Backwater Destinations in Kerala

Kerala is the home to some of the most magical and equally enchanting natural marvels! While on a trip to this scenic state in the southern part of the country, visitors get to unravel these bountiful marvels and revel in their miraculous beauty! And while talking about the magical charm and beauty of Mother Nature in God’s Own Country, it is the ‘Backwaters’ that occupies a visitor’s mind!

A paradise for the visitors, Kerala is in fact one of the finest and spectacular backwater destinations across the globe! Dotted with swaying coconut groves, adorned with the charm of turquoise lagoons, and blended with an intricate network of canals, backwaters in Kerala not only open the doors to a new world, but also entices the visitors on a Kerala trip to fall in love with the same.

Let’s manoeuvre across some of the most bewitching backwater destinations in Kerala, and make your holidays memorable for the rest of your life!

List of Backwater Destinations in Kerala

Alleppey Backwaters

The 'Mecca' among all the backwater destinations in Kerala, Alleppey sits graciously on the banks of Vembanad Lake. The untouched nature, pristine beauty, and alluring charm of this gorgeous city makes it one of the most romantic destinations you can visit. Visit Alleppey Backwaters, embark on a houseboat cruise, sit back and curate timeless memories.

Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram – the confluence point of tradition, modernity, fun, frolic, romance, leisure, adventure and thrill, is the home to the spellbinding Thiruvallam Backwaters. Flowing through the Veli Village; around 6km from Trivandrum, this stretch of Thiruvallam Backwater is also known for its array of fun-filled and enthralling offerings.

Kuttanad Backwaters

Kuttanad Backwaters is in fact the most silent, serene, tranquil, and alluring backwater destination in Kerala. The backwaters in Kuttanad carries a unique mysticism. The lapping water, the swaying coconut grooves, and the lively houseboat manoeuvring through the backwaters in this region will surely offer you a piece of heaven!

Kottayam Backwaters

The swaying Kottayam Backwaters just seems to be another sonnet! This part of Kerala Backwaters carry an irresistible rhythm of its own. The silent backwater flowing flawlessly, the elegant, yet steady houseboats cruising through them, and the untouched beauty of the Vembanad Lake; everything in Kottayam is meant to keep you captivated!

Kollam Backwaters

Visit the Kollam Backwaters to discover how peaceful God's Own Country is! Bestowed with the miraculous charm of Ashtamudi Lake, this portion of backwater resonates the true charm and allurement ofIndia’s Spice Capital. Come, feel the magic, and spend some leisure moments while seated back in a houseboat sliding over the Kollam Backwaters!

Kumarakom Backwaters

Graced by the charm of blue lagoons, turquoise lakes, and playful coconut groves, Kumarakom Backwaters can easily get you infected with its charm! Embraced with the enchanting beauty of the Vembanad Lake, this stretch of backwaters in Kerala got enlisted as 'One of the Top 50 Destinations of a Lifetime' by National Geographic.

Kozhikode Backwaters

Rated as the most laid-back backwaters in Kerala, Kozhikode Backwaters is one of the most sought after tourist destinations among the peace lovers. Dotted with captivating lagoons, a network of canals, and a prismatic range of flora and fauna, and bestowed, this is the place you must not miss while searching for Kerala Backwaters.

Kasaragod Backwater

Scenic views, heart-warming houseboat stays, fun-filled cruises, and the eternal silence of Kasargod Backwaters will surely behold all your senses! Unlike other backwater destinations in Kerala, this portion offers a unique experience that speaks volume through its captivating beauty, tranquil calmness and plenitude of leisure options to the visitors.

Cochin Backwaters

How about a backwater cruise whileunravelling the beauty of traditional fishing nets, palm-fringed lagoons, and scenic villages while being accompanied by all the modern glitz? Sounds fascinating, right? Well, a visit to the miraculous Cochin Backwaters is all you need to fulfil all your backwater fantasies while on a Kerala tour!

Things To Do Around Kerala Backwaters

Houseboat Cruises

Houseboat cruises should always be the first thing to do while enjoying the Kerala Backwaters! These tours are ideal for all types of vacations and serves as the most ideal way to unravel the alluring beauty of the silent, yet irresistible backwaters in God’s Own Country.

Canoeing and Kayaking

If there is anything apart from the houseboat cruises that can get you introduced with the bountiful beauty of backwaters, it has to be wither kayaking or canoeing. Join these exciting expeditions, row through the backwaters, explore pictorial villages, manoeuvre through never-ending paddy fields, and discover an array hidden marvels.

