SOUTH INDIA · INDIA
South India’s best days out.
The 15 most popular kerala backwater & houseboat cruises in South India, gathered on one page. What each one is really like on the day, how long it runs, what it costs and who you book it through.
Cochin backwaters eco cruise on a motorless country boat, coconut weaving stop, and banana-leaf veg lunch from Fort Kochi, half-day.
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”
A calm punting cruise through Kerala backwaters from Kochi to Vaikom, with banana-leaf vegetarian lunch, tea, crafts, and canoe canals.
“We opted for the punting along the back-waters for the day. Pick-up at Kochi was prompt and we arrived ready to board just before 10am. Beautiful river, very quiet and pleasant surroundings. Guide [Meena] was very good at explaining the deRead more”
5 days of Munnar mist, Periyar wildlife, a Kerala houseboat night, and Kochi heritage, with private transport and pickup.
“Great Experience in entire tour. Provided good family stay and vehicle for travel. Customer Service is very good and when ever required they helped. They were are also open to customize the tour package based on our choice.”
Four days in Kerala combining Munnar sights, an overnight private houseboat cruise, and Fort Kochi heritage with a private car.
“We had Senagal as our driver who picked us up from Fort Kochi. He was very polite and a was a nice tour guide all throughout. This 4 day tour was an excllent way to cover a lot of Kerala without the hassle of having to organise your owRead more”
Kochi to Munnar, Periyar and Kerala backwaters with a private chauffeur, 3-star stays, and a deluxe houseboat night.
“We had an awesome family trip to Kerala, carefully designed by Mr. Arun Dev and perfectly executed by Mr. Babu Antony from Iris Holidays. The trip, which started from Munnar to Thekkady to Alleppey to Kovalam to Kanyakumari and ended at Kochi, will be cherished throughout our life.”
Half-day no-motor backwater cruise from Fort Cochin to Vaikom with a village visit and vegetarian lunch, plus round-trip transfers.
“If you’re tight on time and want to spend a cultural, relaxed day in Kerala, this is the way to do it! Pick up details are simple, staff are friendly and welcoming and most of all, knowledgeable. The back water boat ride was super relaxing and the lunch was so authentic. Top experience!”
A 5-day private Kerala route from Kochi with Munnar, Thekkady boat wildlife, and an overnight houseboat in the backwaters, all with private transport.
“The visits to the animal sanctuaries were the most fun. We also enjoyed the Kerala folk dance show. The location of the Leaf hotel in Munnar was excellent along with the views it offered. Our Driver Anil was the best, he was accommodating Read more”
A quiet full-day backwater trip from Kochi: covered boat, village walk, traditional crafts, vegetarian lunch, and an open canoe through narrow canals.
“Went really smoothly, great service by the team, very informative. The boat rides were seamless and done so well. Excellent lunch too. Would highly recommend, worth the price!”
Motorized shikara cruise through Alleppey backwaters from Kannitta Jetty, with flexible 1–8 hour routes, village canals, and optional stops.
“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 small Shikara canoe cruise through Alappuzha backwaters from Cochin, with village life, paddy fields, and easy port logistics.
“The tour was great. The only concern was that the ride was too long but we survived. Both the car driver and the boat driver/guide were great.”
A 3-hour private shikara cruise in Alleppey with a village stop and sunset views, plus guide-led wildlife spotting for $16 per person.
“The best part was cruising through the entire backwaters and having best Karimeen fish fry and prawns The guide was very helpful and provided very scenic spots to capture photos Thank you so much, Rahul and Anas”
Private Kerala backwaters cruise from Kochi to Alleppey with houseboat ride, fresh coconut lunch, and door-to-door transfers in a day.
“Fantastic, unforgettable experience, the boat, the crew, the views just spot on - you won't regret this tour - the food was absolutely delicious and plentiful!”
4-day private Kerala tour from Kochi: Munnar waterfalls and wildlife, air-conditioned houseboat night, and Fort Kochi culture.
“Driving through India seeing areas we’d not seen before was a privilege & stunning. The Rivulet resort & houseboat were absolutely amazing, the services of staff @ both were second to none. Our driver Nashid was fairly knowledgeable and hRead more”
A private 21-hour houseboat cruise through Alleppey backwaters with full-board meals, Wi‑Fi, and a one-hour canal ride on a smaller boat.
“Lovely trip - peaceful and quiet. Houseboat for 2 was lovely, the staff on board very helpful and the food on board great. If you want beer on board bring it with you as there isn't anywhere near the pick up point to buy any. Also allow plenty of time as the pick up point…”
Overnight deluxe AC houseboat in Alappuzha backwaters from Kochi, private transfers, Kerala meals, and village scenery.
“The whole experience was well planned and organised . A small shuttle boat took us and our luggage to the houseboat. We were greeted by the 3 crew member and our belongings taken on board . A nice refreshing welcome drink was given to us. We were shown our AC room which was a good…”
Every corner of the region, and every way to see it.
