Keralan Backwaters
PRIVATE TOUR: A peaceful and rustic sojourn on the mellow backwaters of Kerala. Setting off from Alleppey (Alappuzha) close to Kochi, you'll cruise through the lush backwaters aboard a rice boat.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Welcome and board our rice-boat
Day 1 Welcome and board our rice-boat
Welcome to India and the start of your holiday! Arrive Kochi airport, where you will be met by a representative from On The Go. Drive for approximately 2 hours to Allepey and board our private rice-boat for a journey through the backwaters in and around Allepey. Watch as our crew propel the boat through the water using tall bamboo poles!
The rice-boat is a simply furnished craft and consists of a thatched covered lounge/dining area, sleeping accommodation (with mosquito net) and a bathroom with a WC and washbasin. In the evening the boat is lit by hurricane lamps. Thatched awning on both sides of the boat allows the breeze and views to flow in. There is a small service area at the rear of the craft where the cook prepares simple meals using as many fresh provisions as can be plucked, caught or bought in the backwaters. A distance of some 20 kms will be covered, during which time the boat will glide past colourful local villages.
Day 2 Backwaters cruise
Day 2 Backwaters cruise
Spend the day at leisure on the rice- boat. Opt for a swim, soak up the sunshine, enjoy the scenic beauty of colourful villages and have a sumptuous meal on banana leaves. In the evening, witness sunset through coconut palms, enjoy dinner under a million stars and sleep and dream with the pleasant roll of the backwater.
Day 3 Disembark at Alleppey and drive to Kochi
Day 3 Disembark at Alleppey and drive to Kochi
Alleppey - Kochi. Disembark at Alleppey and drive to Kochi Airport in time to connect with your onward fight.
If you'd like to extend your stay, we offer a variety of hotels, short stays and add-ons for you to choose from. Please read our best places to visit or best things to see each month for suggested places to visit on your holiday. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please let us know so we can accommodate your request.
For information about visas, top travel tips, best time to travel and much more, browse our travel guide.
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Prices & Dates
Hotels
There are few things as serene and tranquil as floating along the Keralan backwaters in the comfort of a luxurious houseboat. Deluxe houseboats are elegantly furnished, with up to four bedrooms, equipped with modern en suites, an open lounge, dining area and a deck to relax and admire the beautiful views of the lush green palms and rice paddies. Air conditioning operates in the bedrooms between 9pm to 6am only. The cruises are full board, with tasty meals freshly prepared by the onboard chef.
Tour Reviews
The setting of the tour was beautiful and we thoroughly enjoyed the additional activities we paid for (small boat & traditional massage). It’s worth pointing out that we were unaware that there would be additional costs associated with the tour prior to departure. While we appreciate that a massage is an optional extra, it should be made explicit that the package is not inclusive of all activities and rather only covers the boat itself. We had not brought sufficient cash to pay for all the additional expenses (not wanting to carry too much cash) and therefore had to go to an ATM during the trip. The boat used was not an acceptable standard. The furniture was limited and damaged. The bedroom had an unpleasant smell from the primitive bathroom. We were rationed for air-con; we were only allowed it at night, and it was turned off when we were sleeping (very early in the morning). The water from the bathroom taps was brown and the shower ran out of water. There was also no mosquito net over the bed and holes in the sheets! The bathroom door was also challenging to shut as it was partly broken around the latch. Overall, the general feel was shabby and a bit dirty. The driver who collected us was excellent and the transfer to the boat was good. Communication with us regarding this was also very good. The food on the boat was very tasty, however we were taken to a fish market and had to buy fresh fish for the boat. This cost 44,000 rupees for two days! I had expected all food to be included in the cost of the tour. I view fresh fish as an integral part of the houseboat experience and was shocked that if I had not bought, it would not have been on the menu. The first night we stayed in a beautiful, small village, however the second we stayed at a busy port where we felt unsafe as two female travellers. The only reason we could work out as to why we were there was that the captain wanted to spend the night at home; we sailed in the morning of the last day so the choice of location did not seem to be driven by time constraints. Overall, a beautiful part of the world but a less than beautiful boat.
Extras and add-ons
Tour Upgrades
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