Backwater Village Punting Boat Cruise with Lunch
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 478 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Backwater Village Punting Boat Cruise with Lunch worth booking?
Backwater Village Punting Boat Cruise with Lunch is a 6-hour experience in Kochi, India, from $28 per person. It scores 92 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “90+ Club”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 478 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing. It sits in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
- Outty Ranking
- 92 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (478)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $28 per person
Step into a serene and picturesque world on our punting boat day trip through Kerala's backwaters. You'll glide along calm waterways, visiting charming villages where you can witness local women expertly crafting things from coconut leaves. These villages offer a glimpse into the unhurried and simple life of Kerala's people. As you soak in the breathtaking natural beauty, you'll encounter a variety of birds and lush greenery. You'll also have the chance to see how coconut husks are turned into useful ropes and mats, a skill that has been passed down for generations. This journey is an opportunity to connect with the heart and soul of Kerala's backwaters, appreciating its rich culture and traditions, while enjoying the beauty of nature and the warmth of its people. It's a day filled with unique experiences you won't want to miss! ( Please note : This is a group tour not a private tour)
What you get
About this experience
Step into a serene and picturesque world on our punting boat day trip through Kerala's backwaters. You'll glide along calm waterways, visiting charming villages where you can witness local women expertly crafting things from coconut leaves. These villages offer a glimpse into the unhurried and simple life of Kerala's people. As you soak in the breathtaking natural beauty, you'll encounter a variety of birds and lush greenery. You'll also have the chance to see how coconut husks are turned into useful ropes and mats, a skill that has been passed down for generations. This journey is an opportunity to connect with the heart and soul of Kerala's backwaters, appreciating its rich culture and traditions, while enjoying the beauty of nature and the warmth of its people. It's a day filled with unique experiences you won't want to miss! ( Please note : This is a group tour not a private tour)
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- Lunch
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Tea and coffee
What you'll see and do
Kochi (Cochin)
Meeting Point and Tour Introduction: Please assemble at Wilson Tours at 8:30 am. We will provide a brief overview of the tour.
Pass by without stopping
Kerala Backwaters
Departure to Vaikom: At 8:30 am, embark on a one-hour drive in an air-conditioned car to the backwater village known as Vaikom. Backwater Village Experience: Upon reaching the village, enjoy a two-and-a-half-hour cruise on a non-motorized punting houseboat. Indulge in a delicious vegetarian lunch served in the village on banana leaves. An English-speaking guide will elaborate on village activities, showcasing rope making from coconut fiber, mat weaving, and various spice plants. Canoe Boat Ride and Tea Session: Post-lunch, experience a one-hour canoe boat ride. Relax and enjoy a tea session during the boat ride. Return to Cochin: After the activities, we will drive back to Cochin. Tour Conclusion: The tour concludes at 2:30 pm in Cochin.
240 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Kochi
You can come in front of Crowne Plaza at 9 AM, our person will be there (If you are near Crown Plaza, if you can use this pickup point, otherwise main pickup point is Wilson Tours Office at Princess Street, Fort Kochi )
Meeting point
Kochi
Wilson Tours Office at Princess Street, Fort Kochi (Opposite TROUVAILLE Cafe) at 08.30 AM, you'll be able to see the sign board that says Wilson Tours
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
You can come in front of Crowne Plaza at 9 AM, our person will be there (If you are near Crown Plaza, if you can use this pickup point, otherwise main pickup point is Wilson Tours Office at Princess Street, Fort Kochi )
Ends at
Wilson Tours Office at Princess Street, Fort Kochi (Opposite TROUVAILLE Cafe) at 08.30 AM, you'll be able to see the sign board that says Wilson Tours
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Stanley Wilson Day Tours
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 475 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
10 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
7 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
475 verified traveler reviews for Backwater Village Punting Boat Cruise with Lunch. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Wonderful experience
You get to see amazing plants and wildlife. Lunch is delicious and guide is very informative and helpful.
via Viator
A good day in the backwaters of Poothotta River
An enjoyable, relaxing punting boat cruise down the river with 01 stopover at a house by the river where a warm 74 year old lady demonstrated the use of coconut husks & leaves. A skill that she has perfected her entire life.. She also makes & sells Cassava chips..the Cassava coming from her garden. The driver Shah Jahan, guide Meera & the 2 boatmen were all lovely, warm & friendly... Meera is very knowledgeable about the birds & all that grow in the river. Although I wish there were more "adventures" to explore, I was quite happy with the arranged programme. It would be good for those who wants a relaxing day in the backwaters. The whole thing lasted about 3 hours although the programme stated "whole day". A nice vegetarian meal (lunch) was included, after which the driver sent me back to my pickup point. Thanks to Stanley Wilson ( the tour operator) for not cancelling the trip although I was the only participant on that day. I would suggest a detailed itinerary for future trips. I went with an open mind, not knowing what to expect. A detailed itinerary for all trips would be essential.
Response from the operator: Hi Roseyannay. Thank you very much for taking the time to share such a detailed and thoughtful review of your backwater experience with us. We are delighted to know that you enjoyed the peaceful punting boat cruise and appreciated the visit to the riverside home, where the 74-year-old lady demonstrated the traditional use of coconut husks and leaves. It is wonderful that you also enjoyed her homemade cassava chips. We will certainly pass your kind words on to Shah Jahan, Meera and our two boatmen. Meera will be especially happy to know that you appreciated her knowledge of the birds, plants and life along the backwaters. Our tour is designed primarily as a slow, peaceful and authentic experience of Kerala's village backwaters, rather than an adventure-oriented cruise. We understand, however, your suggestion that some guests may wish to know in advance exactly what to expect. The itinerary and program details are already included in the tour description, but we appreciate your valuable suggestions that we make them even clearer and more detailed. Thank you once again for traveling with an open mind and for your constructive suggestions, Your feedback will help us make the experience clearer and better for future travellers. With warm regards Stanley wilson and team
via Tripadvisor
Beautiful backwater trip
A truly wonderful well organised awe inspiring day out. Great value for money including a really knowledgeable guide who took us through each activity explaining in depth all about the places visited , the wildlife as we encountered it , the local traditions and superstitions , as well as the art of traditional rope making . The boatmen on the intimate beautiful paddle boat and the canoe worked really hard to ensure a smooth and safe passage through scenic routes where we saw a kingfisher, a heron, a cormorant, some Brahmini kites as well as other flora and fauna . We were well looked after all day long and enjoyed a delicious authentic banana leaf meal with plenty of drinks too during the day as well as the luxury of an a/c car to and from the pick up location ..
Response from the operator: Hi Angela. We are truly delighted to know that you had such a memorable day with us. It is especially rewarding to hear that you enjoyed not only the beautiful backwaters, but also the stories of village life, local traditions, wildlife and the traditional art of coir rope making. The kingfisher, heron, cormorant and Brahminy kites were wonderful companions for your journey! Our traditional paddle boat and canoe are deliberately kept small and peaceful, allowing our guests to experience the backwaters quietly and without the noise and pollution of motor boats. We are also very happy that you enjoyed the authentic Kerala lunch served on a banana leaf and that you felt well looked after throughout the day. Your kind words about our guide and boatmen mean a great deal to our entire team. They put their heart into making each journey safe, comfortable and special. Thank you once again for choosing Wilson Tours and for taking the time to share such a thoughtful review. We hope to welcome you back to Kerala and the peaceful village backwaters cruise again one day. With Warm regards Stanley Wilson and Team
via Viator
Fantastic day
Great experience. They ran the tour despite it only being 2 of us. We were impressed by everyone involved, including our driver Shaan and our guide.
Response from the operator: Hi, Edward .Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are delighted to hear that you had a great experience with us. We are always happy to operate the tour even for a small group, as we want every guest to enjoy the experience as planned. It is lovely to know that you were impressed with everyone involved, especially your driver Shajahan and our guide Meera.. We will certainly share your kind words with them. Thank you once again for choosing Wilson Tours. It was a pleasure having you with us, and we hope to welcome you back to Kerala again in the future! With warm regards Stanley Wilson and Team
via Tripadvisor
Lovely trip on Kerala backwaters
We had a lovely time on the back water trip, it was nice and relaxing. The guide was knowledgeable and informative and the tour was good value for money. Time flew on the trip and was the perfect length. The local food was a great way to end the day
Response from the operator: Hi . Thank you so much for your lovely review of our Kerala Backwater Village Punting Boat Cruise. We are delighted to know that you had such a relaxing and enjoyable time on the backwaters. It is wonderful to hear that you found our guide knowledgeable and informative, and that you felt the experience was good value and the perfect length. We are especially happy that the local Kerala food was a memorable way to finish your day. We always hope our guests leave not only with beautiful memories of the peaceful backwaters, but also with a taste of the simple, traditional life of our villages. Thank you once again for choosing to experience the backwaters with us. It was a pleasure having you with us, and we hope to welcome you back to Kerala someday. With warm regards Stanley Wilson and Team
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $28 to $2,600
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 167
- Verdict
- 90+ Club
Who runs this experience
Operated by Stanley Wilson Day Tours, who run 11 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 69.2 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Stanley Wilson Day Tours runsWhy this scores 92
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Backwater Village Punting Boat Cruise with Lunch: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kochi.
How much does Backwater Village Punting Boat Cruise with Lunch cost?
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Prices start at $28 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Kochi usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Backwater Village Punting Boat Cruise with Lunch take?
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Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Kochi is not rushed.
Is Backwater Village Punting Boat Cruise with Lunch worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 92 out of 100, which we label "90+ Club". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 478 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Kochi, and how flexible the cancellation terms are. Scoring 90 or above puts it in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
Can I cancel or reschedule Backwater Village Punting Boat Cruise with Lunch?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Backwater Village Punting Boat Cruise with Lunch suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Backwater Village Punting Boat Cruise with Lunch?
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Around 167 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Kochi can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Kochi and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Backwater Village Punting Boat Cruise with Lunch start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Kochi within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Kochi?
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On Outty we rank every Kochi experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Kochi Sightseeing Tuk-Tuk Tour, Kochi Sightseeing Tuk-Tuk Tour with Pickup From Cruise Ships, Kochi Tuk-Tuk Sightseeing Tour with Cruise Ship Pickup. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Kochi?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Kochi?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Backwater Village Punting Boat Cruise with Lunch?
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Included: Bottled water; Snacks; Lunch; In-vehicle air conditioning; and Tea and coffee. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Backwater Village Punting Boat Cruise with Lunch?
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You can come in front of Crowne Plaza at 9 AM, our person will be there (If you are near Crown Plaza, if you can use this pickup point, otherwise main pickup point is Wilson Tours Office at Princess Street, Fort Kochi ) Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Backwater Village Punting Boat Cruise with Lunch offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Backwater Village Punting Boat Cruise with Lunch?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Backwater Village Punting Boat Cruise with Lunch wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Backwater Village Punting Boat Cruise with Lunch if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Backwater Village Punting Boat Cruise with Lunch?
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Across 478 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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