INDIA
India's classics.
The 15 best canoes & kayaks tours in India, gathered in one place. What each one includes, who runs it, and what you can expect to pay.
Paddle Goa’s Sal Backwaters through mangroves and lotus ponds. Spot kingfishers, herons, otters, and local plants on a 1.5h tour.
“Really relaxing activity... tranquil kayaking, beautiful scenery, guides were really great before, during and after!”
Shikara canoe cruise from Cochin to Alappuzha: paddy fields, coconut palms, and village life on a calm 3-hour backwater ride.
“This company has great communications. The tour guide was on time and I group was on our way. The mini bus to travel to the houseboat was comfortable. Our group of 10 had plenty of room. The houseboat was very interesting. There are 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms on board as they also use this…”
Kayak the Paravur Backwaters mangrove canals near Varkala and Kollam with guide Samson, stable sit-on-top boats, and calm motorboat-free paddling.
“Very friendly staff and employees. Very easy process to go from arrival at the location to being out in the water. It was a bit long going from the point of departure to the mangroves. Approximately 5 km of rowing for about 30 minutes of touring the mangroves. Not for the weak.”
Sunrise kayaking in Alleppey backwaters with a small group, guided paddle through canals and lakes, and a mid-trip tea snack by an island village.
“The young guides spent the whole time at the front chatting to each other or on their phones. They glanced back approx 3-4 times in total to check we were there, but weren’t really bothered about anyone’s safety. Seeing the sunrise Read more”
Kayak Alleppey backwaters in a 6-hour private tour: Chennamkary, Kainakary, Venattukad villages, birds, optional open-water swim.
“I only had 24 hrs in the backwaters and this was a perfect way to experience and get emerged in it. I absolutely loved paddling around the backwaters, observing and interacting with the locals, and taking in the beautiful scenery and seeing incredible birds. My guide was pRead more”
Paddle Goa’s Salonia backwaters by kayak for 1.5 hours, with a guide, included gear, fruit juice, and big birdlife in North Goa.
Goa mangrove kayaking timed to high tide for calm paddling, wildlife spotting, family-friendly safety, and snacks included near Candolim.
“Loved the kayaking experience.”
Kayak through Goa’s mangroves on Spike’s River for wildlife spotting, pro instruction, and included snacks and drinks in about 2 hours.
“Prakash gave us instructions and left us in the hands of Satish his guide with big heart. Apart from the beauty of the river and it’s birds we found a cow trapped in the mangrove trees and almost drowned. We, the two girls from Bulgaria and SaRead more”
Kayak Kochi backwaters at sunrise or sunset with a floating tea break, English guide, and small-group calm in Kadamakkudy.
“A truly unique and tranquil experience. Everything from planning and hosting was humbling. would highly recommend”
Paddle the River Chapora backwaters on a small-group Goa kayaking tour with mangroves, wildlife spotting, swimming, and snacks in 2 hours.
“The activity (kayaking around the island however there was no swimming or tour) was lovely and the island staff were polite and caring. On the other hand , The guide who met us to take us to the island, was rude and surly. On arrival, which was stated 3:30 to report , the group had…”
Full-day canoe and shikkara cruise from Kumarakom: sunrise views, bird sanctuary stop, Kerala breakfast, lunch and optional toddy.
“This is an extraordinary tour of the backwaters that takes you in the opposite direction of all the other tours. Indeed, I didn’t see another tourist for the first 8 hours of the excursion. Sanu was very kind and adjusted the tour to fit my interestRead more”
Private guided kayaking on Paravur Lake near Varkala to Black Devil Snail Sandbar for a safe beginner paddle plus a sandbar break.
“Une expérience à vivre malgré que c'était un trajet très court. C'est pour les débutants qui veulent faire du kayak”
Sunrise mangrove kayaking on Sri Lanka’s Madu River near Kalutara. Small group paddling, safety support, and included snacks.
“We were there after the party till mid night. Kayaking instructor was a real friendly guy with plenty of experience in the field. He welcome us to the river & kayaking activity middle of no where we had snacks on our kayaks. It made my day wiRead more”
Sunrise mangrove kayaking on Sri Lanka’s Madu River from Bentota, small-group tour with pickup, gear, safety support, and fruit snacks.
“The weather was against us because of Cyclone Ditwah but Dinesh took us out nonetheless and we had a wonderful time. Despite the wind and rain it was really peaceful and you couldn't see any other people for miles around. We saw soRead more”
Paddle the Chapora River in Goa’s backwaters for 90 minutes, learn mangroves, spot birds, and enjoy guided zero-waste fun.
“Highly recommend this trip! Great for anyone looking for an outdoor activity away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Mihir was an excellent guide. I was solo and he made me feel very comfortable and shared his knowledge of history and Read more”
