Kerala Backwaters
★ 4.8🇮🇳 KeralaSuggested visit 1-2 daysBest season September to March, when it is drier
NatureRiversSlow travel
A lagoon system threaded with palm-lined canals, best explored by spending a night on a traditional houseboat.
Overview
The Kerala backwaters form a vast network of rivers, canals and lagoons along the Arabian Sea, with the stretch from Alleppey to Kumarakom the classic route. Traditional houseboats, converted from rice barges, carry cabins, a kitchen and a deck; trips usually board in the afternoon, cruise at dusk, moor overnight and move again at dawn. Paddy fields, coconut groves, fishing villages and churches pass by.
History
Long used for inland freight and rice transport by kettuvallam barges, the boats were converted for tourism in the late 20th century.
Highlights
- •An overnight houseboat cruise
- •The palm-lined canals around Alleppey
- •Fishing villages and paddy fields
- •Kumarakom bird sanctuary
Practical tips
- •Houseboats need advance booking, especially in season
- •Mosquitoes are active at night — bring repellent
Practical information
- Best time
- September-March
- Tickets
- Houseboat nights about INR 8,000-20,000
- Opening hours
- Boarding in the afternoon, disembarking the next morning
- Local food
- Kerala fish curry, coconut rice, banana chips
- Getting around
- About 1.5 hours by road from Kochi to board at Alleppey.
- Visa
- A visa is required and an e-visa can be applied for online.
Traveller reviews
…