From Cochin Port: Backwaters by Houseboat & Chinese Nets

Kerala’s enchanting backwaters are a must-see for any traveler visiting India’s southwestern coast. This tour from Cochin Port promises to whisk visitors away on a traditional houseboat for a 2-hour cruise through the lush, verdant canals. But the experience doesn’t end there – guests will also have the chance to witness the iconic Chinese fishing nets in Fort Kochi, a testament to the region’s diverse cultural heritage. With authentic Keralan cuisine served onboard, this excursion offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and culinary delight. Yet, the true allure lies in the opportunity to take in the captivating world of Kerala’s unique waterways and traditions.

Key Points

• A shore excursion from Cochin Port that takes visitors to Kerala’s picturesque backwaters and the iconic Chinese fishing nets in Fort Kochi.
• Includes a 2-hour houseboat cruise through the serene backwaters, providing a glimpse into the local way of life.
• Offers an opportunity to experience traditional Keralan cuisine during a delectable lunch served on the houseboat.
• Provides round-trip transportation from the Cochin Cruise Terminal to the backwaters and back, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free experience.
• Caters to a wide range of travelers, with a flexible cancellation policy and a maximum group size of 999 to accommodate diverse needs.

Tour Overview

The tour offers a unique shore excursion to explore Kerala’s renowned backwaters and the iconic Chinese fishing nets in Kochi, India.

Located approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes from the cruise terminal, the experience begins with a transfer to Alleppey to board a traditional houseboat. Guests will then cruise through the lush, verdant backwaters for 2 hours, observing paddy fields, wooden houseboats, and the area’s serene natural beauty.

The tour also includes a visit to the ancient Chinese fishing nets in Fort Kochi, which have been in operation for over 150 years.

Throughout the journey, travelers will enjoy a delectable Keralan cuisine lunch served on the houseboat.

Key Highlights

The tour kicks off with a pickup from the Samudrika Cochin International Cruise Terminal, where a guide or staff member awaits travelers holding a VIATOR sign and a blue umbrella.

Guests are then transferred to Alleppey to board a houseboat and cruise through the picturesque Kerala Backwaters. During the 2-hour journey, they’ll observe lush vegetation, paddy fields, and traditional wooden houseboats.

The tour also includes a visit to the iconic Chinese fishing nets in Fort Kochi, which have been operational for over 150 years.

Throughout the experience, travelers savor a delicious Keralan cuisine lunch served on the houseboat, featuring rice, vegetable dishes, fish, and chicken.

Transportation Details

For transportation, an air-conditioned vehicle transports guests from the Samudrika Cochin International Cruise Terminal to Alleppey to board the houseboat.

The guide or staff member will meet your at the cruise terminal, holding a VIATOR sign with a blue umbrella to ensure easy identification.

After the houseboat cruise, guests will be transferred back to the Cochin Port.

The transportation details include:

• Air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers
• Meeting point at cruise terminal with VIATOR sign
• Pickup and drop-off at the Cochin Port
• Smooth transfers to and from the houseboat experience

Accessibility and Policies

Accessibility for this tour is limited, as it is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for travelers with back problems. The cancellation policy offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Group size is capped at a maximum of 999 travelers.

Accessibility	Cancellation	Group Size
Not wheelchair accessible	Free cancellation up to 24 hours	Maximum of 999 travelers
Not recommended for travelers with back problems

This tour provides an opportunity to explore the Kerala Backwaters and Chinese fishing nets, but it may not be suitable for all travelers due to accessibility concerns. The flexible cancellation policy and large group size accommodate a wide range of participants.

Customer Feedback: Positive

Overwhelmingly, customers were impressed by the scenic beauty and cultural insights provided on this tour. Reviewers noted the stunning natural landscapes, from lush vegetation to picturesque paddy fields, as well as the opportunity to witness the centuries-old practice of Chinese fishing net operation.

The knowledgeable guides were also praised for their ability to offer valuable insights into the local way of life. Plus, the Keralan cuisine served on the houseboat was widely acclaimed, with dishes like rice, vegetable curries, fish, and chicken earning high marks.

The tour’s ability to showcase the unique charm of the Kerala Backwaters and Fort Kochi was a major highlight for satisfied customers.

• Beautiful scenery and knowledgeable guides
• Excellent food and overall value
• Unique experience showcasing local life
• Scenic beauty and cultural insights were well-received

Customer Feedback: Negative

While the scenic beauty and cultural insights were widely praised, some customers did note a few issues with the tour. Long travel times and concerns over vehicle comfort were common complaints. Plus, a few reviewers mentioned discrepancies in the included refreshments.

Issue	Frequency	Impact
Long Travel Times	Common	Reduced satisfaction
Vehicle Comfort	Common	Decreased enjoyment
Refreshment Concerns	Occasional	Minor inconvenience

Common Themes in Reviews

The tour’s scenic beauty and cultural insights were widely praised by reviewers, who noted the stunning backwaters, paddy fields, and traditional wooden houseboats.

Several common themes emerged from the feedback:

• Positive reviews highlighted the high-quality Keralan cuisine served on the houseboat, including rice, vegetable dishes, fish, and chicken.

• Travelers appreciated the unique experience of visiting the centuries-old Chinese fishing nets, which continue to be operational in Fort Kochi.

• Some reviewers criticized the long travel times to and from the backwaters, as well as occasional issues with the comfort of the transportation.

• While the overall value was seen as excellent, a few customers mentioned minor discrepancies in the included refreshments.

Tour Pricing and Duration

The tour is priced from $85.00 per person, with a lowest price guarantee.

The excursion involves an approximate 1 hour 45 minute drive from Cochin Port to Alleppey, followed by a 2-hour houseboat cruise through the serene Kerala backwaters. This provides ample time for passengers to enjoy the lush, verdant landscapes and observe traditional wooden houseboats and paddy fields along the way.

The total duration of the experience is around 4 hours, ensuring a comprehensive yet manageable itinerary for cruise ship visitors.

With a variety of activities and an authentic Keralan lunch on the houseboat, the tour offers excellent value for the price.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Operating Hours of the Chinese Fishing Nets?

The Chinese fishing nets in Fort Kochi have been operational for over 150 years. The tour includes a visit to observe these iconic structures, which are still actively used by local fishermen to catch fish.

Can I Take Photographs During the Houseboat Cruise?

Yes, passengers can take photographs during the houseboat cruise. The tour allows ample opportunities to capture the scenic backwaters, traditional wooden houseboats, and local way of life along the Kerala waterways.

Is There an Option to Customize the Menu on the Houseboat?

While the standard menu is included, the tour operator may allow guests to customize the houseboat lunch menu with advance notice, subject to availability of local ingredients. Guests can discuss any dietary preferences or special requests with the tour guide.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available on the Houseboat?

Yes, the houseboat has restroom facilities available for passengers. The private bathroom is equipped with basic amenities to ensure travelers’ comfort during the cruise through the Kerala backwaters.

Can I Disembark the Houseboat During the Cruise to Explore the Local Area?

Yes, travelers can disembark the houseboat during the cruise to explore the local area. The tour allows guests to get off the boat and wander around the surrounding villages and settlements along the backwaters.

Recap

The "From Cochin Port: Backwaters by Houseboat & Chinese Nets" tour offers a captivating glimpse into Kerala’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Travelers can enjoy a serene houseboat cruise along the lush backwaters, savor authentic Keralan cuisine, and explore the iconic Chinese fishing nets in Fort Kochi. This unique excursion promises a memorable blend of natural wonders and authentic local experiences.