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
About
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
Features animals
Learn more about animal welfare in tourismSuggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Kerala Backwaters
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
60 within 5 kms
Attractions
16 within 10 kms
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
3,877 reviews
Excellent
2,359
Very good
999
Average
276
Poor
117
Terrible
126
gokul p
1 contribution
May 2023 • Couples
Very good experience..I really enjoyed alot the time we spend in house boat and food services were also superb. Overall a great experience...😍😍
Written 22 May 2023
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.
Lakshya J
2 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
Looks nice in photos but the place itself is not very good. Too much dirt all around in the lake , also the food provided in the house boat is not good. I would suggest to take a 2-3 hour journey in house boat don't waste whole day on it
Written 8 May 2023
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.
Pratyaksha S
4 contributions
Apr 2023
The boathouse experience was the worst. The bedroom and bathroom were disgusting, so unhygienic and dirty. The staff was well behaved and welcoming and the food was nice. Rest everything about the boathouse was absolutely disappointing. The fare given online (24,000) for 1 night stay is so much, it is not even worth 2000-3000. I dont know what are they charging for so high.
Our experience was so bad that we had to checkout early and checkin to a hotel nearby for a better stay ( especially for a better bedroom and bathroom).
The massage spa option given on the boat , we chose that for the activity after looking at a brochure but as soon as we reached the massage place it was such a wired place that i felt really UNSAFE in the place it was not at all nice, it was a room with one iron table with a plastic sheet on it that’s it absolutely third class. It was so terrifying that i got so traumatised and went back to the boat asap and cried a lot.
I’m surprised why it is said to be one of the best things (to do thing) in Kerala trip.
IT IS NOT
The 2 stars are also just for the crew’s nice behaviour and good food.
Our experience was so bad that we had to checkout early and checkin to a hotel nearby for a better stay ( especially for a better bedroom and bathroom).
The massage spa option given on the boat , we chose that for the activity after looking at a brochure but as soon as we reached the massage place it was such a wired place that i felt really UNSAFE in the place it was not at all nice, it was a room with one iron table with a plastic sheet on it that’s it absolutely third class. It was so terrifying that i got so traumatised and went back to the boat asap and cried a lot.
I’m surprised why it is said to be one of the best things (to do thing) in Kerala trip.
IT IS NOT
The 2 stars are also just for the crew’s nice behaviour and good food.
Written 3 May 2023
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.
axels
Lillehammer, Norway2,194 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
Ok, it's up to you, how to manage a trip on the Backwaters. A lot of companies have offers for a lot of different houseboats; some are included very good services and extras; others have not. There are also many places in the backwaters to start and finish your sailing; and of couse it also dipendes how many days you wish to stay on a cruise like this.
I recommend to start this adventure with a lot of readings, like "Kerala backwaters" by Wikipedia or Google and have a good look on this very special and different "Kerala houseboats"; often very different in price and size! Get information about the conditions for best time, where to go, sightseeing stops, temperatures, air con, moskitos, snacks a.s.o. How it will works while you are on board with food, beverages, sleeping, bathroom etc. ; or you maybe wish to choose your nights of board with a "night over stop" in a resort? Plenty of opportunities! This typical boats are named "Kettuvallam", you will find a lot of pics on Wikipedia or Google too:)
Well. enough. enough! - and good luck with the planning!
All this are still dreams, maybe for our next trip, maybe some years later!? - Our 1. trip into the backwaters was a day trip only with a smal and very slow boat and only on/along some beautiful canals. And we have been visiting a cosy settlement with families living in the backwaters, and got demos about their daily living. It was a beautiful day, with 1 hour trips each way by mini-bus from and to Kochi. Just have a look on our pics; we loved this trip very much too, and without a houseboat! ( for the beginning :)
I recommend to start this adventure with a lot of readings, like "Kerala backwaters" by Wikipedia or Google and have a good look on this very special and different "Kerala houseboats"; often very different in price and size! Get information about the conditions for best time, where to go, sightseeing stops, temperatures, air con, moskitos, snacks a.s.o. How it will works while you are on board with food, beverages, sleeping, bathroom etc. ; or you maybe wish to choose your nights of board with a "night over stop" in a resort? Plenty of opportunities! This typical boats are named "Kettuvallam", you will find a lot of pics on Wikipedia or Google too:)
Well. enough. enough! - and good luck with the planning!
