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
A calm punting cruise through Kerala backwaters from Kochi to Vaikom, with banana-leaf vegetarian lunch, tea, crafts, and canoe canals.
“I found this on Viator and it was well reviewed. It ended up being a great experience. It’s so so calm on the water, and our guide Arya (sp?) was so knowledgeable about local plants and animals. She even sung to us which was beautiful. On top of being on the water, saw the palm…”
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.
“Great communication, great value for money. Brilliant service from our driver, Rajesh, definitely added to the experience with humour, flexibility and a willingness to respond to all requests. Felt very safe and looked after throughout. Will definitely be recommending to friends who are visiting later in year.”
Kochi to Munnar, Periyar and Kerala backwaters with a private chauffeur, 3-star stays, and a deluxe houseboat night.
“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 no-motor backwater cruise from Fort Cochin to Vaikom with a village visit and vegetarian lunch, plus round-trip transfers.
“Such a beautiful tour. In the quiet and peaceful backwaters from Kochi. And through a small canal in the middle of nature. It was guided well through the nature and village, no questions unanswered. Also a cute village. At the end we got a really tasty lunch. Maybe the best food I ate so far…”
A 5-day private Kerala route from Kochi with Munnar, Thekkady boat wildlife, and an overnight houseboat in the backwaters, all with private transport.
“We went on a 5-day private tour in Kerala, which we booked with Sanguine through the Viator app. They arranged the trip wonderfully. Nimisha was amazing — always available to answer our questions and help whenever we needed. SumeRead 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.
A 3-hour private shikara cruise in Alleppey with a village stop and sunset views, plus guide-led wildlife spotting for $16 per person.
Private Kerala backwaters cruise from Kochi to Alleppey with houseboat ride, fresh coconut lunch, and door-to-door transfers in a day.
“Very relaxing day in a beautiful part of the world, watching the world go by. Good crew, good food, good experience”
4-day private Kerala tour from Kochi: Munnar waterfalls and wildlife, air-conditioned houseboat night, and Fort Kochi culture.
“It is a fantastic way to experience Kerala!”
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.
“The houseboat we were on was new and in top condition. We had a captain, cook and deck hand. Boat was air conditioned and very comfortable. A few things that led to this not being a 5 star experience: 1) we started late 2) there Read more”
Overnight deluxe AC houseboat in Alappuzha backwaters from Kochi, private transfers, Kerala meals, and village scenery.
Every corner of the region, and every way to see it.
