Kochi Private Tour: Kerala Backwater Shikara (Shaded Canoe Boat) Day Cruise
Description
Cruise the backwaters of Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, on a 6-hour tour from Fort Kochi and discover the famous inland waterways of Kerala on a Shikara Boat (Shaded Canoe Motorized Boat). 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.”
Tour Options
Itinerary
Pick up from Cochin Hotel or Cochin Cruise terminal Pick-from Cochin Port or your hotel and transfer to Aleppey (approximately 1.30 hours) to board the boat . The boat will cruise slowly through the backwaters and village area of Aleppey with the main attraction during the cruise being the view of backwaters, paddy fields, coconut palms, and the villager's daily life. The cruise will finish after 3 hours cruise and you get back to Cochin
Backwater of aleppey
Cruise Along the Backwater of Kerala
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Pick up from Hotels /Homestays in Cochin/Aleppey/Mararikulam or Cochin Cruise Port (If the Pick up is from Hotel - Please mention Hotel name in Special Requirement Column)
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
Reviews(4)
The pickup was on-time. Even though the drive was a bit bumpy road due to major construction and congestion, driver Antoni was pleasant. The boat ride itself was another story as the trip was not scenic, not picturesque but noisy with other boat traffic. The host offered few options that were not mentioned in the itinerary which includes transfer to a smaller canoe. The trip was not as pictured or described. Additionally, I was offered lunch and invited the host with me. I was offered seafood option in addition (500 grams for Rs. 400/500 for two ppl). In the end, the host asked me to pay Rupees 1270 for a simple meal. After traveling around Kerala a bit, I later realized this should've been Rs. 50-150 and felt scammed by the overprice. Even though I was grateful for the experience, I should've stayed in the hotel or headed back home early instead of getting scammed in hindsight.
Absolutely loved this tour! They worked with the cruise ships departure times so we were back in time. It was a private tour so just the 3 of us, both driver and tour guide went above and beyond so we got an opportunity to hold an eagle and visit a local locals bar and sip the homemade drink, toddy! Went on 2 different boats to navigate the water ways, just so relaxing watching the world go by, people washing, fishing, just makes a change from the hustle and bustle of India.Would highly recommend.
The backwaters is a wonderful place with a labyrinth of rivers!the boy in the boat was very helpful and friendly.my driver was at the beginning kind but he told me that he would go me for lunch which was not included in the price of the tour.he didn't ask me what I would like to eat but he just stopped in a very poor restaurant.the toilet was very dirty and i got disgusting.the waiter brought me a catalogue but I couldn't communicate with him in order to see what I will eat.i didn't like the place and I asked my driver to leave.i think that the drivers should ask their clients before go to a restaurant to eat.
3 hour day-ride was a wonderful experience with this service! A driver was waiting for us 15 mins before the meeting time at hotel in Cochin. The canoe operator also planned well in spite of our busy schedule so that we could enjoy a lot. You should try South Indian thali in a village restaurant which is affordable and very tasty. Thank you for showing us around your village by canoe.
