Kochi Private Tour: Kerala Backwater Shikara (Shaded Canoe Boat) Day Cruise

3.75

3.8(4 reviews)

Private Tour

6 hours

English

Mobile ticket

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Overview

Available languages

English

6 hours

Mobile ticket

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.”

Additional Info

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children must be accompanied by an adult

What To Expect

Kochi (Cochin)

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

Admission Not Applicable

Alappuzha

Backwater of aleppey

Admission Not Applicable

Options

Shikara Cruise w/Hotel Pick Up

Duration: 6 hours Shikara Canoe Cruise: 03 Hours Shikara Canoe Day Cruise with Pick up/Drop from Cochin Hotels Pickup included

Shikara Canoe Cruise + Guide

03 Hours Shikara Canoe Day Cruise with English Speaking Local Guide & Pick up/Drop from Cochin Hotels or Cochin Cruise port Duration: 6 hours Pickup included

Shikara Cruise w/Port Pick Up

Duration: 6 hours AC Private Car Shikara canoe cruise: 03 Hours Shikara Canoe Day Cruise with Pick up/Drop from Cochin Port Cruise terminal Pickup included

What‘s Included

Pick Up /Drop from Cochin Hotel or Cruise Port Terminal

Non AC Shikara cruise (approx. 3 hrs)

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Fort Cochin, Wellingdon Island, Kundanoor, or Ernakulam MG Road by private air conditioned vehicle

Food

Drinks and alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Gratuities

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

3.75

4 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Scammed and was not worth it
Anish M,Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00
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...
James F,Dec 23, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
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.
Backwaters are amazing
Petros K,Nov 23, 2024
- Review from Viator
4.00
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.
Worth to Try!
Miu S,Oct 23, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00
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.