Situated in the South-Eastern part of India on the Malabar Coast, Kerala is bounded by the Arabian Sea on the West and the Western Ghats on the East. It is renowned as ‘God’s Own Country’ due to its scenic vistas.
The picturesque backwaters of Kerala comprise serene stretches of placid lakes, canals, and lagoons that are located parallel to the coast of the Arabian Sea. Houseboat destinations in Kerala are the prime attraction of this South Indian state.
Enjoy the peaceful ride along with these palm-fringed backwater destinations in Kerala with a thrilling view of the sunset, and lush paddy fields. The backwaters are uninterrupted through the entire length of Kerala, initially used as a mode of transferring goods like coconut, rubber, spices, and others.
However, now it serves for the activity of backwater tourism. The cruise ride will open up to a different world of backwater villagers, fishing operations and take you through other scenery.
10 Best Backwater destinations in Kerala which you should visit in your trip
- Alleppey Backwaters
- Kumarakom Backwaters
- Kasaragod Backwaters
- Kollam Backwaters
- Kuttanad Backwaters
- Cherai Island Backwaters
- Thiruvananthapuram Backwaters
- Cochin Backwaters
- Kottayam Backwaters
- Calicut/Kozhikode Backwaters
1. Alleppey
Alleppey is also known as Alappuzha or the ‘Venice of the East’ is an attractive town in Kerala. It is one of the most significant tourist centers in the state because of the large network of inland canals. Many of the Kerala backwater cruises either start or end at this point and is known as the center of the coir industry.
Alleppey used to be the busiest centers of trade in the past, till now the canals are the source of livelihood among the villagers. Alleppey presents a scenic view of the intertwined backwaters, beaches, and lagoons.
A houseboat cruise in these backwaters is a pleasurable experience. You will also get to witness a lighthouse once used for uploading goods.
One of the best times to visit Alleppey offers is during the Aranmula Snake Boat Race. It is an annual affair and if formally known as Nehru boat race. This event is a huge success among tourists and locals.
[ Browse through our Alleppey tour packages here. ]
2. Kumarakom
The view offered from Kumarakom is like no other; the green paddy fields and the Mangrove forests fight for the attention; along with the canals which are bedded by white lilies draw tourists to this spot from all over the world.
Kumarakom has situated about 16 km from Kottayam along the Vembanad Lake. A journey through the vast canals and streams in the country boats will take you across the lovely villages of Kerala. The soothing surroundings, placid lakes, lush greenery bestow Kumarakom with a physically and spiritually uplifting ambiance. It is no wonder Kumarakom is one of the best places in Kerala for Ayurveda.
Another attractive feature of this place is the Bird Sanctuary which extends a long way; it is home to many migratory birds. Some of the exotic birds leave the tourists fascinated. The area is also famous for handicrafts which are made in a traditional way.
[ Get best deals on Kumarakom tour packages here. ]
3. Kasaragod
Kasaragod is far from the tourist hubs but is a beautiful village that offers backwater facilities and is more secluded and free of commercialism. This place is perfect for peaceful boat rides and sightseeing. Kasaragod is placed in the Northernmost District of Kerala, at Padanna and holds its own essence.
This area has kept up to the traditional ways and can be seen in their hospitality system as well, the locals play host during your stay at the retreat. They have not embraced the modern lifestyle in any form and visiting this part will make you come close to the original lifestyle of the locals.
There is a theme village called the oyster Opera in relation to the activity of oyster farming. Being surrounded by the Western Ghats on the East; near to the Chandragiri River and with a number of forts, temples, and beaches, Kasargod is one of the ideal backwater destinations in Kerala that you should travel to.
Also Read: Best Places to Visit in Kasaragod.
4. Kollam
One of the finest backwater destinations in Kerala to start your houseboat ride is Kollam. Kollam is one of the oldest ports on the Malabar Coast and is renowned for its Cashew industry. 30 percent of the backwaters of this town is occupied by the famous Ashtamudi Lake.
The sight that the ride offers across Kollam is spectacular; blooming water lilies, canals and the songs from the birds leave you content.
Kollam houseboat cruises serve the longest backwater ride in Kerala, lasting for 8 hours from Kollam to Alleppey. The traditionally designed houseboats come along with the authentic cooks, who serve you freshly cooked meals along the way.
