The peaceful waterways around Kochi offer India’s most rewarding paddling experiences. The standout choice is the sunrise kayak tour through Alleppey’s backwaters – perfect for novices and early birds who’ll appreciate the quiet morning waters. I’m especially fond of the village-hopping canoe tours, where you’ll meet locals and slip through narrow canals that bigger boats can’t access. The full-day combo tours cleverly pair traditional shikara rides with canoe exploration, including stops for authentic Kerala meals. For a quick but memorable trip, the 3-hour private shikara excursion hits all the scenic highlights of Alleppey’s waterways.
Look below for our carefully selected water tours in Kochi.
Key Points
- Sunrise Kayaking in Alleppey offers a serene and beginner-friendly experience with stable kayaks, life jackets, and traditional snacks.
- Kerala Backwater Village Kayaking Tour provides a private, birdwatching-focused experience with local cuisine sampling and customizable tour length.
- Full Day Private Canoe Shikkara Combo Cruise combines motor-powered shikkara and canoe cruise with Kerala-style meals and a private setting.
- Kochi Private Tour: Kerala Backwater Shikara Day Cruise offers a 3-hour private tour through Alleppey backwaters with hotel pickup/drop-off and an optional lunch stop.
- Village Canoeing in Alleppy provides a private tour with breakfast, packed food, and a live guide, offering insights into local village life and tranquil backwaters exploration.
Sunrise Kayaking in Alleppey Backwater For Beginners
Visitors can kick off their day with a serene sunrise kayaking experience through the captivating Alleppey backwaters. This 5-star rated activity offers a chance to explore the magical waterways of the Kochi region.
Equipped with super stable kayaks, life jackets, and dry bags, travelers can enjoy the tranquil beauty as the sun rises. The tour includes a boat ride to the island, coffee or tea, and traditional snacks.
With a maximum of 21 participants, the experience promises an intimate and personalized adventure. Highly recommended for its safety and enjoyment, this activity is perfect for beginners seeking a moderate physical challenge in the stunning Alleppey backwaters.
Read our full review: Sunrise Kayaking in Alleppey Backwater For Beginners Review
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Kerala Backwater Village Kayaking Tour: Alleppey
Travelers seeking an immersive experience in Kerala’s serene backwaters can embark on the Kerala Backwater Village Kayaking Tour in Alleppey.
With a 100% recommendation rate from 18 reviews, this private tour offers the chance to paddle through the region’s picturesque canals and interact with locals. Priced from €28.65 per person, the tour departs from the Emerald Isle Heritage Resort, approximately 18 km from Alleppey.
While not wheelchair-accessible, the moderate difficulty level makes it suitable for most travelers. Highlights include birdwatching, sampling local cuisine, and personalizing the tour length.
With knowledgeable guides and breathtaking scenery, this kayaking adventure provides an authentic glimpse into Kerala’s backwater lifestyle.
Read our full review: Kerala Backwater Village Kayaking Tour: Alleppey Review
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Full Day Private Canoe Shikkara Combo Cruise
Embarking on a Full Day Private Canoe Shikkara Combo Cruise in Kochi, India, allows visitors to enjoy the tranquil backwaters and vibrant village life.
The tour includes a motor-powered shikkara (a traditional Indian boat) and canoe cruise, Kerala-style breakfast and lunch, hot tea/coffee with snacks, and opportunities to experience local village life.
With a 5.0 rating based on 6 reviews, the tour offers a private experience for your group.
The meeting point is at Cheepunkal, Kavanattinkara, Kumarakom, Kerala, with pickup options available.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for most travelers, including infants who must sit on laps.
Read our full review: Full Day Private Canoe Shikkara Combo Cruise Review
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Kochi Private Tour: Kerala Backwater Shikara (Shaded Canoe Boat) Day Cruise
Exploring the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey, also known as the “Venice of the East,” the Kochi Private Tour: Kerala Backwater Shikara Day Cruise offers a scenic journey through palm-fringed waterways and picturesque villages.
