Boat Tours in India
India by boat shows you a totally different view of the country, and it’s a more relaxing way to see it. Think about exploring medieval history in Delhi, witnessing the aarti ceremony in Varanasi, and discovering ancient temples in Khajuraho? You can’t miss the majestic Taj Mahal in Agra, or the Amber Fort and City Palace. India's spiritual side runs deep and a boat tour is the ideal way to experience it.
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10 best Boat holiday packages in India
Compiled by
SteffIndia travel expert at TourRadar
- Classical North India
- Highlights of Kerala
- Kerala & Beach - 10 days
- Kochi, Kerala & Munnar - 5 days
- Kerala
- Cruise & Rail: The Sacred Ganges & the Maharajas' Express (2027) (Kolkata to Mumbai, 2027)
- Hindu Gods and Coconut Palms
- Luxury Cruise On River Ganges With Varanasi Delhi Agra Jaipur Tour [16 Days]
- Cruise & Rail: The Sacred Ganges & the Maharajas' Express (2025) (Kolkata to New Delhi, 2025)
- Cruise & Rail: The Sacred Ganges & the Maharajas' Express (2024) (Kolkata to New Delhi, 2024)
Classical North India
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“All destinations and visits surpassed our expectations.”
Bruce, traveled in June
A mystical boat ride at daybreak on the sacred Ganges showcases ancient rituals and floating temples in Varanasi. A train voyage from Jhansi to Agra follows the Yamuna River, stopping at riverside ghats and temples. The evening concludes with traditional water ceremonies during Aarti.
Duration 9 days Destinations New Delhi, Varanasi, Khajuraho, Orchha, Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, Jaipur, Delhi Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Le Passage to India From
- US$2,624
Board a traditional Keralan houseboat and drift through Alleppey's palm-fringed canals, watching villagers load coconut fiber and cashews onto dugout canoes as you pass serene paddy fields. Your anjili wood and bamboo houseboat comes with private bathrooms and a cook who prepares traditional Keralan meals using local produce. Spend the night anchored by the backwater banks to watch the sunset over the tropical landscape.
Duration 8 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Thekkady, Periyar National Park, Alleppey, Kanyakumari, Kovalam Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From $1,168
6% Off- US$1,095You save $73
Navigate Periyar Lake on a morning wildlife cruise, spotting elephants and diverse birdlife. Experience overnight stay on traditional Kettuvallam houseboat in Alleppey, cruising through serene backwaters while enjoying fresh local cuisine.
Duration 10 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Periyar National Park, Alleppey, Thiruvananthapuram, Kovalam Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours From
6% Off- US$1,545
Cruise Kerala's famous backwaters on a deluxe air-conditioned houseboat from Alleppey, floating past coconut groves and villages while having authentic Kerala meals on board. There's also a peaceful boat ride on Lake Periyar where you might see wild elephants, deer, and exotic birds along the forested shores.
Duration 5 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Alleppey, Periyār, Munnar Age Range Ages 16+ Operator On The Go Tours From
6% Off- US$705
Your air-conditioned houseboat departs from Alleppey through Kerala's serene backwaters. A professional crew navigates palm-lined waterways, preparing authentic meals as you observe local life between Periyar and Kovalam destinations.
Duration 7 days Destinations Kochi (Cochin), Periyar National Park, Alleppey, Kovalam Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator MEIERS WELTREISEN From
6% Off- US$949
The 56-passenger Ganges Voyager II takes you along the sacred Ganges River, stopping at UNESCO-listed Hindu temple complexes in Kalna and wandering through Kolkata's colorful flower markets. You'll pass remote Bengali villages including Matiari's brass craftsmen community and see Murshidabad's Katra Mosque.
Duration 16 days Destinations Kolkata (Calcutta), Kalna, Matiari, Murshidabad, Baranagar, Mayapur, Chandannagar, New Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore National ParkSee all destinations Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $23,999
10% Off- US$21,599You save $2,400
Traditional houseboats float through Kerala's peaceful backwaters, where kingfishers and herons dot the narrow waterways. Sunset canoe rides pass local villages, with overnight stays while navigating between Alleppey and surrounding tropical lagoons.
No departure dates availableDuration 15 days Destinations Chennai (Madras), Mahabalipuram, Auroville, Puducherry, Thanjavur, Darasuram, Madurai, Munnar, Thekkady, Periyar National ParkSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in Only: German Operator DIAMIR Erlebnisreisen
What our customers ask about Boat Tours in India
When is the best time to take a boat tour in India?
India's boat tour seasons differ by region. Kerala's backwaters are most pleasant from October to March with temperatures ranging from 23-32°C with little rain. The same months work well for Ganges River cruises near Kolkata thanks to cooler dry weather. Wildlife enthusiasts heading to Periyar Lake in Kerala should plan visits between September and April. As one TourRadar traveler noted "Cruising through Kerala's backwaters during November was magical with perfect weather and stunning scenery."
What types of boats are used for tours in India?
The range spans from upscale vessels to traditional boats. The Ganges Voyager II carries 56 passengers and features French balconies and full amenities. Kerala's traditional houseboats known as Kettuvallams come with thatched roofs and private cabins. Periyar Lake tours use compact boats that easily navigate the waters. According to TourRadar travelers "The Ganges Voyager II provides an intimate atmosphere while offering modern luxuries like a spa fitness center and elegant dining facilities."
What wildlife can I expect to see during boat tours in India?
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary boat safaris regularly encounter elephants deer and diverse bird species near the water's edge. The Ganges River offers glimpses of the endangered Ganges river dolphin. Kerala's backwater routes are home to kingfishers darters green bee-eaters and white-throated herons. A TourRadar reviewer shared "The morning boat ride on Periyar Lake offered incredible wildlife viewing opportunities - we saw wild elephants and countless exotic birds."
How long do boat tours typically last in India?
Tour lengths range from day trips to extended voyages. Kerala houseboat trips usually span 1-2 days while Ganges River cruises extend to 7-8 days. The full Ganges Voyager II experience including land excursions runs 16 days. A TourRadar review noted "The week-long Ganges cruise offered the perfect balance of time to explore villages and relax onboard."
How comfortable are the accommodations on Indian boat tours?
The comfort level varies across vessels. The Ganges Voyager II features luxury suites with private French balconies and colonial design elements. Kerala houseboats provide air-conditioned rooms private bathrooms and deck spaces. Premium ships like the Oberoi Mumbai match 5-star hotel standards. According to TourRadar travelers "The Ganges Voyager II cabins were surprisingly spacious and beautifully appointed with modern amenities."
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