All this are still dreams, maybe for our next trip, maybe some years later!? - Our 1. trip into the backwaters was a day trip only with a smal and very slow boat and only on/along some beautiful canals. And we have been visiting a cosy settlement with families living in the backwaters, and got demos about their daily living. It was a beautiful day, with 1 hour trips each way by mini-bus from and to Kochi. Just have a look on our pics; we loved this trip very much too, and without a houseboat! ( for the beginning :)
Written 22 April 2023
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.
Brian O
3 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
IMS tours, Josekutty Joseph. Jmj tour
Disappointed. First review I've ever started with that word. Trip could have been a highlight but wasn't. We discussed the route then went somewhere different that was largely uninteresting.
Told we would do a loop and only see any area once, we doubled back.
After 4hrs we saw some interesting stuff for the last hour of travel, we could have spent whole time in interesting areas but didn't. Straight cannels doing 3 sides of a dead rice paddy instead.
Told we would leave 11.30, we didn't. Told stop 20min for lunch so crew can eat. Over an hour before we moved after I prompted crew. Back at dock 1.5hrs early!
Told wouldn't be mooring overnight with lots of other boats, sandwiched between boats.
Room was full of mosquitos. Multiple insect sparys. Must have squashed 20 mosquitos before bed having squashed many more earlier, no I'm not exaggerating. Yet outside on deck mosquitos not a problem.....
Fortunately air con worked well after 2hrs of intermittent power.
We selected this boat because of discussed route, and it could go where bigger boats couldn't go. Might as well have had the bigger boat. At times we could walk faster than the boat travelled. Generally moving at 3 to 5kmh to save diesel. Boat could easily do double that speed and see more.
Crew were good, food was good. Problem was boat owner promising and not delivering.
So much potential, poorly executed. Appears all operators are similar in that they travel as slowly as possible and follow the same routes and all park up in their designated spots.
Maybe worth doing, so long as expectations are low and you haven't done anything similar before. I communicated my concerns early in the trip with limited success.
Surprise. Surprise owner uncontactable after the trip.
Disappointed. First review I've ever started with that word. Trip could have been a highlight but wasn't. We discussed the route then went somewhere different that was largely uninteresting.
Told we would do a loop and only see any area once, we doubled back.
After 4hrs we saw some interesting stuff for the last hour of travel, we could have spent whole time in interesting areas but didn't. Straight cannels doing 3 sides of a dead rice paddy instead.
Told we would leave 11.30, we didn't. Told stop 20min for lunch so crew can eat. Over an hour before we moved after I prompted crew. Back at dock 1.5hrs early!
Told wouldn't be mooring overnight with lots of other boats, sandwiched between boats.
Room was full of mosquitos. Multiple insect sparys. Must have squashed 20 mosquitos before bed having squashed many more earlier, no I'm not exaggerating. Yet outside on deck mosquitos not a problem.....
Fortunately air con worked well after 2hrs of intermittent power.
We selected this boat because of discussed route, and it could go where bigger boats couldn't go. Might as well have had the bigger boat. At times we could walk faster than the boat travelled. Generally moving at 3 to 5kmh to save diesel. Boat could easily do double that speed and see more.
Crew were good, food was good. Problem was boat owner promising and not delivering.
So much potential, poorly executed. Appears all operators are similar in that they travel as slowly as possible and follow the same routes and all park up in their designated spots.
