Kerala Backwaters
Kerala Backwaters
4.5
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Full view
About
Kerala, India
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
3,896 reviews
Excellent
2,376
Very good
1,000
Average
276
Poor
117
Terrible
127
PaulD
Kochi (Cochin), India5 contributions
Jan 2020
I have only seen one other review on Goodearth Houseboat and that from 2015; our experience was completely different; it was superb. In the 3 days cruising on the quiet backwaters we saw no other tourists, at each stop the village tour was delightful and the cookery demonstration when the ladies came aboard fun and informative.
We stayed in 4 VillageWays village house locations, plus some other short stops arranged by the company during our extended holiday in Kerala. All experiences were first rate. We did not however sign up for a 5 Star Hotel tour with the same bland hotel room encounter wherever you stay. On our VillageWays experience we met and were hosted by genuine people, farmers, fishermen, local craftsmen and their families. Our tour guides, drivers and super cooks were local people who proudly showed us the real India, their produce, authentic cooking, their homes and countless new experiences.
We made 3 enjoyable train trips, and many road transfers, at each stage we were met on cue and hosted by wonderful people. The VillageWays accommodation was clean, comfortable, more than adequate and the food prepared to a quality restaurant standard by the ladies of each village house we stayed in, and the crew when on Goodearth.
If we had any queries our tour organiser, Madhu, was easy to contact. When we wanted to tailor or adjust our programme before and during the holiday, she was attentive and efficient.
I can highly recommend the VillageWays experience particularly if you want to see authentic India and ensure fair payment to your hosts, rather than profits to a multinational hotel chain.
We stayed in 4 VillageWays village house locations, plus some other short stops arranged by the company during our extended holiday in Kerala. All experiences were first rate. We did not however sign up for a 5 Star Hotel tour with the same bland hotel room encounter wherever you stay. On our VillageWays experience we met and were hosted by genuine people, farmers, fishermen, local craftsmen and their families. Our tour guides, drivers and super cooks were local people who proudly showed us the real India, their produce, authentic cooking, their homes and countless new experiences.
We made 3 enjoyable train trips, and many road transfers, at each stage we were met on cue and hosted by wonderful people. The VillageWays accommodation was clean, comfortable, more than adequate and the food prepared to a quality restaurant standard by the ladies of each village house we stayed in, and the crew when on Goodearth.
If we had any queries our tour organiser, Madhu, was easy to contact. When we wanted to tailor or adjust our programme before and during the holiday, she was attentive and efficient.
I can highly recommend the VillageWays experience particularly if you want to see authentic India and ensure fair payment to your hosts, rather than profits to a multinational hotel chain.
Written February 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hummingbird Ecotourism Society
Bengaluru, India7 contributions
Apr 2021 • Friends
Kerala Backwater is a network of brackish lagoons and lakes lying parallel to the Arabian Sea coast of Kerala state in southern India. This backwater is a beautiful extraordinary scene in the lap of cosmic nature.
It takes quite a while to get through the middle of the water by boat and you will see so many amazing landscapes that it will feel like a heavenly form in the bosom of the cosmic nature.
Other boats, boats and boats will be seen crossing the backwater by boat. Crowds of commuters will be able to see the boats, boats and boats. As a rule, the boat and boating of those people in the back water is a really great sight.
Many regular passengers are seen traveling in those boats and boats at very low prices. On the way to the backwater trip you will meet several rural views, which in a word is amazing.
It takes quite a while to get through the middle of the water by boat and you will see so many amazing landscapes that it will feel like a heavenly form in the bosom of the cosmic nature.
Other boats, boats and boats will be seen crossing the backwater by boat. Crowds of commuters will be able to see the boats, boats and boats. As a rule, the boat and boating of those people in the back water is a really great sight.
Many regular passengers are seen traveling in those boats and boats at very low prices. On the way to the backwater trip you will meet several rural views, which in a word is amazing.
Written April 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Friend,
First of all we would like to thank you for sharing feedback about Kerala Backwaters on Trip Advisor.
Kerala Backwater Tourism Teams are feeling extremely contented to have been able to deliver you with the highest level of service and thank you so much for highlighting Nature wonder surprise in the world.
Thank you again for your loyalty in our Attraction and we are personally looking forward to welcome you back home again in the near future.
Yours Sincerely,
Arul Sreedhar
Sr. Manager
Written May 27, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
HMN19
London, UK175 contributions
Mar 2020
Arranged via Trailfinders, this private overnight trip was a huge success. If you go to Kerala, it surely is a must-do. This company is based in Alappuzha . I suggest making your trip as soon as you can though. Huge numbers of extra boats are being built to increase all the operators' capacity and I fear the waterways may seem less serene in a few years. As it was, we only saw much of other boats at the very start and finish.
