5 independent reviews for Kerala backwater holiday, India
Reviews for Kerala backwater holiday, India
Jane Harrigan review 5 Mar 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We really enjoyed every aspect of the six days Jos organised for us. He did an excellent job in accommodating all our requests and made us a perfect tailor made itinerary. The homestays were gorgeous with excellent food and it was lovely to have two nights on our own private rice barge cruising the backwaters.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
I definitely think you need more than the standard one night for the backwater cruise. We had two nights on board but would possibly have liked a third as it was so beautiful and relaxing.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. We stayed in homestays so our money went to local businesses rather than to large multinational hotel chains. Jos, who organised our trip, also was a local businessman. Having a private car for four days was probably not that environmentally friendly but it would have been almost impossible to use public transport to get to the places we wanted to visit.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I have travelled in depth to nearly seventy countries and the six days that Jos arranged for us was one of the best holidays I have ever had.Louise Hoult review 13 Jan 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We enjoyed almost every moment of our holiday in Kerala. The highlights included two sunset backwater boat trips, swimming in freshwater pools, an elephant ride, fabulous fresh homecooked meals, the beach and spice tours. We loved the wonderful homecooked fresh Keralan meals and the conversations around the table with the homestay owners.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Have a look at the map and the range of activities. We chose not to go to Periyar and we were very happy with our itinerary.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I certainly felt that this holiday benefitted local people.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
This holiday was absolutely fantastic in every way. Possibly the best family holiday that we have ever had. Jos organised everything perfectly.Mary Richards review 30 Oct 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The whole holiday was truly memorable and exceeded expectations from beginning to end. All the home stays, plus the boat, were very comfortable with lovely surroundings and wonderful home cooking. Our hosts were very welcoming and gave us insight into life in Kerala.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The first week in October proved to be a good week before the main tourist season gets underway. We were fortunate with the weather with only one rainy day while we were travelling. Jos tailor made our itinerary and we were pleased that we chose to spend two nights on the boat.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Using home stays rather than hotels meant that our money went straight into the local community rather than a hotel chain. The local guides, cooks and others employed by the home stay owners took pride in their work and there seemed to be genuine respect between the employers and the employees.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The holiday was excellent. I would certainly recommend it to others.Andrew Patrick review 24 Feb 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Visiting around Munnar with time to see nature and lots of bird life, made more memorable as we had a knowledgeable driver who showed us many birds. The Kathakali Dance event in Cochi gave an interesting insight into the historical parts of the area and was well worth seeing all the make up as well as the dancing.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Mosquito repellant definitely needed in and around Cochin especially at night and if visiting prawn farms. Consideration of amount of tip if you have a driver/guide for several days.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Our benefits to local people were a visit to a prawn farm,taking a local boat ride,seeing the Kathakali dances, eating out in local restaurants and stopping to see a lady making rope from coir.. If we did reduce impact or support conservation we were not aware of it.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Programme was well put together and managed considering our rather short time in the area.Linda Crowder review 19 Jan 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It was all wonderful but I think the time we enjoyed most was at Vanilla County, Teekoy. We found Baby Matthew and Rani to be the most wonderful hosts and their staff were lovely. After arriving we had lunch then we were told to come quickly to see an elephant working in the forest nearby, so we all piled into a jeep and witnessed such wonderful teamwork between elephant and men as they moved tree trunks down a difficult forested slope. We also went on an amazing trek through the hills and swam in fresh water pools. Also, Rani's cooking was amazing! The converted rice boat was another highlight.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
To take cool clothes, mosquito repellant and a good camera.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, I think it benefitted local people, especially plantation owners who had found it necessary to diversify into opening up their homes.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was an excellent holiday and a real privilege to accept hospitality from hosts at homestays. Our driver was also very helpful and kind (Mr. Shahul). The other thing we appreciated was visiting different areas of Kerala.Read the operator's response here:
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