Are you wondering what Kerala backwaters are and why you should go see them? The easiest approach to learning about them is to choose one of them. With a broad list of backwater trips, this region is one of a kind and offers a sense of freshness complimented by picture-perfect green backdrops.
You can explore the vibrant colors of this quarter and make unforgettable memories while touring the region in a houseboat. Whether you visit with your loved one or your family, it is a decision that will leave you with no regrets and will enchant you. Alleppey Backwaters, Kuttanad Backwaters, Kumarakom Backwaters, Padanna Backwaters, and other backwater tours in Kerala allow you to discover nature’s treasures.
Nature has specifically constructed each of them to provide you with an unusual experience. Needless to say, the backwaters include much more than green palms and coconut trees. You can have it all here, from a leisurely float along the beautiful river to a tour on an ultra-luxurious houseboat.
Here are some of the best Kerala backwaters:
Alleppey Backwaters
Alleppey is one of the most beautiful backwaters in Kerala. A destination for both tourists and travelers. A basic houseboat or a low-cost local ferry are the ideal ways to move around and explore. Wave to the passing palm trees and local children in bright uniforms. This location’s scenic beauty is unrivaled among Kerala’s various backwater tours.
Highlights: Witness the serene sunset, and capture the vivid birds flying above. If lucky enough to be here in August, watch the famous boat race.
Best time to visit: If you are looking for mild weather then months from November to February are favorable, but if you wish to explore the waters in summer then months from March to May are well-suited.
Nearest railway station: Alleppey railway station.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport.
Alumkadavu, Kollam
As this version of Kerala backwaters greets you, cross paradise off your bucket list. The natural woody scent that hovers all over makes this location unique. This is a manufacturing home for everything you see on your backwater trips and is sometimes referred to as the “making village.”
Highlights: Explore how the majestic houseboats and the local canoes are built. With coir and wood all over, people come here to soak and experience of the manufacturing process and also tour on the same.
Best time to visit: July, August, and September.
Nearest railway station: Karunagappally railway station.
Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport.
Ashtamudi Backwaters, Kollam
The lake gets its name from eight merging channels. This location is one of Kerala’s well-known backwaters, and houseboat cruises are highly recommended. Cruises here give you a heart attack and revitalize your soul. Allow the locals to lead you on a unique journey to find yourself. The diverse biodiversity will amaze you for the rest of your life.
Highlights: Get the essence of backwaters tours of Kerala through the local tribe and learn the tales of the big eight.
Best time to visit: September & October.
Nearest railway station: Kollam railway station.
Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport.
Cherai Island Backwaters
This is the best combination of sea and backwaters in Kerala. This lovely location is a must-see for travelers. With its coastline and scenic views, it’s an ideal place to unwind. With its coastline and gorgeous views, it is an ideal spot for leisure. The Chinese fishing nets and green grooves will be visible throughout.
Highlights: This locale hosts a lot of resorts where you can stay and have leisure time with your family, of course, this diversity also offers you a houseboat tour.
Best time to visit: All around the year.
Nearest railway station: Ernakulam railway station.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport.
Cochin Backwaters
Cochin is known as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea” and has one of the world’s best harbors. Enjoy the tranquillity of the ferry journeys and sail around the man-made island. The enormous vegetation will undoubtedly make you fall in love with the region, and the breathtaking vistas make it a must-see during your honeymoon vacation to Kerala.
The nicest thing about this area is that it combines both classic and modern elements of profound desire and high gaiety. Capture the most romantic moment of the big fishing net catching the rays of the sun.
Highlights: Stroll down Jew Street’s shopping alley and shop your heart out. Enjoy a ride in the local ferries to Willingdon Island and the renowned St.Francis Church where the mortal remains of Vasco da Gama were buried. As you travel along, you’ll find that the British, Chinese, Portuguese, and Arab influence is very evident.
Best time to visit: All around the year.
Nearest railway station: Cochin railway station.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport.
Kavvayi Backwater, Payyanur
It is one of the most unusual spots in North Kerala, thanks to its uncommon flora and wildlife. Five rivers pouring and generating beautiful waters provide a fantastic setting for you to go cruising on the same. Dare to miss out on this fantastic backwater trip in Kerala.
Highlights: Catch a boat and go explore the unexplored culture and delicious seafood. The calm breeze and soothing aura are sure to bring peace to your soul.
Best time to visit: May to July.
Nearest railway station: Payyanur railway station.
Nearest airport: Calicut International Airport.
Kuttanad Backwaters
Watch the ducks quacking in unison as they move across the backwaters. This location is sandwiched between the hills and the sea, much like a patty in a burger. Tourists come here to see the shimmering backwaters, which include rivers, canals, and lakes on either side, as well as the lush flora and rural Kerala lifestyle, which is still mostly unknown. One of the best backwater trips in Kerala, without a doubt.
Highlights: Relax whilst touring the scenic beauty and paddy fields if visible. The surrounding attractions worth a visit are Champakulam and Chengannur, a town with a balmy ambiance.
Best time to visit: August to March.
Nearest railway station: Alleppey railway station.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport.
Kumarakom Backwaters
Enjoy the magnificent sights of lush paddy fields and swaying coconut trees, fascinating village life right by your side, while sailing through a network of canals that merge into the big area of water in the Vembanad Lake.
Highlights: Include numerous cultural performances and traditional competitions such as Snake Boat racing. The locals become involved in the preparations for welcoming and feasting, as well as involving and spreading prosperity and joy among the people here.
