kerala backwaters kochi

Kerala Backwaters, Kochi—A Peaceful Journey Through Nature

Kochi, a beautiful coastal city in Kerala, is one of the best places to experience the calm and scenic Backwaters of South India. A Backwater tour in Kochi offers a chance to unwind and discover the slow, peaceful life along the villages, rivers & canals of Kerala. This is where nature, culture, and tradition come together.

Where Are the Kochi Backwaters?

The Kochi Backwaters are part of Kerala’s famous network of lagoons and lakes. These Backwaters connect to the Vembanad Lake near Alleppey, the Green Venice of the East. Surrounded by swaying coconut palms, small fishing villages, and quiet water paths, this area offers one of the most beautiful Backwater boat trips in Kerala. The main starting points for canal cruise boat trips include Kochi, Alleppey, and Thottappally.

Why Choose a Backwater Tour in Kochi?

Taking a Backwater tour in Kochi is one of the most peaceful and unique experiences in Kerala. You’re not just going for a boat ride—you’re stepping into the journey of exploring a timeless lifestyle, tradition, and culture.

You’ll float gently through Kerala’s emerald waterways with coconut palm-fringed lakes & lagoons, witnessing numerous small houses and farms in the process. You’ll see villagers living their daily lives—fishing, cooking, weaving, and waving at you with warm smiles. It's a great way to explore Kerala beyond the usual tourist spots.

If you love quiet moments, beautiful views, and slow travel, this tour is for you.

Best Time to Visit the Kochi Backwaters

The best time for a Kochi Backwaters day tour is during the cooler months of October to March. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and the skies are clear, perfect for sightseeing and enjoying canal cruise boat rides.

If you visit from June to September, you’ll experience Kerala’s monsoon season. While it may rain, the Backwaters look especially lush and green. The rainy charm has its own magic, especially for nature lovers and photographers.

The summer months from April to May can be quite hot and humid. If you’re visiting this season, it’s best to go early in the morning or in the evening when it’s cooler.

Types of Backwater Boat Trips in Kochi

Adventure River Cruises offers several types of Backwater boat trips based on how much time you have and what kind of experience you’re looking for. Here they are:

#1. 2 Nights, 3 Days Tour (Between Alleppey and Thottappally)

Perfect for visitors who are short on time. These cruises take you between Thottappally and Alleppey to give you a view of the peaceful waters, the greenery, and the village scenes. You can check out people commuting in wooden dugout canoes, the temples, the churches, and the traditional dance and martial arts schools of nearby regions in this tour. It takes you to 5 different places: Thottappally, Karumadi, Kanjippadom, Punnamada and Alleppey. You get to stay in a Deluxe Cabin or a Superior Cabin, depending on your package, both of which include windows, a bathroom, and other essential amenities. 

#2. 5 Nights, 6 Days Tour (Between Kochi and Changankari)

This tour gives you a deeper experience of the Backwaters and Kerala’s culture. You start your journey from Marad and then travel to Vaikom, Chenganda, Kumarakom, Kavalam, Kainakari, Mankompu, Champakkulam, and Changankari. Again, you get a Deluxe or a Superior Cabin depending on your package, and you get to visit some of the oldest temples like the Aranmula Sree Parthasarathy Temple of Lord Krishna. 

#3. 7 Nights, 8 Days Tour (Between Kochi and Alleppey)

If you want to take your experience to the next level, choose our 7 nights, 8 days canal cruise boat trip between Kochi and Alleppey. It’s our flagship offering, and it aims to provide a full experience of Kerala’s culture and beauty. In this tour, you get:

• A visit to some of the best dance and martial arts schools in Kerala (i.e., the Kathakali Dance School, Mohiniyattam dance school, and Kalaripayattu Martial Arts school)

• Coir making

• Home-hosted Malayalee cuisine dinner cooked with native spices

• Trip to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and a walking safari

• Canoes ride through villages in a narrow canal

• Visit to some of the oldest churches and temples (i.e., the Aranmula temple, Champakullam church, etc.)

