5 daysKochi
5 Days Luxury Kerala Tour with Houseboat Experience Private Tour
5.0(96)Free cancellation
from$244
Kerala Backwaters
Kerala
The Kerala backwaters are a network of lagoons, lakes and canals running parallel to the coast of southern India. Villages, churches and rice paddies line the water, and life moves at the pace of the boats.
The classic way to see them is a night on a kettuvallam, a converted rice barge with bedrooms, a deck and an on board cook. Most cruises start from Alleppey, also called Alappuzha, or Kumarakom on Vembanad Lake, and many Kerala tours combine a houseboat with the tea hills of Munnar and the old port of Kochi.
What a houseboat trip is like
You board around midday, eat a Keralan lunch of fish curry and rice as the boat sets off, and spend the afternoon drifting past villages and paddies. Boats moor for the night, often with a village walk at sunset, and return after breakfast the next morning.
Houseboats range from simple one bedroom boats to large luxury vessels with air conditioning and glass walled lounges. Private boats are the norm, so it is easy to arrange for couples and families.
Tips for your trip
- Check whether air conditioning runs all night or only during set hours.
- The main channels near Alleppey can be busy with boats. Kumarakom and smaller canoe trips through narrow canals feel more peaceful.
- The monsoon from June to August brings heavy rain but very green scenery and lower prices.
Multi-day tours that visit Kerala Backwaters
Every tour here includes Kerala Backwaters in its itinerary. Best rated first.
5 days
8 daysKochi
8 Days Kerala Private Tour (3 Star) with Munnar, Houseboat & Cab- Iris Holidays
4.9(188)Free cancellation
from$519
5 days
6 days
6 days
4 daysKochi
4 Days Best of Kerala Tour with Private Houseboat, Sightseeing & Car
4.8(210)Free cancellation
from$183
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Kerala Backwaters: questions
Is one night on a houseboat enough?
For most people, yes. One night gives you an afternoon cruise, a sunset and a peaceful morning. A second night tends to cover the same waters.
When is the best time to visit the Kerala backwaters?
September to March brings the most comfortable weather. December and January are the busiest and most expensive months.
Alleppey or Kumarakom?
Alleppey has the largest choice of houseboats and lively canals. Kumarakom is quieter, with upmarket lakeside resorts and a bird sanctuary.