Alleppey Backwaters

Alleppey Backwaters

Alleppey Backwaters
4
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
About
Duration: More than 3 hours
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  • Luke H
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing Alleppey Cruise
    Bineesh and Aneesh provided us with an amazing boat cruise experience in Alleppey. Started on a bigger boat and then switched to a smaller one which was able to navigate the smaller canals. Breakfast was included. Aneesh even got us to pose for some photos - was a highlight! Highly recommended these guys! Get in contact with Bineesh on +91 94467 76106
    Visited February 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written February 23, 2024
  • TravellerPorirua
    Greater Wellington, New Zealand340 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    First time on Houseboat.
    It was an excellent experience on the beautiful lake. We booked the entire houseboat for ourselves and it was worth it. We stayed in it overnight and were well taken care of by the staff. We were provided all 3 meals which were sumptuous and were given an amazing candle-light dinner to celebrate my wife's 67th Birthday with a very tasty cake for dessert. Thoroughly enjoyed this experience.
    Dear Friend, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with us on Tripadvisor. We truly appreciate your reviews and feedback about Alleppey Backwaters world, we look forward to welcoming you back to Nature blessed beautiful world the next time you travel. Thank you again for your time and wishing you a wonderful time. Thanks & Regards Alleppey Backwaters
    Written July 24, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written April 30, 2024
  • Mohsin A
    Muscat, Oman506 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wonderful experience
    Alleppey backwaters are a must for any Kerala visitor. Visitors have the option of either staying for night or only day cruise. I did 6hour day cruise. It was wonderful. The lunch served was very good. The tea was also very good. It rained also for one hour which added to the adventures. Overall value for money and precious memories for life.
    Dear Friend, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with us on Tripadvisor. We truly appreciate your reviews and feedback about Alleppey Backwaters world, we look forward to welcoming you back to Nature blessed beautiful world the next time you travel. Thank you again for your time and wishing you a wonderful time. Thanks & Regards Alleppey Backwaters
    Written July 24, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written June 27, 2024
  • Jay J
    Mumbai, India12 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The no-nonsense review of a serene backwater experience
    If you are short of time and not staying in Aleppey, read on for the best way to experience the backwaters. As you reach Rajiv Jetty in Aleppey, numerous boat owners and brokers will accost your car and ask you to get into their boat. You can choose any one of them and take a 3 hour shikara ride thru the backwaters. I would highly recommend riding with Sudarshan (Mobile: 99610 .....) who charged us Rs.4500 for a family of 3. We had the entire boat to ourselves and Sudarshanan (owner) rode with us. The boat was large enough to hold atleast 10 people. We stopped for delicious lunch (payable extra) on the way which included excellent Onam Sadhya as well as fried fish. Quite reasonably priced as well. Sudarshan was polite, knowledgeable and quite enthusiastic about clicking our pictures. At his behest, we stopped at number of "shooting locations" on the way for our photoshoots. The ride was absolutely soothing and relaxing. So much so, that it was difficult to keep our eyes open after lunch. My daughter and I managed to catch a quick nap while the wife kept guard. We passed by lush green paddy fields and palm trees swaying in the gentle breeze as water birds watched us float by. The pace of life on the backwaters is totally different from the hustle and bustle of the city life. So if you spend more than 50 hours a week stuck in any office building, of any city, chasing after unattainable deadlines, then 3 hours of lazily drifting on the backwaters is essential for our soul. In the words of our boatman, "No happy, no payment. Or Fully happy, full payment."
    Visited September 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written September 17, 2024
  • prakashmehta
    Kolkata (Calcutta), India259 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Unique….should experience once in a lifetime.
    Alleppey is a coastal town where one side is the Arabian Ocean and the other side completely covered by rivers and canals. Now what is Backwater ? Backwater is a part of a river which have little or no current and here this water is used for the paddy fields. You can opt for 2 types of Backwater experience…. 1. Full Day : where it’s starts in the morning and you stay overnight in the boat and after sunrise,harboured back. ( preferable only if you have big group, as after sunset the boat is harboured near the paddy field, and you have nowhere to go and have to enjoy inside the boat only. If decided to stay, prepare yourself with games and other mode of entertainment for the time pass) 2. Half Day : it’s start in the morning and end by the time of sunset. ( preferable for couples and single family,as you will get bored during evening) About the Boat…… You can book 1 room,2 rooms…upto 10 rooms Boat, where there are all essential products available,like TV,Music system,Dining Table,Sofa,Washroom,Bed and AC( starts after 9pm only). About Food…… They provide delicious lunch,high tea and dinner and provide morning tea with light snacks. Now my experience…… I booked half day tour (as we were a single family) from “My Trip Boat” ( 97468-81234) with an upper deck. The look and interior was very nice with 1 bedroom. As we sail ahead,we experience this unique journey. Both side lush green paddy fields, water ahead and experience the daily life of the local people,around the backwater. After about an hour the boat was harboured for 1/2 hr,as there was two shops selling essential goods, you want to buy,We purchase Jumbo size Prawns for lunch. We are served with delicious Non-Veg food around 1:30 pm( Good veg option also available). It was a wonderful experience. Then we took some rest on the comfy bed, with a beautiful view from the window. As the sun starting to set down,the weather becomes favourable and we moved to the upper deck. From here there was a real view. They again served us coffee and hot mix pakoras. Super feeling viewing the green paddy fields,Backwater and clear sky. The boat harboured around 5:30 pm. My personal experience was superb and were very satisfied with the operator.