Feast on the Kerala Boat Race

Fulfil all your childhood dream of witnessing the much acclaimed Snake Boat Race while touring around Kerala! Visit Alleppey during the second Saturday of August, and you can be a witness to the much awaited and vigorously enjoyed Snake Boat Race Competition or the 'Nehru Trophy Boat Race'.

Ayurvedic Therapies

The pristine land of Kerala can also be called as the 'Land of Relaxation and Rejuvenation'! And if you find this hard to believe in, try to get an Ayurvedic therapy done; the God's Own Country is the home to some of the finest and most relaxing Ayurveda spas in the world.

Shop to the Beach and Back

This backwater destination also serves as a wonderful shopping destination to the visitors. Starting from traditional arts and crafts to home-made spices, you can get everything around the livelier beaches of Kerala if you are really good at bargaining!

Beach Fun and Activities

Sit back, relax, laze around, and repeat! Yes, while enjoying the miraculous charm of Kerala Backwaters, you can carelessly follow the schedule while sun-basking, strolling, indulging in various beach activities, or simply witnessing the openness of the mighty Arabian Sea across the beaches in Kerala.

Treat Your Taste Buds

If 'South Indian' delicacies sound tempting to you, Kerala style foods will surely make your taste buds go gaga! Whether the authentic Chettinad Chicken dishes, the exotic range of sea foods, the traditional appam, or the types of banana chips, every foodie will find the backwaters in India’s Spice Capital as gastronomic heavens to treat your taste buds.

Best Way to Kerala Backwaters

By Air Trivandrum International Airport Cochin International Airport Calicut International Airport Kannur International Airport
Alleppey Backwaters 3 Hrs / 147km 2 Hrs / 86km 5 Hrs / 218km 8 Hrs / 328km
Thiruvananthapuram Backwaters 30 mins / 9km 5 Hrs / 241km 9 Hrs / 373km 12 Hrs / 483km
Kuttanad Backwaters 3 Hrs / 134km 2 Hrs / 107km 5 Hrs / 239km 9 Hrs / 349km
Kottayam Backwaters 3 Hs / 150km 2 Hrs / 76km 5 Hrs / 235km 8 Hrs / 345km
Kollam Backwaters 1.5 Hrs / 66km 3 Hrs / 167km 7 Hrs / 299km 10 Hrs / 408km
Kumarakom Backwaters 3.5 Hrs / 161km 2 Hrs / 77km 5 Hrs / 210km 8 Hrs / 320km
Kozhikode Backwaters 9 Hrs / 384km 4 Hrs / 173km 1 Hr / 28km 2 Hrs / 95km
Kasaragod Backwaters 14 Hrs / 558km 9 Hrs / 351km 5 Hrs / 206km 3 Hrs / 116km
Cochin Backwaters 4 Hrs / 207km 1 Hr / 44km 4 Hrs / 158km 7 Hrs / 268km
NOTE: On arrival at the desired airport, visitors can board government or private run buses to reach their favourite Kerala Backwater destination. Private cabs and taxis can also be hired to reach the backwater destinations; most of the airports have prepaid taxi services.
By Road Alleppey Thiruvananthapuram Kuttanad Kottayam
Alleppey —— 164km / 3 Hrs 22km / 1 Hr 48km / 1 Hr
Cochin 54km / 1 Hr 200km / 4 Hrs 75km / 2 Hrs 66km / 1.5 Hrs
Kumarakom 33km / 1 Hr 179km / 4 Hrs 55km / 1 Hr 16km / 29 Mins
Trivandrum 146km / 3 Hrs —— 133km / 3 Hrs 147km / 3 Hrs
Thekkady 138km / 4 Hrs 204km / 5 Hrs 137km / 4 Hrs 108km / 3 Hrs
Wayanad 309km / 7 Hrs 455km / 12 Hrs 330km / 8 Hrs 326km / 8 Hrs
Munnar 176km / 5 Hrs   190km / 5 Hrs  
Kozhikode 236km / 5 Hrs (NH-66),

282km / 7 Hrs

(Main Central Road)

