India · KERALA BACKWATER HOUSEBOATS
7 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 7 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”
