Discover the famous backwater canals of Kerala on a half-day tour from Fort Cochin, and immerse yourself in a quiet way of life, far from the pressures of big city life. The tour starts with a pickup from a meeting point in Fort Cochin at 8:30 AM. Drive to a village just outside Cochin City to board a traditional covered country boat. The boats have a capacity for about 20 people, allowing for an intimate experience while enjoying the serenity of the landscape. Your guide will paddle you through the sumptuous vegetation, stopping at a village to see coconut palm weaving and coir making. Then, savor a vegetarian lunch and later, a transfer to Fort Cochin. Arrive back at the meeting point at around 3:00 PM.

Explore the famous Kerala backwaters of Alleppey on board a traditional houseboat. Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, is located between the Arabian Sea and a web of rivers flowing into it. In the early 20th century, the then Viceroy of the Indian Empire, Lord Curzon was so mesmerized by the scenic beauty he declared that Alleppey was “The Venice of the East.” Following a pickup from Cochin Cruise Port or from Cochin Hotels, transfer to Aleppey to board your houseboat. Cruise slowly through the backwaters and village areas to marvel at the lush vegetation, paddy fields, coconut palms, and more. There’s no guide on board but there will be 3 staff members to look after you and make sure your experience is as relaxed as you could wish for. Enjoy a lunch of Keralan cusine as you gently cruise, before later transferring back to Cochin Port or your hotel.

Benefit from pickup at the cruise ship docks at Cochin Port, and journey on the road to board a houseboat on the backwaters of Kerala (approx 1 hour and 45 minutes). Cruise slowly through the hidden backwaters of Alappuzha (also known as "Alleppey"), considered the hub of the state's backwaters and home to a vast network of waterways and boats. Venture through village areas and the landscape of the Laccadive Sea to marvel at the lush vegetation, paddy fields, coconut palms, and much more. There will be 3 staff members along with your guide to look after you and make sure your experience is as relaxed as possible. Enjoy a lunch of Keralan cuisine as you gently navigate the waterways, which includes rice, vegetable dishes, fish, chicken, and more. End your houseboat cruise and later journey to the serene Fort Kochi area. Marvel at the Cheena vala (Chinese fishing nets) in the Arabian Sea, and see other attractions of the region. Then, benefit from drop-off back at your cruise ship in Cochin Port.

Alleppey also called " Venice of the East" is an important tourist destination in India. The Backwaters of Alleppey are the most popular tourist attraction in Kerala. A houseboat cruise in these backwaters is a delightful experience. Alappuzha is a landmark between the broad Arabian sea and a web of rivers flowing into it. It is a town in Alappuzha District of Kerala state of southern India. In the early first decade of the 20th century the then Viceroy of the Indian Empire, Lord Curzon made a visit in the State to Alleppey, now Alappuzha. Fascinated by the scenic beauty of the place, in joy and amazement, he said, here nature has spent up on the land her richest bounties. In his exhilaration, he exclaimed, Alleppey, the Venice of the East. Itinerary : Pick-from Cochin Port or your hotel is at 9.00 am before the transfer to Aleppey (approximately 1.30 hours) to board the boat at 10:30 am. 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 around 1.30 pm and you get back to Cochin Port between 3.00 and 3.15 pm. 

You will be picked up from Kochi Port Ships Berth and transfered to Fort Kochi to visit your first stop, the Chinese Fishing Nets. Introduced by traders from the court of Kublai Khan in the 14th century, Kochi fishermen still use the fishing nets to earn their livelihoods. Continue your stroll down to St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India. The church was constructed in 1503 by Portuguese friars and is now the burial place of Vasco da Gama, a Portuguese explorer who led the first ships that sailed directly from Europe to India. Next you will visit Santa Cruz Basilica, one the largest and most impressive churches in India. The church has two soaring spires and a bright, white-washed exterior. Inside, you will find walls decorated with frescoes, murals, and large paintings depicting scenes from the life of Jesus Christ. Stop at Local Laundry or Dhobi Khanna. Later, visit the Mattancherry Palace, built by the Portuguese and presented to the Raja of Kochi in 1555. The palace is famous for its stunning murals portraying scenes from Hindu tales, such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Next door is the Paradesi Synagogue, the oldest active synagogue in South India. Admire the ornate brass pulpit, the Belgian glass chandelier, and hand-painted Chinese porcelain floor tiles. Before the tour is concluded, you can wander around Jew Town and Jewish Synagogue, a central location for the spice trade and inhale the aroma of ginger, cardamom, turmeric, and cloves. If your schedule allows, you can also do some shopping for spices, handicrafts, and antiques, or have a casual lunch. When the tour ends, you will be transferred back to Kochi Port to board your cruise on time.

Marvel at the breathtaking scenery of the Allepey region from the comfort of a traditional riverboat on this shore excursion. After getting picked up from the cruise ship docks at Kochi Port, begin the 1.5-hour journey to Alleppey where you will board your Shikara (motorized canoe). Then, begin your journey, cruising slowly through the vast network of backwaters.  Discover for yourself why Alleppey has often been described as the Venice of the East. Venture through village areas and the landscape of the Alappuzha to marvel at lush vegetation, paddy fields, coconut palms, and much more.  Once back on dry land, sit down to a delicious vegetarian lunch which showcases the best of Keralan cuisine before journeying to the serene Fort Kochi area. Marvel at the Cheena Vala (Chinese fishing nets) in the Arabian Sea, and see other attractions of the region. At the end of your tour, get dropped off back at the port in time for your cruise ship departure. Choose to depart in the morning or afternoon. The morning departure option includes lunch and the afternoon departure option includes snacks with tea or coffee (lunch is not included in this option).

You will be picked up from your hotel in Cochin or Cochin Cruise Port ships berth before beginning a 1.5-hour transfer to Alleppey to board your houseboat. You will then begin your journey, cruising slowly through the backwaters and village areas to marvel at the lush vegetation, paddy fields, coconut palms, and more. There will be 3 staff members to look after you and make sure your experience is as relaxed as you could wish for. Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, is located between the Arabian Sea and the 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.” You can enjoy a lunch of Keralan cuisine on the houseboat, before later transferring to Fort Kochi to visit the famous Chinese nets, St. Francis Church and Dhobi Khana. Your tour will then conclude as you are driven back to your hotel in Cochin, or to the Cochin Port.