    Visited December 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written October 5, 2024
  • Malcolm B
    Lifton, United Kingdom5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Watch the world go by
    This is a must do experience and do the overnight stay on board. You just spend 24 hours drifting through backwater life. Buy fresh fish at a local store, the food on board is amazing.Take any alcohol you may want with you
    Visited October 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 20, 2024
  • Journey29941263139
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Alleppey
    For many reasons, this a must do trip. Bineesh was excellent in everything he did, the boat was a good size with plenty room for the four of us but would comfortably take ten people. The trip itself was amazing especially the backwaters, which makes for a lot of thinking for Europeans who mostly live comfortable lives and with very little genuine insight into other cultures. Back to Bineesh, he looked after us very well, transferring us to a smaller boat to get to the less accessible places, he brought us to a riverside restaurant which provided excellent home made food, served on banana leaf. We were also introduced to a friendly kite (a small eagle) and we had pictures taken together. A wonderful experience enjoyed by all!!
    Visited November 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written November 30, 2024
  • chrissy
    Bristol, United Kingdom88 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Could have been wonderful
    Inital impression was very good. Very excited to get to the houseboats as it was one of thehighlights of the Distant Journeys tour . Transfer was smooth but unfortunately our group of 8 was split over two boats which was unexpected and affected the group dynamic, arrangements were made for the other group to join for dinner in the evening. We were shown to our cabins which looked clean and presentable but far from luxury. Lunch was acceptable but disappointing, presentation wasn't as described it should have been served on banana leaf but the food was flavoursome. The views from the boat were pleasant and we were graced with a thunderstorm . Dinner was ok but again, not outstanding. The crew tried their best to keep everyone happy. After dinner I went to my cabin, the air-conditioning was not working and the room was full of mosquitos, hundreds of dead ones strewn across the linen. I took the linen and shook it which uncovered the absolute horrors underneath. The bedding had blood, urine, squashed insects and God knows what on it as did the runner across the bed, towels, it was horrendous. I went to try and find a member of the crew and they were nowhere to be seen. No wifi, no phone service! I used my deet to spray the insects and put on the wonky fan which had no effect at all. The room was over 100 degrees with no respite. I had to sit up and wait until the morning , i was covered in bites, it was a nightmare! This ruined the whole experience and I had to wait until we got back to the Dock to speak to our guide. The manager didn't appear to believe me at first but I had got other guests to see the hell I had to go through and another guest had no air-conditioning but no mosquitos. I took video and photos so I have evidence to take up with the company. DJ have addressed this and I have been assured that all bedding will be replaced and the air conditioning will be sorted out. I have said provided no other guest has to experience this then I am happy with their action, however, I hope if anyone does have the same experience they too complain. It really spoilt the whole experience for me and it ruined the next day as I was exhausted. I don't like to give negative reviews but they are always honest.
    Visited November 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written December 4, 2024
  • Jay Shah
    Ahmedabad, India2,391 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Truly amazing,
    Wonderful experience. Our tour operator has given us one and half hour complementary ride in cruise for alleppey back waters. I am very excited and enjoying the ride with watching waterways, crossing house boats and seeing the daily routine life of locals depending on these backwaters by trading fruits and vegetables on it, Truly amazing unforgettable experience. Must go
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written December 29, 2024
  • JMi_Lyon
    Brignais, France455 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Calm and serenity
    Arrive at about 12 noon towards St Thomas church departure point. We go up the river with lunch 3 people at our disposal and the boat for us alone (1 room). Ride in the Backwaters canals at low speed, super zen. Around 5pm possibility to stop for massage activity. Then it lands on the riverbank and we eat at 7pm. Air conditioning in the room, rustic shower, but it remains comfortable. Overnight in the boat at the dock, breakfast at 8am and walk in other channels for a return at 9am to the departure point.
    Visited February 2025
    Traveled as a couple
    Written February 9, 2025
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles1,277 reviews
Excellent
672
Very good
292
Average
118
Poor
57
Terrible
139