• Glimpse of Snake Boats, Pattachitra paintings, bronze metal mirror making, weaving and rubber plantations

• Trip to the Home of Saint Chavara

• Sailing through the narrow Karumadi Canal with a visit to the ancient Buddha statue

• Visit to the wooden boat building yard at Kanjipadam

• A trip to the Alleppey marketplace

• And a visit to an Ayurveda Centre.

Highlights of a Kochi Backwater Tour

During your Backwater tour in Kochi, you’ll experience several memorable moments that stay with you long after your trip.

• You’ll glide past lush coconut groves, small farms, and water birds flying above.

• Watch fishermen using Chinese fishing nets, a technique unique to Kochi.

• Enjoy fresh local food on board or at small homestays along the water.

• Visit traditional villages where you can see how ropes and mats are made from coconut husks.

• Capture sunset views that paint the sky and water in shades of orange and pink.

Every moment feels slow, peaceful, and deeply connected to nature.

Who Should Go for a Backwater Cruise in Kochi?

Kochi Backwaters day tours are perfect for almost everyone.

• Families will love the calm atmosphere and scenic beauty.

• Couples can enjoy a romantic escape surrounded by nature.

• Elderly travellers will find the ride relaxing and comfortable.

• Foreign tourists will get a close-up look at Kerala’s unique lifestyle.

• Nature lovers and photographers will have plenty to explore and capture.

Whether you’re travelling alone or in a group, this is an experience you shouldn’t miss.

What to Carry on Your Backwater Boat Trip

To enjoy your Backwater boat trip fully, pack these simple items:

• A hat or cap to protect yourself from the sun.

• Sunglasses and sunscreen to keep your skin and eyes safe.

• A camera or phone to capture the beauty around you.

• A water bottle to stay hydrated.

• Mosquito repellent, especially if you’re travelling in the evening.

• A light jacket or shawl if you’re cruising in cooler months.

Travel Tips for a Smooth Experience

• Book your tour with a reliable company like Adventure River Cruises to ensure safety and comfort.

• Choose early morning or evening slots to avoid the heat and enjoy the best light.

• If possible, hire a local guide who can explain the culture and history.

• Avoid throwing anything in the water—help keep the Backwaters clean.

• Respect local customs when visiting villages.

How to Book Your Backwater Tour with Adventure River Cruises

Booking a tour with Adventure River Cruises is simple:

1. Visit our website to browse available packages.

2. Choose your tour type—short ride, full-day, or overnight stay.

3. Select your time slot and group size.

4. Confirm and enjoy a smooth, memorable cruise with our expert crew.

We offer clean, safe boats and friendly service to make your journey unforgettable.

Places to Explore Nearby

While you’re in Kochi, make the most of your trip by exploring these nearby attractions:

• Fort Kochi – Famous for colonial buildings, art streets, and seafood cafés.

• Chinese Fishing Nets – A historic and unique fishing style you’ll see in action.

• Jew Town and Spice Market – Explore heritage lanes and shop for spices and antiques.

• St. Francis Church – The oldest European church in India, rich in history.

• Cherai Beach – A beautiful and peaceful beach just 30–40 minutes from the Backwaters.

Why Choose Adventure River Cruises?

At Adventure River Cruises, we focus on giving you an experience that’s safe, relaxing, and truly local. Our boats, such as the MV Vaikundam, are some of the best boats for a Backwaters tour in the region. Designed with teak and jackwood and consisting of 9 high-end cabins, our boats provide you all the comfort you can ask for during your trip. Each boat has a large sundeck, a restaurant, and a bar and lounge. So good they are that they have been featured on National Geographic’s Dream Cruise Program and on Master Chef Australia. 

In addition to that, other distinctions of our tours include:

• Our staff is friendly, trained, and always ready to help.

• We offer custom packages and flexible timings.

• We believe in eco-friendly tourism that supports local communities.

• We’ve served hundreds of happy travellers from across India and abroad.

Final Words

A Backwater tour in Kochi is more than just sightseeing—it’s a peaceful, soul-soothing journey into the heart of Kerala. Whether you’re here for a short visit or a longer vacation, don’t miss the chance to explore the calm waters, charming villages, and breathtaking scenery of the Kochi Backwaters.

Book your Kochi Backwaters day tour or Backwater boat trip today with Adventure River Cruises, and experience the best of Kerala’s Backwaters the right way.