We had the whole 2-cabin boat with 3 staff to ourselves, which was amazing. Our cabin was surprisingly roomy for a small boat and beautifully presented with lots of wood in the traditional way. The shower room was more basic but fine. Everything was spotlessly clean. Smaller boats always have to manage water carefully but it was OK.
The dining/lounge area was covered but open at the sides and very comfortable. You could see out just as well from the table as from the sofa. Cushions were arranged at he prow for sitting outside comfortably. When we moored for the night it was in a secluded spot, scenic and very quiet. We were warned about mossies, but encountered fewer on the boat than in towns.
All meals were included and of a very high standard. If only we could have finished everything! They are not licensed, but a nice touch was a gift of a bottle of beer and wine with dinner, which the law permits.
The staff were attentive, but not too much so, and very happy to make everything perfect for us. While cruising, the driver would point out features and adjust his course to help get good photos. We had a short shore visit to stretch our legs and see a lovely Syrian Christian church and an artist in wood carving at work.
We had the whole 2-cabin boat with 3 staff to ourselves, which was amazing. Our cabin was surprisingly roomy for a small boat and beautifully presented with lots of wood in the traditional way. The shower room was more basic but fine. Everything was spotlessly clean. Smaller boats always have to manage water carefully but it was OK.
The dining/lounge area was covered but open at the sides and very comfortable. You could see out just as well from the table as from the sofa. Cushions were arranged at he prow for sitting outside comfortably. When we moored for the night it was in a secluded spot, scenic and very quiet. We were warned about mossies, but encountered fewer on the boat than in towns.
All meals were included and of a very high standard. If only we could have finished everything! They are not licensed, but a nice touch was a gift of a bottle of beer and wine with dinner, which the law permits.
The staff were attentive, but not too much so, and very happy to make everything perfect for us. While cruising, the driver would point out features and adjust his course to help get good photos. We had a short shore visit to stretch our legs and see a lovely Syrian Christian church and an artist in wood carving at work.
Written April 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Friend,
First of all we would like to thank you for sharing feedback about Kerala Backwaters on Trip Advisor.
Kerala Backwater Tourism Teams are feeling extremely contented to have been able to deliver you with the highest level of service and thank you so much for highlighting Nature wonder surprise in the world.
Thank you again for your loyalty in our Attraction and we are personally looking forward to welcome you back home again in the near future.
Yours Sincerely,
Arul Sreedhar
Sr. Manager
Written April 29, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Feel Cheated
1 contribution
Oct 2020 • Family
This is the worst boat house service in Kerala. They fleece you by taking to a sea food shop which is very costly amidst the backwaters saying they serve only chicken and the rest has to be purchased by you, as they have a share in it. Also in spite of me repeatedly saying the cook on the boat served very spicy food which my wife and kids could not eat. He kept on repeating this in-spite of my requests. The rooms were very dirty, bathroom dirty, and bed-sheets smelled like they have not been replaced for a month. Please don't prefer them else you are sure to be cheated.
Written February 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
timphoto
Sydney, Australia129 contributions
Jan 2020
Looks great in the pictures but up close there is so much rubbish. We actually pulled out of an overnight houseboat trip because of bad management also.
Thara's Eco House Boats. Booked on Booking .com received email with location as well as checked on google maps. Went to that location 1 hour early and there is an office for someone else. No one there at all. So we ask at the rooms for rent that are attached and they have never heard of Thara. We spent an hour riding around looking for them and asking people who are other companies actually trying to flag you down and they have never heard of them either. So we get out our emails and scroll through to find the confirmation and a phone number. A girl arrives 5min latter and takes us half a k away down narrow paths to the boat. When we ask about the office location they all said yes this is it here and that the office you went to is ours. Not one sign at all at the unmanned office that they had anything to do with Thara's Eco Housboats and we were told that everyone else can find them. No apology or anything like that. Just instantly our fault. I check with another couple who were on the boat and they said a tuk tuk driver took them there so they didnt use the location information.So be vary careful who you go with and be prepared to spend hours trying to find where you are supposed to be. Its an expensive thing to do and we wanted a nice experience not what we got so we decided to get back on the bike and move on.
Thara's Eco House Boats. Booked on Booking .com received email with location as well as checked on google maps. Went to that location 1 hour early and there is an office for someone else. No one there at all. So we ask at the rooms for rent that are attached and they have never heard of Thara. We spent an hour riding around looking for them and asking people who are other companies actually trying to flag you down and they have never heard of them either. So we get out our emails and scroll through to find the confirmation and a phone number. A girl arrives 5min latter and takes us half a k away down narrow paths to the boat. When we ask about the office location they all said yes this is it here and that the office you went to is ours. Not one sign at all at the unmanned office that they had anything to do with Thara's Eco Housboats and we were told that everyone else can find them. No apology or anything like that. Just instantly our fault. I check with another couple who were on the boat and they said a tuk tuk driver took them there so they didnt use the location information.So be vary careful who you go with and be prepared to spend hours trying to find where you are supposed to be. Its an expensive thing to do and we wanted a nice experience not what we got so we decided to get back on the bike and move on.
