There are several factors to admire Kerala as a tourist destination. Its wonderful tropical climate, wildlife, forts, Ayurveda, and most importantly backwaters. Edged by palm trees whose replications create a flawless image on the clear water. These destinations present a mind-blowing sight for all visitors.
The sweetness of such moments remains for a quite long time. If you haven’t visited the Kerala backwaters before, then you have missed a wonderful experience. This blog will take you through the five most popular backwater destinations in Kerala that you should visit while you stay in Kerala.
History of Backwaters
The backwaters are continuous throughout the length of Kerala. Its commonest use is in the form of houseboats. They were initially used as a means to transfer goods such as rubber, coconut, spices, and others. Backwater tourism serves as a cruise ride that opens up to an unfamiliar world of fishing operations, backwater villagers, and other scenery.
List of the Top 5 Backwaters Destinations in Kerala:
1. Alleppey Backwaters
Alleppey is also called the ‘Venice of the East’ or Alappuzha. It is a spectacular town in Kerala. Alleppey is also regarded as one of the highly prominent tourist centers that are located in the Kerala state due to the vast network of inland canals. As most of the Kerala backwater cruises are seen to begin or culminate at this point, it is also called the center of the coir industry.
Alleppey has served as the demanding trade center in earlier times. Now the canals act as the major source of earning among the villagers. Alleppey offers a scenic view of the interlined beaches, lagoons, and backwaters.
Enjoying a houseboat cruise in this backwater is a pleasurable experience. You will also see a lighthouse that people in the early days used to upload goods into the houseboat. One of the perfect times to visit Alleppey backwaters is at the time when the Aranmula Snake Boat Race takes place. It is an annual affair that is also called a Nehru boat race. This event is seen as a huge success among locals and tourists. Read More: Top 10 Places to See in Alleppey.
Some additional information about Alleppey backwater:
| Aspect | Details |
| Location | Alleppey (Alappuzha) is situated on the southwest coast of Kerala, known for its extensive network of backwaters, lagoons, and canals. |
| Getting There | Easily accessible by road and rail from major cities in Kerala. Cochin International Airport is about 85 km away. |
| Best Time to Visit | October to February offers the best weather, with cool temperatures and clear skies. Avoid monsoon season from June to September. |
| Activities | Houseboat Cruises: Experience the beauty of the backwaters on a traditional houseboat. Canoe Rides: Explore smaller canals and villages in a traditional canoe. Backwater Tours: Guided tours that include birdwatching and village visits. |
| Nearby Attractions | Alappuzha Beach: Relax on the sandy shores. Kuttanad: Known as the “Rice Bowl of Kerala” for its lush paddy fields. Pathiramanal Island: A small island known for its birdwatching opportunities. |
| Cultural Experiences | Snake Boat Races: Witness the famous boat races held during the Onam festival. Local Cuisine: Enjoy Kerala’s traditional food like appam and fish curry. |
| Accommodation | Options range from luxury houseboats to budget guesthouses and resorts. Choose accommodations near the backwaters for easy access to activities. |
| Tips | Book houseboat cruises in advance during peak season. Carry insect repellent, especially during evening hours. Wear comfortable clothing and footwear for exploring the backwaters. |
| Safety | Follow the instructions of the boat operator for safety. Drink only bottled water to avoid waterborne illnesses. Avoid swimming in the backwaters as it can be risky. |
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2. Kollam Backwaters
One of the best destinations for backwater in Kerala is Kollam. It is a historically renowned place. A stay at this place is going to be very interesting. It has several ancient ruins. It is located at a distance of seventy km from the capital city.
Take a houseboat ride at this place to immerse yourself in its stunning natural beauty. Kollam is also the oldest port located on the Malabar Coast. It is worldwide famous for its Cashew industry. Nearly thirty percent of the total backwaters in this town are pre-occupied with the popular Ashtamudi Lake.
This ride provides mesmerizing scenic views, canals, thriving water lilies, and the lovely sounds of birds. All this experience fills one with contentment and joy that can’t be put down in the world. Kollam houseboat cruise is regarded as the longest backwater ride throughout Kerala. The total duration from Kollam to Alleppey is around eight hours. The conventionally designed houseboats come with expert cooks, who serve freshly prepared meals to people.