 383km / 10 Hrs 258km / 6 Hrs 255km / 6 Hrs
Mysuru (Karnataka) 443km / 9 Hrs 588km / 13 Hrs 462km / 10 Hrs 440km / 9 Hrs
Bangalore (Karnataka) 596km / 10 Hrs 685km / 13 Hrs 618km / 11 Hrs 596km / 11 Hrs
Udupi (Karnataka) 519km / 12 Hrs 665km / 17 Hrs 540km / 14 Hrs 537km / 13 Hrs
Mangalore (Karnataka) 468km / 12 Hrs 613km / 16 Hrs 489km / 12 Hrs 485km / 12 Hrs
Gokarna (Karnataka) 695km / 16 Hrs 841km / 21 Hrs 716km / 18 Hrs 712km / 17 Hrs
Chennai (Tamil Nadu) 742km / 13 Hrs 725km / 13 Hrs 705km / 13 Hrs 676km / 13 Hrs
Madurai (Tamil Nadu) 275km / 6 Hrs 314km / 6 Hrs 274km / 6 Hrs 245km / 6 Hrs
Ooty (Tamil Nadu) 348km / 8 Hrs 494km / 11 Hrs 370km / 8 Hrs 348km / 8 Hrs
Kodaikanal (Tamil Nadu) 285km / 7 Hrs 333km / 8 Hrs 284km / 7 Hrs 255km / 7 Hrs
Yercaud (Tamil Nadu) 427km / 8 Hrs 511km / 10 Hrs 449km / 9 Hrs 427km / 8 Hrs
By Road Kollam Kumarakom Kozhikode Kasaragod Cochin
Alleppey 81km / 1 Hr 36km / 1 Hr 226km / 5 Hrs 411km / 10 Hrs 60km / 1.5 Hrs
Cochin 135km / 3 Hrs 52km / 1 Hr 180km / 4 Hrs 365km / 9 Hrs —-
Kumarakom 114km / 3 Hrs 4km / 30 Mins 221km / 5 Hrs 406km / 10 Hrs 55km / 1.5 Hrs
Trivandrum 65km / 1 Hr 156km / 3 Hrs 379km / 9 Hrs 557km / 14 Hrs 206km / 4 Hrs
Thekkady 162km / 4 Hrs 120km / 3 Hrs 308km / 8 Hrs 486km / 12 Hrs 162km / 4 Hrs
Wayanad 389km / 9 Hrs 301km / 7 Hrs 86km / 2 Hrs 207km / 5 Hrs 249km / 6 Hrs
Munnar 234km / 6 Hrs 157km / 4 Hrs 278km / 6 Hrs 455km / 11 Hrs 136km / 3.5 Hrs
Kozhikode 318KM / 7 Hrs 229km / 5 Hrs —- 180km / 4 Hrs 177km / 4 Hrs
Mysuru (Karnataka) 475km / 11 Hrs 386km / 9 Hrs 211km / 4 Hrs 227km / 5 Hrs 227km / 5 Hrs
Bangalore (Karnataka) 677km / 12 Hrs 588km / 11 Hrs 359km / 8 Hrs 359km / 8 Hrs 554km / 10 Hrs
Udupi (Karnataka) 600km / 14 Hrs 511km / 12 Hrs 286km / 6 Hrs 106km / 2 Hrs 459km / 11 Hrs
Mangalore (Karnataka) 548km / 12 Hrs 460km / 11 Hrs 235km / 5 Hrs 54km / 1 Hr 408km / 10 Hrs
Gokarna (Karnataka) 776km / 17 Hrs 687km / 16 Hrs 462km / 10 Hrs 281km / 6 Hrs 635km / 15 Hrs
Chennai (Tamil Nadu) 719km / 13 Hrs 733km / 13 Hrs 684km / 12 Hrs 696km / 13 Hrs 700km / 12 Hrs
Madurai (Tamil Nadu) 259km / 6 Hrs 257km / 6 Hrs 354km / 8 Hrs 530km / 12 Hrs 276km / 7 Hrs
Ooty (Tamil Nadu) 429km / 9 Hrs 339km / 8 Hrs 157km / 4 Hrs 355km / 8 Hrs 306 km / 7 Hrs
Kodaikanal (Tamil Nadu) 309km / 8 Hrs 267km / 7 Hrs 301km / 7 Hrs 478km / 11 Hrs 318km / 7 Hrs
Yercaud (Tamil Nadu) 508km / 9 Hrs 418km / 8 Hrs 370km / 7 Hrs 514km / 11 Hrs 385km / 7 Hrs