India · BOAT TRIPS AND BACKWATER CRUISES
Punt boats down the narrow Kerala canals, houseboats with a cook aboard, and dawn rowing on the Ganges at Varanasi. These 15 differ on hours afloat, lunch and how far from the tourist channel you actually get.
Explore Varanasi from sunrise to evening Aarti with a private guide, Ganges boat ride, temples, BHU, silk weaving, and Sarnath.
“Our stellar Varanasi experience wouldn’t have been possible without Anmol. Highly professional, cheerful, helpful and very knowledgeable. Highly recommend taking a tour with him.”
Glide Kerala’s quiet backwaters by paddle boat, visit a coir-making village, and enjoy a generous vegetarian lunch near Cochin.
“The tour was well organised and thr guide Greeshma was very knowledgeable providing information and answering questions”
Cruise Kerala’s quiet backwaters from Kochi by punting boat, with village crafts, banana-leaf lunch, canoe ride, tea, and spice gardens.
“A very enjoyable and relaxing day. Our guide was friendly and informative. Lovely vegetarian lunch included.”
Watch Varanasi wake from the Ganges with morning arti, havan, sunrise views, 55 ghats, and Manikarnika Ghat with an English-speaking guide.
“I will definitely recommend this beautiful sunrise tour to everyone. The boat just floats on the water peacefully and cityscape looks very beautiful & mesmerising from the water. The whole panorama is great. Karan is a fantastic guide. He is not only knowledgeable but also very helpful. I went to join his 3 other tours as well. We visited Sarnath together after the boating and later on Heritage walk. Next day I visited some of the most famous temples. I thoroughly enjoyed his all.the tours and actually it was a great experience overall.”
Review of Mumbai’s Elephanta Caves tour, including the ferry, sculptures, guides, price, practical tips, and key drawbacks.
“The caves were something new and wonderful to experience. Danish dk was an amazing guide, very respectful and knowledgeable definitely would recommend him!”
Review of a five-day Kerala tour from Kochi covering Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey houseboat, beaches, wildlife, and historic Kochi.
“Paradise holidays are a great holiday service provider. Ms Punitha and Ms. Jeni have been a great help through out the journey. They have provided the best hotels as per the expectations communicated to them !”
Kayak Goa’s Sal Backwaters through mangroves and lotus ponds, spotting kingfishers, herons, otters, and more on a calm 90-minute tour.
“Really relaxing activity... tranquil kayaking, beautiful scenery, guides were really great before, during and after!”
Explore Kochi by private tuk-tuk, from Chinese fishing nets and colonial churches to spice markets, with cruise pickup and flexible sightseeing.
“Navas met us at the cruise terminal. He was easy to find. He asked what we'd like to do and see and was very helpful. He listened to our wishes. We had a smashing tour with. He went above and beyond an even stopped at a florist store to finRead more”
Explore Kochi by private tuk-tuk from the cruise terminal, visiting colonial churches, spice markets, temples, and Jew Town in 4 to 5 hours.
“Although the driver was a pleasant and helpful man we didn't always understand his English. Also he wasn't a guide as we thought, more of a driver who simply told us when this church or mosque were built. All in all a little dissapointing.”
Explore Mumbai’s Elephanta Caves with a private guide, ferry ride, Shiva sculptures, island views, and practical tips for a smooth half-day visit.
“Ferry ride was too crowded. They try to jam on as many as possible. Was not pleasant at all. Exclusivity of viator totally missing.”
Explore Kochi by private tuk-tuk on a flexible cruise-port tour covering Fort Kochi, Mattancherry, churches, markets, and colonial sights.
“We paid for things that were not included such as water and entry to the Dutch Palace. It seemed to be a blatant money grab, just taking us to stores where he got kickbacks for taking us there. Only a couple of highlights, we would steer well clear next time.”
Explore Munnar tea country, Kerala’s backwaters, Fort Kochi, and a private houseboat on this value-packed four-day tour.
“Great communication, great value for money. Brilliant service from our driver, Rajesh, definitely added to the experience with humour, flexibility and a willingness to respond to all requests. Felt very safe and looked after throughout. Will definitely be recommending to friends who are visiting later in year.”
Explore Fort Kochi by private tuk-tuk, from Chinese fishing nets to Mattancherry Palace, with cruise-port pickup and flexible stops.
“Shaheer, Is an incredibly lovely bloke. I had to change the date to my trip and he was really accommodating really nice really approachable Extremely contactable by phone. Very relaxing tend to be led to Site. It gives you a little information and let you go your way. I think the price is very good. Please keep in mind if you want more information. May be worth downloading some before you go. But otherwise it’s great. It’s a nice way to see the Area. Particularly With individuals with joint problems and mobility issues this may be a very good solution. Please keep in mind when I said this I did…”
Review of Iris Holidays’ 8-day Kerala tour with Munnar, Periyar, a houseboat, Kovalam, Kanyakumari, hotels, meals, and private driver.
“We had an awesome family trip to Kerala, carefully designed by Mr. Arun Dev and perfectly executed by Mr. Babu Antony from Iris Holidays. The trip, which started from Munnar to Thekkady to Alleppey to Kovalam to Kanyakumari and ended at Kochi, will be cherished throughout our life.”
Review of Kochi’s private tuk tuk tour from the cruise terminal, covering Fort Kochi sights, local streets, guides, value, and practical tips.
“Excellent, driver was extremely helpful and very good English. We had a great day. Throughly recommended”
Pick the kind of day you want and start there.
![Varanasi Morning Boat Tour [RowBoat] - The Ganges at dawn, with ritual all around you](https://n6.indiatravelreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/varanasi-morning-boat-tour-rowboat.jpg)
