Category: Cochin

Backwaters Cruise (Half Day)

Port: Cochin (Kochi)
Duration: Approx. 6 Hours
Type: Sightseeing • Tasting • Nature Experience
Difficulty Level: Easy

Tour Overview

Experience the peaceful beauty of Kerala’s famous backwaters on a relaxing houseboat cruise through lagoons, lakes, and narrow canals surrounded by lush tropical scenery. This excursion offers a unique opportunity to observe village life, traditional waterways, and the serene landscapes that have made Kerala one of India’s most celebrated destinations.

Detailed Itinerary

Departure from Cochin Port

Meet your guide and depart by coach towards Alappuzha, traditionally known as Alleppey and often referred to as the “Venice of the East.”

Transfer Duration:

• Approximately 1.5 hours each way, depending on traffic conditions

During the drive, enjoy views of:

• Kerala countryside
• Coconut groves and paddy fields
• Small villages and canals

ARRIVAL AT ALAPPUZHA

Upon arrival, proceed to the boarding point for your traditional Kerala houseboat experience.

VISIT – Kerala Houseboat Cruise

Board a traditional Kerala houseboat, also known as a “floating house.”

Typical houseboat features include:

• Comfortable lounge area
• Bedroom facilities
• Bathroom facilities
• Covered sitting area or balcony
• Traditional wooden construction

You will be welcomed onboard by the crew, typically consisting of:

• Captain
• Helmsman
• Cook

A refreshing cold drink will be served upon boarding.

CRUISE THROUGH THE KERALA BACKWATERS

Enjoy a peaceful cruise through:

• Lagoons
• Lakes
• Narrow canals
• Palm-lined waterways

Cruise Duration:

• Approximately 2 hours

During the cruise you will observe:

• Traditional village life
• Local fishermen and small boats
• Coconut plantations and rice fields
• Daily activities along the waterways
• Scenic landscapes unique to Kerala

The cruise offers a calm and relaxing atmosphere ideal for photography and nature lovers.

RETURN TO SHORE

After the backwaters experience, disembark from the houseboat and rejoin your coach.

Return Drive to Cochin

Begin the return journey to Cochin through Kerala’s scenic countryside.

Return to Cochin Port

After completing the excursion, return comfortably to the port.

Important Information

• The coach transfer between Cochin and Alappuzha takes approximately 1.5 hours each way
• The houseboat cruise lasts approximately 2 hours
• Traffic conditions may affect the overall duration of the excursion
• Guests are advised to have a substantial breakfast before departure
• Houseboat size and passenger capacity may vary depending on operational availability
• Some roads and local streets may be uneven or untarred
• Insect repellent is strongly recommended
• Comfortable clothing and footwear are advised
• The excursion is not recommended for guests with mobility difficulties
• Boarding and disembarking the houseboat may involve stepping on uneven or narrow surfaces

Kerala Culture: Kumbalangi Village Tour

Port: Cochin (Kochi)
Duration: Approx. 6.5 Hours
Type: Sightseeing • Nature Excursion • Cultural Experience • Entertainment • Meal Included
Difficulty Level: Easy

Tour Overview

Experience the traditional village life of Kerala through an immersive journey into Kumbalangi, a peaceful fishing village surrounded by backwaters, coconut groves, and fish farms. This excursion combines a scenic village cruise, local cultural demonstrations, traditional cuisine, folk performances, and authentic interactions with rural Kerala life.

Detailed Itinerary

Departure from Cochin Port

Meet your guide and depart by coach towards the village of Kumbalangi.

During the drive, enjoy views of:

• Kerala backwaters
• Coconut plantations
• Village landscapes and fish farms
• Rural life along the waterways

VISIT 1 – Kumbalangi Backwaters Cruise

Arrive at Kumbalangi and board a local boat for a scenic cruise through the backwaters.

Cruise Duration:

• Approximately 1 hour

During the cruise you will observe:

• Traditional fishing villages
• Narrow canals and lagoons
• Fish farms and coconut-lined waterways
• Local fishing activities and techniques

Your guide will explain traditional fishing methods such as:

• Veesuvala fishing
• Padal fishing

The cruise offers an excellent opportunity to experience Kerala’s peaceful rural environment and daily life along the waterways.

VISIT 2 – Kumbalangi Village Experience

After the cruise, proceed into the village where guests are divided into smaller groups for a more personal cultural experience.

Here you will witness local daily activities such as:

• Crab and fish catching
• Preparation of coconut milk punch
• Shellfish processing
• Coconut fibre processing
• Weaving traditional rugs
• Oola Madayal weaving (woven coconut leaves used for roofing)
• Traditional fishing net making

This visit provides a close look at how local families depend on nature and traditional skills for their livelihood.

LUNCH WITH LOCAL SPECIALITIES

Enjoy a traditional lunch served in an open-air setting overlooking the backwaters and Chinese fishing nets.