Kollam stay will be very interesting as it has many ancient ruins and is a historically noted place. The place is located around 70 km from the capital city.
Suggested Read: Most Beautiful Lakes in Kerala.
5. Kuttanad
The appealing geographical feature of Kuttanad is that it is the lowest place in India and lies below sea level. Rice is grown in abundance in this area, hence holding the name “The Rice Bowl of Kerala”. Kuttanad is a part of the Alapuzha District and covers the very heart of the backwaters.
Besides the stretches of paddy fields, it has a rich growth of banana, yam, and cassava, making agriculture the main source of income for the locals. Owing to the variety of crops that grow in Kuttanad, with the added milieu of blue water bodies, green paddy fields and numerous birds it automatically makes this place vibrant and beautiful.
[ Explore over 50 Kerala Tour Packages to plan your trip. ]
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Alleppey Trivandrum Tour6. Cherai Island Backwater
With a tour to Cherai Island backwaters, you will realize that pristine, tranquil, and soothing are actually emotions; not just words. You might not want to return home after a trip to the backwaters.
Delight in cruising along the gorgeous backwater expanses, while catching a glimpse of the scenery by the sea. Watch busy anglers, waters being marked by water birds and calm and clean beaches. The beautiful synchronization of blue, green, and white presents you with a visual delight, you won’t be able to get enough of.
Being one of the best beaches of Kerala, Cherai beach is fondly addressed as the “The Princess of the Arabian Sea.” It is just perfect for bathing and swimming, because of its clear and shallow waters. If you are visiting it with your soulmate, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll while holding hands even at night, thanks to its illuminated walkways.
It is equally suitable for family trips. Dolphin watching is quite popular on this beach. Pamper your flavors with fresh seafood served at eating joints here. No wonder, Cherai Beach tour packages are taken up like hotcakes!
Go canoeing along this coconut palms’ fringed beauty. A strip of land divides the backwaters and the sea, offering you the opportunity to admire the ethereal sunset views. Around the area, explore attractions like Azheekkal Sree Varaha Venkateswara Temple – the only one of its kind in the world!
7. Thiruvananthapuram
If you are looking forward to a rich visual treat, go for a Thiruvananthapuram backwaters tour. The expanses bring you to admire paradisiacal beauty that comprises a waterways network. The waterways that web together include lagoons, rivers, canals, and lakes. Laced by tropical woods, the water network leaves you speechless.
Major attractions include cruising in a houseboat along the backwaters en-route Kovalam. This is the most famous route as it offers canoe rides at the confluence of Karamana and Killi Rivers. You can also enjoy other water activities at Veli Lagoon, which is located nearby. Thiruvallam stores another attraction – a temple dedicated to Lord Parshuram in proximity.
With nature’s beauty, the backwaters of Thiruvananthapuram also known as Trivandrum take you to some of the most sought-after tourist attractions. Padmanabhaswamy temple, Neyyar Dam, the Museum complex, Science & Technology museum, Sanghumugham beach, Veli tourist village, and Kanakakkunnu Palace are some of the places to visit in Trivandrum.
8. Cochin
For an unparalleled cruising experience along the backwaters, go for a Cochin backwaters tour. The city offers a delicious blend of urbane and natural attractions, which you will enjoy while navigating through its backwaters. Taking a sneak peek into the busy city life while soaking in the scenic nature’s beauty is an experience to cherish.
Although famous as a place for Chinese Fishing Nets, this Kerala destination is also a backwater bounty. Through a cruise along its backwaters, Cochin takes you through some of the most significant sections of the city. You will be introduced to a plethora of sightseeing attractions of the city such as palaces and heritage sites.
As a majority of backwater tours start sailing from Kochi, this is an imperative place. Teeming with aquatic life, these backwaters are rich under and above the water. Don’t miss out on watching the meeting point of the Arabian Sea and Vembanad Lake.
Within the backwaters, attractions that keep tourists fascinated include Bolgatti Palace and Cochin Shipyard. Several islands are dotted in the region. Some parts of Kochi showcase remnants of Dutch annexation. Rainbow Bridge and Marine Drive are other attractions in Kochi. An unmissable sight to behold is presented by the Jew street and an old synagogue.
