Kerala Backwaters
Kerala Backwaters
4.5
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Full view
About
Kerala, India
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
3,899 reviews
Excellent
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Poor
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Terrible
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Lyayla
4 contributions
Jan 2025 • Couples
The feedback from user Andrei P. was the most useful one written about the factories in Kerala. Please read it carefully. The point of the rest of the reviews: wind up Kerala worth visiting.
I'll add for myself: On January 2, 2025, we bargained at the marina with some guy like this: chic for two only, 2 hours, 1,500 rupees. The guy called the boatman and he picked us up. The middleman took 500 rupees and gave 1000 to the boatman. So the advice is, it's better to communicate directly with boaters. We didn't realize we were talking to the middleman at first, because he talked about the boat as his own.
The boater will take you down the biggest canal to the lake and want to drive along it and then come back the same way. Take the initiative if you don't want to watch the same channel twice. Offer the boater another route you like, which you estimate will take just 2 hours.
1 hour for a ride is definitely not enough.
Ride better near sunset to catch different lighting for beautiful photos. Our voyage began at 3.30pm and concluded at 5.30pm. Full sunset was at 6.15pm.
I'll add for myself: On January 2, 2025, we bargained at the marina with some guy like this: chic for two only, 2 hours, 1,500 rupees. The guy called the boatman and he picked us up. The middleman took 500 rupees and gave 1000 to the boatman. So the advice is, it's better to communicate directly with boaters. We didn't realize we were talking to the middleman at first, because he talked about the boat as his own.
The boater will take you down the biggest canal to the lake and want to drive along it and then come back the same way. Take the initiative if you don't want to watch the same channel twice. Offer the boater another route you like, which you estimate will take just 2 hours.
1 hour for a ride is definitely not enough.
Ride better near sunset to catch different lighting for beautiful photos. Our voyage began at 3.30pm and concluded at 5.30pm. Full sunset was at 6.15pm.
Automatically translated
Written 3 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Santhosh9
Mumbai, India188 contributions
Nov 2024 • Family
Our family of 4 members (two of us from India and My son and family from US) had amazing time staying at the Houseboat in Alleppey backwaters
( Lake Vembanad) provided by Mr Shantilal,Prashanty Houseboats.
The hospitality offered by Shantilal and his team in the boat from booking/ check in at 12 noon to checkout around 9 am next day was very comfortable..
The crew of the boat; three of them were well experienced and dedicated.
The full AC category Luxury houseboat exclusively dedicated for our family; inclusive of all meals, had well furnished two bedrooms with attached bathrooms; dedicated dining area with separate living area with Tv/ music systems; upper duct with large hall with chairs/tables with external dedicated watch duct.
Cruising through the beautiful back waters; lined with temples, churches, a variety of dwellings with lovely humane beings and surrounded by blessed nature is an experience. The cruise time for houseboats during the day ends around 5~5.30 pm..
After the halt ; crew arranged for us a speed boat ( @extra cost) .. ride; which was a wonderful experience. Further; the crew even prepared special dish with a fish bought from outside and arranged Auto’s for our travel to nearby places of interest…
When in Kerala; one should definitely experience the Houseboat stay in Alleppey and Prashanty Houseboats managed by Mr.Shanthilal was dedicated for the purpose..
Have a good time..😊😊
( Lake Vembanad) provided by Mr Shantilal,Prashanty Houseboats.
The hospitality offered by Shantilal and his team in the boat from booking/ check in at 12 noon to checkout around 9 am next day was very comfortable..
The crew of the boat; three of them were well experienced and dedicated.
The full AC category Luxury houseboat exclusively dedicated for our family; inclusive of all meals, had well furnished two bedrooms with attached bathrooms; dedicated dining area with separate living area with Tv/ music systems; upper duct with large hall with chairs/tables with external dedicated watch duct.
Cruising through the beautiful back waters; lined with temples, churches, a variety of dwellings with lovely humane beings and surrounded by blessed nature is an experience. The cruise time for houseboats during the day ends around 5~5.30 pm..
After the halt ; crew arranged for us a speed boat ( @extra cost) .. ride; which was a wonderful experience. Further; the crew even prepared special dish with a fish bought from outside and arranged Auto’s for our travel to nearby places of interest…
When in Kerala; one should definitely experience the Houseboat stay in Alleppey and Prashanty Houseboats managed by Mr.Shanthilal was dedicated for the purpose..