hsbhatt
Prasanthi Nilayam, Andhra Pradesh, India24 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Friends
Had been wanting to do the backwaters cruise a lot but the prohibitive houseboat packages sank my heart. Then I saw there was an option of a Shikhara boat ride for a fraction of the cost and I was so happy. Went with Shikhara Tours and was guided by Dhiya to a nice 3 hour ride from Punnamada lake, through some enchanting canals to the surprisingly vast Vembanad lake all for a surprising low Rs.3000. The five of us in our entourage had the entire boat to ourselves

The stops on the way at quirky restaurants was interesting and also broke the monotony for the children. In Dal Lake there are floating vendors who will charm you with their sales pitches and I hope here too we see it some day!

The boat was made very inviting as it is quite spacious and with comfortable seating and a huge bed right in the middle. The bow is also padded and generously provided with cushions.
Written February 12, 2024
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.

Ranell Gomes
India25 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2023 • Family
The experience on the boathouse is really nice. We booked through JCT make my trip. The food and the staff are really helpful and attentive. There is like a butler on the boat. They provided hot water on request for my 2 year old as and when required for all her meals.
In a few hours our journey started and they provided us with welcome drink a refreshing lemonade. Later we stoped for lunch and if you choose your menu as Non veg they provide you nice fish fry. Alleppey is known for fresh fish. We stoped at a village to purchase some fresh prawns and the butler cooked it for us. They organise a candle light dinner with the cooked prawns. Nice initiative and something unique, they try to make with the limited resources they have on the boat. They provided even evening tea and pakoda. And morning breakfast. We ate authentic Kerela food only on the boat. We were in Munnar 2 days before this but we dint get to taste some authentic food at the resort. Our Resort had just limited menu for dinner and breakfast so I can say the boat house was way better than the 4 star hotel we booked and stayed in Munnar.
Our cab driver Mr. Sudhan CR was really supportive and recommended us many places and provided right suggestions on sight seeing. He even gave us his membership card to use at the Kanan Devan Tea Museum and we got some discount. He is the best polite and friendly driver.
Written January 22, 2023
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.

Compass31521314998
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2023
I went to visit the Allepey Backwaters just before Easter weekend. Luckily my boat ride was arranged by my hotel staff and I ended up meeting Bineesh. He’s the best tour guide who gave us a complete ride around the backwaters, communicated in multiple languages, helped us meet the locals, took us through magnificent small canals and routes at the best price. Must use his boat and services for a good experience
His number is 9446776106
Good time to visit is August - May
Written April 5, 2023
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.

Navigator34021233035
1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2025 • Family
_Disappointing Experience at Wood Castle Houseboat_

_Rating: 1/5 Stars_

We had a disappointing stay at the Wood Castle houseboat. The rooms were extremely small, and the staff behavior was quite rude. The houseboat was also not well-maintained and lacked cleanliness, which was a major concern.