Written January 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Saurabh S
26 contributions
Dec 2021 • Family
Hired a Houseboat for an overnight stay for self, wife and 2 kids. Our pet (a six year old beagle) had accompanied us as well.
The cruise began at 1230 pm, the boat was brought to a halt after half an hour for lunch. It was so hot but we were told that the ACs could only be switched on at night.
Due to overbearing heat, i requested the boat driver to anchor it for the night halt as soon as possible, cutting down the cruise time for more than 1 hour.
Further, paid him something additional to get the ACs switched on at around 6:30 pm. Next morning again, the cruise time was cut short by me owing to the heat and our eagerness to end our misery. Our dog had a torrid time as well. Despite having told much in advance that the pet would be accompanying, the driver of the boat was not exactly thrilled to have the dog onboard and was finicky about the cleanliness of his boat which at the first place was lacking in basic hygiene and cleanliness.
Food was the saviour during this horrific experience.
Overnight cruise at the backwaters.. definitely not recommended.
The cruise began at 1230 pm, the boat was brought to a halt after half an hour for lunch. It was so hot but we were told that the ACs could only be switched on at night.
Due to overbearing heat, i requested the boat driver to anchor it for the night halt as soon as possible, cutting down the cruise time for more than 1 hour.
Further, paid him something additional to get the ACs switched on at around 6:30 pm. Next morning again, the cruise time was cut short by me owing to the heat and our eagerness to end our misery. Our dog had a torrid time as well. Despite having told much in advance that the pet would be accompanying, the driver of the boat was not exactly thrilled to have the dog onboard and was finicky about the cleanliness of his boat which at the first place was lacking in basic hygiene and cleanliness.
Food was the saviour during this horrific experience.
Overnight cruise at the backwaters.. definitely not recommended.
Written December 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
884Latoya_M
London, UK30 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Our houseboat experience was with Beautiful Alleppey Houseboat for 1 night. We booked on their website.
It was a really nice stay. We opted for the super deluxe which provided 6 hours of cruising. Boat looked like photos. Good food. Nice bedroom and bathroom. Clean.
We did drive very slowly, so I didn't feel like we covered much of the backwaters (other boats were driving past us).
What I liked about this company is that it was very clear on the website what to expect regarding food, the itinerary of your time on the boat and setting your expectations, and that's why I chose them.
We "docked" twice, for lunch and at 5pm for the night. After lunch and in the morning I had to prompt them to start moving again, I'm not sure how long we would have continued to dock had I not spoken up (there's only 6 hours of cruising and I wanted to make the most of them). We then only cruised for 35 minutes instead of 1 hour in the morning.
Bed was uncomfortable- very soft and memory foam so felt like part of my body was sinking.
But I would use them again.
Varkala
It was a really nice stay. We opted for the super deluxe which provided 6 hours of cruising. Boat looked like photos. Good food. Nice bedroom and bathroom. Clean.
We did drive very slowly, so I didn't feel like we covered much of the backwaters (other boats were driving past us).
What I liked about this company is that it was very clear on the website what to expect regarding food, the itinerary of your time on the boat and setting your expectations, and that's why I chose them.
We "docked" twice, for lunch and at 5pm for the night. After lunch and in the morning I had to prompt them to start moving again, I'm not sure how long we would have continued to dock had I not spoken up (there's only 6 hours of cruising and I wanted to make the most of them). We then only cruised for 35 minutes instead of 1 hour in the morning.
Bed was uncomfortable- very soft and memory foam so felt like part of my body was sinking.
But I would use them again.
Varkala
Written March 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Friend,
First of all we would like to thank you for sharing feedback about Kerala Backwaters on Trip Advisor.
Kerala Backwater Tourism Teams are feeling extremely contented to have been able to deliver you with the highest level of service and thank you so much for highlighting Nature wonder surprise in the world.
Thank you again for your loyalty in our Attraction and we are personally looking forward to welcome you back home again in the near future.
Yours Sincerely,
Arul Sreedhar
Sr. Manager
Written April 29, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mikan999
Bristol, UK571 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We had a wonderful three day cruise on a converted rice barge run by CGH group’s Spice Coast - a company I would highly recommend. Also I recommend three days if you want to get away from the 1,000 boats plying the area and delve deep into the backwaters and without other craft around you. With three days you can also make various on shore excursions to farms, villages, churches and temples. From the boat you can see everyday Indian life passing by. The birdlife is also fantastic. The only negative is the amount of rubbish floating on the water, I understand that Kerala is making great efforts to deal with this but more needs to be done. Overall a highly recommended trip.