Maybe worth doing, so long as expectations are low and you haven't done anything similar before. I communicated my concerns early in the trip with limited success.
Surprise. Surprise owner uncontactable after the trip.
Written 1 April 2023
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.
sanjib c
Dubai, United Arab Emirates38 contributions
Mar 2023
Was a good experience. Beautiful place. Would also recommend to have a stay at the houseboat. People are very helpful.
Written 31 March 2023
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.
Safari40799596878
1 contribution
Mar 2023 • Couples
11 minutes ago
NEW
Kerala is called God's Own Country for a reason!!! What an amazing experience it was staying at a Houseboat in Allapey backwaters arranged by Mr Shantilal (Prashanty Houseboats). It was a surreal experience for us and one of the best of our lives. The hospitality offered by Shantilal and his team, the boat driver Prasad ettan and Chef Joseph was top notch. They ensured that we get the best experience and I wanna thank then from the bottom of my heart. Everything we asked for was provided, be it a fishing rod for some leisure fishing or halting at a marketplace for buying sea food - Joseph is an amazing cook and d delicacy served on the boat was super super super tasty n we enjoyed it fully. For anyone wishing to experience the true colours of Kerala, this is one thing you shouldn't be missing. Thank you so much Shantilal 😊😊
NEW
Kerala is called God's Own Country for a reason!!! What an amazing experience it was staying at a Houseboat in Allapey backwaters arranged by Mr Shantilal (Prashanty Houseboats). It was a surreal experience for us and one of the best of our lives. The hospitality offered by Shantilal and his team, the boat driver Prasad ettan and Chef Joseph was top notch. They ensured that we get the best experience and I wanna thank then from the bottom of my heart. Everything we asked for was provided, be it a fishing rod for some leisure fishing or halting at a marketplace for buying sea food - Joseph is an amazing cook and d delicacy served on the boat was super super super tasty n we enjoyed it fully. For anyone wishing to experience the true colours of Kerala, this is one thing you shouldn't be missing. Thank you so much Shantilal 😊😊
Written 29 March 2023
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.
Nithinn C
1 contribution
Feb 2023 • Family
The staffs were kind and prepared 1st class food provided. Overall service was excellent. Family can enjoy safely and I suggest this boat everyone
When I was searching for houseboats online the only good response i received is from Prasanthy houseboats. The informations provided by them is proper and they stood on their words, no last time hidden charges charges. The boat was new and had a great look as well. The staffs were kind and prepared 1st class food provided. Overall service was excellent. Family can enjoy safely and I suggest this boat everyone
When I was searching for houseboats online the only good response i received is from Prasanthy houseboats. The informations provided by them is proper and they stood on their words, no last time hidden charges charges. The boat was new and had a great look as well. The staffs were kind and prepared 1st class food provided. Overall service was excellent. Family can enjoy safely and I suggest this boat everyone
Written 24 February 2023
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.
Ocado
Mapusa, India93 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
It’s a rubbish dump the amount of plastic is shocking it’s no wonder the oceans are suffering.
The mostly sticky dirty falling appart back water house boats pump tons of diesel into the river and atmosphere every day.
This an environmental disaster.
The mostly sticky dirty falling appart back water house boats pump tons of diesel into the river and atmosphere every day.
This an environmental disaster.
Written 14 February 2023
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.
john m
Bolton, UK63 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
FILTHY badly maintained insect bitten hellwrecks.
Was to be the highlight of Kerela ss i love boats.
They leave at say 2pm then motor very slowly for 3 hours and tie up. Next morning at 7 they motor back more quickly in 2 hrs
Supposed to be tranquil yet idiots in speed boats make a lot of noise and always loud music.
All boat FILTHY and very poor maintenance. Lazy beyond belief. Very little time and money would improve them
Do not look in kitchens. FILTHY. they would be closed down in minutes just abput anywhere
Mosquitos in cabin were the worst i have known
A complete expensive waste of time.
