Kerala Backwaters Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, food and drink scene, where to stay, and what to buy in Kerala Backwaters. Find the best activities and hikes, as well as local culture and customs. Learn about the best time to visit, transportation options and logistics, and nearby destinations.


Introduction to Kerala Backwaters

If you’re looking for a peaceful, serene, and unforgettable vacation spot, Kerala Backwaters is the perfect destination. This labyrinth of waterways, islands, and lakes on India’s southern coast is a unique experience that’s perfect for travellers who love to explore off-the-beaten-track destinations.

The natural beauty, local culture, and gastronomic delights make Kerala Backwaters a must-visit place for travellers from around the world.

List of Places to Visit in Kerala Backwaters

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Fort Kochi

Fort Kochi is a historical neighbourhood at the edge of the Indian peninsula, in the city of Kochi. This charming city has a lovely sea shore and is well known for various tourist attractions such as Fort Kochi Beach or the Kochi-Muziris Biennale art exhibition. The district is also famous for its colonial architecture, historical churches, and Chinese fishing nets.

Mattancherry Palace

Mattancherry palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, was built by the Portuguese in 1555 and gifted to the Maharaja of Kochi in 1663. The museum showcases a collection of ancient weapons, portraits, and murals from the 16th century. The architecture is set in the traditional Kerala style, and it is a must-visit spot for history buffs and art lovers.

Natural Attractions of Kerala Backwaters: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Alleppey Beach

Located around 87 kilometres from Kerala’s capital, Thiruvananthapuram, Alleppey Beach is an incredibly popular destination for both locals and tourists. The beach is perfect for beach activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and parasailing. It’s also a great place to enjoy stunning sunsets.

Periyar National Park

Periyar National Park is a wildlife reserve that is home to a wide range of animals, such as tigers, leopards, elephants, and sambar deer. It’s also home to several species of birds, butterflies, and reptiles. The best way to explore this amazing park is through a guided jungle safari, bamboo rafting or trekking.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Kerala Backwaters

Kerala Backwaters Cycle Route

The Kerala Backwaters Cycle Route is a 15-day long cycling tour that takes you through some of the most picturesque countryside in India. This route covers 500km, and travellers can explore valleys and waterways, serene beaches, and historical landmarks. It’s the perfect choice for those looking to add some adventure to their Kerala itinerary.

Best Things to Do in Kerala Backwaters: Activities and Tours

Backwaters Houseboat Cruise

A houseboat cruise is undeniably one of the most relaxing and scenic things to do in Kerala Backwaters. You can take a leisurely ride through peaceful backwaters, savor local cuisine, and enjoy stunning views of delicate palm trees, coconut plantations, and lagoons. Some houseboats are equipped with modern conveniences such as a private deck, a sundeck, and air-conditioned bedrooms.

Ayurvedic Massage and Spa

Kerala is known for its Ayurvedic treatments and massages, which have been practiced for over 5,000 years. Places like the Marari Beach Resort in the backwater area of Kumarakom offer Ayurvedic massages and treatments that are a great way to clear your mind, detoxify your body, and heal any ailments.

Week-Long Itinerary for Kerala Backwaters

Day Itinerary
1 Arrival in Kochi and visit to Fort Kochi
2 Explore Mattancherry Palace and Jewish Synagogue
3 Visit Periyar National Park
4 Houseboat cruise in Alleppey
5 Travel to Kumarakom and enjoy an Ayurvedic massage
6 Explore backwaters and local cuisine
7 Departure to Cochin International Airport

Food and Drink Scene of Kerala Backwaters

Must-Try Dishes

Sadya

Sadya is a traditional vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf, including rice, sambar, thoran, olan, kaalan, avial, and pachadi. It’s the perfect way to experience the local cuisine of Kerala and indulge in a gastronomic feast.

Appam with Stew

Appam is a type of thin pancake made from fermented rice flour with coconut milk. It is typically served with a bowl of savory stew, chicken or vegetable curry, and fresh coconut chutney.

Local Beverages

Spiced Tea

Spiced tea is a flavorful blend of tea and spices such as cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. It’s a perfect evening or rainy day beverage that warms the body and soul.

