Boat Trips from Cochin

Indizen · Dec 19th, 2007, 23:30

What are the options for a trip into thr backwaters from Kochi?
Which is the best route?
Please suggest short trips as we are short of time.
Are there house-boats in Cochin proper? As an alternative to a hotel room as in Srinagar?
What would it cost to stay overnight in a houseboat?
Thanks

machadinha · Dec 19th, 2007, 23:31

This thread dates to 2003 but still makes for essential reading: Kerala Backwaters - A cruise on budgets!

Indizen · Dec 19th, 2007, 23:44

I've read that excellent thread, a nice intro to the backwaters, but it is focussed on Alleppy and Quilon. I need info on a short picturesque trip out of Cochin lasting a few hours at the most. Or a night's stay in a houseboat in lieu of a hotel, without leaving Kochi.

machadinha · Dec 20th, 2007, 00:10

Hm yes. I think from memory and from what I've been reading here, Cochin isn't really the starting point for it, you'd need to get on from there to a nearby boarding point. Although there may be ferries to e.g. Alleppey. Nor do I know if you can stay on a houseboat in the Cochin waters as such.

But then it's been a while & I take it that scene has vastly developed and changed, so let others fill you in.

Nick-H · Dec 20th, 2007, 00:23

There are cruises of the harbour: a commercial port, a far cry from peaceful backwaters, but interesting none-the-less.

CliveG · Dec 20th, 2007, 00:26

There is a day trip that takes you to the backwaters from Cochin. You start from Ernakulam boat jetty by car to a boat and travel along a main backwater. After lunch you transfer to small canoes and go along the narrow waterways. On the trip you visit the slake lime works and coir workers. You can see lots of plant life, birdlife and life on the backwaters. You are then returned to Cochin. It can be booked at the tourist ofice at the Boat jetty, Ernakulam and is very cheap at about
Rs450 - a good day out.

Nick-H · Dec 20th, 2007, 00:46

That sounds more like it!

machadinha · Dec 20th, 2007, 00:49

Sounds good, indeed

My old LP indicates ferries from Kochi leave every other day, this may well have changed, but may be something to enquire about.

Indizen · Dec 21st, 2007, 01:37

Are the famous houseboats available in Cochin city proper? If not, how far? Where are they located?

(Mod note: merged from the other thread)

Dec 19th, 2007, 23:30	#1
Indizen Maha Guru Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: MUMBAI Posts: 601	Boat Trips from Cochin What are the options for a trip into thr backwaters from Kochi? Which is the best route? Please suggest short trips as we are short of time. Are there house-boats in Cochin proper? As an alternative to a hotel room as in Srinagar? What would it cost to stay overnight in a houseboat? Thanks

Dec 19th, 2007, 23:31	#2
machadinha Not Your Guru Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: yörp Posts: 10,891	This thread dates to 2003 but still makes for essential reading: Kerala Backwaters - A cruise on budgets! __________________ Reading tips, all picked up at IndiaMike : INDAX's A Comprehensive Guide To India / Dinoj Surendran's Desi Humor / ITHVC on Culture Shock & Travel Health / JetLag Travel Guides For the Undiscerning Traveller / India Travel Links

Dec 20th, 2007, 00:23	#5
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 27,652	There are cruises of the harbour: a commercial port, a far cry from peaceful backwaters, but interesting none-the-less. __________________ . Just one member of the IndiaMike Mod Team

Dec 21st, 2007, 01:37	#9
Indizen Maha Guru Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: MUMBAI Posts: 601	Kettuvalam House boats in Kochi Are the famous houseboats available in Cochin city proper? If not, how far? Where are they located? (Mod note: merged from the other thread)

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Dec 19th, 2007, 23:44	#3
Indizen Maha Guru Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: MUMBAI Posts: 601	I've read that excellent thread, a nice intro to the backwaters, but it is focussed on Alleppy and Quilon. I need info on a short picturesque trip out of Cochin lasting a few hours at the most. Or a night's stay in a houseboat in lieu of a hotel, without leaving Kochi.

Dec 20th, 2007, 00:10	#4
machadinha Not Your Guru Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: yörp Posts: 10,891	Hm yes. I think from memory and from what I've been reading here, Cochin isn't really the starting point for it, you'd need to get on from there to a nearby boarding point. Although there may be ferries to e.g. Alleppey. Nor do I know if you can stay on a houseboat in the Cochin waters as such. But then it's been a while & I take it that scene has vastly developed and changed, so let others fill you in.

Dec 20th, 2007, 00:26	#6
CliveG Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: PORTSMOUTH U.K. Posts: 701	There is a day trip that takes you to the backwaters from Cochin. You start from Ernakulam boat jetty by car to a boat and travel along a main backwater. After lunch you transfer to small canoes and go along the narrow waterways. On the trip you visit the slake lime works and coir workers. You can see lots of plant life, birdlife and life on the backwaters. You are then returned to Cochin. It can be booked at the tourist ofice at the Boat jetty, Ernakulam and is very cheap at about Rs450 - a good day out.

Dec 20th, 2007, 00:46	#7
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 27,652	That sounds more like it!

Dec 20th, 2007, 00:49	#8
machadinha Not Your Guru Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: yörp Posts: 10,891	Sounds good, indeed My old LP indicates ferries from Kochi leave every other day, this may well have changed, but may be something to enquire about.

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