The food portions were very limited, and we were expecting a more substantial meal. Overall, our experience was disappointing, and we wouldn't recommend Wood Castle houseboat due to its various shortcomings.
Written January 22, 2025
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.

Manish Patidar
2 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2025 • Family
_Disappointing Experience at Wood Castle Houseboat_

_Rating: 1/5 Stars_

We had a disappointing stay at the Wood Castle houseboat. Here are the major issues we faced:

- The rooms were extremely small, lacking adequate space.
- The staff behavior was rude, making our experience unpleasant.
- The houseboat was dirty, raising concerns about hygiene and cleanliness.
- The food provided was insufficient, with very small portions.
- The houseboat only cruised for 3 hours, which was not as expected.

Overall, our experience was disappointing, and we wouldn't recommend Wood Castle houseboat due to these significant shortcomings.
Written January 22, 2025
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.

Vikas M
Bengaluru, India58 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2023
Last week me and my family of 5 including 2 kids went on a day cruise in Alleppey. We had been on houseboats earlier but for over night stays. This time we decided to do a day cruise (12 noon - 5 pm). We used the services of Evergreen Tours - Houseboats. The backwaters of kerala is such a gift of nature. The regular life that moves along the waterbody adds to the uniqueness of the experience. The Houseboat was excellent (looked as good as new), it was clean, the crew were extremely well mannered and they prepared a superb lunch (vegetarians). They served tea with bhajias in the evening and overall we (kids included) had a great time. The fact that it rained (summer showers) in the evening added to the experince. Like i said i have stayed in house boats earlier, but this one was absoultely the best experience. The Evergree houseboat staff and owners were really nice and helpful. Our taxi driver actually dropped us off at a jetty which was different from what the houseboat people had told but the Evergreen houseboat people asked us to wait there and sent the boat to the jetty where we were waiting. Which was very nice of them. Would love to go back and surely will use their house boat only
Written April 13, 2023
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.

Aheli
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Family
Allus Boat Cruise was recommended to us by our homestay. The owner/boat driver/tour guide, Bineesh, made it a great experience for us.

For almost 3-4 hours, he took us through the main and smaller parts of the backwaters. The boat had good shade from the sun, comfortable seats and even a bed. He also took us for an authentic Alleppey lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the waters - the food was delicious!

It was our first time experiencing the backwaters and we found it absolutely beautiful. We couldn't have asked for a better person than Bineesh to take us around. He made nice conversation, explained everything we saw and even took family pictures of us.

Highly recommend this boat tour! Perfect way to soak in the beauty of Alleppey. :)

Boat Tour Instagram: @allus_back_water_cruise
Written December 21, 2023
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.

Alles Clairechen
8 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Couples
Bineesh went above and beyond to give us the best experience we could have here. We explored the backwaters on two different boats (Shikara and small boat), amazing veggie Lunch was included and whenever we said something about drinking, tea, toilet he made stops here and there to provide us with everything we needed. We saw eagles, ice birds, kingfishers, … and enjoyed an amazing afternoon (around 5 hrs !). The prices are very affordable for that (5000 rps) and it’s totally worth it. Bineesh lives in a village in the backwaters and knows everything about the place, if you are interested in learning. Also, he will take amazing pictures of you to keep memories of this amazing experience! His instagram is: @allus_back_water_cruise
Written November 22, 2023
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.

Bharath
1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Family
I got cheated and charged Rs 5000 for a shikara ride for 5 persons per 2 hrs in marari, alleppy by KV House boats. It's my driver from gokulam travels who introduced to KV boat house, who cheated and charged 10 time above the rate of the ride. Actually we came to know the ride costs only Rs 500.
Written August 9, 2023
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.

159donna
Munich, Germany32 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2023 • Couples
Alleppey is so popular and therefore gets very busy and the water is polluted. I think the state should make much stricter rules to stop this pollution. We only found out once we were here and decided just to take the goverment ferry for a trip to kottayam. Much more authentic and really cheap
We had a very surprising backwater trip with a small pole boat through our Kochi guesthouse. Kristal clear water, beautiful and so peaceful.
Alleppey maybe have once been nice but now totally overrated
Written February 14, 2023
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.

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Alleppey Backwaters - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2025)

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