Tours and Backwater Trips


Tours and Backwater Trips

KTDC's half-day Kochi boat cruise is a good way to orient yourself. However, it doesn't stop for long in either Mattancherry or Fort Cochin, so give it a miss if you are pushed for time. Departing from the High Court Jetty on Shanmugham Road, Ernakulam, it calls at the synagogue, Mattancherry Dutch Palace, St Francis Church, the Chinese fishing nets, and Bolghatty Island. Book at the KTDC Reception Centre on Shanmugham Road.

KTDC, the Tourist Information Centre, and a couple of private companies also operate popular backwater trips out of Kochi.

Taking in a handful of coir-making villages north of the city, these are a leisurely and enjoyable way to experience rural Kerala from small hand-punted canoes. KTDC's daily tours cost Rs315, including the car or bus trip to the departure point, 30km north, and a knowledgeable guide.

Better value is a similar trip run by the tourist desk at the Main Boat Jetty (daily depart 9am, return 1.30pm, or depart 2pm, return 6.30pm; Rs275; phone 0484/371761). Reserve at least a day in advance for either tour.

Both also offer kettu vallam houseboat cruises along the backwaters of Cochin district, charging Rs3500-4500 per couple for a 24hr trip, including all meals.

KTDC's half-day Kochi boat cruise
(daily 9am-12.30pm & 2-5.30pm; Rs50)
KTDC Reception Centre on Shanmugham Road (phone 0484/353234).

Kochi (Cochin)
Arrival and local transport
Kathakali in Kochi
Restaurants
Ernakulam
Fort Cochin
Willingdon Island
Tours and Backwater trips
Kochi by ferry - Ernakulam to Mattancherry, Ernakulam to Vypeen,
Fort Cochin to Vypeen, Willingdon Island to Fort Cochin, Ernakulam to Bolghatty Island, Ernakulam to Varapuzha
Kochi travel info
Moving on from Kochi / Ernakulam
Listings

Explore Kochi (Cochin)

Ernakulam

Fort Cochin
St Francis Church, Chinese fishing nets

Mattancherry
Jew Town
Mattancherry Palace
Keralan murals

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