Have a good time..😊😊
Written 9 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
syfrost
Singapore, Singapore10 contributions
Jan 2025 • Solo
I just got off from the Goodearth houseboat and I feel so compelled to write a review — because the experience was so incredible! Led by guide Ponnappan, I got a chance to walk through the village of Vayalar and meet with the locals and get a glimpse of village life. I was also immensely lucky to be able to crash a local village party and had a chance to have a meal and interact with the friendly folks from Vayalar. We talked about our families, society, culture and also got to experience karaoke in the gardens. I could not have asked for more! The food - whipped up by chef Mahesh - was also mind blowing. Fish curry was the star — and even the papadum was out of the world. The relaxing boat ride where I was able to enjoy a tranquil afternoon was also made possible due to captain Rajhu. Last but not least thankful to coordinator Basheer.
Thank you the crew of Goodearth - you have led the way on how thoughtful cultural immersion should be and you truly are a gem
Thank you the crew of Goodearth - you have led the way on how thoughtful cultural immersion should be and you truly are a gem
Written 31 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eros
Edinburgh, UK1,444 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
The Kerala backwaters were our main reason for visiting Kerala and they did not disappoint
We started at Kumarakom and finished the following day near Alleppy. The route picked had few other houseboats on the waters apart from one busy section which was pretty manic. Our houseboat anchored overnight in a quite canal.
We wanted a luxury houseboat for the two of us, with air con the whole time and importantly we wanted an upstairs comfortable viewing deck. We settled on Maniyara a boat owned by Sree Kamar of Lake View House Boats - a lovely houseboat which met our criteria. The two staff were great and we were served wonderful food. The upper deck was perfect for viewing and sun bathing.
Memorable trip though we felt one night was suffice.
We started at Kumarakom and finished the following day near Alleppy. The route picked had few other houseboats on the waters apart from one busy section which was pretty manic. Our houseboat anchored overnight in a quite canal.
We wanted a luxury houseboat for the two of us, with air con the whole time and importantly we wanted an upstairs comfortable viewing deck. We settled on Maniyara a boat owned by Sree Kamar of Lake View House Boats - a lovely houseboat which met our criteria. The two staff were great and we were served wonderful food. The upper deck was perfect for viewing and sun bathing.
Memorable trip though we felt one night was suffice.
Written 21 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sally M
11 contributions
Mar 2025 • Friends
What a wonderful way to spend a day !
🛶❤️🥘🍛🍌🇮🇳
Amari (if that's the correct spelling) a beautiful lady guide was so very good. She made the experience so much better . It was great to see the coconut coir process and the coconut leaf weaving .... we have just spent the last 10 days as a group cycling over 600km and this was our first rest day before leaving so this was a perfect way for us to relax and take in the beautiful scenery and see local birds...
The lunch provided was exceptional!
Especially the raw banana curry and the Paal Payasam ... which Amari and the team were great at explaining about ....
Such great value with a bus transfer to and from the trip
I would highly recommend
🛶❤️🥘🍛🍌🇮🇳
Amari (if that's the correct spelling) a beautiful lady guide was so very good. She made the experience so much better . It was great to see the coconut coir process and the coconut leaf weaving .... we have just spent the last 10 days as a group cycling over 600km and this was our first rest day before leaving so this was a perfect way for us to relax and take in the beautiful scenery and see local birds...
The lunch provided was exceptional!
Especially the raw banana curry and the Paal Payasam ... which Amari and the team were great at explaining about ....
Such great value with a bus transfer to and from the trip
I would highly recommend
Written 2 March 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Venkat Ramaswamy
Chennai (Madras), India21 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
Prashanti House boat is one of the best choice for the Kerala backwaters were our main reason for visiting Kerala and they did not disappoint us.
We started at Kumarakom and finished the following day near Alleppy. during the boat ride route picked had few other houseboats on the waters. Our houseboat anchored overnight in a quite canal and we had wonderful journey
We started at Kumarakom and finished the following day near Alleppy. during the boat ride route picked had few other houseboats on the waters. Our houseboat anchored overnight in a quite canal and we had wonderful journey
Written 29 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Friend,
First of all we would like to thank you for sharing feedback about Kerala Backwaters on Trip Advisor.
Kerala Backwater Tourism Teams are feeling extremely contented to have been able to deliver you with the highest level of service and thank you so much for highlighting Nature wonder surprise in the world.
Thank you again for your loyalty in our Attraction and we are personally looking forward to welcome you back home again in the near future.
