Kerala Backwater Houseboat Day Cruise

Detailed Itinerary

At the Cochin Wharf, you will find our representative waiting for you with a signboard for easy identification. You will be provided with identification badges for added convenience. Once you board the bus or cab, our tour guide will brief you with an overview of the day’s program. All our tour guides are accredited by the Kerala Tourism Department. We have guides who speak English, Arabic, German, French, and other languages, and we will arrange a suitable guide according to your preference.

A complimentary bottle of drinking water will be provided at the start of the trip. We will then drive to Kumarakom. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed with tender coconut water or another refreshing local drink.

Kumarakom is a scenic backwater village and a haven for birdlife. During your day cruise experience, you will witness elegant houseboats and colourful shikkara boats gliding across the serene waters. Traditional wooden canoes moving slowly along the backwaters add to the charm of the landscape. As you cruise through the tranquil waterways, you will enjoy glimpses of quaint villages, the beautiful bird sanctuary, and the lush green Pathiramanal Island.

Apart from the stunning scenery, you will also enjoy the following experiences:

Houseboat Cruise:

The highlight of the day is the houseboat cruise through the peaceful backwaters of Kumarakom. The houseboats are well-appointed, featuring comfortable rooms, a kitchen, and en-suite bathrooms. The spacious viewing deck offers panoramic views of the calm waters and palm-fringed shores. As the boat gently glides forward, you can relax and soak in the rhythm of village life along the banks.

During the cruise, you will be served an authentic Kerala-style lunch prepared fresh on board. The serene surroundings and cool breeze make the meal even more delightful. After completing the cruise and lunch experience, you will disembark and continue with the remaining activities.

Fishing Using Fishing Rods:

The shallow regions of the Kumarakom backwaters are rich in a variety of fish, making them ideal for fishing. With a simple fishing rod, line, and hook, you can try catching fish yourself. Earthworms are commonly used as bait. Although it requires a bit of patience and skill, fishing is a fun and rewarding activity.

Village Life:

You will have the opportunity to interact with the humble villagers of Kumarakom, who are more than happy to share glimpses of their homes, occupations, and daily routines. Experiencing their simple and peaceful lifestyle may even make you wish to slow down and be part of their small, close-knit world.

Local Tea and Toddy Shop Visit:

A visit to a local tea or toddy shop is a unique cultural experience. It is fascinating to watch how even the simple process of making tea becomes engaging. Toddy, a mildly alcoholic beverage made from the sap of the coconut tree, is one of Kerala’s most popular traditional drinks. The lively yet relaxed atmosphere of these shops gives you a true taste of authentic Kerala life.

Boating or Canoeing:

A canoe is a simple wooden boat, pointed at both ends and rowed with a single-bladed paddle. Due to its small size, it can glide through the narrowest canals of the backwaters, allowing you to explore hidden stretches of Kumarakom. If canoeing is not possible, you can enjoy a relaxing boat ride instead. This peaceful cruise allows you to absorb the scenic beauty, spot delightful birds, observe village life, and admire the greenery of Pathiramanal Island.

Coconut-Related Activities:

Kerala’s coconut trees add remarkable beauty to the landscape, and the state produces nearly 45% of India’s coconuts. Almost every part of the coconut tree is used in some way. The husk is turned into coir for handicrafts, the leaves are woven into mats and baskets, the shell is crafted into ladles and spoons, and the fruit is consumed or processed into cooking oil and hair oil. During your tour in Kumarakom, you will witness coconut harvesting, dehusking, coconut milk extraction, coconut processing, leaf weaving, and broom making. It is fascinating to see how this single tree supports so many livelihoods.

Coir Making from Coconut Fibre:

Kerala’s coir products make wonderful take-home souvenirs. You will also enjoy watching the traditional process of making coir from coconut fibre using weaving wheels. Many local women spend their day skillfully crafting coir and coir products, preserving this age-old tradition.

Tuk-Tuk Rides:

Kerala’s tuk-tuks are charming to look at, but the real thrill lies in riding one. These compact vehicles move swiftly through village lanes and narrow roads, and the driver’s skill in manoeuvring through tight spaces is truly impressive. If the time permits, we can arrange a tuk-tuk ride before you get back to the houseboat. 

After enjoying the many relaxing and enriching experiences in Kumarakom, you will be served a refreshing cup of tea along with hot and delicious Kerala snacks. We will then drop you back at Cochin Port by cab or bus, bringing your memorable backwater houseboat day cruise to a pleasant close.