Private Tour: Kerala Backwater Cruise

Kochi, India

Cruise the palm-fringed backwaters of Kerala on board a private Kettuvallam, a traditional thatched houseboat typical to Kerala. These houseboats have been plying the Kerala waterways for centuries, connecting villages along the backwaters and transporting rice, spices and other goods. A Kerala backwater cruise is the best way to experience Kerala's amazing beauty and get a glimpse of rural life along the backwaters.

Your private day trip from Kochi starts with a 1.5-hour journey from your Kochi hotel to the backwaters of Alleppey, famous for its labyrinth of waterways spanning 559 miles (900 km). On arrival in Alleppey, board your private Kettuvallam and feast on a mouthwatering Kerala-style lunch. Enjoy savory dishes such as sambar, a hearty vegetable stew, and avail, a vegetable and coconut curry. Tickle your sweet tooth with pappad, a South Indian wafer, and payasam, a rice pudding flavored with cardamom, raisins, saffron, cashew nuts and pistachios.

As you cruise along, witness life in the backwater villages of Alleppey. Travel down the canals dotted with houses, paddy fields, coconut trees, market places and temples. See local people engaging in a variety of activities from fishing to daily chores. Soak in the beautiful scenery from your thatched-roof boat and relish the serenity of this river town.

Enjoy a traditional Indian tea with snacks before disembarking your Kerala houseboat. Your private guide will drive you from Alleppey back to your Kochi hotel.

USD $176.00

Traveler Reviews

Review by:   Crys P,    March 2015
The one day Back water cruise was excellent. Beautiful day to simply hang out and take in the sites. I liked that we were picked up from our hotel and then driven to the cruise. The on board staff were pleasant and cooked us a delicious meal. I would definitely recommend this Back water day cruise to others.

Review by:   gwyneth p,    January 2015
We were not aware the cab would pick us at 6am and ended up leaving at 7:15 drive to allepey was long reaching the boat at 11:30 service and lunch was good, no tea._br/_ Boat house was short, only 2.5 hours we were taken to allepey hotel by 2:30

Review by:   SANA A,    January 2014
It is a must and I enjoyed it a lot .The driver was good.

Review by:   ,    October 2012
Could not ask for a better day cruising the backwaters of Kerala in houseboat!

Review by:   ,    October 2012
Romantic and relaxing! Highly recommended

Review by:   Kellie J,    October 2012
Very relaxing. Well organised. The backwaters are beautiful, well worth a visit.

Review by:   Anonymous,    October 2012
Could not ask for a better day cruising the backwaters of Kerala in houseboat!

Review by:   Anonymous,    October 2012
Romantic and relaxing! Highly recommended

All Traveler Reviews...