Kerala Backwaters Tours

Kochi Tour Operator | Alleppey Houseboats, Munnar & Custom Kerala Itineraries

Family-run tour operator based in Kochi specialising in backwater houseboat stays, Munnar hill station trips, and custom Kerala itineraries since 2010.

About

Kerala Backwaters Tours is a family-run tour operator based in Kochi. Since 2010 we have been planning backwater houseboat stays, Munnar hill station trips and custom Kerala itineraries for families, couples and small groups.

We are from here, and we work only in Kerala. The houseboats, homestays and drivers we use are ones we have worked with for years, so what you are promised on the phone is what you find when you arrive.

What we arrange

Houseboat cruises — day cruises and overnight stays in Alleppey and Kumarakom
Hill station trips — Munnar, Thekkady and Wayanad
Beach holidays — Kovalam, Varkala and Marari
Honeymoon and family packages — planned around your dates and budget
Custom itineraries — transport, stays and sightseeing for any length of trip

Every booking comes with one named trip coordinator and a phone number that is answered throughout your journey.

Family-run since 2010Based in Kochi, working only in KeralaHand-picked houseboats and homestaysOne trip coordinator for your whole journey

Team

Lakshmi Menon

Founder & Managing Partner

Suresh Menon

Operations Head

Anjali Varghese

Senior Trip Coordinator

Biju Thomas

Fleet & Driver Manager

Projects

Alleppey Houseboat Cruises

Overnight and two-night cruises through the Alleppey backwaters on premium houseboats, with all meals cooked on board.

Munnar Hill Station Getaways

Three and four-day trips through tea estates, Eravikulam National Park and Mattupetty, staying in plantation resorts.

Kerala Honeymoon Circuit

A seven-day route covering Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey and Kovalam, paced for couples with private transfers throughout.

Family and Group Tours

Itineraries for families and groups of up to 40 — school trips, family reunions and corporate offsites.

Ayurveda and Wellness Retreats

Stays of five to fourteen days at certified Ayurvedic centres, combined with gentle sightseeing.

Certifications & Awards

Excellence in Customer Service

Kochi travel trade awards · 2019

Preferred Houseboat Partner

Alleppey houseboat operators' network · 2018

Traveller Recommended Tour Operator

Independent traveller review awards · 2023

Testimonials

The houseboat was exactly as described and the food on board was the best we ate in Kerala. Lakshmi's team thought of everything.

Vikram MalhotraFamily traveller · Delhi

We left the whole honeymoon to them — seven days, four places, not one thing went wrong.

Pooja and ArvindHoneymoon couple · Pune

They handled our offsite for 35 people, including a last-minute change of dates, without any fuss.

Sanjay PillaiHR Manager · IT company, Bangalore

Reviews

No reviews yet — be the first to leave a review!

FAQs

When is the best time to visit Kerala?

October to March is the most pleasant. June to September is the monsoon — greener, quieter and cheaper, and the best season for Ayurveda.

What is included in a package?

Stays, transport by private AC vehicle, meals as listed and sightseeing as per the itinerary. Each package lists its inclusions and exclusions.

Can you plan a custom itinerary?

Yes. Tell us your dates, group size and budget and we will send a day-by-day plan, usually within 24 hours.

How do I book and pay?

A booking is confirmed with an advance, and the balance is due before the trip starts. You receive a written confirmation with every detail.

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellations more than 15 days before travel are refunded in full less a small processing fee. Closer to the date, refunds depend on the houseboat and hotel policies.

Are the houseboats safe and licensed?

Yes. We use only licensed houseboats with life jackets, fire safety equipment and trained crew.

Do you arrange airport pickup?

Yes, from Kochi airport and railway station, and from Trivandrum and Calicut on request.

Can you arrange vegetarian or Jain meals?

Yes. Tell us in advance and the houseboat and hotel kitchens will prepare meals accordingly.