Discover the serene beauty of Kerala’s iconic backwaters with a private full-day houseboat tour that promises an unforgettable experience. Glide through the picturesque waterways, guided by an optional English-speaking host, and savor a delicious traditional Keralese lunch while taking in the stunning natural surroundings. This personalized journey offers convenience, with pickup and drop-off from your hotel, airport, or railway station in Kochi. As you sip on refreshing snacks and afternoon tea, you’ll be immersed in the rich cultural heritage and serene ambiance that make Kerala’s backwaters a must-visit destination. Unwind and embrace the tranquility of this enchanting waterway, where every moment is a memory in the making.

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

Key Points

Private Full-Day Kerala Backwaters Houseboat Tour With Lunch & Pickup From Kochi - Key Points

  • Private full-day Kerala backwaters houseboat tour with pickup and drop-off from Kochi city, airport, or railway station.
  • 5-hour cruise along picturesque waterways with traditional Keralese lunch served onboard.
  • Optional English-speaking guide available for culture and serene escape.
  • Accommodations for dietary requirements and accessibility needs, including wheelchair users.
  • Competitive pricing with minimum booking of two people and maximum capacity of 14.

Tour Overview

The Kerala backwaters houseboat tour offers a private full-day experience, allowing visitors to glide across the picturesque waterways of Alleppey or Kumarakom with a private guide.

On this journey, you’ll witness the rural charm of Kerala’s tranquil backwaters, surrounded by lush greenery and swaying palm trees.

The tour includes a delectable traditional Keralese lunch served onboard, as well as refreshing snacks and tea.

Whether you’re seeking a serene escape or a culture, this houseboat cruise promises an unforgettable adventure, letting you discover the unique beauty and way of life in this idyllic region of India.

Inclusions

Private Full-Day Kerala Backwaters Houseboat Tour With Lunch & Pickup From Kochi - Inclusions

The Kerala backwaters houseboat tour includes a 5-hour cruise along the picturesque waterways, with pickup and drop-off from your hotel, airport, or railway station in Kochi. An English-speaking guide is available if selected, and bottled water, snacks, a traditional Keralese lunch, and afternoon tea are provided onboard the private air-conditioned vehicle used for transportation.

Inclusions
5-hour houseboat cruise Bottled water, snacks, lunch, and afternoon tea
Pickup and drop-off Private air-conditioned vehicle
English-speaking guide (optional)

The tour ensures a seamless and immersive experience, allowing you to fully learn about the serene beauty of Kerala’s renowned backwaters.

Dietary and Accessibility

Private Full-Day Kerala Backwaters Houseboat Tour With Lunch & Pickup From Kochi - Dietary and Accessibility

Dietary requirements must be advised at booking, and the tour accommodates wheelchair users as well as strollers.

Guests with special dietary needs can request vegetarian, vegan, halal, or other meal preferences, which the houseboat staff will happily prepare.

The air-conditioned transportation and the houseboat itself are both wheelchair accessible, ensuring a comfortable experience for all.

Children are welcome on this tour as well, with a discounted rate available when sharing with two paying adults.

The tour has a minimum group size of two and a maximum of 14 people, providing an intimate and personalized journey through Kerala’s picturesque backwaters.

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup for the Kerala backwaters houseboat tour is available from any location in Kochi City, the Kochi Airport, or the Kochi Railway Station. The meeting point is in Kochi (Cochin), Ernakulam District, Kerala, and the tour ends back at the same location.

The tour offers three convenient pickup options:

  1. Hotel in Kochi City

  2. Kochi International Airport

  3. Kochi Railway Station

Guests will be transported to the starting point of the houseboat cruise in a private air-conditioned vehicle.

At the end of the tour, guests will be dropped off back at their original pickup location, ensuring a hassle-free and personalized experience.

Booking Confirmation

Upon booking, guests can expect to receive confirmation within 48 hours, subject to availability.

