If you’re seeking a travel experience that’s slow, soulful, and steeped in natural beauty, Kerala Backwater Tours offer the perfect escape. These tranquil waterways—stretching across lakes, canals, rivers, and lagoons—form a unique ecosystem that’s both scenic and culturally rich. Cruising through the backwaters of Kerala is like gliding through a living postcard, where coconut palms sway, birds sing, and life unfolds gently on the water’s edge.
Whether you’re a honeymooner, a nature lover, or a curious traveler, Kerala’s backwater tours promise a blend of relaxation, discovery, and authentic local charm.
🌿 What Are Kerala Backwaters?
The backwaters of Kerala are a vast network of interconnected canals, lakes, and rivers that run parallel to the Arabian Sea coast. Formed by the action of waves and shore currents, these brackish lagoons are unique to the region and span over 900 kilometers.
Key features:
- Lush greenery and tropical landscapes
- Traditional villages and paddy fields
- Houseboats (kettuvallams) and canoe rides
- Rich biodiversity including kingfishers, otters, and water lilies
- Cultural experiences like toddy tapping, coir making, and temple rituals
🧭 Popular Destinations for Kerala Backwater Tours
Here’s a curated list of the most enchanting backwater hubs in Kerala—each offering its own flavor of serenity and exploration.
1. Alleppey (Alappuzha) – The Venice of the East
Alleppey is the most iconic destination for backwater tours, known for its vast network of canals and luxurious houseboats.
Highlights:
- Overnight houseboat cruises with onboard meals
- Vembanad Lake and Punnamada Lake
- Snake boat races during Nehru Trophy Boat Race
- Local village visits and coir industry tours
Ideal For: Honeymooners, families, first-time visitors
2. Kumarakom – Birdsong and Luxury
Located on the banks of Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is a quieter, more upscale backwater destination.
Highlights:
- Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
- Luxury resorts with private backwater access
- Canoe rides through narrow canals
- Ayurvedic spa experiences
Ideal For: Couples, wellness travelers, birdwatchers
3. Kollam – The Gateway to the Backwaters
Kollam offers a more authentic, less commercialized backwater experience with long cruises and cultural immersion.
Highlights:
- Eight-hour cruise to Alleppey
- Ashtamudi Lake and Munroe Island
- Traditional fishing villages and coir workshops
- Stay in heritage homestays
Ideal For: Offbeat explorers, culture lovers
4. Kuttanad – The Rice Bowl of Kerala
Known for its below-sea-level farming, Kuttanad is a fascinating backwater region where agriculture and water coexist.
Highlights:
- Paddy fields and coconut groves
- Village life and farming techniques
- Canoe rides through narrow canals
- Local cuisine and toddy shops
Ideal For: Rural tourism enthusiasts, photographers
5. Thiruvallam & Veli (Near Trivandrum)
Perfect for short backwater experiences near the capital city, these spots offer scenic beauty and easy access.
Highlights:
- Veli Tourist Village with pedal boats and floating café
- Thiruvallam canoe rides and temple visits
- Combine with Kovalam beach stay
Ideal For: Weekend travelers, families
🚤 Types of Kerala Backwater Tours
Depending on your time, budget, and travel style, here are the most popular formats:
1. Houseboat Cruises
- Fully furnished boats with bedrooms, bathrooms, and dining areas
- Options: Day cruise, overnight stay, multi-day packages
- Meals prepared onboard with local ingredients
- Private or shared boats available
Best For: Honeymooners, luxury travelers
2. Canoe & Shikara Rides
- Small boats ideal for exploring narrow canals and village life
- Guided by local boatmen
- Short durations (1–3 hours)
Best For: Budget travelers, photographers
3. Luxury Backwater Resorts
- Resorts with private canals, boat access, and curated experiences
- Spa, yoga, and cultural performances included
- Combine with land-based sightseeing
Best For: Wellness seekers, long-stay travelers
4. Village Backwater Tours
- Combine boat rides with walking tours of local communities
- Learn about coir making, toddy tapping, and traditional crafts
- Includes meals in local homes or community kitchens
Best For: Cultural immersion, responsible tourism
🕒 Best Time to Book Kerala Backwater Tours
- October to March: Pleasant weather, ideal for cruising and sightseeing
- April to June: Warm but great for off-season deals and fewer crowds
- Monsoon (July to September): Lush landscapes and romantic rains, but check for water levels and boat availability
🏨 Where to Stay During Kerala Backwater Tours
| Destination | Stay Type | Examples |
| Alleppey | Houseboats, homestays | Spice Routes, Rainbow Cruises, Lemon Tree Vembanad |
| Kumarakom | Luxury resorts, boutique villas | Kumarakom Lake Resort, Coconut Lagoon |
| Kollam | Heritage homes, eco-lodges | Fragrant Nature, Munroe Island Backwater Homestay |
| Kuttanad | Farm stays, village retreats | Backwater Heritage, Paddy Field Homestay |
| Veli/Thiruvallam | Tourist villages, beach resorts | Uday Samudra, KTDC Samudra |
💡 Travel Tips for Kerala Backwater Tours
- Book Early: Especially for houseboats during peak season and festivals
- Choose the Right Boat: Private boats offer more privacy; shared boats are budget-friendly
- Pack Light: Comfortable clothes, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and camera gear
- Respect Local Life: Avoid loud music or littering near villages
- Try Local Cuisine: Karimeen pollichathu, appam-stew, and banana fritters are must-haves
- Stay Overnight: Sunset and sunrise on the backwaters are magical
📸 Photography Tips
- Early mornings offer misty reflections and birdlife
- Use wide-angle lenses for landscapes, zoom for wildlife
- Capture daily life—fishing nets, boatmen, village scenes
- Golden hour on the water is perfect for romantic shots
- Drone photography allowed in some zones with permission
📦 Sample Itinerary: Kerala Backwater Tour (5N/6D)
Day 1: Arrival in Kochi – heritage walk, Kathakali show
Day 2: Drive to Alleppey – check-in to private houseboat
Day 3: Cruise through Vembanad Lake – village visit, sunset dinner
Day 4: Drive to Kumarakom – bird sanctuary, spa session
Day 5: Drive to Kollam – Munroe Island canoe ride
Day 6: Departure from Trivandrum
🧭 Final Thoughts
Kerala Backwater Tours are more than scenic cruises—they’re journeys into the soul of Kerala. As you drift past swaying palms, hear temple bells echo across the water, and share smiles with villagers on the banks, you’ll discover a rhythm of life that’s gentle, grounded, and deeply human.
So pack your curiosity, step aboard, and let Kerala’s backwaters carry you into a world of peace, poetry, and unforgettable beauty.
