Cochin Houseboat Tour

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 or cruise ship terminal.

Tour Description: In this 7-hour tour, we drive to Allepey where we hire a private kettuvallam (traditional houseboat) and go for a day cruise. This tour allows you to see rural Kerala and the famous backwaters of Allepey.

• 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. – Drive to Allepey and board a traditional Kerala houseboat (private boat). On the way to Allepey you will pass green villages and see rural life in Kerala.
• 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. – Houseboat cruise on the beautiful backwaters. Lunch cooked on board the houseboat with local fish/catch of the day.
• 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 – Drive back to Cochin