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.

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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

1Drive to Alleppey
2Houseboat cruise
3Village life
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.

Kochi

5 Days Luxury Kerala Tour with Houseboat Experience Private Tour

Cochin Heritage Trail: een rondleiding door de stad

Shikara Boat Tour Alleppey Backwater Fantastic Boat Cruise

Kochi Heritage Wandeltocht : Verken Fort Kochi & Joodse Stad

Backwater Tour from Cochin

Kochi Overall Privé & groepsreizen: Aanpasbaar: Pick and Drop.

Full Day Backwater Village Punting Boat Cruise

Mattancherry Jewish Heritage & Fort Kochi Begeleide tour met pick-up

4.5(2)·5 uur

vanaf$60/ persoon

via Viator

Kerala Backwaters Trip from Kochi

At a glance

To Alleppey

On the houseboat

Village & sunset

Book the experiences in this itinerary

Kerala backwaters trip — FAQ

Explore more in Kochi