INDIA · REGION
India's classics.
The 15 best kerala backwaters tours in India, gathered in one place. What each one includes, who runs it, and what you can expect to pay.
Non-mechanized backwaters cruise from Fort Kochi, coconut coir village stop, and a hearty vegetarian banana-leaf lunch in Kerala.
“Beautiful trip. So pleasant and the guide was extremely knowledgable and great conversationalist”
Kochi to Vaikom backwaters on a silent punting boat with banana-leaf vegetarian lunch, canoe ride, tea, and village crafts.
“I found this on Viator and it was well reviewed. It ended up being a great experience. It’s so so calm on the water, and our guide Arya (sp?) was so knowledgeable about local plants and animals. She even sung to us which was beautiful. On top of being on the water, saw the palm…”
Half-day guided hike in Munnar for $15 with tea-garden trails, snacks, ridgeline views, and a clear-day shot at Anaimudi.
“Amazing half day experience with Vijay, a wonderful, knowledgable and patient guy. The tour company arranged for a tuk tuk to collect us from our hotel where we met with Vijay and commenced a hike up through tea plantations, to the ridRead more”
Private Munnar jeep day trip to Anakulam elephant village, tea gardens, and waterfalls with lunch, pickup, and a swim option.
“We got to do so much during our 8 hour experience. Unfortunately we didn’t see any elephants- apparently too wet- but the things we saw and did were inspiring. Our guide, Mani, is local and truly understands the area, the people, the agriculture and how people make a living. We learned a lot and saw…”
Private 4-hour Kochi tuk-tuk tour with hotel pickup, colonial landmarks, Chinese fishing nets, spice markets, and Jew Town.
“Great tour guide with lots of local knowledge, even included a trip to his home where we could have henna done for an upcoming wedding we are attending. Was happy to help in any way he could.”
Luxury Kerala in 5 days from Kochi: Munnar waterfalls, Eravikulam wildlife, Periyar boating, Alleppey houseboat, and Kochi sights.
“Except for the first day’s hotel booking at Kovalam, we had a beautiful holiday experience throughout the 4-day journey.”
Ride a private tuk-tuk through Fort Kochi and Mattancherry’s colonial-era landmarks, with hotel pickup and a history-first guide.
“The trip itself was good and as expected. Shishendra was pleasant & knowledgeable. Unfortunately it ended on an awkward note. Whilst pick up is included, return to the pick up location isn't. So hopping out of the tuk tuk at my hotel, I Read more”
Hop between Fort Kochi and Mattancherry by private tuk-tuk. See major sights fast, with hotel pickup and many admissions included.
“Booked this on our first morning in Kochi and it's a great quick way to see the main attractions & familiarise yourself with the area. Our driver Firoz was local, knowledgeable and spoke very good English. He didn't go into depth at each stop but told us enough which was what we wanted.. Recommend this…”
Cruise-ship friendly Kochi tuk-tuk tour with pickup, a private guide, and classic Fort Kochi sights plus working-city stops for $11.
“We had a great experience with Aslam. Picking us up at the cruise terminal (very easy) and taking us to a lot of great spots while explaining local culture. We got to see a lot of the “real” Kochi and understand how history has shaped the city. The trip to the laundry was especially memorable.…”
Private 8-day Kerala tour from Kochi to Munnar, Periyar, Alleppey backwaters and Kovalam with A/C transfers and breakfast.
“Wonderful trip, we saw so much and everything was perfect .”
Cruise-ship friendly Kochi tuk-tuk tour with Chinese fishing nets, Fort Kochi churches, Mattancherry Palace, Paradesi Synagogue, and spice market.
“A wonderful first visit to India Cochin with Sanoj, a fantastic guide and lovely person, we had the pleasure of visiting his home and meeting his lovely wife. Thank you Sanoj for such a great trip”
A private Kochi tuk-tuk shore excursion with cruise pickup, classic Fort Kochi sights, and flexible stops, for about 3–4 hours.
“We paid for things that were not included such as water and entry to the Dutch Palace. It seemed to be a blatant money grab, just taking us to stores where he got kickbacks for taking us there. Only a couple of highlights, we would steer well clear next time.”
Fort Kochi tuk-tuk tour with friendly local guides: Chinese fishing nets, palaces, synagogues and temples, with pickup and mostly included tickets.
“We had an absolutely brilliant tuk tuk tour in Fort Kochi. Our guide was not only knowledgeable and friendly, but also an excellent photographer who captured some fantastic moments for us along the way. He explained the history, culture, aRead more”
A small-group full-day Munnar hike through tea gardens, forests, and mountain viewpoints, with pickup and a packed picnic lunch included.
“Very good hiking trip. We covered a lot of ground in one day - about 15 kms walk and a climb of nearly 500 metres. Our guide Raj was clearly very experienced and set a brisk pace right at the start which meant we got to the peak quite quicRead more”
4 days of Munnar hills, a private houseboat night, and Fort Kochi sights with meals and private car pickup in Kerala.
“Great communication, great value for money. Brilliant service from our driver, Rajesh, definitely added to the experience with humour, flexibility and a willingness to respond to all requests. Felt very safe and looked after throughout. Will definitely be recommending to friends who are visiting later in year.”