The 3-hour private tour includes a non-AC Shikara (canoe) ride, providing insight into rural life in Kerala. Guests can expect hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as an optional lunch stop.
While the overall experience is highly rated, past travelers have provided mixed feedback on the lunch and communication with the driver. For the best local dining experience, it’s recommended to try South Indian thali at nearby restaurants.
Read our full review: Kochi Private Tour: Kerala Backwater Shikara (Shaded Canoe Boat) Day Cruise Review
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From Cochin Port: Backwaters by Shikara (Covered Canoe Boat) & Chinese Nets
From the Cochin Port, guests can embark on a captivating backwater cruise aboard a traditional Shikara, a covered canoe-style boat.
Accompanied by a local English-speaking guide, the cruise takes visitors through the serene backwaters of Kochi, showcasing the area’s iconic Chinese fishing nets.
The experience includes air-conditioned transportation, bottled water, and a vegetarian lunch or tea, coffee, and snacks, depending on the time of the cruise.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for most travelers, including infants who must sit on laps.
Guests can book this excursion for $60 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: From Cochin Port: Backwaters by Shikara (Covered Canoe Boat) & Chinese Nets Review
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Village Canoeing in Alleppy
One can embark on a serene village canoeing excursion in Alleppy, located within the Kochi region.
The private tour includes breakfast, packed food, a live guide, and private transportation. Participants will meet at the Oscar Cruise, near the Fire Station in Mullakkal, Alappuzha, and report 10 minutes before the 8:30 am start time.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is suitable for most travelers, excluding pregnant individuals. Confirmation is received at the time of booking, and the activity is operated by Trip to Village.
This immersive experience allows visitors to explore the tranquil backwaters and gain insights into the local village life.
Read our full review: Village Canoeing in Alleppy Review
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Kayaking and Training at Cochin
At Kadamakkudy in Kochi, travelers can embark on a kayaking adventure and receive professional training. The meeting point is located in Kerala 682027, where the activity begins and ends.
Participants should have a moderate fitness level as the activity isn’t recommended for those with certain medical conditions.
Kayaking in Kochi offers a private tour experience, with only the group participating. The activity is near public transportation, and booking confirmation is provided.
Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience, with prices starting from $19 per person and a reserve now, pay later option available.
Read our full review: Kayaking and Training at Cochin Review
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Common Questions
Are Life Jackets Provided During the Kayaking and Canoeing Activities?
Yes, life jackets are typically provided for kayaking and canoeing activities. Wearing a life jacket is mandatory for safety, and most tour operators ensure participants have the necessary equipment before embarking on the water.
Can I Bring My Own Kayak or Canoe for the Tours?
Most tour operators don’t allow participants to bring their own kayaks or canoes for safety reasons. They typically provide high-quality rental equipment and ensure proper fitting life jackets are worn during the tours.
Are There Any Weight or Height Restrictions for Participants?
Most tour operators don’t have weight or height restrictions, but participants should ensure they can comfortably fit in the provided kayaks or canoes. It’s best to check with the specific tour company for any size limitations.
Can I Request a Customized Itinerary for the Backwater Tours?
Yes, you can generally request a customized itinerary for the backwater tours. Many tour providers in Kochi offer flexible options to accommodate your interests and preferences within the overall tour experience.
Do the Tours Include Any Stops for Local Cuisine or Cultural Experiences?
The tours often include stops for sampling local cuisine and experiencing cultural highlights along the backwaters. Travelers can expect to learn about the region’s traditions and engage with the local community during these immersive experiences.
The Sum Up
Kochi offers a range of exceptional canoe and kayak experiences to suit all skill levels. From tranquil backwater tours to thrilling kayaking adventures, visitors can enjoy Kerala’s stunning natural beauty. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced paddler, you’ll find an experience that caters to your interests and ensures an unforgettable adventure in this captivating region.