The tour is non-refundable, with no refunds issued for cancellations. Once confirmed, guests will be all set to embark on their private Kerala backwaters houseboat adventure.

Alcoholic drinks are available for purchase upon request, though any other personal expenses, tips, and additional costs aren’t included in the tour price.

The houseboat experience offers a chance to glide peacefully across the picturesque rural waterways, accompanied by an English-speaking guide if the tour option is selected.

With snacks, tea, and a traditional Keralese lunch served on board, it’s sure to be a memorable day on the backwaters.

Cancellation Policy

The Kerala backwaters houseboat tour is non-refundable, with no refunds issued for cancellations. This policy is in place to ensure the tour operator can properly plan and prepare for each excursion.

Guests should be aware of the following:

  1. Confirmation for the tour is received within 48 hours, subject to availability.

  2. No refunds will be provided for any cancellations, regardless of the reason.

  3. Additional costs not included in the tour, such as alcoholic drinks or personal expenses, are the responsibility of the guest.

It’s important to review the cancellation policy carefully before booking this Kerala backwaters experience.

The operator give you an unforgettable journey, but guests must understand the terms and conditions upfront.

Additional Amenities

Aboard the Kerala backwaters houseboat, guests can indulge in a selection of amenities to enhance their experience.

Along With the included bottled water, snacks, lunch, and afternoon tea, travelers may request alcoholic drinks for an additional cost.

The private air-conditioned vehicle provides comfortable transportation to and from the tour.

The houseboat itself is wheelchair accessible and can accommodate strollers.

For families, a child rate applies when sharing with two paying adults.

Though the tour is private, a minimum of two people is required per booking, with a maximum capacity of 14 people.

With these thoughtful inclusions, guests can fully enjoy the serene backwaters of Kerala.

Pricing and Payment

Prices for the Kerala backwaters houseboat tour start at a competitive rate, varying based on the tour option selected. Guests have the flexibility to choose from private or shared tours, with the private option offering a more exclusive experience.

Bookings require a minimum of two people, though the houseboat can accommodate up to 14 passengers. Payment is due in full at the time of booking, and unfortunately, no refunds are available for cancellations.

The tour package includes:

  1. 5-hour houseboat cruise

  2. Pickup and drop-off from Kochi

  3. English-speaking guide, snacks, lunch, and tea

Alcoholic drinks can be purchased upon request, and personal expenses, tips, and any additional costs aren’t included in the tour price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Alcohol Onboard?

Unfortunately, guests are not permitted to bring their own alcohol on board the houseboat. However, alcoholic beverages can be purchased upon request for an additional cost. The tour operator’s policies must be followed during the cruise.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?

No special equipment is required for the houseboat tour. The tour provides all necessary amenities, including bottled water, snacks, lunch, and afternoon tea. Guests can simply relax and enjoy the scenic Kerala backwaters during the 5-hour cruise.

How Often Do the Boats Make Stops?

The boats typically make scheduled stops along the scenic backwaters to allow passengers to disembark and explore villages or visit local landmarks. The frequency and duration of these stops can vary depending on the tour itinerary.

Can I Customize the Itinerary on the Day?

Yes, the itinerary can be customized on the day. The tour offers flexibility, allowing guests to adjust the route and schedule to their preferences with the guidance of the private driver and tour staff.

Is Wi-Fi Available on the Houseboat?

Unfortunately, Wi-Fi is not available on the houseboat. The tour provides a peaceful, off-the-grid experience as you glide through Kerala’s serene backwaters. Guests can enjoy the tranquility and natural beauty of the surroundings without distractions.

Recap

This private full-day Kerala backwaters houseboat tour offers a serene and immersive experience.

Travelers can glide through the picturesque waterways, savor a traditional Keralese lunch, and enjoy the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off in Kochi.

It’s the perfect blend of relaxation and cultural exploration in Kerala’s stunning natural setting.