From Cochin Port: Backwaters by Houseboat

The allure of Kerala’s backwaters has captivated travelers for generations. From Cochin Port, visitors can embark on a guided houseboat tour that promises a truly immersive experience. Gliding through the serene waterways, one is transported to a world of lush greenery, traditional wooden boats, and the vibrant culinary delights of the region. Whether seeking a leisurely afternoon or a deeper exploration of this captivating corner of India, the backwaters by houseboat offer an opportunity to witness the enchanting juxtaposition of natural beauty and local culture. With convenient arrangements for cruise ship passengers, this excursion beckons those eager to dive into the heart of Kerala’s enchanting landscapes.

Key Points

• 6-7 hour group tour tailored for cruise ship passengers, starting at $85 per person and including a picturesque 2-2.5 hour backwaters cruise.
• Morning cruise features a buffet lunch of Keralan cuisine, while the afternoon option offers tea, coffee, and snacks.
• Tour begins with pickup from Cochin Port cruise ship docks and includes visit to iconic Chinese fishing nets.
• Overall rating of 4/5 stars, with scenic boat ride and Keralan cuisine as major highlights, but long driving time from port noted as a drawback.
• Tour not suitable for wheelchair users due to accessibility limitations.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

What better way to experience the tranquil backwaters of Kerala than by houseboat?

This 6-7 hour group tour is designed specifically for cruise ship passengers departing from Cochin Port. Priced from $85 per person, it offers a picturesque cruise along the region’s famed waterways.

Guests will admire traditional wooden houseboats and scenic views of paddy fields and coconut palms during the 2-2.5 hour journey. The morning cruise includes a buffet lunch of Keralan cuisine, while the afternoon option provides tea, coffee, and snacks.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and pickup/drop-off at the cruise ship docks, this tour provides a seamless and immersive backwater experience.

Highlights of the Experience

The backwater cruise offers guests an immersive and picturesque experience.

Travelers will cruise through Kerala’s tranquil waterways aboard a traditional houseboat, admiring the verdant paddy fields and swaying coconut palms lining the banks.

The morning cruise includes a delectable Keralan lunch, with dishes like rice, vegetable curries, fish, and chicken.

Afternoon cruises provide tea, coffee, and light snacks.

One can also opt to visit the iconic Chinese fishing nets, a unique local attraction.

With the serene surroundings and authentic cultural elements, this tour provides an unforgettable glimpse into the life and landscape of Kerala’s backwaters.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins with a pickup from the Cochin Port cruise ship docks, where guests embark on a journey to the houseboat in Alappuzha.

Once there, they’ll enjoy a 2-2.5 hour cruise through the serene backwaters.

On the morning tour, a buffet lunch of Keralan cuisine, including rice, vegetable dishes, fish, and chicken, is served aboard the boat.

The afternoon cruise includes tea, coffee, and snacks.

After the relaxing waterway exploration, guests are transferred back to their cruise ship, which must depart at 4:00 PM or later to ensure a feasible tour.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This tour includes a pick-up and drop-off service at the Cochin Port, a buffet lunch (for the morning cruise) or snacks (for the afternoon cruise), bottled water, and the services of a driver/guide.

Gratuities aren’t included but are recommended. The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users. Adult pricing applies to all travelers, and cruise ship names must be provided during booking.

The tour operates in all weather conditions, but it’s only feasible if the cruise ship departs at 4:00 PM or later.

The guide will meet the group at the Sagarika Cochin International Cruise Terminal, with the tour departing 30-45 minutes after the ship’s arrival.

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Important Information

Adult pricing applies to all travelers on this tour.

The tour operates in all weather conditions, so you can expect the cruise to proceed as scheduled regardless of the weather. To ensure a smooth experience, be sure to provide the cruise ship name during booking.

Plus, this tour is only feasible if your cruise ship departs at 4:00 PM or later, as the guide will meet you at the Sagarika Cochin International Cruise Terminal 30-45 minutes after your ship’s arrival.

Based on 4 customer reviews, the tour has an overall rating of 4/5, with feedback noting the beautiful boat ride but mentioning the long driving time.

Cruise Ship Passenger Considerations

Cruise ship passengers can find the backwaters tour by houseboat to be a convenient and captivating excursion during their time in Cochin.

The tour is designed specifically for cruise ship travelers, with pick-up and drop-off at the port’s cruise ship docks. It’s an ideal option for those with limited time, as the tour duration aligns with the ship’s departure schedule.

Travelers should note that the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users. Plus, as the cruise ship must depart at 4:00 PM or later, passengers should ensure their itinerary allows for this timing.

With an overall rating of 4/5, the backwaters tour offers a chance to immerse in Kerala’s iconic waterways and traditional way of life.

Customer Feedback

Travelers have provided an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars for the backwaters tour by houseboat, based on 4 reviews.

The common feedback highlights several key aspects:

1. The boat ride through the beautiful Kerala backwaters is a highlight, providing scenic views of paddy fields and coconut palms.

2. However, the long driving time from the Cochin port to the houseboat departure point is noted as a drawback.

3. The Keralan cuisine served during the morning cruise is praised, while the afternoon tea and snacks are satisfactory.

4. The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, which may be an important consideration for some travelers.

Transportation and Accessibility

The tour package includes round-trip transportation by air-conditioned coach from the Cochin Port cruise ship docks to the houseboat departure point in Alappuzha, a journey of approximately 1.5 hours each way.

The transportation is included in the tour price, providing a convenient door-to-door service for cruise ship passengers.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, as the houseboat and other facilities may not be fully accessible. Customers should be aware of this limitation when booking the tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour does not specify a maximum group size. It’s designed for cruise ship passengers, suggesting it can accommodate a group of any reasonable size that would be typical for a cruise ship excursion.

Are Alcoholic Beverages Available on the Houseboat?

The tour details do not mention the availability of alcoholic beverages on the houseboat. The focus appears to be on providing a cultural experience through the Kerala backwaters cruise and traditional Keralan cuisine.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drink on the Boat?

Passengers can’t bring their own food and drink on the houseboat. The tour includes a buffet lunch or snacks, and bottled water is provided. Outside food and beverages are not allowed on the boat.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Cruise?

There’s no explicit option to extend the duration of the cruise. The standard tour is 6-7 hours long, but customers could inquire about the possibility of a longer or customized cruise by contacting the tour operator directly.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Clothing or Equipment?

The tour doesn’t require any special clothing or equipment. Comfortable, casual attire suitable for the weather is recommended. Guests should bring sun protection and mosquito repellent if desired, as the boat ride takes place in a tropical climate.

Recap

The backwaters houseboat tour from Cochin Port offers an enchanting way for cruise passengers to enjoy Kerala’s rich culture and natural beauty. The 6-7 hour excursion features a serene 2-2.5 hour cruise, delectable Keralan cuisine, and convenient transportation. With ample inclusions and positive customer feedback, this guided tour provides an unforgettable experience for those seeking to explore the tranquil waterways and lush landscapes of the backwaters.

You can check if your dates are available here: