Kochi Private Tour: Kerala Backwater Shikara (Shaded Canoe Boat) Day Cruise in Kochi
Kochi, India

Kochi Private Tour: Kerala Backwater Shikara (Shaded Canoe Boat) Day Cruise

Outty Ranking 53 3.8 · 4 traveler reviews6 hoursFrom $70

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

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Age 12 and under

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From, per person$70
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Outty Ranking

53/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

3.8/5

Based on 4 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Kochi Private Tour: Kerala Backwater Shikara (Shaded Canoe Boat) Day Cruise worth booking?

Kochi Private Tour: Kerala Backwater Shikara (Shaded Canoe Boat) Day Cruise is a 6-hour experience in Kochi, India, from $70 per person. It scores 53 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look, based on a 3.8/5 rating across 4 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
53 / 100
Rating
3.8/5 (4)
Duration
6 hours
From
$70 per person

Cruise the backwaters of Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, on a 6-hour tour from Fort Kochi and discover the famous inland waterways of Kerala on a Shikara Boat (Shaded Canoe Motorized Boat). See traditional villages an

What you get

    About this experience

    Cruise the backwaters of Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, on a 6-hour tour from Fort Kochi and discover the famous inland waterways of Kerala on a Shikara Boat (Shaded Canoe Motorized Boat). See traditional villages and backwater boats and more. Alleppey is located between the Arabian Sea and a web of rivers flowing into it. In the early 20th century, the Viceroy of the Indian Empire, Lord Curzon, was so mesmerized by the scenic beauty that he declared that Alleppey was “The Venice of the East.”

    What's included

    Included

    • Pick Up /Drop from Cochin Hotel or Cruise Port Terminal
    • Non AC Shikara cruise (approx. 3 hrs)
    • Hotel pickup and drop-off in Fort Cochin, Wellingdon Island, Kundanoor, or Ernakulam MG Road by private air conditioned vehicle

    Not included

    • Food
    • Drinks and alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. Kochi (Cochin)

      Pick up from Cochin Hotel or Cochin Cruise terminal Pick-from Cochin Port or your hotel and transfer to Aleppey (approximately 1.30 hours) to board the boat . The boat will cruise slowly through the backwaters and village area of Aleppey with the main attraction during the cruise being the view of backwaters, paddy fields, coconut palms, and the villager's daily life. The cruise will finish after 3 hours cruise and you get back to Cochin

      Pass by without stopping

    2. Alappuzha

      Backwater of aleppey

      Pass by without stopping

    3. Kerala Backwaters

      Cruise Along the Backwater of Kerala

      180 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers.

    Options you can book

    • Shikara Cruise w/Hotel Pick Up

      Duration: 6 hours Shikara Canoe Cruise: 03 Hours Shikara Canoe Day Cruise with Pick up/Drop from Cochin Hotels Pickup included

    • Shikara Canoe Cruise + Guide

      03 Hours Shikara Canoe Day Cruise with English Speaking Local Guide & Pick up/Drop from Cochin Hotels or Cochin Cruise port Duration: 6 hours Pickup included

    • Shikara Cruise w/Port Pick Up

      Duration: 6 hours AC Private Car Shikara canoe cruise: 03 Hours Shikara Canoe Day Cruise with Pick up/Drop from Cochin Port Cruise terminal Pickup included

    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
    Carnival Tours Kochi

    Know before you go

    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult

    Photos

    Shikara in AleppeyKochi Private Tour: Kerala Backwater Shikara (Shaded Canoe Boat) Day Cruise in Kochi, photo 3Kochi Private Tour: Kerala Backwater Shikara (Shaded Canoe Boat) Day Cruise in Kochi, photo 4Kochi Private Tour: Kerala Backwater Shikara (Shaded Canoe Boat) Day Cruise in Kochi, photo 5Kochi Private Tour: Kerala Backwater Shikara (Shaded Canoe Boat) Day Cruise in Kochi, photo 6Kochi Private Tour: Kerala Backwater Shikara (Shaded Canoe Boat) Day Cruise in Kochi, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 4 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    4 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Food and drink

    3 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Photo opportunities

    1 mention

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Value for money

    1 mention

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Pace and timing

    1 mention

    Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.

    Small groups

    1 mention

    The group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.

    Traveler reviews

    4 verified traveler reviews for Kochi Private Tour: Kerala Backwater Shikara (Shaded Canoe Boat) Day Cruise. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    2
    4 star
    1
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    1
    Sort
    Anish_M · November 2025

    Scammed and was not worth it

    The pickup was on-time. Even though the drive was a bit bumpy road due to major construction and congestion, driver Antoni was pleasant. The boat ride itself was another story as the trip was not scenic, not picturesque but noisy with other boat traffic. The host offered few options that were not mentioned in the itinerary which includes transfer to a smaller canoe. The trip was not as pictured or described. Additionally, I was offered lunch and invited the host with me. I was offered seafood option in addition (500 grams for Rs. 400/500 for two ppl). In the end, the host asked me to pay Rupees 1270 for a simple meal. After traveling around Kerala a bit, I later realized this should've been Rs. 50-150 and felt scammed by the overprice. Even though I was grateful for the experience, I should've stayed in the hotel or headed back home early instead of getting scammed in hindsight.

    via Viator

    James_F · December 2024

    Absolutely loved this...

    Absolutely loved this tour! They worked with the cruise ships departure times so we were back in time. It was a private tour so just the 3 of us, both driver and tour guide went above and beyond so we got an opportunity to hold an eagle and visit a local locals bar and sip the homemade drink, toddy! Went on 2 different boats to navigate the water ways, just so relaxing watching the world go by, people washing, fishing, just makes a change from the hustle and bustle of India.Would highly recommend.

    via Viator

    Petros_K · November 2024

    Backwaters are amazing

    The backwaters is a wonderful place with a labyrinth of rivers!the boy in the boat was very helpful and friendly.my driver was at the beginning kind but he told me that he would go me for lunch which was not included in the price of the tour.he didn't ask me what I would like to eat but he just stopped in a very poor restaurant.the toilet was very dirty and i got disgusting.the waiter brought me a catalogue but I couldn't communicate with him in order to see what I will eat.i didn't like the place and I asked my driver to leave.i think that the drivers should ask their clients before go to a restaurant to eat.

    via Viator

    Miu_S · October 2023

    Worth to Try!

    3 hour day-ride was a wonderful experience with this service! A driver was waiting for us 15 mins before the meeting time at hotel in Cochin. The canoe operator also planned well in spite of our busy schedule so that we could enjoy a lot. You should try South Indian thali in a village restaurant which is affordable and very tasty. Thank you for showing us around your village by canoe.

    via Viator

    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
    $70 to $225
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    1
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Why this scores 53

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)77
    Review evidence (18% weight)28
    Booking momentum (14% weight)15
    Value for money (12% weight)38
    Listing quality (10% weight)75
    Local standing (8% weight)28
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Kochi Private Tour: Kerala Backwater Shikara (Shaded Canoe Boat) Day Cruise: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kochi.

    How much does Kochi Private Tour: Kerala Backwater Shikara (Shaded Canoe Boat) Day Cruise cost?

    +

    Prices start at $70 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 Kochi Private Tour: Kerala Backwater Shikara (Shaded Canoe Boat) Day Cruise take?

    +

    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 Kochi Private Tour: Kerala Backwater Shikara (Shaded Canoe Boat) Day Cruise worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 53 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.8/5 across 4 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Kochi, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Kochi Private Tour: Kerala Backwater Shikara (Shaded Canoe Boat) Day Cruise?

    +

    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 Kochi Private Tour: Kerala Backwater Shikara (Shaded Canoe Boat) Day Cruise suitable for kids and families?

    +

    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 Kochi Private Tour: Kerala Backwater Shikara (Shaded Canoe Boat) Day Cruise?

    +

    Around 1 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?

    +

    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 Kochi Private Tour: Kerala Backwater Shikara (Shaded Canoe Boat) Day Cruise start and how do I get there?

    +

    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?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Kochi experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Local Kochi Sightseeing Tuk-Tuk Tour, Kochi Sightseeing Tuk-Tuk Tour, Kochi Sightseeing Tuk-Tuk Tour with Pickup From Cruise Ships. 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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.

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