Private Tour
Available languages
6 hours
Mobile ticket
Discover the famous Alappuzha waterways during this tour from Fort Kochi. Experience the beauty and tranquillity of one of Kerala's most-prized destinations as you float along the network of waterways aboard a traditional house boat or Shikara Canoe Boat . Enjoy an up close look at rural life and stunning nature during this memorable day on the water.
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Non-AC Houseboat cruise or Non AC Shikara Canoe Cruise (approx. 3 hrs)
Lunch (only for Houseboat Tours)
Hotel pickup and drop-off in Fort Cochin, Wellingdon Island, Kundanoor, or MG Road by AC Car
Food & Beverages
Gratuities
Guides are Optional at Extra Cost of 60 USD for a group. Please contact Tour operator if required
Select a pickup point
Kochi (Cochin)
Pick up from Cochin Hotel or Cochin Cruise Terminal
Cruise the backwaters of Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, on a 6 -7 hour tour from Fort Kochi and discover the famous inland waterways of Kerala by a traditional houseboat. 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.”
Duration: 6 hours
Lunch
Day Cruise -Non AC Houseboat: Day Cruise on Non AC Houseboat for 3 hours with Lunch
Pickup included
Duration: 6 hours
AC Vehicle - Private
Day Cruise: Day Cruise on Motorized covered Non AC Shikara Canoe Boat for 3 hours (No Lunch Included)
Pickup included
9 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Bruce M,
Nov 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
The driver was waiting at the port gate on time. In fact, the tour company accommodated a late request to change the start time to an hour earlier. The drive to the boat took 1hr 45mins and the boat was waiting for us at the dock. The boat was clean and comfortable, giving us a very relaxed 3hr cruise around the backwaters. When the cruise was complete, the car was waiting to collect us and take us the 1hr 45mins back to the port. A very well organised tour and really relaxing cruise. Thanks to the drivers of both the car and the boat.
Meena M,
Jan 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
The whole experience was wonderful from beginning to end end, we were picked up at our hotel and upon arriving we boarded our boat cruising through the backwaters was wonderful, gave us welcome drink, stopped to buy fresh tiger shrimp, also had a tase of toddy. We were served with sumptuous lunch of 3 vegetables, chicken,fish n shrimp and dessert. I was very delicious. We had tour of 4 hrs with lunch it was perfect for us.
Frances D,
Dec 14, 2024
- Review from Viator
Driver was waiting for us. Nice air conditioned vehicle. It was a long drive - nearly 2 hours and we were a bit worried about getting back to the ship later. The driver and the canoe guide agreed a time to come back to give us plenty of time. Tge cruise round was very relaxing and our guide/driver lived in the village and shared lots of info with us. Well worth the long journey
ShekoSusan K,
Dec 31, 2023
- Review from Viator
A trip to this part of India without a visit to the backwaters would be incomplete. My driver Shaneer showed up early to pick me up, which was highly appreciated. His auto is extremely comfortable which made for an enjoyable ride to the Alleppey boat jetty. Shaneer’s mastery of English made the long ride educational and fun. When we arrived at the jetty the boat diver, Manu was waiting. I was happy i booked the canoe boat because this allowed us to go into some of the smaller canals which are more interesting then the larger ones. Manu told me about like in his village, about the rice farming and other interesting points along the way. I highly recommend both Scanner and Manu for this trip if they are available. I would like to come back in the future and do the ride just before sunset, I think the would make for beautiful lighting for photography.

priyankjammar,
Apr 4, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
We booked 9:40am timeslot for 3/31 and were told by TripAdvisor team that Shikara will start at 9:40am and cab driver will pick us from hotel couple of hours before that. We planned for the day accordingly. We later realized that cab driver came at 9:40am to pick us from hotel, which subsequently delayed the entire plan by 2 hours, and impacted our evening plans. The charges are bit expensive compared to directly renting the Shikara Canoe on spot. Booking helps during peak season i.e., Nov-Feb but for remaining months it’s better to directly rent after going there which will be much cheaper. Vegetarian food was provided at nominal charges and we loved that. The Shikara driver Manu was quite interactive and helpful. The cab driver took us from interior roads from hotel to Aleppey, although I would have appreciated covering some scenic path to Aleppey. We paid additional Rs. 200 to driver to drop us at Marine Drive instead of Hotel, which was just 3 kms diversion. Anyways, we were with the family in new place and just went with the flow without any arguments to avoid spoiling the trip.
Marta D,
Mar 4, 2023
- Review from Viator
We really enjoyed this! The driver picked us up from our hotel in Kochi on time, and when we arrived in Aleppey, our boat was already waiting for us. We had the boat all to ourselves. The guide/boat driver was very friendly, and we spent about 3 hours enjoying the beauty of the backwaters. The boat is a sort of motorized canoe, much smaller than the famous houseboats, but still perfectly comfortable, with the added advantage that you can go into the smaller/narrow canals (definitely the prettiest part of the backwaters as far as we are concerned!). We had some doubts about booking this trip since it did not have many reviews on Viator, but we are so glad we did. Definitely recommended.


Sridhar S,
Dec 20, 2022
- Review from Viator
Boat ride and stopover at island for lunch. Overall a fantastic experience. But a bit costly maybe because of onset of season. At a reduced price it would be even more attractive
Kouta L,
Jun 21, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had a wonderful one night backwater cruise in Allapuzha with Lakes and Lagoons, organized for us by Carnival Tours. From the pick up by car in Cherai to the collection by same the following morning, everything was so well organized, everyone involved was professional, kind and courteous, and all thanks to the good people of Carnival. Faultless, and a magical experience at a very reasonable price.








Operated by Carnival Tours Kochi