Kerala Backwaters Houseboat Cruise from Kochi – Private Day Tour

Summary

Alleppey Houseboat Day Trip: Explore Kerala’s Waterways

You’ll float through Alleppey’s backwaters on a private houseboat, watch daily life unfold along the canals, and enjoy a homemade Keralan lunch. It’s a relaxed way to see a side of Kerala most travelers miss—perfect if you want real local flavor without any hassle.

What’s the experience like?

Early morning in Kochi, the air felt a bit sticky—monsoon season was just hinting at its return. Our driver arrived right on time, weaving us out of the city and into quieter roads lined with coconut palms. The drive to Alleppey took about ninety minutes, but honestly, I barely noticed the time. There’s something hypnotic about watching small towns and rice paddies slip by your window.

Once we reached the jetty, our guide greeted us with a smile and a quick rundown of what to expect. The houseboat itself looked like something out of an old postcard—arched bamboo roof, polished wood, and bright cushions. As we set off, I could hear distant temple bells and the soft slap of water against the hull. We passed fishermen in tiny canoes, women washing clothes along the banks, and kids waving from under banana trees. The smell of frying spices drifted from a house nearby—someone’s lunch already underway.

The crew—three locals plus our guide—made sure we were comfortable. Lunch was served on a banana leaf: fluffy rice, spicy fish curry, a couple of vegetable dishes, and chicken for those who wanted it. I tried everything (the okra dish was my favorite). We cruised for hours through narrow canals and open stretches where egrets picked their way through the reeds. It’s slow travel in the best way—no rush, just drifting past scenes you’d miss from any road. By late afternoon, the light turned golden and we headed back to shore, feeling like we’d slipped into another world for a day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kochi to Alleppey Houseboat Cruise

• Pick up from hotel in Cochin
• Transfer to Alleppey/Alappuzha
• Houseboat cruise through Alleppey backwaters with lunch

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for kids or older travelers?

Yes, it’s great for all ages. The pace is gentle and there’s plenty of shade on board. Kids should be supervised near the water.

What kind of food is served for lunch?

You’ll get classic Kerala dishes—rice, vegetables, fish curry, chicken (if you eat meat), all cooked fresh by the crew. Let us know if you have dietary needs.

How long is the actual houseboat cruise?

The cruise itself lasts around three hours, but with transfers from Kochi it’s a full-day trip (about 6-7 hours total).

Do I need to bring anything special?

Just bring sunblock, maybe a hat, and your camera or phone for photos. We provide drinking water and lunch.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Kochi (or nearby areas), a private houseboat cruise for about three hours, plus a freshly cooked Keralan lunch on board. All you need to do is show up and enjoy—the crew takes care of everything else.