Toddy

Toddy is a natural alcoholic beverage, made by tapping sap from a toddy palm tree. It has a sweet and sour taste and is a popular drink among locals.

Where to Stay in Kerala Backwaters

Marari Beach Resort

Marari Beach Resort is a fantastic option, located at a short walk from the Marari Beach. This eco-friendly resort offers bungalows and villas. It is also an excellent place to enjoy Ayurvedic treatments and massages.

Coconut Lagoon

The Coconut Lagoon is located in Kumarakom, a village nestled in the lap of Vembanad Lake. This resort features Kerala’s traditional architecture, and its rooms are surrounded by a waterway. Coconut Lagoon offers Ayurvedic treatments and houseboat cruises.

What to Buy in Kerala Backwaters: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Spices

Spices are an essential part of Kerala’s food culture, and you can find a wide variety of fresh spices in the local markets. You can buy black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, and other aromatic spices to bring home.

Handicrafts

Kerala is famous for its handicrafts, including carved wooden sculptures, coir products, and traditional home décor items made from brass.

Local Culture and Customs of Kerala Backwaters

Kerala has a rich cultural history, and the locals are known for their friendly and welcoming nature. Traditional dances such as Kathakali and Mohiniyattam are a prominent part of Kerala’s culture. The locals also observe various festivals and celebrations throughout the year.

Best Time to Visit Kerala Backwaters

The best time to visit Kerala Backwaters is between August and May when the weather is pleasant and comfortable. Monsoons make the place look a lot greener, and the post-monsoon time period is the best time to experience the cultural aspects of Kerala.

Do’s and Don’ts of Kerala Backwaters

Do:

  • Respect local customs and avoid wearing revealing clothes.
  • Take off shoes when entering a temple or mosque.
  • Ask for permission before taking photos of locals.
  • Try local cuisine and attend cultural events.

Don’t:

  • Litter the backwaters.
  • Speak loudly or use obscene language.
  • Smoke in public places or inside rooms.

Safety and Health

Safety in Kerala Backwaters

Kerala Backwaters is a relatively safe destination, and the incidence of crime is low. However, it’s always a good idea to take basic precautions, such as locking your room, not carrying large sums of money, and not walking in poorly lit areas during the night.

Health in Kerala Backwaters

The local water in Kerala can sometimes cause stomach problems. To avoid getting sick, it is advisable to drink bottled water only, avoid eating food from street vendors, and maintain proper hygiene.

Getting to Kerala Backwaters: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Kerala Backwaters

Cochin International Airport is located close to Kerala Backwaters, offering direct and connecting flights from all major cities in India and other countries.

Bus Stations Near Kerala Backwaters

Most of the popular backwater destinations, including Alleppey and Kumarakom, are well-connected by bus services from different parts of Kerala.

Other Options

Travellers can also consider train or taxi services to reach Kerala Backwaters from different parts of India.

How to Get Around in Kerala Backwaters

Travellers can rent motorbikes or bicycles to explore the backwaters at their own pace. Auto-rickshaws, boat taxis, and ferries are also available for transportation.

Where to Go Next from Kerala Backwaters: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Mysore

Mysore is a beautiful historic city located in Karnataka, approximately 280kms from Kerala Backwaters. A great way to explore Mysore is to visit its famous palaces, gardens, and museums.

Goa

Goa is a coastal state located north of Kerala, well known for its stunning beaches, colonial architecture, and nightlife. Travellers can take a train or flight to reach Goa from Kerala Backwaters.

Conclusion

Kerala Backwaters is a beautiful, peaceful, and unique destination that offers a blend of natural beauty, local culture, and gastronomic delights. From backwater cruises to houseboat stays, outdoor adventures to relaxing spa treatments, there’s something for everyone in Kerala Backwaters. Plan your trip today to experience one of India’s most beautiful destinations.

Houseboats at Kerala Backwaters Houseboats at Kerala Backwaters A small Christian chapel along a backwater canal, with traditional houseboats moored beside it. A small Christian chapel along a backwater canal, with traditional houseboats moored beside it. A village in the Kerala Backwaters A village in the Kerala Backwaters