Here are top 12 things about its offerings and backwater tourism in Kerala that will give you itchy feet and help you plan your trip in a better way-
1. Expect an Ultimate Rural Life Experience
The alluring beauty of its backwater villages can hardly be described in words. The unbelievably attractive and pleasant villages of Kerala have not changed much for centuries. For a first-hand experience, go to Kumarakom Island located on the banks of Vembanad Lake which gives you a 360-degree view of the village life that has been greatly enriched by farmers, finest craftsmen and fishermen. The village tour through the backwater stretches of Kerala in Alleppey is a perfect blend of a mesmerising network of canals, beautiful lagoons and lush paddy fields. Additionally, don’t miss a chance to try your hand at the pottery wheel or experience fishing in a traditional way offered by the Kerala Backwaters. If you want to explore more, you can go for a farmhouse feel and stay nearby.
Some of the best backwaters destinations in Kerala along the network you should visit:
- Alleppey
- Kumarakom
- Kuttanad
- Kavalam
- Thanneermukkom
- Kainakary
- Vaikom
- Thottappally
- Champakulam
- Karunagappally
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2. Houseboat Cruise & Stay Is Your Best Bet for Accommodation and Transport in Kerala Backwaters
A story from cargo boats to renovated luxury houseboats, explains the way people enriched their culture and heritage to a greater extent through these Kerala backwaters houseboats. It looks fascinating when the reflections of decorated floating structures fall on the backwaters and creates a magical identification of the whole state. These houseboats may look the same from the exterior but they can be categorised on the basis of its features, number of bedrooms. One of the interesting facts about them is that 2 to 100 people can comfortably stay together in these eco-friendly backwater cruises.
A traditional houseboat or Kettuvallam (kettu: dwelling structures, vallam: boat) is one of the most popular tourist attractions, particularly in Kerala. You can have a meal, watch cultural activities and witness the mesmerising sunset on the gentle waters. The routes are all scenic but choosing a two-day cruise from Alappuzha to Kochi provides the best of the backwaters. Otherwise, Kettuvalams are also available at Kollam, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kasaragod, Kumarakom and Thiruvananthapuram. Moreover, you can go sightseeing to the nearby places from your houseboat by kayaking in a wooden boat named Shikara.
Some of the names of famous houseboat cruises for the best Kerala backwater tours:
- Exotica Cruises Houseboat in Alleppey
- Alleppey Backwater Cruise
- Southern Backwaters Houseboats Tours, Kollam
- Aqua Houseboat Cruise
- Riverland Cruises/Houseboats Alleppey
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3. A Plethora of Watersports Await You
Kerala is home to the gamut of lush green freshness and the magnificence of culture. In Alappuzha, kayaking and canoeing are popular activities and these are the best way to get an adrenaline rush while exploring the backwaters in a unique way. Meanwhile, you can include a boat race festival in your schedule to explore the beauty of backwaters where houseboats will take you. You can also opt for kayaking or canoeing to explore the very corners of the networks. Going through the tiny canals and rowing to angelic spots make you stop to admire the scenery that is comparable to none.
Watersports you can attempt while cruising through the backwaters:
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Stand-up paddleboarding
- Shikara Ride
- Jet skiing
- Water skiing
- Fishing
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4. Kerala Backwaters are Perfect for Some Retail Therapy
It’s not possible that you don’t get a call to buy some banana chips while exploring Kerala on the backwaters. The only reason could be its deliciousness, which is locally known as Nenthra-kaya upperi. Toddy (Locally brewed Palm Wine) shops are closely situated along the coast and trying it is the best thing during the tour. While shopping or buying memorable things to take back home, you can go for traditional Kerala-inspired artefacts or some authentic organic spices and essential oils. Nilgiri Tea, a flavoured tea grown in Western Ghats of Kerala, could be an attraction among tourists who seem to be buying apart from products from the backwaters.
List of items you can buy on your Kerala backwater holidays:
- Spices and Masala Powders
- Handicrafts
- Tea and Coffee
- Banana Chips
- Ayurvedic Products
- Coconut Products
- Kasavu Sarees
- Kathakali Masks
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5. There are Plenty of Rural Snake-Boat Races to Witness
Vallamkali or Vallom Kalli or boat racing is one of the largest mass sporting events in Kerala. The oldest riverboat fiesta in the state, the Aranmula Boat Race takes place over two days during Onam. The festival of Onam generally starts in mid-August and it’s a 10-day long festival including a series of exciting events. Another top contender is the Nehru Trophy Boat Race held in the Punnamada Lake near Alappuzha, these two make for some great events to be sighted on the backwaters.
