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“As explained and moor. Our guide Shahab was very knowledgeable and looked after us giving us information as we travelled and whilst on the boat. He made the day very memorable and we highly recommend him”
Cochin to Alleppey shikara cruise: 3 hours gliding through Kerala backwaters with villages, palms, and paddy fields, with port pickup.
“Additional to the Tour we booked a guide. And he really was worth the money. The guide gave us a lot of Information and was very polite.We where picked up in time at the Port and went to the backwaters. There we had a nice Tour on boat. At the end we asked for a…”
Private shikara + village stop on Alleppey backwaters, with bird spotting and sunset options for about $16 per person.
“Everything was on time and the precommunication was great. A very relaxing experience, on comfortable boat. It was great to have a small boat because we were able to sail in the narrow, more hidden canals of the villages.”
Private overnight houseboat cruise from Kochi to Alappuzha backwaters, with AC cabin, 3 Kerala meals, scenic village cruising, and easy transfers.
“Had a magical day on the Aleppey Backwaters! We were picked up from Fort Kochi by our driver and had a comfortable 2 hour ride to the office and our starting point. On the boat, we got 3 delicious meals, the beds were VERY comfortable and one highlight was also that we had the chance…”
Private Cochin–Alleppey houseboat cruise with a slow backwater ride, Keralan lunch, pickup service, and a $85 per person price.
“It was very enjoyable and peaceful. The food was excellent. However it was very expensive and next time I would have looked for a lower price option.”
Kochi backwaters by bamboo-pole shikara, village craft stops, and a traditional Kerala Sadya lunch with hotel pickup and drop.
“Dear Mr. Jean-Dominique, Thank you so much for your wonderful 5-star rating! 🌟 We’re truly delighted to know you enjoyed the backwater tour. It was a pleasure having you with us, and your positive feedback means a lot to our team. Wishing you a fantastic onward journey, and we hope to welcome you again in…”
Private 3-hour Alleppey shikara with sunset backwaters, a village shore stop, and a Kerala meal option for about $21.
“The Alleppey backwaters are mesmerising!”
Glide through Alappuzha backwaters by private shikara boat, with peaceful canals, birds, villages, and optional food stops on a 5-hour day tour.
“Great experience with a friendly guide. Beautiful scenery. A few stops for breakfast, drinks, and snacks, the guide wasn’t pushy at all about us stopping which was nice. Would definitely recommend going for the early slots (we went 7.30am) as it’s not too hot and much less crowded.”
Private 4-day Cochin to Munnar and Alleppey: Nilgiri Tahr at Eravikulam, tea stops, Mattupetty boat ride, and a houseboat cruise.
“amazing experience!!! 10/10 no problems our driver was great and super accommodating and all hotels was very nice. made a couple of suggestions so hopefully ur tour will be even better.”
A 5-day Kerala circuit from Cochin to Munnar, Thekkady, and Alleppey, with national parks, tea gardens, Periyar boats, and an overnight houseboat.
“not worth his money, driver poor English, was only driver no guide. Always wanted to drop me off at shops where he had an advantage. At 2 pm you were dropped off at your hotel (which was a 20 minute drive from the center) I had to force the organization to be able to visit…”
Motor-free Kerala backwater canoe cruise from Fort Kochi with banana-leaf lunch, village demonstrations, and evening tea.
“Op de boot was het heel rustig en zenn aangenaam mooie natuur , eten krijgen bij hun thuis op een bananenblad zeer leuk en lekker je voelt je op je gemak. De backwaters was niet speciaal maar ook wel leuk om een kort tochtje te doen en hoe de mevrouw toont hoe ze van een…”
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.
“It was beautiful and special. I enjoyed very much. The tide was low and all birds were fishing. I saw three kingfishers and a lott of other birds. Kanooing is quiet so you can approach the birds very near.”
Backwater cruise from Cochin Port to Alleppey with a shikara or houseboat, Cheena Vala Chinese nets, plus lunch or snacks and tea.
Luxury Alleppey houseboat day tour from Kochi with a private backwater cruise, onboard Kerala lunch, and hotel transfers.
Every region, and every way to travel it.