Written January 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BlueNoseBrother
Edinburgh, UK685 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We spent a day on a houseboat slowly cruising around this truely unique water delta area.
It is a glimpse into another part of South Infia, a waterery jungle one minute then a cultivated rice paddy the next.
It is very peaceful experience and gives you a chance to see local rural Indian life, from fishermen catching there daily meal to kids and adults washing there clothes and themselves in the waters. It is also bird watchers paradise with numerous species making this waterland there home.
This is something different and we are really glad we went and experienced it.
It is a glimpse into another part of South Infia, a waterery jungle one minute then a cultivated rice paddy the next.
It is very peaceful experience and gives you a chance to see local rural Indian life, from fishermen catching there daily meal to kids and adults washing there clothes and themselves in the waters. It is also bird watchers paradise with numerous species making this waterland there home.
This is something different and we are really glad we went and experienced it.
Written February 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gitterbug
London, UK43 contributions
Jan 2020
We took the government day boat up the backwaters for 8 hours and got off in Alappuzha.
It was amazing. The boat was basic but had a WC [👍], it was cheap given the length of journey and the scenery was breathtaking. I found the boat very comfortable but if you have a bony bum, you might want a cushion. There are two stops for a snack and a larger meal. These cost extra but are still very cheap. I felt safe on the boat and the staff were helpful.
Definitely worth the trip although keep your stay in Alappuzha to one night. It’s a revolting place. It’s a shame because architecturally it’s interesting but if you’re a lone female traveller then keep it short!
It was amazing. The boat was basic but had a WC [👍], it was cheap given the length of journey and the scenery was breathtaking. I found the boat very comfortable but if you have a bony bum, you might want a cushion. There are two stops for a snack and a larger meal. These cost extra but are still very cheap. I felt safe on the boat and the staff were helpful.
Definitely worth the trip although keep your stay in Alappuzha to one night. It’s a revolting place. It’s a shame because architecturally it’s interesting but if you’re a lone female traveller then keep it short!
Written July 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Friend,
First of all we would like to thank you for sharing feedback about Kerala Backwaters on Trip Advisor.
Kerala Backwater Tourism Teams are feeling extremely contented to have been able to deliver you with the highest level of service and thank you so much for highlighting Nature wonder surprise in the world.
Thank you again for your loyalty in our Attraction and we are personally looking forward to welcome you back home again in the near future.
Yours Sincerely,
Arul Sreedhar
Sr. Manager
Written July 25, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Can you recommend the company to book through please
Written April 3, 2024
Hello, I'm looking for a small boat to tour the mangroves, see birds and animals. I'm not interested in a houseboat tour. Any suggestions where to find a reliable service?Thank you!
Written October 27, 2023
Do you have contact information for this tour or a web page I can book through? Thanks
Written December 5, 2020
We are going to be touring round the backwaters, visiting villages. We’ve heard it’s a good idea to take some gifts for local children, anyone have any thoughts on his please?
Written December 30, 2019
Stuff for school such as pens and pencils and notebooks.
Written January 2, 2020
Saeeq Shajjan
Kabul, Afghanistan
Hi, can anyone recommend how to plan a trip to Kerala?
Written November 23, 2019
Ciao Stella
Io e mio marito (67 e 72 anni) il giorno 5 marzo 2020 saremo a Cochin dalle 8 alle 18 (siamo in crociera con MSC Splendida) e mi è stata consigliata la CROCIERA SULLA CASA GALLEGGIANTE �KETTUVALLAM�
Ho letto la tua recensione, che mi è molto piaciuta. e vorrei sapere come possiamo organizzarci dall'Italia
Ti ringrazio infinitamente se ci potrai aiutare con i tuoi suggerimenti
Written August 27, 2019
Dear Friend,
you need to go to Alleppey for backwater. one day before you can book boat trip. Kochi to Alleppey by road you need to go.
Regards
Sarath
Written August 29, 2019
Hi Can you please share the tour itineraryt..we plan to visit in September. We are from Kolkata. we are 2 friends., We would be reaching Kochi and would return from Kochi. Thanks in advance.
Written June 13, 2019
Hi
We started from kochi and returned from Trivandrum, so no need to come back to kochin again. From kochi airport, we directly left for Munnar(2 nights), Thekkady1 night, Alleppy ( Houseboat 1 night) then kovlam 3 nights
From kovlam , one of the day, we did day trip to Kanyakumari
Let me know if you need further details
Written June 17, 2019
Hi Gopinath P... I am planning my first trip to Kerela in February with my husband... we are both in our late 50s. Please could you send some tips, recommendations etc about stay and travel especially in the backwaters of Kerela.
Thanks
Sunaina
Written January 12, 2019
Hey.. Suggest you book the Southern panorama premium house boat. They take good care of guests.
Hope you have A great trip
Written February 13, 2019
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