Yours Sincerely,
Arul Sreedhar
Written 10 June 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Peter C
7 contributions
Aug 2024 • Solo
Thank you Prasanthy Houseboats for my three day, two night tour of the backwaters of Kerala. This proved to be one of the highlights of my recent trip to India. The houseboat was staffed by driver Shamji and chef Unni who were most hospitable and friendly. Shamji pointed out places of interest as he navigated through the Kerala backwaters and was willing to answer any questions or queries I had; and Unni prepared meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner and snacks in between. The accommodation was comfortable and the ensuite was clean; and there was air conditioning in the bedroom of an evening. This was a leisurely cruise of the Kerala backwaters and showed me another side of India.
Written 3 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anna M
Turin, Italy65 contributions
Jan 2025 • Family
Together with my husband and daughter we sailed and stayed one night on a houseboat in the backwaters at Alleppey: unique experience. Simple but pleasant and comfortable cabin. The meals on board were eaten in a truly relaxing landscape. The staff on board friendly and helpful. An experience to repeat.
Automatically translated
Written 29 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eaa1947
Gold Coast, Australia660 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Very relaxing 24 hours on a private boat. The staff was excellent and understood our dietary requirements. Not much documentary but more or less self explanatory experience. Some people spend several days but in our opinion 1 day is enough.
Written 6 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ear Friend,
First of all we would like to thank you for sharing feedback about Kerala Backwaters on Trip Advisor.
Kerala Backwater Tourism Teams are feeling extremely contented to have been able to deliver you with the highest level of service and thank you so much for highlighting Nature wonder surprise in the world.
Thank you again for your loyalty in our Attraction and we are personally looking forward to welcome you back home again in the near future.
Yours Sincerely,
Arul Sreedhar
Written 26 July 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Vishwanath Swamy
Coimbatore, India23 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
After Marriage this was our first tour what a wonderful experience to travel overnight with Safe, clean, secure boat and most enjoyable staff. Very helpful. All booking and travel arrangements were well communicated. beautiful scenic view all around enjoyed our ride throughly.
Written 3 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your Review.
Written 10 June 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Can you recommend the company to book through please
Written 3 April 2024
Hello, I'm looking for a small boat to tour the mangroves, see birds and animals. I'm not interested in a houseboat tour. Any suggestions where to find a reliable service?Thank you!
Written 27 October 2023
Do you have contact information for this tour or a web page I can book through? Thanks
Written 5 December 2020
We are going to be touring round the backwaters, visiting villages. We’ve heard it’s a good idea to take some gifts for local children, anyone have any thoughts on his please?
Written 30 December 2019
Stuff for school such as pens and pencils and notebooks.
Written 2 January 2020
Saeeq Shajjan
Kabul, Afghanistan
Hi, can anyone recommend how to plan a trip to Kerala?
Written 23 November 2019
Ciao Stella
Io e mio marito (67 e 72 anni) il giorno 5 marzo 2020 saremo a Cochin dalle 8 alle 18 (siamo in crociera con MSC Splendida) e mi è stata consigliata la CROCIERA SULLA CASA GALLEGGIANTE �KETTUVALLAM�
Ho letto la tua recensione, che mi è molto piaciuta. e vorrei sapere come possiamo organizzarci dall'Italia
Ti ringrazio infinitamente se ci potrai aiutare con i tuoi suggerimenti
Written 27 August 2019
Dear Friend,
you need to go to Alleppey for backwater. one day before you can book boat trip. Kochi to Alleppey by road you need to go.
Regards
Sarath
Written 29 August 2019
Hi Can you please share the tour itineraryt..we plan to visit in September. We are from Kolkata. we are 2 friends., We would be reaching Kochi and would return from Kochi. Thanks in advance.
Written 13 June 2019
Hi
We started from kochi and returned from Trivandrum, so no need to come back to kochin again. From kochi airport, we directly left for Munnar(2 nights), Thekkady1 night, Alleppy ( Houseboat 1 night) then kovlam 3 nights
From kovlam , one of the day, we did day trip to Kanyakumari
Let me know if you need further details
Written 17 June 2019
Hi Gopinath P... I am planning my first trip to Kerela in February with my husband... we are both in our late 50s. Please could you send some tips, recommendations etc about stay and travel especially in the backwaters of Kerela.
Thanks
Sunaina
Written 12 January 2019
Hey.. Suggest you book the Southern panorama premium house boat. They take good care of guests.
Hope you have A great trip
Written 13 February 2019
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