Names of the famous snake boat races you can witness on your backwater holidays from August to September:
| Name of the Boat Race |
District |
| Kumarakom |
Kottayam |
| Aranmula |
Pathanamthitta |
| Payippad Jalotsavam |
Alappuzha |
| Nehru Trophy |
Alappuzha |
| President’s Trophy |
Kollam |
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6. The Backwaters Make for Ideal Honeymoon Tour or Pre-Wedding Shoot Destinations
According to National Geographic Traveler magazine, “Kerala is one of the ‘50 destinations of a lifetime’ with backwaters tourism as a leading factor.” Surrounded by green paddy fields, coconut trees, and attractively old-fashioned villages, the scenic backwaters of Kerala have provided a unique backdrop in a number of Indian movies. Moreover, the state has achieved a surge of domestic tourist footfall after the pandemic for being a trending destination for weddings. Either you’re going to get hitched in a couple of months or just hooked up and seeking a destination that strengthens your relationship, you can begin your story here on a scenic houseboat cruise in South India while you explore the gorgeous backwaters and use them as your backdrop for pre-wedding shoot as well.
Some famous backwater destinations for weddings or pre-wedding shoots or honeymoon:
- Kumarakom
- Poovar
- Alleppey
- Kollam
- Kasargod
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7. The Best of Ayurveda Treatments Can Be Availed on Kerala Backwaters
Kerala may be synonymous with the word ‘Ayurveda’ and it’s fiercely popular all around the world for its ayurvedic things. On your backwater holidays in Kerala, you’ll be offered a kind of ayurvedic massage depending on what your body needs. It might be astonishing to get a variety of therapies including Punarnava, Purification, Rejuvenation and Panchakarma therapy in a completely different setting – the backwater houseboat. Although, If you’re looking for a treatment for serious ailments or lifestyle diseases, Kerala will definitely be a right choice.
Various ayurvedic massage therapies you can avail on your backwater trip to Kerala:
- Slimming Therapy
- Stress Management
- Rejuvenation Therapy
- Panchakarma
- Beauty Care, Eye and Skin Care
- Spine and Neck Therapy
- Purification Therapy
- Navachaitanya Therapy
- Punarnava Therapy
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8. There is a Wide Variety of Dishes Including Freshly Caught Fish to Savour
On the backwater cruises in Kerala, your trip becomes more than great if something delicious is served on your table and in this matter, Kerala takes its food very seriously for sure. Don’t miss the chance to taste a typical Keralite food, the fresh veggies or the backwater fish. The Kerala backwaters are known for their unique culinary experiences that are influenced by the region’s geography, history, and culture. Some of the lip-smacking dishes offered in the houseboats are Vendakka Mezhukkupuratti (Kerala style ladies finger), Mixed Vegetables Thoran, Payasam (Vermicelli) and Fish Fry (Pearl Spot / Seer Fish). You should not miss Kerala special dishes like Malabar Paratha, Naadan Beef fry, Kerala Prawn Curry, Idiyappam, Puttu and Kadala Curry while exploring the beauty of the state apart from the backwaters.
Varieties of Keralite cuisines offered on backwaters of Kerala:
- Seafood: Karimeen Pollichathu, Meen Curry, Prawns Curry.
- Coconut-based dishes: Appam, Avial, Thoran.
- Rice-based dishes: Kappa and Fish Curry, Puttu and Kadala Curry, Biriyani.
- Banana-based dishes: Pazham Pori, Ethakka Appam, Banana Halwa.
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10.Every Season is a Good Season to Visit
Kerala welcomes tourists any time round the year, but the best time to have Kerala backwater trips is during the winter season, which lasts from November to February. During this time, the weather is cool and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. The humidity is also low, making it an ideal time to explore the backwaters of Kerala. Summer season is hot but not humid so you can still go to explore the beauty of the state. However, if you prefer a more budget-friendly option, you can consider visiting during the monsoon season, which starts from June to September. During this time, the backwaters are at their most beautiful, and you can enjoy the lush greenery and tranquil atmosphere.
Here is the list of seasons in Kerala so that you can plan backwaters trips accordingly:
| Seasons in Kerala |
Months |
Temperature in Degree Celsius |
| Summer |
March to May |
29 to 40 |
| Monsoon |
July to August and October to November |
29 to 35 |
| Winter |
November to February |
10 to 25 |
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10.Kerala Backwaters Are Easily Accessible
Proudly known as God’s Own Country, Kerala is a state in Southern India, which is well-connected to all major cities around the world. IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, Spicejet and Jet Airways fly to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport or Cochin International Airport from Mumbai and New Delhi. Travelling by train is one of the most affordable ways to get there, immensely connected by Rajdhani, Duronto and Express trains to all metro cities in the country and you can have a smooth family vacation by all means of transports within the state also.
How to reach Kerala?
By Air: Kerala has three international airports which also operate domestic flights to all major cities in the country and other countries. The airports are Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, Cochin International Airport and Calicut International Airport. However, the most convenient one is the Cochin International Airport as it is located in the central part of the state.
By Rail: Kerala has around 200 railway stations throughout the state and the railway connectivity spans across the main cities as well as remote corners. Almost every tourist spot and all the best backwaters in Kerala are accessible through rail.