All boats pretty much the same
Was to be the highlight of Kerela ss i love boats.
They leave at say 2pm then motor very slowly for 3 hours and tie up. Next morning at 7 they motor back more quickly in 2 hrs
Supposed to be tranquil yet idiots in speed boats make a lot of noise and always loud music.
All boat FILTHY and very poor maintenance. Lazy beyond belief. Very little time and money would improve them
Do not look in kitchens. FILTHY. they would be closed down in minutes just abput anywhere
Mosquitos in cabin were the worst i have known
A complete expensive waste of time.
All boats pretty much the same
Written 13 February 2023
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.
Viclef
Indianapolis, IN33 contributions
Do you have contact information for this tour or a web page I can book through? Thanks
MrsCJC1
Chelmsford, UK17 contributions
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?
797dennisp
Montrose, UK30,111 contributions
Stuff for school such as pens and pencils and notebooks.
PRUNETTI
Tambre, Italy204 contributions
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
Kerala Backwaters
Alappuzha, India15 contributions
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
_shikhabanerjee13
Kolkata (Calcutta), India26 contributions
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.
Skhanna441
New Delhi, India87 contributions
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
Sunaina A
New Delhi, India11 contributions
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
Shyamala Nawab
7 contributions
Hey.. Suggest you book the Southern panorama premium house boat. They take good care of guests.
Hope you have A great trip
adamgeo
Quesnel, Canada133 contributions
I am interested in the Green Palms Backwater home stay.... have reached , and read blogs but unable to find a site to book this homestay maybe you can help thanks Catherine
traveling_sun
Austin, TX237 contributions
Sorry. Can't help you.
Maria N
Barcelona, Spain7 contributions
¡Hola! ¿Recuerdas el nombre del barco, al empresa o la familia? Buscamos una buena opción, somos tres. :) muchas muchas gracias
Laska2012
Barcelona, Spain18 contributions
Hola maria , no tengo el nombre de la compañía , pero en alapuzzha, desde donde cogimos el barco hay muchísimas compañías. Mirar en internet; la calidad es muy pobre en general, no puedo s recomiendo pasar noche en el barco o si os hace ilusión no más de una
Disfrutar del viaje y el paisaje
Nifty
England, UK104 contributions
Hi, I am thinking of visiting Kerala, backwaters, could someone advise me on which city/place to visit, please?
Thanks
Kerala Backwaters
Alappuzha, India15 contributions
Alleppey/Alappuzha - is Best Place to do Kerala backwater trip. Connected Lakes & cannels
Kerala Backwaters - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Kerala Backwaters
- Kerala Backwaters is open:
- Sun - Sat 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- We recommend booking Kerala Backwaters tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 32 Kerala Backwaters tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Kerala Backwaters:
- Kochi Private Tour: Kerala Backwater Houseboat Day Cruise in Aleppey (From ₹ 13,229.70)
- Half Day Village Backwater Eco Country Boat Cruise :Group Tour from Fort Cochin (From ₹ 2,728.63)
- Kochi Private Tour : Backwater Cruise in Aleppey (From ₹ 5,374.57)
- Kochi Shore Excursion- Private Day Tour of Heritage and Backwaters (From ₹ 17,570.70)
- Kerala Package for 8 Days Includes All Transfer,Sightseeing and Accommodation (From ₹ 50,438.23)
- Restaurants near Kerala Backwaters:
- (0.32 km) Choola Restaurant
- (3.37 km) Brews and Burgers Bistro
- (4.22 km) Halais Restaurant
- (2.77 km) Cafe Paradiso Espresso Coffee Bar
- (2.35 km) Indian Coffee House
- Attractions near Kerala Backwaters:
- (0.06 km) Alleppey Backwaters
- (0.07 km) Alleppey Backwater
- (2.27 km) Taxi Alleppey
- (3.17 km) Kalappura Tours
- (4.23 km) Oscar Cruise