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)
✓ Bottled water✓ Snacks✓ Lunch✓ Air-conditioned vehicle✓ Coffee and/or Tea1 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.
· Non-stop passage
2 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.
· 4 h
Mobile or paper ticket accepted. One per booking
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 )
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
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 )
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
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
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 Backwater Village Punting Boat Cruise with Lunch
Wear comfortable clothing and footwear. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Carry insect repellent. Have your camera ready for stunning photo opportunities. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 443415P2
Activity offered by Stanley Wilson Day Tours via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Travelers seeking cultural immersion Nature lovers Families Individuals interested in traditional crafts Experience the tranquility of Kerala's backwaters. Witness traditional village life and crafts. Enjoy a delicious local vegetarian lunch. Cruise on a unique punting houseboat. Observe diverse birdlife and lush scenery.
Population 677,381 (2011)
Elevation 0 m
Currency Indian rupee
Official languages Hindi, English
Driving on the left
Power plugs C, D · 230 V
Emergency number 112
Capital city New Delhi Average temperatures 27° Jan 29° Feb 29° Mar 29° Apr 28° May 27° Jun 26° Jul 26° Aug 26° Sept 27° Oct 27° Nov 27° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is the duration of the tour? + The tour lasts for 6 hours.
Is this a private tour? + No, this is a group tour, not a private tour.
What are the meeting points and times? + You can meet at Wilson Tours Office at Princess Street, Fort Kochi at 08:30 AM, or in front of Crowne Plaza at 9 AM.
What is included in the tour? + The tour includes bottled water, snacks, lunch, an air-conditioned vehicle, and coffee/tea.
Reviews provided by Viator, written by travellers on Viator and Tripadvisor.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
A beautiful peaceful green tour in kochi
parkkar, October 2026
Excellent day trip from kochi. We had a good, safe driver and our guide, Gowri was lovely. It was a nice small group (5 of us) and it was a beautiful calm and quiet place to visit full of nature and greenery. Saw lots of aquatic plants and birds including a king fisher. The rope making woman was talented and interesting. I was so happy the boat was non motorized as it kept things peaceful. Lunch was also really good (better than many other tours I’ve been on). It was traditional kerela dishes served on a banana leaf. Lots of food offered and extra helpings if we wanted. I’m vegetarian ( they also served fish) and it was perfect for me. Highly recommend this for a peaceful half day in kochi!
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Great experience
Jimmyedward20, October 2026
Gowri was very friendly and helpful. She walked us through lots of details during the boat trip. Shajaehan was also very friendly and provided great recommendations on things to do with family and friends.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
A break into a calm Oasis
S8225RJpaolac, October 2026
I would like to thank Stanley for such a magnificent tour experience we had. From the beginning the car that picked us up was a nice comfortable one. The driver very kind as well. As we arrived we had a beautiful lady who was the one guiding our tour. She was so nice and was taking care of our needs, make us feel comfortable ect …
The boat was a new beautiful one - and the whole tour was well explained by her who gave us all the details we needed.
The activity was also very nice and I loved to see the amazing villagers taking us on the boat and the older lady showing us things they do in the village.
Lunch was also very delicious.
All in all I would definitely recommend Stanley as he is hands on on the experiences, organized and on point.
Response from the operator · Wilsontours Hi paola.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! I'm delighted that you enjoyed our village back water experience, the boat ride, and the traditional lunch. I will share your kind words to Meera. It was a pleasure to arrange this experience for you, and your kind recommendation means a lot to us.
With Warm regards
Stanley wilson and team
★★★★★ Viator review
Wonderful experience
Denise_W, October 2026
You get to see amazing plants and wildlife. Lunch is delicious and guide is very informative and helpful.
Response from the operator · Wilsontours Hi Denise
Thank you for your lovely review. We're delighted that you enjoyed the village back water experience. We look forward to meeting you in the near future with your family and friends.
With Warm regards
Stanley wilson and team
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
A good day in the backwaters of Poothotta River
roseyannay, September 2026
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 · Wilsontours 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
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