A Complete Guide to Exploring the Backwaters of Kerala

The backwaters of Kerala, a magical confluence of rivers, canals, and lagoons, bring peace, beauty, and memories that will last a lifetime. When you glide across the backwaters in a traditional houseboat or paddle down the narrow canals in a canoe or shikara, it’s a surreal experience. In this guide, we’ll highlight the best locations to go- Alleppey, Kumarakom, Kottayam, and Vypin- and the best ways to explore these locations for your ideal backwaters trip.

Kerala as a travel destination

Kerala is a visually captivating state in southern India with a unique combination of lush green landscapes, picturesque backwaters, serene beaches, scenic hill stations, a variety of wildlife sanctuaries, organic tea plantations, rich culture and authentic cuisines, altogether making Kerala a popular tourist destination in South India. 

Backwaters of Kerala Travel Guide

Here is your Ultimate Guide to Exploring the Enchanting Backwaters of Kerala. Kerala is a heavenly paradise and home to various adventure activities ideal for thrill-seekers and nature lovers. Whether you’re exploring the backwaters of Kerala, trekking through the hills or enjoying wildlife safaris, Kerala offers something for everyone.

Some of the adventure activities in Kerala include:

• Exploring the backwaters of Kerala
• Trekking and camping
• Canoeing and Kayaking
• Wildlife Safaris and Bird Watching 
• Bamboo rafting 

These exciting activities, with a blend of natural beauty, make Kerala one of India’s top tourist places.   

What are the Backwaters of Kerala 

The backwaters of Kerala consist of peaceful, narrow channels, such as lakes, rivers, and canals, that flow across the state. These waterways are linked to the sea but are divided by land or islands.

Surrounded by lush greenery, towering coconut trees and small villages along the banks.In simpler words, imagine a peaceful boat ride on a calm lake or a river surrounded by a breathtaking landscape that reflects Kerala’s refreshing natural charm. 

Importance of Backwaters in Kerala 

Habitat for Aquatic Life: The backwaters of Kerala consist of lakes, rivers and canals, which are habitats for various flora and fauna that even help in maintaining the ecological balance.   

Tourism & Economy: Backwaters are the most famous tourist attraction in Kerala, attracting tourists from all over the world, increasing revenue and employment opportunities for the locals.  

Transportation: The backwaters of Kerala are essential for the locals and are still used for transporting cereals and many essential products.

Fishing and Farming: Kerala’s backwaters help fishermen collect various types of fish easily, like prawns and crabs. The backwaters are also beneficial for farming, providing fertile soil that supports sustainable farming.  

Traditional significance: Kerala hosts different backwater festivals that celebrate Kerala’s rich culture and heritage. Some of the famous backwater festivals in Kerala are: 

• Onam
• Vallam Kali (Boat Races)
• Snake Boat Festival (Chundan Vallam Race)

What makes Kerala’s Backwaters unique

Scenic Beauty: Backwaters in Kerala are surrounded by natural wonders, including long coconut trees, paddy fields, reflecting waterways, beautiful hills, Western ghats, diverse wildlife and small villages, a retreat for nature lovers. 

Bird Sanctuaries: The backwaters in Kerala are home to various bird sanctuaries, giving you a chance to watch unique birds and listen to their exotic sounds- a blissful experience for bird watchers.

Houseboats: Traditional wooden houseboats in Kerala, called kettuvallams, are a key feature of the Kerala backwater houseboat tours. 

Luxury houseboats: From a basic to a luxury houseboat experience, Kerala offers you overnight stays with amazing facilities, with meals on your Kerala backwater cruise. 

Traditional Lifestyles: While on your backwater exploration, you get to witness small villages and local people reflecting traditional values and lifestyles in their clothing, language, and daily occupation of farming, fishing, etc. 

Top backwater destinations in Kerala

Wonder where to go for the best backwaters experience in Kerala? Here is a list for you to choose from. 

1) Alleppey (Alappuzha)

The backwaters of Alleppey are widely popular in Kerala for their houseboat experiences, shikara rides on Vembanad Lake, kayaking adventures, Kerala’s local cuisines, and whatnot.

So, to make your Kerala trip memorable, visit Alleppey, one of the best backwater destinations in Kerala for nature lovers.

Things to do at Alleppey Backwaters: 

• Shikara ride in Kerala
• Bird Watching
• Canoe Ride
• Alleppey Houseboat Cruise
• Backwater Village Tour
• Fishing in Kerala’s Backwaters
• Try Kerala’s traditional cuisine
• Visit Alleppey Beach

Best tourist places in Alleppey:

• Alappuzha Beach
• Vembanad Lake
• Krishnapuram Palace
• Pathiramanal Island
• Punnapra
• Kuttanadu
• Mullakkal Rajeshwari Temple
• Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple

2) Kumarakom

Explore the tranquil backwaters of Kerala in a houseboat, watching the green carpeted landscapes of Kumarakom, and escape into the peaceful side of nature, accompanied by your partner or on your own. 