[ Explore 35 Cochin Tour Packages to plan your trip. ]
9. Kottayam
A breathtaking backwater destination of Kerala, Kottayam relaxes in the Vembanad Lake basin. Perennial waters gushing from the Western Ghats keep brimming this placid lake and transforms Kottayam into a backwater dreamer’s delight.
This picturesque place is worth your time, whether you visit it with family, friends, beloved, or even solo. Go cruising along the backwaters, enjoy a houseboat stay, and explore the attractions all around during your backwater tour to Kottayam.
The dynamism and magnetic allure of this serene destination transport you to the world of untouched natural beauty. Head to Kottayam from September to February to make the most of your trip. During these months, winters spread their cloak in Kottayam, adding beauty around with pleasant weather.
In addition, to enjoy the Kottayam backwaters trip, you can also explore nearby attractions such as Pathiramal Island, Marmala Waterfalls, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Poonjar Palace, Bay Island Driftwood Museum, Juma Masjid, and Monore Lighthouse.
10. Calicut/Kozhikode
One of the most sought after backwater destinations of the state is Kozhikode or Calicut. This coastal delight is home to virgin backwaters that bring you to eye-soothing palm thickets. Witnessing a complex network of canals, these backwaters bring you close to nature’s bounty of Malabar Coast.
As you cruise along, you get the golden opportunity to explore, soak in, and enjoy the rural charm of Kerala. It is because of such rustic and untouched attractions that this destination is frequented by nature lovers all through the year. And vacationers look for customizable Kozhikode tour packages to explore this place.
The place is the best pick for enjoying some quality time with your loved ones. Flock to these backwaters with your beloved, family, of friends; the charm will be the same. Delight in a stay at a houseboat to manifold your joy of visiting this serene place.
The backwater tour delight of Kozhikode is coupled with the crowing Kali River and Canoli Canal. Isn’t it a backwater dreamer’s delight? Kozhikode family tour packages and honeymoon packages are the best-selling ones for a trip to this city.
Attractions in its proximity multiply your vacation spree include Kappad Beach, where Vasco da Gama stepped on as the first place in India. Other attractions include Dolphin Point and Payyoli Beach. Undoubtedly, a Calicut backwaters tour presents a delightful experience to holidaymakers.
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FAQs
Q. Which are the best backwaters of Kerala?
Ans. Here are the best backwaters of Kerala to enjoy a peaceful ride along the palm-fringed lakes, canals, and lagoons –
- Alleppey Backwaters
- Kasargod Backwaters
- Kollam Backwaters
- Kumarakom Backwaters
- Cherai Island Backwaters
- Cochin Backwaters
- Thiruvananthapuram Backwaters
- Kozhikode Backwaters
Q. Which is the largest backwater of Kerala?
Ans. Alleppey Backwaters is the largest backwater in Kerala, which is a part of Vembanad Lake.
Q. What is the best time to visit Kerala backwaters?
Ans. November to February is the best time to visit Kerala backwaters. The weather during these months is pleasant and you can enjoy the stunning backwaters comfortably.
Q. Are there crocodiles in Kerala backwaters?
Ans. No, there are no crocodiles in Kerala backwaters. No human attacks have been recorded. However, you can find seals in Vembanad Lake in the Kumarakom area.
Q. How many days are enough for the Kerala Backwaters Trip?
Ans. 5 to 6 days are recommended Kerala Backwaters Trip to explore the beauty of Kerala. However, you can choose from our range of Kerala backwater tours as per your choice.
Nitisha Subba
Nitisha Subba is a travel writer, who love sharing facts about the places she has visited. She is independent and travelling is always on her mind.She writes because she wants you to Experience places through her eyes.
I read your article in this page its really great and I found the information very useful.
Hi Siddharth,
Thank you for your kind words! Keep on following our blogs for more such posts in the future.
I read your article in this page its really great and useful information i found .
Hi Siddharth,
Thank you for your kind words! Keep on following our blogs for more such posts in the future.
Yes, This is an amazing blog where i got the knowledge of “Backwater Destinations in Kerala ”. I really appreciate the blogger.
It’s really a magnificent place on the earth. Enjoyed it a decade back …would like to make it again.
Backwaters of Kerala are the significant fascination for the sightseers everywhere throughout the world. I had gone by backwaters of Alleppey amid my vacation outing and it is my ever noteworthy experience.