Did a trip down there a few years ago, the whole package was put together for us by Eddie at Daytripper. We flew down, and were met by our driver with car at the airport, we had a couple of nights in a hotel in Cochin, toured all the sights, chinese fishing nets etc. Were driven out one morning early to our Rice Boat and spent a full day sailing the backwaters, including some wonderfull food cooked for us on board by the crew. Our return journey was by overnight 2nd class A.C. sleeper getting back to Goa about lunchtime. I cant remember the cost as it was a year or two ago, but it certainly did'nt break the bank. All in all it was a great trip from start to finish and I,d reccomend it. Alan

thanks gramps that sounds great we are hoping to do the trip independently not sure yet wether to fly down or go by train and would like to spend a couple of nights on the rice boat how many people stay on them does anyone no please

Hi, we stayed on a rice boat in Feb this year,we were staying in Kerala
Taxi from Kerala and over night on the boat cost us £110 pounds[2pers]
the backwaters were really wonderfull and so glad we did the trip,
I think 1or 2 nights on the boat is about right,the crew were fantastic and
the meals first class. our boat had just the 1 en-suite bedroom,but some
boats had 4 so would sleep 8,hope this helps.
Ann

I would definitely suggest an overnight trip on an houseboat. Waking up at dawn and watching the river come alive is magical.one night is probably enough for most people though.I wouldn't want to go on an air conditioned one either, it was brilliant lying in bed with the window "shutter" propped open listening to the sounds of the river.
A word of warning though ! If you are sharing an houseboat, the walls are paper thin and the loos are side to side !

thanks for that we really want to go now its sound lovely

Just picked up on this thread and me and the OH are doing the rice barge in 3 weeks! After reading your reports I am even more excited. Will post a report when I get back.
Gill

Hi, a bit late to advise any of you guys but better late than never but just in case anybody else is researching Kerala. I would recommend just booking a house boat when you get there. My girlfriend and I were in Alleppey in mid February and there was no shortage in house boats available to just book on the spot and you will get far better a price if you book it face to face. If you like us want a romantic trip make sure you get a boat that will only fit the two of you, there were some absolutely enormous houseboats fitting ten couples on them, and that for me would detract from the experience.

We were in India for six weeks and the house boat was one of the most expensive things we did there, but it was worth absolutely every penny (can't remember the exact price sorry). We spent two delightful nights on the boat, we were waited on hand and foot by three great guys, and the scenery and food was just amazing, put simply it was one of the highlights of our trip in the amazing country of India.

welcome to HT
Lucky you- having 6 weeks in India.