Best time to visit: August and September.
Nearest railway station: Alleppey railway station.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport.
Kottayam Backwaters
Take a journey to Kerala this vacation and enjoy a peaceful stay with your loved ones. This Kerala Backwaters Tour would never let you down. Kottayam Backwaters, nestled among the beautiful green highlands and paddy fields, is the ideal holiday destination for you. Lagoons, lakes, rivers, rivulets, canals, streams, and salty saltwater comprise the backwaters.
The houseboat trip is the nicest part of the backwaters, and it is here that you will discover the majority of the people that work in the backwaters. This location is a tourism haven for visitors from all over the world. Witness the enthralling beauty of the backwaters. Admire the water lilies and lotus touching your houseboats and the water birds creeping gently and slowly as you travel.
Highlights: Take an overnight trip through the legendary Punnamada Lake, enjoying the sight of the unique lifestyle of people in Kerala passing through the villages.
Best time to visit: September to March.
Nearest railway station: Kottayam railway station.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport.
Kozhikode Backwaters
The Kozhikode backwaters are pristine and untouched, allowing tourists to see nature’s splendor at its finest. The palm-fringed rivulets, lakes, and canals provide ideal houseboat cruising for tourists. Explore the scenic backwaters in a houseboat while observing spectacular surroundings and enjoying the quiet soothing impact of the lovely backwaters.
While traveling the Kerala backwaters, one may discover the magnificent scenery spread throughout God’s own nation. The Kozhikode backwaters are stunning, with their captivating beauty of deltas, rivers, and lakes.
Highlights: Soak in the serenity as you cruise through the Kozhikode beach which is known for its serenity. The beach offers the most stunning view with two piers and a lighthouse. You will also get a chance to stop at the Pazhassirajah Museum which has a rare collection of gold and silver coins used by Vasco Di Gama and the Britishers.
Best time to visit: October to March.
Nearest railway station: Kozhikode railway station.
Nearest airport: Calicut International Airport.
Padanna Backwaters, Kasaragod
This is one of the few areas in the state where modernity has not yet taken hold. Padanna’s rural parts retain their historic beauty, with its backwaters. Many visitors come to observe the oyster farms. Take a houseboat cruise or relax on the Valiyaparamba beach.
Highlights: Visit some places of high religious significance and worship at Shri Mundya Temple, Padanna Juma Masjid, and Town Moideen Masjid.
Best time to visit: June, July, and August.
Nearest railway station: Cheruvathur railway junction.
Nearest airport: Mangalore International Airport.
Sasthamkotta Backwaters, Kollam
The Queen is calling! Without a doubt, the vibe that this location exudes draws a large number of visitors. The spiritual ambiance and friendly wildlife will warm your heart. It is considered a hotspot, with several pilgrimage sites surrounding it, and the locals are constantly up with an interesting story about it.
Highlights: Visit the Sastha Temple as this is a religious center believed to be of high religious significance. Tourists usually have a good time with monkeys jumping around this locale and offering them eatables.
Best time to visit: All year.
Nearest railway station: Kollam railway station.
Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport.
Thiruvanathapuram Backwaters
If you want to have an entertaining journey, choose the Trivandrum backwaters among the Kerala backwaters tours. Thiruvananthapuram’s all-encompassing backwaters offer a stunning kaleidoscope of dynamic beauty. Traditional houseboats known as “Kettuvalloms” are offered for tours on Trivandrum’s picturesque backwaters.
The flowing streams flanked by lush green foliage with a backdrop of the azure sky are nothing short of heaven on earth. Cruise over the peaceful waters of 200 square km of lagoons and crystal blue waterways. Listen to the birds chirping and the water rushing as your houseboat sails on the calm seas.
Highlights: The serene backwater stretch, en route to Kovalam, is famous for its canoe rides. It is the meeting point of two rivers-Killi and Karamana. A temple dedicated to Parashurama, the legendary founder of Kerala, is located in Thiruvallam. One can also enjoy some water sports that are provided at these backwaters for tourists.
Best time to visit: October to February.
Nearest railway station: Thiruvananthapuram central railway station.
Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport.
Thrissur Backwaters
Tour the Kerala backwaters, a unique tourism destination that rivals the Alleppey backwaters. This beautiful location allows you to photograph vibrant landscapes in the dispersed sunlight. This is a stop that provides insight into the people as well as a taste of modern Kerala.
Highlights: Catch a shikhara or a houseboat and go on a leisure cruise around Chettuva Lake, Kanoli Kanal, and Tripayar. Also, there are motorboats in case you are bored with houseboats and anything similar.
Best time to visit: May to August.
Nearest railway station: Thrissur railway station.
Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport.
Valiyaparamba Backwaters
The Valiyaparamba Backwaters are the largest in North Kerala and the third largest in Kerala. These backwaters are another popular Kerala Backwaters trip that tourists enjoy. These backwaters are part of the Kavvayi Backwaters, which run through Kasaragod District.
Island of Valiyaparamba Valiyaparamba Backwaters are untouched and have an air of purity about them. It has kept its rustic charm and tranquil, peaceful atmosphere. Because the seas are calm, most tourists come to enjoy the peace and quiet.
Highlights: While you are cruising in the waters can fish at the Valiyaparamba Backwaters with the traditional sparse equipment used by the locals. Hunting for crabs is an experience you should not miss if you are here.
Best time to visit: September to February.
Nearest railway station: Kasaragod railway station.
Nearest airport: Mangalore airport.