Kumarakom Wildlife Sanctuary: This wildlife sanctuary shelters several birds, giving a chance to tourists to catch a glimpse of them.

Things to do at Kumarakom Backwaters:

• Kumarakom Houseboat Stay
• Enjoy the wonderful natural scenery
• Bird Watching at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
• Village Walks
• Fishing
• Canoe Rides
• Kerala Backwater Photography at Kumarakom
• Enjoy Kerala cuisine

Top tourist attractions in Kumarakom, Kerala

• Vembanad Lake
• Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
• Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall
• Pathiramanal Island
• Kottayam ( Nearby Attraction)
• Bay Island Driftwood Museum
• Kumarakom Backwaters
• Nehru Trophy Boat Race ( The most famous boat race in Kerala)
• Sree Sankaracharya Temple

3) Kottayam

Enjoy a houseboat journey through the largest lake in Kerala, the Vembanad Lake. Get immersed in the beautiful views of the vibrant water lilies, quaint village life, paddy fields and long palm trees, adding to an enchanting experience of Kottayam Backwaters.

Things to do in Kottayam Backwaters:

Houseboat cruise on Vembanad Backwaters

• Canoeing & Kayaking
• Bird Watching
• Visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary ( A must-visit tourist spot in Kerala) 
• Village tour and cycling
• Fishing
• Photography

Top tourist attractions in Kottayam

• Ayyappa Swamy Temple
• Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
• Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple
• Poonjar Palace
• Panchalimedu
• Kottathavalam

4) Vypin Island

Located in Kerala’s Ernakulam district, Vypin Island is famous for its surreal backwaters. The place is a blend of urban and natural settings, surrounded by lush green mangrove forests and a less crowded location in Kerala, ideal for a calming backwater houseboat experience. 

Things to do on Vypin Island:

• Houseboat backwaters
• Kayaking and Canoeing
• Visit Cherai Beach
• Enjoy local cuisine
• Enjoy photography at Munambam Beach
• Sunset Viewing
• Fishing and Boating
• Cherai Backwaters

Top Tourist Attractions in Vypin Island

• Pallipuram fort
• Chinese fishing nets in Kerala
• Cherai Beach
• Pallipuram Fort
• Munambam Beach
• Kuzhuppilly Beach
• Vypin Lighthouse (Puthuvype Beach Lighthouse)
• Vallarpadam Church (Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom)
• Puthuvype Beach

Best Ways to Explore the Backwaters

Discover the charm of Kerala’s Backwaters: spend the night on a houseboat to enjoy magical sunsets, take a shikara for comfort and scenic views, or paddle a canoe or kayak to explore narrow waterways lined with villages. Each option offers a unique experience, whether you want a relaxed cruise or an up-close adventure in the backwaters.

Houseboat Cruise

Experience: Kerala’s Houseboat cruises help you glide through the tranquil backwaters equipped with modern amenities. 

Highlights:

• A visual treat for you with the lush greenery
• coconut trees
• stunning sunrise & sunset views
• interaction with locals

Types of Houseboat Cruises in Kerala: 

If you’re considering experiencing a backwater adventure in Kerala with your loved ones, and wondering how to plan a Kerala backwater trip?

Here’s a list of Kerala houseboat cruises available to your preferences, duration, and luxury requirements, offering a variety of experiences to suit your needs.

1) Day Houseboat Cruises

Duration: Usually 3-5 hours

Highlights: Travellers searching for short houseboat tours on Kerala’s backwaters, including coconut trees, paddy fields and local village life. 

2) Overnight Houseboat Cruises

Duration: 2 days and 1 night houseboat stay

Highlights: Spend the whole night amid nature, under the star-lit sky, with delicious meals and scenic spots.

3) Luxury Houseboat Cruises

Duration: 1-7 days (subject to the package you choose and the route).

Highlights:

• Modern amenities like air-conditioned bedrooms, fine dining, entertainment facilities, and jacuzzis.
• Ideal for couples and tourists wanting a lavish experience.

4) Family Cruises

Duration: 3-6 days

Highlights: Family-friendly, exciting activities and visits to cultural landmarks or local bazaars.

• It has multiple spacious bedrooms, ideal for families and groups.

5) Honeymoon Cruises

Duration: A few hours to 6 days (depending on the houseboat backwater packages)

Highlights: Candlelight dinners, private houseboat stays, customised Kerala houseboat backwater itineraries 

• Ideal for honeymooners and romantic couples

6) Corporate or Group Houseboat Cruises

Duration: A few hours to 5 days 

Highlights: Larger houseboats are designed for team-building or group activities.

