Kerala is a land of lush landscapes, swaying palms, and tranquil waters. Kerala Backwater Tours offer a unique way to experience this southern paradise—gliding through a network of lakes, canals, and lagoons aboard traditional houseboats. Whether you’re seeking romance, relaxation, or cultural immersion, the backwaters of Kerala promise a journey that’s slow, soulful, and unforgettable.
🛶 What Are Kerala Backwaters?
The backwaters are a vast network of over 900 kilometers of interconnected waterways, including rivers, lakes, canals, and inlets. These water bodies run parallel to the Arabian Sea and form a unique ecosystem where freshwater meets the sea. Lined with coconut groves, paddy fields, and quaint villages, the backwaters are a living tapestry of Kerala’s rural life.
🧭 Why Choose a Kerala Backwater Tour?
- Scenic Beauty: Lush greenery, mirror-like waters, and endless horizons
- Cultural Immersion: Watch locals fish, farm, and live along the banks
- Houseboat Experience: Stay in a floating cottage with all modern comforts
- Wildlife & Birdwatching: Spot kingfishers, herons, and otters
- Ayurveda & Wellness: Many houseboats offer onboard massages and treatments
🏞️ Top Destinations for Kerala Backwater Tours
Here’s a curated list of the most popular backwater hubs in Kerala:
1. Alleppey (Alappuzha)
- Known As: Venice of the East
- Highlights: Houseboat cruises, Vembanad Lake, Punnamada Lake
- Experience: Overnight houseboat stays, village walks, sunset views
Alleppey is the most iconic backwater destination and the starting point for many tours.
2. Kumarakom
- Known For: Bird sanctuary, luxury resorts, wellness retreats
- Highlights: Vembanad Lake, Ayurvedic spas, canoe rides
- Experience: Birdwatching, fishing, romantic houseboat cruises
Ideal for honeymooners and nature lovers.
3. Kollam
- Known For: Historic trade port and long backwater stretches
- Highlights: Ashtamudi Lake, Munroe Island
- Experience: Canoe tours, village life, eco-tourism
Less crowded and perfect for offbeat travelers.
4. Kuttanad
- Known As: The Rice Bowl of Kerala
- Highlights: Below sea-level farming, narrow canals
- Experience: Agricultural tours, local cuisine, rustic charm
A great place to understand Kerala’s agrarian roots.
5. Kochi (Cochin)
- Known For: Blend of backwaters and colonial heritage
- Highlights: Fort Kochi, Chinese fishing nets, Mattancherry
- Experience: Short cruises, cultural walks, spice market visits
Perfect for combining backwaters with history and shopping.
6. Thiruvallam
- Known For: Tranquil waters and proximity to Kovalam Beach
- Highlights: Canoe rides, temple visits
- Experience: Day tours, beach-backwater combo
Ideal for short, scenic escapes.
🛳️ Types of Kerala Backwater Tours
Kerala Backwater Tours come in various formats to suit every traveler:
Houseboat Cruises
- Duration: Half-day, full-day, overnight, or multi-day
- Features: Bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, deck, crew
- Meals: Freshly cooked Kerala cuisine onboard
- Ideal For: Couples, families, luxury travelers
Canoe & Shikara Rides
- Duration: 1–3 hours
- Features: Small boats for narrow canals
- Ideal For: Budget travelers, photographers, solo explorers
Luxury Backwater Packages
- Includes: Premium houseboats, spa treatments, curated meals
- Ideal For: Honeymooners, wellness seekers
Eco & Village Tours
- Includes: Homestays, guided walks, cultural interactions
- Ideal For: Responsible travelers, culture enthusiasts
🏨 Where to Stay
Kerala’s backwater regions offer a range of accommodations:
| Type | Features | Ideal For |
| Houseboats | Floating cottages with full amenities | Couples, families |
| Luxury Resorts | Lakefront views, spas, private jetties | Honeymooners, wellness seekers |
| Homestays | Local hospitality, authentic food | Solo travelers, culture lovers |
| Eco-Lodges | Sustainable stays, nature trails | Conscious travelers |
Popular properties include Kumarakom Lake Resort, Coconut Lagoon, and Punnamada Resort.
🍛 What to Eat on a Backwater Tour
Kerala’s cuisine is a highlight of any backwater journey:
- Karimeen Pollichathu: Pearl spot fish wrapped in banana leaf
- Meen Curry: Spicy fish curry with coconut and tamarind
- Appam & Stew: Soft rice pancakes with vegetable or chicken stew
- Puttu & Kadala Curry: Steamed rice cakes with black chickpea curry
- Banana Chips & Payasam: Local snacks and desserts
Meals on houseboats are freshly prepared using local ingredients.
📅 Best Time to Visit
Kerala’s backwaters are beautiful year-round, but here’s a seasonal guide:
| Season | Months | Highlights |
| Winter | Nov–Feb | Cool weather, ideal for cruising |
| Summer | Mar–May | Hot but less crowded |
| Monsoon | Jun–Sep | Lush greenery, romantic rain vibes |
Monsoon is magical but may limit outdoor activities due to rain.
🎉 Festival Add-ons
Time your backwater tour with these festivals for extra charm:
- Onam (Aug–Sep): Snake boat races, floral decorations, traditional feasts
- Vallam Kali (Boat Race Season): Held in Alleppey and Kumarakom
- Thrissur Pooram (Apr–May): Temple elephants, fireworks, cultural shows
Packages often include VIP access or curated experiences during festivals.
🚗 How to Reach
- By Air: Nearest airports are Kochi, Trivandrum, and Calicut
- By Train: Major stations include Alleppey, Kottayam, and Kollam
- By Road: Well-connected via scenic highways and national routes
Local taxis, buses, and self-drive options are available for backwater hopping.
💰 Sample Pricing (Indicative)
| Package Name | Duration | Inclusions | Price (Per Person) |
| Alleppey Houseboat Day Cruise | 1D | Lunch, boat ride, guide | ₹2,500–₹4,000 |
| Overnight Houseboat Experience | 2D/1N | Stay, meals, crew | ₹6,000–₹12,000 |
| Luxury Backwater Retreat | 3D/2N | Premium houseboat, spa, meals | ₹15,000–₹25,000 |
| Backwater + Hill Station Combo | 5D/4N | Alleppey + Munnar, transfers, stays | ₹18,000–₹30,000 |
Prices vary based on season, boat type, and group size.
🛍️ What to Buy
Backwater towns are great for local shopping:
- Coir Products: Mats, bags, and handicrafts
- Spices: Cardamom, pepper, cinnamon
- Handloom Sarees: Kasavu and cotton varieties
- Ayurvedic Oils & Soaps: Herbal wellness products
Markets in Alleppey and Kumarakom offer authentic souvenirs.
✨ Final Thoughts
Kerala Backwater Tours are more than just scenic cruises—they’re immersive journeys into the soul of Kerala. From the gentle lapping of water against your houseboat to the aroma of coconut curry wafting through the air, every moment is a sensory delight. Whether you’re watching the sunrise over Vembanad Lake or drifting past a temple on the banks, the backwaters invite you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect.
So pack your sandals, charge your camera, and let Kerala’s waters carry you into tranquility.
