Private Backwater Cruise on a Houseboat and Shikara Including Lunch

Escape the bustling cities and learn about the serene backwaters of Kerala. This private cruise offers a unique opportunity to glide through the tranquil canals and waterways aboard a traditional houseboat and shikara. As you float past lush, verdant landscapes and fishing villages, you’ll savor an authentic Keralan lunch prepared onboard, featuring delectable dishes like the beloved Appam and Meen Curry. With knowledgeable guides on hand to enhance your understanding of the region’s rich heritage, this unforgettable adventure promises to transport you to a world of peace and tranquility. But the true wonder lies in the moments you’ll discover along the way.

This experience made our list of the 12 Best Lunch Experiences In Kochi.

Good To Know

• Explore Kerala’s tranquil backwaters on a private houseboat and shikara cruise, offering a glimpse into local fishing village life and scenic landscapes.
• Indulge in a delectable traditional Keralan lunch served onboard the houseboat, complementing the immersive cultural experience.
• Witness the vibrant birdlife and lush vegetation along the serene waterways, creating a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.
• Gain insights into Kerala’s rich cultural heritage through the knowledgeable guide, enhancing understanding of the region.
• Enjoy a hassle-free experience with round-trip transfers, all taxes, and gratuities covered for a seamless backwater adventure.

Overview of the Cruise Experience

A private backwater cruise in Kerala allows visitors to explore the tropical Malabar Coast‘s intricate network of canals and waterways.

Travelers embark on a houseboat and shikara to observe the lush jungle, swaying palm trees, fishing villages, and rice paddies that line the scenic backwaters.

Along the way, they’ll gain insight into the daily life of local communities, passing by churches and getting a glimpse of Kerala’s vibrant culture.

The cruise provides a peaceful and immersive experience, allowing guests to disconnect from the outside world and enjoy the tranquil beauty of this renowned region.

Itinerary and Duration

The private backwater cruise typically lasts 6 to 8 hours, with guests enjoying a morning pickup from Kochi, Alleppey, or Kumarakom before being driven to the Alleppey waterfront. Once there, travelers board a traditional houseboat on Punnamada Lake, known for hosting the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race. After a delicious traditional Keralan lunch, guests embark on a serene shikara ride through the area’s enchanting canals, taking in the captivating scenery of lush jungle, swaying palm trees, quaint fishing villages, vibrant rice paddies, and picturesque churches.

Pickup Location	Board Houseboat	Shikara Ride	Duration
Kochi	Punnamada Lake	Canals	6-8 hours
Alleppey		Local Scenery
Kumarakom

Inclusions and Amenities

This backwater cruise includes a comprehensive suite of amenities and services.

The package covers round-trip transfers from Kochi, Alleppey, or Kumarakom, ensuring a seamless start and end to your journey.

You’ll board a traditional Kerala houseboat and enjoy a shikara ride through the serene canals, taking in the scenic views of the local landscape.

A delicious Keralan lunch, along with snacks, coffee, and tea, are all included to satisfy your culinary cravings.

The tour also features the services of a knowledgeable guide to enhance your understanding of the region’s rich culture and history.

All taxes, fees, and gratuities are covered, providing a hassle-free experience.

Accessibility and Additional Information

Accessibility to the backwater cruise isn’t without its considerations. The experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, though strollers are allowed.

While there’s no air-conditioning on the houseboat or shikara, a gentle breeze is generally present. Infant seats are available for families. Most travelers can participate, as the tour is private and customized for your group only.

The key things to keep in mind are:

1. Not wheelchair accessible, but stroller accessible.
2. No air-conditioning, but a breeze is usually present.
3. Infant seats available.
4. Private tour catered to your group.

Pricing and Reviews

The backwater cruise on a houseboat and shikara starts from $177.34 per person, with pricing varying based on group size.

This private tour offers free cancellation up to 6 days in advance, making it a flexible option.

Based on a single review, the overall rating for this experience is 4.0 out of 5.

The cruise includes return transfers, the houseboat and shikara ride, a traditional Keralan lunch, snacks, and all taxes and fees.

Given the unique opportunity to explore Kerala’s picturesque backwaters, the pricing seems reasonable for the amenities and experiences provided.

Highlights of the Backwater Cruise

Embarking on the backwater cruise allows visitors to enjoy the serene and lush landscapes of Kerala’s Malabar Coast.

The highlights of the experience include:

1. Gliding through the narrow canals and observing the daily life of local fishing villages, with their colorful houses, swaying palm trees, and inhabitants going about their daily routines.

2. Admiring the verdant rice paddies and lush vegetation that line the waterways, creating a picturesque setting.

3. Spotting unique birdlife, such as kingfishers, cormorants, and egrets, along the banks of the canals.

4. Enjoying a traditional Keralan lunch served onboard the houseboat, savoring the flavors of the region.

Exploring Kerala’s Tranquil Waterways

Gliding along Kerala’s tranquil backwaters on a houseboat and shikara offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to enjoy the region’s captivating natural landscapes.

As the boat gently drifts through the lush, palm-fringed canals, guests can witness the rhythms of daily life in the surrounding villages. Fishermen cast their nets, women wash clothes by the water’s edge, and children play on the banks, all against a backdrop of verdant rice paddies and the occasional glimpse of an ancient temple or church.

This serene journey provides a glimpse into the timeless traditions and tranquil pace of life that have endured in Kerala’s backwater communities for generations.

Experiencing Keralan Culture and Cuisine

A houseboat cruise on Kerala’s backwaters doesn’t just offer serene landscapes – it’s an immersive experience that allows visitors to intimately engage with Keralan culture and cuisine.

Guests can savor authentic Keralan dishes, including:

1. Appam – a fluffy, pancake-like delicacy made from fermented rice batter and coconut milk.
2. Meen Curry – a spicy fish curry simmered in aromatic coconut milk.
3. Payasam – a sweet, creamy dessert made with rice, milk, and jaggery.
4. Karimeen Pollichathu – a delectable grilled pearl spot fish wrapped in banana leaves.

This culinary journey is accompanied by insights into the daily lives of the local communities, whose rhythms are closely intertwined with the tranquil backwater canals.

Sum Up

Immersing oneself in Kerala’s captivating backwaters aboard a traditional houseboat and shikara offers a truly enchanting experience. The tranquil cruise allows travelers to witness the region’s stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and delectable cuisine up close. With knowledgeable guides providing insight into the area’s heritage, this private backwater adventure promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Kerala’s serene waterways.