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Home/Destinations/Kochi/Kerala backwaters trip
Backwaters · Kochi itinerary

Kerala Backwaters Trip from Kochi

The backwaters are Kerala’s magic. Here is how to spend a backwater trip from Kochi — with the best-rated houseboat tours to book.

At a glance

  1. 1Drive to Alleppey
  2. 2Houseboat cruise
  3. 3Village life
  4. 4Sunset on the water

To Alleppey

The heart of the backwaters.

On the houseboat

Cruising palm-fringed canals.

Village & sunset

Rice paddies and golden evenings.

Book the experiences in this itinerary

Top-rated tours for exactly what this plan recommends in Kochi — prices per person.

5 Days Luxury Kerala Tour with Houseboat Experience Private Tour
Kochi
5 Days Luxury Kerala Tour with Houseboat Experience Private Tour
5.0(96)·5 days
from$246/ person
via Viator
Kochi On Tuk-Tuk Tour with Pickup From Cruise Ships
Kochi
Kochi On Tuk-Tuk Tour with Pickup From Cruise Ships
5.0(59)·4–5 hours
from$15/ person
via Viator
Shikara Boat Tour Alleppey Backwater Fantastic Boat Cruise
Kochi
Shikara Boat Tour Alleppey Backwater Fantastic Boat Cruise
5.0(80)·1–8 hours
from$9/ person
via Viator
Fort Kochi Sightseeing Tuk-Tuk Tour
Kochi
Fort Kochi Sightseeing Tuk-Tuk Tour
5.0(44)·3–4 hours
from$10/ person
via Viator
5 Nights Private Tour Cochin/Munnar/Thekkady/Houseboat/Cochin
Kochi
5 Nights Private Tour Cochin/Munnar/Thekkady/Houseboat/Cochin
5.0(40)·6 days
from$374/ person
via Viator
Authentic Tuk Tuk Heritage Tour of Kochi with Local Guide
Kochi
Authentic Tuk Tuk Heritage Tour of Kochi with Local Guide
5.0(42)·4–5 hours
from$10/ person
via Viator
5 Nights Private Tour-Cochin/Munnar/Thekkady/Houseboat/Cochin
Kochi
5 Nights Private Tour-Cochin/Munnar/Thekkady/Houseboat/Cochin
5.0(52)·6 days
from$379/ person
via Viator
Kochi Sightseeing Tuk Tuk Tour with Hotel Pickup
Kochi
Kochi Sightseeing Tuk Tuk Tour with Hotel Pickup
5.0(37)·4–5 hours
from$10/ person
via Viator

Kerala backwaters trip — FAQ

Where do you start a Kerala backwater trip?
Alleppey, about 1.5 hours from Kochi, is the most popular base for houseboat and shikara backwater cruises.
Should you do an overnight houseboat?
An overnight houseboat is a magical experience, drifting through the backwaters with meals on board; day cruises are also available.
What will you see on the backwaters?
Expect palm-fringed canals, rice paddies, village life, birdlife and beautiful sunsets over the water.

Explore more in Kochi

Fort Kochi & City ToursBackwaters & HouseboatsMunnar Tea HillsKathakali & CultureSpice & Cooking Tours