Kerala, popularly known as “God’s Own Country,” is renowned for its tranquil backwaters that reflect the soul of this coastal paradise. Gliding through the emerald green canals lined with coconut palms and quaint villages is an experience that every traveller should add to their bucket list. Here are the top 10 Kerala Backwater Tours that promise you a serene and scenic getaway like no other.
1. Alleppey Houseboat Cruise
No list of Kerala Backwater Tours is complete without the classic Alleppey houseboat experience. Known as the “Venice of the East,” Alleppey offers luxurious houseboats equipped with modern comforts. As you float past paddy fields, churches, and daily village life, the calm water and gentle breeze create the ultimate relaxing holiday.
2. Kumarakom Backwater Tour
Kumarakom, located near Vembanad Lake, is a pristine backwater destination ideal for bird lovers and peace seekers. You can choose a houseboat or a canoe ride to explore its canals and the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. The region’s lush mangroves and abundant avian life make this tour both scenic and immersive.
3. Kollam Backwater Cruise
Kollam offers one of the longest backwater cruises in Kerala, stretching from Kollam to Alleppey over eight hours. As you travel through Ashtamudi Lake, you will pass Chinese fishing nets, coir villages, and narrow canals flanked by coconut groves. This less crowded route is ideal for travellers seeking a peaceful and authentic backwater experience.
4. Thottappally to Alappuzha Backwater Tour
This lesser-known backwater route begins from Thottappally near the Arabian Sea coast and ends at Alappuzha. It takes you through the tranquil Punnamada Lake, Kuttanad paddy fields below sea level, and traditional village life. This tour is perfect for photography enthusiasts wanting to capture Kerala’s rustic charm.
5. Kuttanad Backwater Tour
Kuttanad is often called the ‘Rice Bowl of Kerala’ due to its extensive paddy fields. The Kuttanad backwater tour offers views of farming below sea level, unique dykes, and coconut-lined canals. Watching farmers at work while cruising in silence is a humbling and inspiring experience.
6. Kochi Backwater Tour
For travellers short on time, Kochi offers half-day or full-day Kerala Backwater Tours. Departing from Marine Drive or Fort Kochi, these cruises take you through Vembanad Lake and nearby islands like Vallarpadam and Kadamakkudy. It combines backwaters with views of Kochi’s colonial architecture, Chinese fishing nets, and bustling port life.
7. Ashtamudi Lake Backwater Tour
Ashtamudi Lake near Kollam is Kerala’s second-largest lake and known for its eight arms (‘Ashta’ meaning eight, ‘Mudi’ meaning branches). A houseboat cruise here is serene, passing through small islands, cashew processing villages, and Chinese fishing nets. It is ideal for those wanting a calm environment away from touristy crowds.
8. Munroe Island Canoe Tour
Munroe Island near Kollam is perfect for travellers seeking an offbeat backwater tour. Instead of houseboats, canoe tours here take you through narrow canals under low-lying coconut bridges, villages, and coir-making units. The island’s unspoilt beauty and silence make it one of the best Kerala Backwater Tours for cultural immersion.
9. Pathiramanal Island Backwater Tour
Pathiramanal is a small island on Vembanad Lake accessible only by boat from Alappuzha or Kumarakom. The name translates to ‘Sands of Night,’ and the island is home to rare migratory birds. A half-day boat tour here is ideal for bird watchers and those wanting a secluded, nature-rich backwater experience.
10. Vaikom Backwater Tour
Vaikom, near Kumarakom, offers tranquil backwater tours through narrow canals, traditional temples, and small villages. The Vaikom Mahadeva Temple adds a spiritual touch to this scenic journey. If you want to experience authentic Kerala village life along with backwaters, Vaikom is a perfect choice.
Why Choose Kerala Backwater Tours?
Kerala Backwater Tours are not just about the scenery but about connecting with life at a slower pace. You witness fishermen casting their nets, women washing clothes by the banks, children waving as you pass, and farmers tending to their fields. It is an immersion into simplicity, nature, and culture away from the rush of city life.
These tours range from luxury houseboats with air-conditioned rooms and onboard chefs to simple canoe rides for budget travellers and solo explorers. Whether you seek romantic isolation, cultural experiences, or family bonding time, there is a backwater tour tailored for you.
Best Time for Kerala Backwater Tours
The ideal season for backwater tours is from October to March, when the weather is cool and pleasant. However, monsoon lovers visit between June and September to experience lush greenery and refreshing rains, though houseboats may operate with limited routes during heavy showers.
Final Thoughts
Kerala’s backwaters are timeless, calming, and beautiful beyond words. Each tour listed above offers a unique glimpse into the state’s heart – from Alleppey’s luxurious cruises to Munroe Island’s rustic canoe rides. Choose your ideal route and let the tranquil waters rejuvenate your body, mind, and soul.
For your next holiday, book one of these Kerala Backwater Tours and experience a serene and scenic getaway that will remain etched in your memory forever.
