Moving Around
Find the best way to travel across God's Own Country — by bus, train, car, bike, or boat.
Boat Services
Travel Kerala's iconic waterways
- Kerala's backwater network offers unique boat transport options — from public ferries to private houseboats.
- Regular ferry services operate between Alleppey (Alappuzha), Kumarakom, and Kottayam through the backwaters. The Alleppey–Kollam boat service is a scenic 8-hour journey through Kerala's waterways.
- The Kerala State Water Transport Department (KSWTD) operates government ferry services across major backwater routes at very affordable fares.
- Houseboat cruises (kettuvallam) are one of Kerala's most iconic experiences — overnight and day cruises are available from Alleppey and Kumarakom. Book through your hotel or a reputed tour operator.
- In Kochi, ferry services connect Fort Kochi, Ernakulam, Mattancherry, and the islands. The Kochi Water Metro is India's first water metro system, connecting multiple islands and terminals.
- Boat safaris are available at Periyar (Thekkady) for wildlife spotting and at various backwater locations.
🚢 KSINC Sea & Backwater Cruises
The Kerala Shipping & Inland Navigation Corporation (KSINC) operates government-run sea and backwater cruises from Kochi.
⚓ Nefertiti (luxury sea cruise): Morning cruise 10 AM – 2 PM — ₹2,000/adult, ₹500/child (₹2,400/₹500 on weekends) — includes live acoustic music, fun-filled entertainment, and complimentary buffet lunch. Evening DJ cruise 4:30 – 8:30 PM — ₹2,400/adult, ₹800/child (₹2,700/₹800 on weekends) — features live acoustic music, fun-filled entertainment, children's play area & mini theatre, an on-board luxury lounge bar, open sun deck for sea breeze, complimentary buffet dinner, and a live DJ performance. KSRTC also offers budget tourism packages that include bus transport to the Nefertiti cruise and back to the depot.
⚓ Sagararani 1 & 2 (sea cruises): Multiple daily sailings — Morning 8:30–10:30 AM, Pre-noon 11 AM–1 PM, Afternoon 2:30–4:30 PM, Sunset 5:30–7:30 PM, Night 8–10 PM. Fare: ₹600/adult, ₹300/child.
⚓ Sooryamshu (backwater cruise): Sunset cruise 5:30–7:30 PM — ₹399/adult. Day cruise to Pizhala Backwaters 10:30 AM–4 PM — ₹999/adult. Pizhala day trip includes fun-filled entertainment, tea & snacks (morning & evening), delightful Kerala cuisine lunch at the farm. Kids below 5 years are complimentary with parents.
⚓ Cleopatra & Michelle (backwater cruises): Day cruise 10 AM–5 PM — ₹999/adult. Routes include Palaikkari Matsyafed and Pizhala backwaters. The Palaikkari trip includes fun-filled entertainment, fish curry + fish fry meals & tea/snacks. Kids below 5 years are complimentary with parents.
⛴️ SWTD Backwater Tourism Cruises (Alappuzha)
SWTD operates two popular budget-friendly tourist cruises in Alappuzha: Vega and See Kuttanad. Both services offer scenic day cruises through Punnamada backwaters, Vembanad Lake, and Kuttanad landscapes, with Kerala-style meals available on board.
⚓ Vega
- 🕚 Daily departures from Alappuzha Boat Jetty: Vega at 11:00 AM and See Kuttanad at 11:30 AM
- 📍 Route highlights include Pathiramanal Island, SAI rowing facility, Chithira-Marthandam Kayal, Kamalante Moola, and Mangalassery
- 🎟️ Vega fares: Rs 400 (non-AC), Rs 600 (AC)
- 🎟️ See Kuttanad fares: Rs 400 (lower deck), Rs 500 (upper deck)
- 🍛 Light refreshments and Kerala lunch are arranged on board
- 📞 Booking numbers: Vega 9400050325 · See Kuttanad 9400050326
- 💡 Advance booking is recommended due to high demand.
🛶 See Ashtamudi — Kollam Backwater Cruise
The ‘See Ashtamudi’ tourist boat service by the Water Transport Department offers a scenic 5-hour cruise through the Ashtamudi lagoon and the mangroves of Sambranikodi.
- Route: Kollam Boat Jetty → Ashtamudi → Peringalam → Perumthuruth → Sambranikodi (1-hour island visit) → return to Kollam.
- Departure: 11:30 AM from Kollam Boat Jetty. Returns by 4:30 PM. Duration: ~5 hours.
- Upper deck (open-roof): ₹500/person. Lower deck: ₹400/person.
- Capacity: 90 passengers — 60 seats on the lower deck, 30 on the upper deck.
- IRS-certified boat with modern safety systems, upper deck with panoramic views, and a Kudumbashree snack bar onboard.
Kerala Boat Travel — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best boat experience in Kerala for first-time visitors?
For first-time visitors, the top picks are a KSINC sea cruise in Kochi (Nefertiti or Sagararani), a Kerala Water Metro ride between Kochi islands, and a scenic backwater cruise in Alleppey or Kollam.
How much does boat travel in Kerala cost?
Government ferry services are very affordable, while premium cruises are priced higher. Kochi Water Metro rides usually start around ₹20, KSINC sea cruises start around ₹600, and premium lunch or sunset cruises are priced separately by package.
Can I book Kerala boat cruises online?
Yes. KSINC cruises can be booked online via the official myCruise portal, and Water Metro updates are available on the official site and app ecosystem. For houseboats, booking through reputed operators is recommended.
Which is better: Alleppey houseboat or Kochi Water Metro?
They serve different purposes. Houseboats in Alleppey are slow scenic leisure cruises (often half-day or overnight), while Kochi Water Metro is a regular public transport system that is fast, affordable, and ideal for island-hopping in Kochi.
Are KSINC Nefertiti and Sagararani cruises family-friendly?
Yes. Both are popular with families and groups, with multiple daily sailings, seating options, and onboard entertainment on select sailings. Check the latest package inclusions before booking.
What is the best season for boat travel in Kerala?
October to March is generally the best season due to pleasant weather. Monsoon cruises (June to September) can be beautiful too, but occasional service changes or weather disruptions are possible.