Introduction to the Kerala Backwater Tour
The Kerala backwater tour offers a unique opportunity to experience one of India’s most calming and culturally rich landscapes. Winding across the lush tropical land of Kerala, the backwaters are a series of interconnected lakes, rivers, canals, and lagoons that stretch for over 900 kilometers. This tour is not just about travel—it’s about absorbing the rhythms of local life, observing nature up close, and understanding a culture shaped by water.
Whether you’re journeying in a traditional kettuvallam (houseboat) or simply strolling along village paths beside the water, the Kerala backwaters promise a gentle pace and deep connection to the environment.
What Are Kerala Backwaters?
The Kerala backwaters are a vast network of waterways lying parallel to the Arabian Sea coast, known as the Malabar Coast. These water systems include five large lakes linked by canals, both manmade and natural, fed by 38 rivers. They run through several districts of Kerala including Alappuzha, Kumarakom, Kollam, Kochi, and Kuttanad.
The backwaters are lined with coconut palms, lush paddy fields, traditional villages, and small temples. This calm, green world is home to a unique ecosystem where freshwater from the rivers meets the salty sea, creating a rich habitat for a wide variety of fish, birds, and aquatic life.
Houseboats and the Kerala Backwater Experience
A Kerala backwater tour is incomplete without a houseboat ride. These floating homes are inspired by traditional rice barges, reimagined with modern amenities such as bedrooms, attached bathrooms, open lounges, and even kitchens. Most houseboats are operated by local families, and meals are freshly cooked using regional ingredients.
While on board, you’ll glide past lush banks, wave to passing fishermen, and watch as village life unfolds along the water’s edge. The movement is slow, deliberate, and meditative. This is what makes houseboat tours such a sought-after experience among travelers looking to disconnect and recharge.
Popular Backwater Destinations in Kerala
Alappuzha (Alleppey)
Often called the “Venice of the East,” Alappuzha is the heart of the Kerala backwater tour circuit. Its vast network of canals, lagoons, and lakes makes it ideal for houseboat cruises. The town also hosts the Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race in August, a thrilling spectacle on the Punnamada Lake.
Kumarakom
Located near Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom offers a quiet alternative to Alappuzha. It’s especially known for its bird sanctuary, where migratory species such as Siberian cranes, herons, and egrets nest. Luxury and boutique houseboats are popular here, making it a preferred destination for honeymooners and nature lovers.
Kollam
Situated to the south of Alappuzha, Kollam is one of the oldest ports in Kerala. It marks the starting point of the longest houseboat cruise in Kerala, stretching all the way to Alappuzha. The journey through Kollam’s waterways is rich in both scenery and heritage, passing through old spice trading towns and historic landmarks.
Kuttanad
Kuttanad is known as the “Rice Bowl of Kerala” because of its extensive paddy fields. What makes it fascinating is that much of the farming here happens below sea level. A Kerala backwater tour in Kuttanad offers a glimpse into an agrarian lifestyle rarely seen elsewhere in India.
Life Along the Backwaters
The backwaters are more than just a tourist attraction—they’re a way of life. Villages are built along narrow strips of land between the waters, and residents rely on boats for daily transportation. Schools, temples, churches, and markets are often accessible only by water.
During your Kerala backwater tour, you’ll see children rowing to school, vendors delivering goods by canoe, and fishermen casting nets in the early morning. You’ll witness how deeply water is woven into the lives of the people who live here.
Traditional Food on a Kerala Backwater Tour
One of the joys of a Kerala backwater tour is the traditional cuisine. On houseboats or at homestays, you’ll be treated to dishes made with freshly caught fish, coconut, rice, and locally grown vegetables.
Signature dishes include:
-
Karimeen Pollichathu (pearl spot fish wrapped in banana leaf and grilled)
-
Meen Curry (fish curry with coconut milk or tamarind)
-
Avial (mixed vegetables in coconut paste)
-
Appam with Stew (rice pancakes with coconut milk-based vegetable or meat stew)
Most meals are served on banana leaves and accompanied by Kerala red rice. The food is mildly spiced and deeply flavorful, reflecting the state’s rich culinary heritage.
Best Time to Plan a Kerala Backwater Tour
The ideal time for a Kerala backwater tour is between October and March. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the monsoon rains have receded, leaving the landscapes fresh and vibrant.
Monsoon season (June to September) can also be a unique time to visit, especially for those interested in Ayurveda treatments, as the moist climate is considered ideal for therapies. However, heavy rains may restrict boating activities.
Types of Kerala Backwater Tours Available
Depending on your interest and duration, there are several types of backwater tours available:
Day Cruises
Ideal for short visits, these tours typically last 4–6 hours and include a traditional meal. They’re a good introduction to the Kerala backwater tour experience if you’re short on time.
Overnight Houseboat Tours
This is the most popular option and usually includes full meals and an overnight stay in a private houseboat. The boat docks at a quiet location in the evening, allowing guests to sleep on the water.
Multi-Day Backwater Journeys
Longer tours of 2–3 days give you a deeper experience. These journeys may cover multiple towns, allowing you to observe the changing landscape and stop at local villages and temples.
Canoe and Shikara Rides
These smaller boats can go into narrower canals where houseboats cannot reach. Ideal for birdwatching and photography, these rides are peaceful and closer to village life.
Cultural Encounters on the Kerala Backwater Tour
Your backwater journey can also include cultural interactions such as:
-
Village Walks: Accompanied by a local guide, these walks help you understand the daily life of the people.
-
Temple Visits: Experience the architecture and rituals of traditional Kerala temples.
-
Traditional Arts: Witness Kathakali dance performances, martial art demonstrations (Kalaripayattu), or local music shows organized near backwater stays.
-
Handicraft Shopping: Buy coir products, coconut shell items, and handwoven fabrics from village cooperatives.
These cultural elements enrich your Kerala backwater tour, giving it depth beyond just the landscape.
Responsible Tourism in the Backwaters
With the increasing popularity of the Kerala backwater tour, there has also been rising concern about environmental and cultural impact. Fortunately, Kerala has initiated several responsible tourism practices, encouraging eco-friendly houseboats, waste management, and community engagement.
As a visitor, you can contribute by:
-
Choosing certified eco-friendly houseboats
-
Avoiding plastic use
-
Supporting local artisans and guides
-
Respecting local customs and privacy
These practices ensure that the backwaters remain pristine and enjoyable for generations to come.
Packing Tips for a Kerala Backwater Tour
To make the most of your Kerala backwater tour, here’s what you should pack:
-
Lightweight cotton clothes (preferably in light colors)
-
Sunscreen and sunglasses
-
Insect repellent
-
A good camera or smartphone for photography
-
Power bank and chargers
-
Personal medications and basic first-aid
Most houseboats have basic amenities, but keeping essentials handy is always a good idea, especially during overnight stays.
Final Thoughts on the Kerala Backwater Tour
The Kerala backwater tour is not about rushing from one place to another—it’s about slowing down, observing, and feeling connected to the land and its people. Whether you’re sailing through wide lakes, gliding into narrow canals, or sipping coconut water on a shaded deck, the backwaters offer an experience that stays with you long after the journey ends.
It’s a destination where every bend in the water brings something new: a flock of birds, a smile from a child on the shore, or a meal made with love and tradition. That’s the real charm of the Kerala backwaters—a world where time flows like the water itself.