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Some additional information about Kollam backwater:
| Category | Information |
| Location | Kollam is located in the southern part of Kerala, along the coast of the Arabian Sea. The backwaters are situated around Ashtamudi Lake, one of the largest lakes in Kerala. |
| Access | By Air: The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport, approximately 70 km away. By Train: Kollam Junction is well-connected by rail to major cities in Kerala and other states. By Road: Kollam is accessible by road from major cities like Trivandrum and Kochi. By Water: Kollam is a major hub for water transport, with boat services to other backwater destinations. |
| Best Time to Visit | – Winter (November to February): Ideal weather with mild temperatures. |
| Backwater Cruises | –Houseboat Cruises: Available for both day trips and overnight stays. Ferries: Inexpensive option to explore the backwaters. Private Boat Tours: Customizable tours with options to stop at local attractions. |
| Attractions | Ashtamudi Lake: The primary backwater attraction, known for its scenic beauty. Thangassery: Famous for its lighthouse and beach. Kollam Beach: Ideal for a peaceful stroll or a swim. Mundakkal Beach: Popular spot for watching sunsets. |
| Activities | Fishing: Traditional and recreational fishing options available. Birdwatching: The backwaters are home to many bird species. Local Cuisine: Try Kerala’s unique backwater cuisine, including fish curry and prawn dishes. |
| Safety Tips | Wear life jackets during boat rides. Follow safety guidelines and listen to your guide. -Keep an eye on your belongings during the trip. |
| Useful Tips | – Carry mosquito repellent and sunscreen. Take binoculars for birdwatching. Book tours and accommodation in advance during peak season. |
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3. Kumarakom Backwaters
Kumarakom is another highly renowned backwater in Kerala. It is surrounded by Mangrove forests and green paddy fields along with the canals that are bedded by beautiful white lilies. This site draws travelers to this place from all parts of the world.
Kumarakom backwaters are located at around sixteen km from Kottayam sideways to the Vembanad Lake. The incredible view of Kumarakom along with its expansive streams and canals takes visitors across the beautiful villages of Kerala.
The lush greenery, placid lakes, and soothing surroundings grant Kumarakom a spiritually and physically uplifting ambiance. Kumarakom is also known for offering the best therapeutic experiences in Kerala. You can find several experienced Ayurveda doctors here that offer safe and effective treatment to people.
Another important feature of Kumarakom is the famous Bird Sanctuary. It is home to several migratory birds. A few of the interesting and bizarre species of birds leave tourists baffled. Kumarakom is also popular for a variety of handicrafts that are made in a conventional way. Read More: Famous Places to See in Kumarakom.
Some additional information about Kumarakom backwater:
| Category | Details |
| Location | Kumarakom, Kottayam district, Kerala, India |
| Accessibility | – By air: Nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (85 km away) By train: Kottayam railway station (14 km away) |
| Best Time to Visit | September to March for pleasant weather |
| Main Attractions | – Backwater Cruise: Houseboats for exploring the Vembanad Lake and nearby backwaters. Bird Watching: Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary with migratory birds like Siberian cranes. Pathiramanal Island: A scenic island on Vembanad Lake, perfect for bird watching. Ayurvedic Treatments: Various resorts offer traditional Ayurvedic treatments and massages. |
| Activities | – Boating: Houseboat cruises, motorboats, and canoe rides. Bird Watching: Watch a variety of bird species in the sanctuary and along the backwaters. Fishing: Traditional fishing methods, including Chinese fishing nets, can be observed. Cultural Performances: Traditional Kathakali and Mohiniyattam dance shows are available. |
| Food | – Kerala cuisine: Appam, Karimeen Pollichathu (fried fish), Puttu, and local vegetarian dishes. Freshwater fish and seafood dishes. |
| Travel Tips | – Bring mosquito repellent. Carry lightweight and comfortable clothing. Make reservations in advance for houseboats and resorts, especially during peak season. |
| Nearby Places | – Kottayam town for sightseeing and shopping. Vaikom for its temple and historical significance. – Alappuzha (Alleppey) for its backwaters and beach. |
4. Kochi Backwaters
Kochi is one of the most mesmerizing backwater destinations that you can find in Kerala. It is the perfect place to find peace and serenity yourself. This place is home to several attractions. The prominent among them is the Kochi backwaters. A serene ride on them brings you through several attractions of the place. One of them is several islands dispersed here and there along with the thick greenery along the banks. This is a stretch of an ideal serenity.
