Kerala Backwaters Tours - page 2
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The Kerala backwaters refers to a large region spanning some 558 miles (900 kilometers) consisting of an interconnected network of brackish lagoons, lakes, and canals. The best way to truly experience this beautiful area is aboard a traditional houseboat; journeys last anywhere from a few hours up to a few nights.
The Basics
Most visitors to Kerala make a point of cruising its backwaters aboard a houseboat, which are traditionally made of locally harvested coir, or coconut fiber. This sprawling region consists of hundreds of miles of waterways flanked by jungles and rice paddies, with ample opportunities to take photographs of local wildlife, from water birds to otters. Many tours of the region include short jaunts on houseboats, and some even feature multi-night backwater journeys.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A must-do for couples and those interested in local culture.
- Don’t forget sunscreen and bug spray.
- Cruises are generally calm, and most travelers prone to motion sickness shouldn’t have any issues.
How to Get There
Most people start their cruise from Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, a short drive from the Kochi/Ernakulam area. You can also take a prepaid taxi from one of two area airports: Cochin International Airport or Trivandrum Airport.
When to Get There
If you want to go on a backwater cruise, it’s best to avoid the rainy season (June through November) and instead opt to come during the cooler, dryer winter months of December, January, and February. March through May tend to be the hottest months in Kerala, but if you’re willing to brave the heat, you can often get good offseason discounts.
Kerala Cuisine
If you spend more than a couple of hours on a backwater cruise, chances are you’ll get to sample some of Kerala’s traditional cuisine, which is quite different from the North Indian cuisine usually associated with the country. Much of the food here is cooked with coconut milk and oil, giving it a sweeter taste, and instead of the wheat-based naans and chapatis served up north, rice and various rice-based pancake-style breads dominate.
Address: Alappuzha, Kerala, India
33 Tours and Activities to Experience Kerala Backwaters
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From Cochin Port: Backwater Cruise by Houseboat
Explore the backwaters of Kerala by houseboat on a group tour specially designed for cruise ship
passengers from Cochin Port. Enjoy lunch or Tea /Coffee Snacks aboard the boat in Alappuzha
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From
$85.00
From
$85.00

Kochi Private Tour : Backwater Cruise in Aleppey
Discover the famous Alappuzha waterways during this tour from Fort Kochi. Experience the beauty and tranquillity of one of Kerala's most-prized destinations as you float along the network of waterways aboard a traditional house boat or Shikara Canoe Boat . Enjoy an up close look at rural life and stunning nature during this memorable day on the water.
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From
$65.00
Price varies by group size
From
$65.00
Price varies by group size

Nautica Kochi Shore Excursions
When your Nautica cruise docks in Kochi, go ashore to view the Alleppey's (Alappuzha) picturesque backwaters on a houseboat cruise. Explore the rural inland waterways of Kerala, and enjoy a buffet lunch served onboard your boat. Shore excursion tour includes houseboat cruise, lunch, and port pickup and drop-off.
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From
$25.00
From
$25.00

Kochi Private Tour: Kerala Backwater Shikara (Shaded Canoe Boat) Day Cruise
With its palm-fringed waterways, Alleppey—Venice of the East—is one of South India’s most scenic spots. But the most stunning locations are only accessible to boats. During this exclusive backwater tour, you’ll hop a traditional Shikara, or Indian canoe, to cruise past coconut palms, picturesque villages, and lush rice paddies. Get a peek at rural life in Kerala while you relax and glide down Alleppey’s iconic canals.
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From
$65.00
Price varies by group size
From
$65.00
Price varies by group size

Shore Excursions from Cochin Cruise Terminal
If you have a Cruise ship coming up and are looking for a shore excursion, here are some options. Three different tours are offered depending on your dates. One will take you out into Kerala's famous backwaters by houseboat, complete with a local lunch. A second itinerary involves a houseboat cruise and a trip to Fort Kochin, known for its Chinese Fishing Nets. The third is land-based, with visits to the Dutch Palace and historic Fort Kochi.
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From
$25.00
From
$25.00

Marella Discovery Kochi Shore Excursions
This exclusive tour is designed especially for Marella Discovery Cruise passengers. Enjoy a day of discovery in Kochi, without the worry about missing your boat departure, as this tour is designed around your docking times. The itinerary varies depending on travel days but potential itinerary stops may include Dutch Palace, Santa Cruz Basilica, or an Alleppey houseboat cruise through the backwaters.
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From
$25.65
From
$25.65

Private Kerala Backwater Houseboat Day Cruise with Lunch from Cochin
Cruise the backwaters of Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, on a 7-hour tour from Fort Kochi and discover the famous inland waterways of Kerala by a traditional houseboat. See traditional villages and backwater boats and more. Alleppey is located between the Arabian Sea and a web of rivers flowing into it. In the early 20th century, the Viceroy of the Indian Empire, Lord Curzon, was so mesmerized by the scenic beauty that he declared that Alleppey was “The Venice of the East.”
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From
$120.00
Price varies by group size
From
$120.00
Price varies by group size

Kerala Package for 8 Days Includes All Transfer,Sightseeing and Accommodation
Experience the best of Kerala without the hassle on this eight-day tour. Starting in Cochin and ending in Kovallam, you’ll enjoy the highlights of the small South Indian state, including beaches, a backwater cruise, tea estates, mountains, and wildlife. You’ll cover a lot of ground in just over a week, and see more than you could comfortably fit in if traveling alone. This is an ideal tour for families or groups who want to avoid complicated travel logistics and just relax and have a good time.
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From
$610.00
Price varies by group size
From
$610.00
Price varies by group size

Alleppey Instagram Photoshoot By Local Professionals
Traveling to your favorite destination but don't know what all things to do??
Alleppey is one of the best places to get clicked in the world, we will give you a fascinating experience in Alleppey with social media-friendly images. This would not only be ideal for friends, family, couples, solo travelers, but also for wedding photography, pre-wedding shoot and more. We will capture you around the iconic places of Kerala more specifically beaches. An English speaking photographer will make your experience even better.
A photoshoot can also be done in your scenic Alleppey Resort ** allowing you more flexibility and convenience ** (permission required from resort management)
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From
$107.00
per group
From
$107.00
per group
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