Glide through Kerala's legendary backwaters aboard a private, traditionally crafted kettuvallam houseboat — a slow, spellbinding journey through emerald waterways lined with coconut palms, fishing villages and migratory birds.
What to expect
Step aboard your private kettuvallam — a traditional rice barge hand-woven from bamboo, coir and jackwood — and drift into a landscape unchanged for centuries. Your captain navigates narrow village canals where children wave from the banks and fishermen cast hand-nets in the golden light. A dedicated chef prepares a freshly cooked Kerala lunch on board featuring local fish curry, appam and coconut rice. Wildlife sightings — kingfishers, egrets, and occasionally otters — are a constant delight.
Good to know
Arrange pick-up directly from the cruise terminal to the houseboat embarkation point (approx. 30 min). Book well in advance, especially for the best vessels. Confirm half-day timing to allow comfortable return before all-aboard.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Cochin — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.
More to do in Cochin
- Kerala Backwaters: Private Houseboat on Alleppey's Canals
- Kathakali Masterclass at Great K V Kathakali Centre, Fort Kochi
- Kathakali & Kalaripayattu: Kerala's Sacred Performing Arts Masterclass
- Fort Kochi Heritage Walk: Dutch Palace, Synagogue & Jew Town Spice Market
- Kerala Folklore Museum: Private Expert-Led Heritage Deep-Dive
- Kerala Cooking Class & Spice Garden: Secrets of a Master Home Chef
- Athirappally Waterfall & Rainforest: Kerala's Niagara by Private Car
- Chinese Fishing Nets at Dawn: Private Sunrise Photography Experience