On the backwater cruise, you will see amazing sights of Chinese fishing nets that are alluring to the eyes. While rising on the houseboat, you will watch the passenger ships and cargo ships on the way. This makes it an unforgettable experience that delights whoever comes to Kochi backwaters. While you enjoy a houseboat cruise on the backwaters, you will see a pleasant sight that comprises a dozen big and small islands. More read: Top 12 Destinations to Visit in Kochi (Cochin).
Some additional information about Kochi backwater:
| Category | Information |
| Location | Kochi (also known as Cochin) is located on the southwest coast of Kerala, India. The backwaters are part of the larger Vembanad Lake system. |
| Best Time to Visit | The best time to visit Kochi’s backwaters is during the winter season from November to February when the weather is pleasant and cool. |
| Major Attractions | Marine Drive: A scenic promenade along the backwaters, great for walks and boat rides. Fort Kochi: Historic area with colonial architecture and cultural sites. Bolgatty Island: Known for the Bolgatty Palace and scenic views of the backwaters. Vypeen Island: Offers pristine beaches and serene backwater views. |
| Activities | Houseboat Cruises: Enjoy a relaxing cruise through the backwaters while staying on a traditional houseboat. Boat Rides: Explore the backwaters on a small boat for a more intimate experience. Fishing: Try traditional fishing techniques with local fishermen. Bird Watching: Spot a variety of bird species in the backwaters and nearby sanctuaries. |
| Local Cuisine | Seafood Delicacies: Freshly caught seafood including prawns, fish, and mussels. Kerala Cuisine: Try dishes like appam, puttu, and fish curry. |
| How to Reach | By Air: Kochi International Airport (COK) is wellconnected with major cities in India and abroad. By Train: Kochi has a good rail network with frequent trains to and from other cities. By Road: Kochi is wellconnected by road with major cities in Kerala and neighboring states. |
| Tips | Carry mosquito repellent and sunscreen. Book houseboat tours in advance, especially during the peak season. Respect local customs and traditions. |
5. Kuttanad Backwaters
One of the geographical aspects of Kuttanad that pleases people is that it is located below sea level in the country. This place is famous for the cultivation of Rice. Due to this specialty, Kuttanad is also called “The Rice Bowl of Kerala”. Kuttanad area falls within the Alapuzha District, which covers the core of the backwaters. A ride on the Kozhikode Houseboat is the best means to experience the exemplary beauty of the backwater. Kuttanad houseboats have enormous sizes and move graciously in the water. This makes it appealing to almost every visitor who visits this place.
In addition to the vast paddy fields, Kuttanad also sees an abundant growth of yam, cassava, and banana that making agriculture the major earning source for the locals. The variety of crops that are cultivated in Kuttanad, amazingly huge blue water bodies, lavish green paddy fields, and a wide range of species of birds make the place incredible for visitors.
Haven’t you experienced Kerala backwaters? There are a variety of Kerala tours and packages that provides a brilliant opportunity for people to experience these awesome backwaters. Read Also: COVID-19 Travel Guidelines for Kerala.
Some additional information about Kuttanad backwater:
| Aspect | Information |
| Location | Kuttanad is situated in the Alappuzha district of Kerala, often called the “Venice of the East.” It is known for its vast network of canals, rivers, and paddy fields. |
| How to Reach | By Road: Wellconnected to major cities in Kerala. By Rail: The nearest railway station is Alappuzha, which is about 16 km away. By Air: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, around 85 km away. |
| Best Time to Visit | November to February for cooler weather and lush scenery. Monsoon season (June to September) also offers a unique experience with high water levels and fresh, vibrant landscapes. |
| Activities | Houseboat cruises to explore the backwaters and paddy fields. Canoe rides for a closer look at the local lifestyle. Bird watching, especially during the migratory season. Visiting traditional villages to experience the local culture and cuisine. |
| Accommodations | Options include houseboats, homestays, and resorts that cater to different budgets and preferences. Houseboats offer a unique stay experience on the water. |
| Local Attractions | Punnamada Lake and Vembanad Lake: Ideal for boating and watching the sunset. Thottappally Spillway: Offers beautiful views of the river and surrounding areas. Pathiramanal Island: Known for its serene atmosphere and variety of birds. |
| Tips for Visitors | Pack light and comfortable clothing, especially for boat rides. Carry insect repellent during the evenings. Be respectful of the local customs and traditions. Plan your itinerary to include a mix of water and land activities. |
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