By Road: Three national highways, no. 17, 47 and 49 connect Kerala with all major cities in South India. State-owned private and government buses operate between cities and towns in Kerala and Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, etc.
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11. There is So Much to See around
Added to the itinerary, the great thing about Kerala is that experiences of the places offer everything you could ask for. It is India’s hottest cultural destination, a must-visit while rowing on the backwater stretches of Kerala. Apart from the backwaters, one can also explore some pretty locations nearby such as Fort Kochi includes a museum, the Mattancherry Palace and a Jain Temple, Munnar if you’re fond of tea plantations and Periyar National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady that’s enough to spot some of the rare birds and endemic species.
Must-visit destinations in Kerala to visit on a backwater trip (district-wise):
| Name of the Districts |
Name of the tourist spots |
| Trivandrum |
Ponmudi, Kovalam, Vizhinjam, Kanyakumari, Poovar, Chittar Dam, etc. |
| Thrissur |
Athirappily, Charpa Falls, Guruvayoor, Peechi Dam, Vilangan Hills, etc. |
| Kollam |
Kollam Beach, Arippa Forest, Ashtamudi Lake, Thenmala, etc. |
| Palakkad |
Pothundi Dam, Kalpathi, Dhoni Waterfalls, Palakkad Fort, Kava Viewpoint, Attappadi, etc. |
| Pathanamthitta |
Gavi, Sabarimala, Pampa Dam, Kullar, Kattathi Para, Pullumedu, etc. |
| Malappuram |
Nilambur Teak Museum, Kodikuthimala, Tanur Beach, Paloor Kotta Waterfalls, etc. |
| Alappuzha |
Kuttanad, Pathiramanal, Thottappally Beach, Punnamada Lake, Arthunkal Church, etc. |
| Wayanad |
Kuruva Islands, Karlad Lake, Banasura Sagar Dam, Edakkal Caves, Wayanad Heritage Museum, etc. |
| Kottayam |
Kumarakom, Vagamon, Vembanad Lake, Poonjar Palace, Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls, etc. |
| Kozhikode |
Kakkayam Dam, Bepoor, Aripara Falls, Vadakara, Kallayi, Kappad Beach, etc. |
| Idukki |
Munnar, Mattupetty Dam, Munnar Tea Museum, Vattavada, Thekkady, Nadukani, etc. |
| Kannur |
Ezhimala, St. Angelo Fort, Payyambalam Beach, Tellicherry Fort, Thottada Beach, etc. |
| Kasargod |
Bekkal Fort, Ranipuram, Veeramala, Malom Wildlife Sanctuary, Kottamcheri Mala, Kappil Beach, etc. |
| Ernakulam |
Fort Kochi, Mattancherry Dutch Palace, Kodanadu, Kerala Folklore Museum, Vypeen Island, Cherai Beach, etc. |
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12. You’ll be Spoilt for Accommodation Choices
Tops on the list of best honeymoon destinations in the country, Kerala offers the places to stay like no other and is as warm as its ocean. The accommodation facilities offered on backwater trips in Kerala can vary depending on the type of trip you choose.
If you book a traditional houseboat, you can expect to have a private bedroom with an attached bathroom, a living area, and a kitchenette. The houseboat will also have a dining area where you can enjoy meals prepared by the onboard chef. If you opt for a luxury houseboat, you can expect to have more spacious rooms, a larger living area, and better amenities. Luxury houseboats may also have jacuzzis, music systems, and other entertainment options.
In addition to houseboats, there are also homestays and resorts available along the backwaters. Homestays offer a more intimate experience where you can stay with a local family and get a glimpse of their daily life. Resorts offer a more luxurious experience with amenities like swimming pools, spas, and restaurants.
Best hotels on the Kerala Backwaters with mind-blowing views provide a humble abode along the backwaters and make you feel a sensational life on the waters. You’ll be offered a range of herbal massage, yoga classes, and much more.
Some common amenities offered on houseboats, resorts, homestays and hotels on the backwaters of Kerala are:
- Air-conditioned rooms
- Attached bathrooms
- Traditional Kerala cuisine
- Fishing
- Sightseeing tours
- Indoor and outdoor games
- Ayurvedic massages
- Sun deck
- Music and cultural programmes
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The Kerala Backwaters make you feel so much more alive and there’s a lot more to do on and around the marvellous water network in Kerala. No doubt, you’ll enjoy a number of activities and a different way to explore the God’s Own Country and its amazing product the Kerala Backwaters.
If you’re looking for how to plan a perfect trip or planning to experience a backwater cruise, Tour My India is here to customise a sightseeing tour for you. Give us a call at +91-9212777225 or drop us an email at info@tourmyindia.com, and we’ll offer you the best Kerala tour package. Also, a single click on the LIKE button encourages us while sharing the blog motivates a thousand people so don’t deprive us of that, like and share and spread the good word!
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