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“Such a lovely experience! The boat ride was so relaxing, and the scenery awesome. Our guide was super nice and knowledgeable, and taught us a lot about Kerala. And then the lunch after the boat cruise was absolutely delicious!”
A calm punting cruise through Kerala backwaters from Kochi to Vaikom, with banana-leaf vegetarian lunch, tea, crafts, and canoe canals.
“Beautiful experience of Kerala backwaters with local guides. Very friendly and knowledgable guides. Highly recommend!!”
5 days of Munnar mist, Periyar wildlife, a Kerala houseboat night, and Kochi heritage, with private transport and pickup.
“Except for the first day’s hotel booking at Kovalam, we had a beautiful holiday experience throughout the 4-day journey.”
Four days in Kerala combining Munnar sights, an overnight private houseboat cruise, and Fort Kochi heritage with a private car.
“As a European, I have to admit that I would have expected more from this tour: first of all, for the amount of money we have paid, I was really disappointed seeing our driver sleeping for 2 nights in the car. I find this not acceptable. Second oRead 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.
“Enjoyable Nature scenery is lovely village visit is interensting lunch experience was special Logistics is convenient and efficient”
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.
“Full day activity. The initial river trip was slightly too long as there wasn't that much to look at in regards to wildlife. Homemade vegetarian lunch was tasty. Good displays of local craft making”
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 trip was fantastic, highly recommended. Maybe it’s better in two to split the expenses of Taxi and Boat.”
A 3-hour private shikara cruise in Alleppey with a village stop and sunset views, plus guide-led wildlife spotting for $16 per person.
“We had a wonderful experience on the backwater tour in Alleppey. Everything was very well organized and on time. Our guide was extremely friendly and knowledgeable, which made the trip even more enjoyable. The tour itself was beautiful, and we chose to do it early in the morning – something I can highly recommend, as…”
Private Kerala backwaters cruise from Kochi to Alleppey with houseboat ride, fresh coconut lunch, and door-to-door transfers in a day.
“I’m actually not sure how this tour is rated so highly, I think it must be a scam. The travel time to the houseboat was almost two hours not one, so over half of this tour was spent in a taxi. On top of this, our driver was almost an hour late, Read more”
4-day private Kerala tour from Kochi: Munnar waterfalls and wildlife, air-conditioned houseboat night, and Fort Kochi culture.
“My Mum and I had an absolutely amazing time on this tour. It was extremely organised and we had frequent contact from the tour co-ordinator, our driver Mr Thambi was fantastic & we absolutely loved our accommodation. Munnar is absolutely beautiful. We chose to do some extra activities there including the kathakali (dance) show, kalaripayattu…”
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.
“This was such an amazing trip - beautiful scenery, delicious food, excellent service and a comfortable night’s sleep. There was a little confusion around the pick up point but other than that it was all plain sailing.”
Overnight deluxe AC houseboat in Alappuzha backwaters from Kochi, private transfers, Kerala meals, and village scenery.
“We spent one night on a beautiful houseboat cruising the backwaters of Alappuzha and it was such a memorable experience. The boat itself was spotless, with a lovely sitting and dining area, comfortable beds, and private bathrooms. The shower is fine for a quick body wash — maybe not ideal for washing hair, but that’s…”
Every corner of the region, and every way to see it.
