INDIA
India’s standout days.
Our pick of the 15 best kerala backwater cruises in India: what you actually see, how long each one runs, and what you can expect to pay.
Quiet non-mechanized Cochin backwaters cruise with a coir village stop and vegetarian banana-leaf lunch, plus pickup options from Fort Cochin.
Most Popular“I really enjoyed everything! The food was delicious off the banana leaf as well. Excellent guide, and a very peaceful time on the water.”
Cochin to Alleppey shikara cruise: 3 hours gliding through Kerala backwaters with villages, palms, and paddy fields, with port pickup.
“The trip was fantastic, highly recommended. Maybe it’s better in two to split the expenses of Taxi and Boat.”
Private shikara + village stop on Alleppey backwaters, with bird spotting and sunset options for about $16 per person.
“The guide was very helpful and friendly. Loved the scenic beauty. Would love to visit again.”
Private overnight houseboat cruise from Kochi to Alappuzha backwaters, with AC cabin, 3 Kerala meals, scenic village cruising, and easy transfers.
“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.”
Private Cochin–Alleppey houseboat cruise with a slow backwater ride, Keralan lunch, pickup service, and a $85 per person price.
“one of the best tours we have experienced in Asia. fantastic boat, lovely crew, delicious lunch, a genuine look at life in Kerala. highly recommend this tour!!”
Private 3-hour Alleppey shikara with sunset backwaters, a village shore stop, and a Kerala meal option for about $21.
“This trip was fantastic but the description is misleading. Food was not served on the boat and there was no village walk included. We did stop at a little cafe for food which was delicious but we had to pay for it. It wasn't included in the price. Our guide was absolutely great, very friendly,…”
Kochi backwaters by bamboo-pole shikara, village craft stops, and a traditional Kerala Sadya lunch with hotel pickup and drop.
“Very beautiful and natural landscapes in a remote area highly traditional, the team was smiling and close to us at all time”
Glide through Alappuzha backwaters by private shikara boat, with peaceful canals, birds, villages, and optional food stops on a 5-hour day tour.
“Bel tour, I canali più piccoli sono I più belli e meno trafficati ma sé non fosse stato per il nostro amico che ha fatto qualche domanda in lingua avremmo girato in silenzio perché la guida non ci ha dato informazioni sul posto.”
Private 4-day Cochin to Munnar and Alleppey: Nilgiri Tahr at Eravikulam, tea stops, Mattupetty boat ride, and a houseboat cruise.
“it was amazing memorable kerela trip organised by Taj voyages tour. We would like to recommend this trip.”
A 5-day Kerala circuit from Cochin to Munnar, Thekkady, and Alleppey, with national parks, tea gardens, Periyar boats, and an overnight houseboat.
“hey, I had an amazing 5-day trip to Munnar, Thekkady, and Alleppey in Kerala! The trip was fantastic, with beautiful tea gardens, exciting wildlife, and peaceful backwaters. The hotels were cozy, the food was delicious, and the service was top-notch. The highlight was the houseboat cruise in Alleppey - it was clean, comfortable, and unforgettable!…”
Motor-free Kerala backwater canoe cruise from Fort Kochi with banana-leaf lunch, village demonstrations, and evening tea.
“Loved every minute of it, the rides, the lunch and the way everything was taken care of and explained to us.”
Cycle from Fort Kochi to Kannamali Beach and Kumbalangi backwaters through fish and shrimp farms with an English guide.
Kayak Goa’s River Chapora through mangroves, spot kingfishers and even a crocodile, swim and snack, with a calm sunset ride.
“Tolle ruhe, schöne natur”
Backwater cruise from Cochin Port to Alleppey with a shikara or houseboat, Cheena Vala Chinese nets, plus lunch or snacks and tea.
Spend 1 night on a private Alappuzha houseboat, cruising past coconut palms and rice farms with Keralan meals and calm village views.
“Excellent service with a lovely captain George. We had amazing food and a relaxing cruise on the private houseboat. We had AC at night which was very needed and slept very well, with private toilet and shower on board. Option to do an extra boat tour around the smalls canals which I recommend doing! We…”
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