• Conference facilities, group meals, and scenic cruising.

7) Eco-Friendly Houseboat Cruises

Duration: A few hours to 2 days

Highlights: Minimal environmental impact with one of the genuine backwater tours in Kerala.

Solar-powered or traditional non-motorised kettuvallams promote sustainable Kerala tourism.

Canoeing and Shikara Rides

Canoeing and Shikara rides in Kerala backwaters offer a peaceful way to explore narrow canals, lush villages, and serene waters. While canoeing lets you experience the rustic charm up close, Shikara rides provide a relaxed and scenic journey—perfect for soaking in Kerala’s natural beauty.

Canoeing Rides

Canoeing Adventure: Paddle through Kerala’s backwaters and enjoy this adventurous activity in Kerala to add a sense of thrill to your Kerala trip by viewing the breathtaking landscapes around you.  

Group/Solo Canoeing: Experience Canoeing in a group or by yourself with extremely beautiful natural settings and rural life encircling you.  

Shikara Rides 

More comfortable: Similar to Kashmir’s shikara ride, Kerala also offers a beautiful Shikara ride backwater experience in a traditional wooden boat, larger than canoes and more comfortable and relaxing.

Shikara Guides: On Kerala’s Shikara rides, you are often accompanied by a guide, giving you insights into the history, culture and local village life of Kerala.Best Time to Visit Kerala’s Backwaters

Best Time to Visit Kerala’s Backwaters

November to February: The best time to visit the backwaters in Kerala is during the winter season  

Pleasant Weather: The weather during this time is cool and pleasant, perfect for enjoying backwater houseboat rides in Kerala.

Backwaters in Monsoon: You can also visit Kerala during the monsoon season (from June to September) as the natural charm of Kerala gets doubled. 

Monsoon Backwater risks: The rains might disrupt your travel plans, but this season is ideal for those who want a quiet, off-season experience.

When should we avoid the backwater experience in Kerala?

Summer Season: It’s best to avoid visiting Kerala’s backwaters during the summer season (from March to May), as the weather can be extremely hot and humid, making outdoor activities in Kerala less enjoyable.

Local Cuisine to Savour During Your Backwater Trip

Who wouldn’t want to enjoy Kerala’s authentic flavours while on a houseboat journey in Kerala, viewing the most beautiful landscapes around? 

Here’s a list of Traditional Kerala cuisine on houseboats in the backwaters to enjoy.

• Kerala Sadya
• Prawn Malabar
• Karimeen Pollichathu
• Kuttanadan Duck Curry
• Appam with Stew
• Fish Moilee
• Banana Chips and Sharkara Varatti
• Chilli Beef Fry
• Coconut Payasam
• Kallappam

 Travel Tips for Exploring Kerala’s Backwaters

• Book in advance: To save time and energy, tourists should book their backwaters houseboat cruise in advance since long waiting times are possible.

•  Visit in the best months: It is the best idea to travel to Kerala for backwaters activities during the best months to enjoy your Kerala trip to the fullest. 

• Choose the right houseboat: You must select Kerala’s houseboat cruise based on your preferences, needs and budget, to have the best houseboat experience in Kerala.
• Try other activities in Kerala: Apart from Kerala’s backwaters, try experiencing other exciting adventures that include:
• Trekking & Camping in Kerala:
• Anamudi Peak Trek (Highest peak in South India)
• Agasthyakoodam (Second-Highest Peak in Kerala)
• Paragliding in Vagamon
•  White Water Rafting in Tejaswini River, Kannur
• Wildlife Safari at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and others
• Rock climbing & Rappelling
• Kayaking
• Scuba Diving and Snorkelling

Things to Keep in Mind while Visiting Kerala for Backwaters

• Proper Clothing: Wear comfortable and decent clothes and pack essential items, sunscreen, sunglasses, a water bottle, cash, mosquito repellent, etc. 

• Leave-no-trace-traveller: Be a responsible traveller and do not throw garbage anywhere other than dustbins, to respect and preserve the natural environment. 

Conclusion

Visit Kerala to experience a beautiful blend of adventure and nature’s splendour on a houseboat cruise of Kerala’s backwaters, soaking in the breathtaking landscapes, witnessing rich wildlife, observing local life and trying out Kerala’s authentic cuisine.

Make the most of your journey through Kerala’s backwaters, a timeless experience for all. 

Whether you’re a nature lover, a family seeking adventure, a romantic couple, a solo explorer, a group of friends, or even a corporate team, we have the ideal backwater package tailored just for you. Dive in and explore the serene beauty of Kerala’s backwaters—your adventure, your way!