very professional and useful. There is a lot of fast driving on narrow, mountain and forested roads so if you get anxious or motRead more”
Private chauffeur plus Munnar, Periyar wildlife cruise, deluxe Vembanad houseboat, and Kovalam-Kanyakumari beaches in 8 days from Kochi.
“The tour was organized last minutes and I was able to see Kerala in a nice and relaxing way, this was possible thanks to my driver Babu Antony who was always punctual and good at giving me nice tips in the way.”
Half-day non-mechanized backwater cruise from Fort Cochin to Vaikom, with veg lunch, village time, and round-trip transfers.
“Nice little tour of brackish waters that heads into narrow canals. Our boat driver let us try out the paddling which was fun and gave me a demo of how to put on, fold and tie up his Mundu (the adorable “skirts” many of the older men in Kerala Read more”
Private 5-day Kerala tour from Kochi with Munnar tea hills, Periyar wildlife boat time, and an overnight AC houseboat in Alleppey.
“This trip gives you an opportunity to see Eravikulam Park, Periyar Reserve and Backwaters all in just a few days, a few gorgeous places around Kerala, absolutely worth seeing. The driver that we were provided was super professional (very iRead more”
Non-motorized backwater cruise from Kochi with village walk, craft demos, and included vegetarian lunch, $20.
“Really not a good experience. For us backwater first. Very interesting are the first and second boat rides and the demonstration on coconut processing. The fact that they were Non-motor boats is definitely a plusAuto-translated”
Flexible Alleppey backwaters shikara cruise from Kannitta Jetty, with optional temple, tea stall, massage, and long canal routes.
“Wonderful and relaxing 2 hour Shikara boat cruise through the Alleppey Backwaters. We were able to experience real village life with families fishing and farming rice paddies. Highly recommended to take shikara instead of Houseboat to experience the narrow canals and backwaters of Alleppey.”
A half day shikara canoe cruise from Cochin to Alappuzha backwaters, with village life, paddy fields, and an easy, scenic Kerala ride.
“Excellent trip! Best boat to go by as wasn’t too big and could go down the smaller backwaters. Also being a private tour it was the best value for money! Guide was very informative Definitely recommend this trip!!”
Private Kerala backwaters houseboat day cruise from Kochi with coconut water, South Indian lunch, and round-trip transfers to Alleppey.
“Difficult to review this as they day itself was amazing. Driver picked us up on time and collected us. The houseboat driver and chef were really helpful. The cruise itself was really fun and stopped off at a market if you wanted to buy fish for theRead more”
Private 4-day Kerala tour from Kochi, with Munnar waterfalls, a deluxe backwater houseboat night, and Fort Kochi culture plus meals.
“Kerala was without a doubt a highlight of our India tour. Such a beautiful location with some of the nicest people you'll ever meet. Having never been to India before we decided that using an organised tour through Sanguine would be a greRead more”
Private 2-day Alappuzha houseboat cruise from Kochi with air-conditioned comfort, backwater scenery, and Kerala meals for up to two.
“A very lovely and well organised experience. The boat and staff were exceptional. Everything from the hotel collection, to the onboarding, all the amazing food freshly prepared and the beautiful scenery from the backwaters and then the peaceful nights sleep. A 10/10 experience, highly recommended.”
Solo Kerala tour with Munnar, Thekkady, an overnight houseboat, and Fort Kochi. Private car pickup, meals included, entry fees extra.
“Fantastic custom packade for a solo traveler! So much variety and things to experience. My driver and guide, Mr Vipin, is an absolute legend. Provided great activity suggestions and a professional service. He is an impeccable driver too.”
Private overnight Alleppey houseboat cruise from Kochi with Vembanad Lake, Kerala meals, and a Kochi heritage day by car.
“Exceptional!!! First, we easily obtained all the information before our cruise via WhatsApp. Then, the taxi was punctual and the vehicle was clean and comfortable. Next, we received a warm welcome aboard the boat. The boat is traditional, Read more”