Meal highlights may include:

• Traditional Kerala dishes
• Rice and local curries
• Fresh regional flavours and spices
• Vegetarian and seafood specialities

During lunch, you can also observe:

• Traditional Chinese fishing nets in operation
• The local fishing technique known as “Papu Mari”

VISIT 3 – Kolkali Folk Performance

After lunch, enjoy a live Kolkali performance, one of Kerala’s traditional folk dances.

Highlights:

• Rhythmic stick dance performed in a circle
• Traditional singing and music
• Colourful local costumes and cultural presentation

The performance reflects Kerala’s village traditions and communal celebrations.

VISIT 4 – Rickshaw Ride Through the Village

Continue the experience with a short traditional rickshaw ride through the narrow village streets.

During the ride you will see:

• Village homes and local life
• Small canals and coconut groves
• Everyday rural activities
• Traditional Kerala village atmosphere

SHOPPING STOP – Mattancherry

On the return journey, stop briefly at Mattancherry for shopping and local browsing.

Here you may find:

• Spices and tea
• Local handicrafts
• Souvenirs and traditional products

Scenic Return Drive to Cochin

Return to Cochin through beautiful countryside landscapes featuring:

• Backwaters
• Fish farms
• Coconut plantations
• Rural Kerala scenery

Return to Cochin Port

After completing the excursion, return comfortably to the port.

Important Information

• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• Insect repellent is strongly recommended
• Some roads and village paths may be uneven or untarred
• Traffic conditions may affect the duration of the excursion
• The excursion is not recommended for guests with mobility difficulties
• Boarding and disembarking boats may involve stepping on uneven surfaces
• The village cruise lasts approximately 1 hour
• Weather conditions may affect outdoor activities and boat operations
• Places on the excursion may be limited, therefore advance booking is recommended

Highlights of Cochin

Port: Cochin (Kochi)
Duration: Approx. 4 Hours
Type: Cultural
Difficulty Level: Easy

Tour Overview

Explore the rich colonial and cultural heritage of Kochi, one of India’s most historic port cities. This excursion takes you through the charming districts of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, where Portuguese, Dutch, Jewish, and Chinese influences have shaped the city’s architecture, culture, and traditions for centuries.

Detailed Itinerary

Departure from Cochin Port

Meet your guide and depart by coach for a cultural exploration of Kochi.

During the drive, observe:

• Coastal city life
• Colonial architecture
• Historic neighbourhoods and local markets

VISIT 1 – Fort Kochi

Begin the excursion in Fort Kochi, the area where the Portuguese first established their settlement in India.

Highlights:

• Colonial-era streets and buildings
• European architectural influences
• Historic atmosphere of old Kochi

St. Francis Church

Visit St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, originally built by the Portuguese.

Highlights:

• Historic colonial architecture
• Important Portuguese heritage site
• Memorials and tombs connected to colonial history

Your guide will explain the church’s role in Kochi’s European past.

Chinese Fishing Nets & Local Fish Market

Continue to Kochi’s famous Chinese fishing nets, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

Here you will see:

• Traditional cantilever fishing nets
• Fishermen operating the nets
• Local fishing activity along the waterfront
• The lively local fish market nearby

The area offers excellent opportunities for photography and observing local coastal life.

Santa Cruz Basilica (Panoramic View)

Continue with a panoramic view of the Santa Cruz Basilica, one of Kochi’s most important churches.

Highlights:

• Portuguese-era religious architecture
• Gothic-style design
• Historical importance in Kerala’s Christian heritage

Please note:
The Basilica is viewed panoramically during the tour.

VISIT 2 – Mattancherry

Proceed to the historic district of Mattancherry, known for its multicultural heritage and colonial influences.

Dutch Palace

Visit the Dutch Palace, originally built by the Portuguese in 1555 and later renovated by the Dutch in 1663.

Highlights:

• Traditional Kerala-style architecture
• Historical murals and royal chambers
• Frescoes depicting scenes from the Ramayana and Hindu mythology
• Blend of Portuguese and Dutch influences

Please note:
If the Dutch Palace is closed, the visit may be replaced by the Indo-Portuguese Museum in Fort Kochi.

Jew Street

Walk along the famous Jew Street, lined with:

• Antique shops
• Spice stores
• Traditional homes
• Handicraft and souvenir shops

The street reflects the long-standing Jewish trading history of Kochi.

Jewish Synagogue

Visit the historic Synagogue, one of the oldest synagogues in the Commonwealth, built in 1568.

Highlights:

• Hand-painted blue Cantonese tiles
• Antique chandeliers and interiors
• Historic Jewish heritage of Kochi
• Traditional architecture and religious artefacts

Return to Cochin Port

After completing the sightseeing program, return comfortably to the port.

Important Information

• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• Modest clothing is advised for visits to religious sites
• Some roads and walking areas may be uneven or untarred
• Traffic conditions in Kochi may affect touring times
• The excursion is not recommended for guests with mobility difficulties
• During religious ceremonies or special events, some churches or monuments may only be visited from outside
• If the Dutch Palace is closed, it may be replaced by the Indo-Portuguese Museum
• Places on the excursion may be limited, therefore advance booking is recommended