Top 10 Back Water Travel Location in Kerala
Kerala is bordered on the west by the Arabian Sea and on the east by the Western Ghats. It is known as ‘God’s Own Country because of its beautiful scenery. Kerala’s scenic backwaters are made up of calm expanses of lakes, canals, and lagoons that run parallel to the Arabian Sea’s coast. Kerala’s houseboat destinations are the state’s most popular tourist attraction.
However, the finest method to see the backwaters is on a houseboat, also known as a “kettuvallam.” They lead you to the state’s otherwise inaccessible hinterlands, where they were traditionally utilized to convey rice, spices, and passengers. The exquisite silence is broken only by the repetitive sound of the paddles late at night when the surroundings are bathed in blue. Such moments’ warmth lingers for a long time. If you haven’t visited Kerala’s backwaters, you are missing out on an unforgettable experience. This article will inform you of the top backwater spots in Kerala to visit.
1. Alleppey Backwaters
The Alleppey Backwaters are one of the most popular Kerala backwater locations. Alappuzha, popularly known as the “Venice of the East,” is a charming town in Kerala. A cruise on these backwaters in a houseboat is a magical experience. The houseboats that can be found here now are a modified version of the “Kettuvallam” of the past. Wave to the passing palm trees and local children in bright uniforms. Among the several backwater tours in Kerala, the scenery afforded by this location is unrivaled.
Best Time to Visit: If you want warm weather, the months of November to February are ideal; however, if you want to explore the seas throughout the summer, the months of March to May are ideal.
Attractions: Lakes, lagoons, crisscrossed small canals, rivers, coconut trees, paddy fields, and other natural wonders abound.
Nearest Railway Station: Alleppey railway station.
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport.
2. Ashtamudi Backwaters
Ashtamudi backwaters are thought to be the world’s second-largest deepest wetland habitat. Coconut gardens and palm palms can be seen sprinkled among the towns as you enter these backwater stretches. Many poets and artists have been inspired by the Ashtamudi Lake, which also acts as a gateway to Kerala’s backwaters. The Chinese Fishing Nets (also known as “cheena vala”), which appeared to be absorbed in a daylong meditation, are a typical sight here.
Best time to visit: September & October.
Attraction: Get a taste of Kerala’s backwaters excursions by speaking with a local tribe and learning about the big eight. Enjoy the natural heritage.
Nearest railway station: Kollam railway station.
Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport.
3. Kuttanad
Kuttanad is unique in that it is India’s lowest point, lying below sea level. The epithet “The Rice Bowl of Kerala” comes from the abundance of rice farmed in this region. Kuttanad is located in the Alapuzha District and encompasses the backwaters’ heartland. Tourists go to this location because they want to see the shimmering backwaters, which are made up of rivers, canals, and lakes on either side, as well as the lush flora and undiscovered Kerala lifestyle. This is without a doubt one of Kerala’s top backwater tours.
Best Time to visit: August to March.
Attractions: Relax while taking in the scenery and rice fields, if they are visible. Champakulam and Chengannur, a town with a pleasant ambiance, are two nearby sites worth seeing.
Nearest railway station: Alleppey railway station.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport.
4. Cherai Island Backwaters
This is the most exquisite combination of sea and backwaters of all the Kerala backwaters. This beautiful location is one of the must-see destinations for visitors. With its beachside location and stunning views, it’s an ideal place to unwind. With its beachside location and stunning views, it’s the ideal place to unwind. You’ll see Chinese fishing nets and green grooves all along the way.
Attractions: This location has many resorts where you can stay and spend time with your family, and of course, this diversity also includes a houseboat trip
Best time to visit: All around the year.
Nearest railway station: Ernakulum railway station.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport.
5. Backwaters of Kozhikode
The backwaters of Kozhikode are pristine and virgin, allowing visitors to enjoy the best of nature’s splendor. The palm-fringed rivulets, lakes, and canals provide ideal houseboat cruising for guests. While cruising on a houseboat, explore the gorgeous backwaters, view majestic surroundings, and enjoy the quiet soothing impact of the charming backwaters.
Attractions: Relax as you cruise around the Kozhikode beach, which is noted for its tranquillity. With two piers and a lighthouse, the beach provides the most breath-taking vista. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit the Pazhassirajah Museum, which has a rare collection of gold and silver coins used by Vasco Di Gama and British explorers.
Best time to visit: October to March.
Nearest railway station: Kozhikode railway station.
Nearest airport: Calicut International Airport.
6. Kottayam Backwaters
The 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 seawater make up 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 paradise for visitors from all over the world. Witness the backwaters’ enthralling splendor. Admire the water lilies and lotus touching your houseboats, as well as the slow creeping water birds.
Attractions: Take an overnight tour across Kerala’s famed Punnamada Lake, taking in the sights of the people’s distinct way of life as you pass through the villages.
Best time to visit: September to March.
Nearest railway station: Kottayam railway station.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport.
7. Thiruvallam Backwaters
Thiruvallam backwaters are the place to be if you enjoy canoeing, kayaking, and other water activities. Starting in Thiruvananthapuram and ending in Kovalam, you may take kettuvalom rides in this beautiful backwater. Floating bridges and small village cruises are two other must-do activities in addition to water sports. If time allows, pay a visit to the Parashuram Temple, where residents worship Parashuram, Kerala’s fabled creator. You can also learn about the wonderful technique of creating houseboats by spending a day or two at the local coir production companies.
Attractions: Canoe trips are popular in the tranquil backwater stretch en route to Kovalam. It is the confluence of two rivers, the Killi and the Karamana. Thiruvallam is home to a temple dedicated to Parashurama, Kerala’s mythical founder. Tourists can also participate in certain water sports offered at these backwaters.
Best time to visit: October to February.
Nearest railway station: Thiruvananthapuram central railway station.
Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport.
8. Pathiramanal
Hundreds of migrating birds stop in Pathiramanal on their way to and from different areas of the world. With the vibrant backwaters as a backdrop, you may spend hours bird-watching, adding even more appeal to the natural splendor. To name a few species, one can see Pintail Ducks, Common Teal, Night Heron, Cormorant, Darter, Indian Shag, Purple Heron, gulls, terns, and huge egrets. Pathiramanal stretches from Alappuzha to Kochi, as well as the Kayamkulam Lake, and is only accessible by water. You can also go to the Krishnapuram Palace to marvel at the magnificence of Kerala’s kings. You can also take soothing walks on the Alappuzha beach while being enchanted by the mystifying impact of a cool breeze.
Attractions: A safe haven for thousands of rare birds migrating from all around the world. Best place for photography
Best time to visit: All around the year.
Nearest Railway Station: Cherthala railway station.
Nearest airport: Kochi International Airport.
9. Padanna Backwaters, Kasargod
This is one of the few areas in the state where modernity has not yet made an appearance. The historic charm of Padanna’s rural sections can still be found in its backwaters. The oyster farms attract a large number of visitors. Take a houseboat cruise or relax on the Valiyaparamba beach.
Attractions: Shri Mundya Temple, Padanna Juma Masjid, and Town Moideen Masjid are three places of considerable religious significance where you can pray.
Best Times to Visit: June, July, and August.
Nearest Railway Station: Cheruvathur railway junction.
Nearest Airport: Mangalore International Airport.
10. Thrissur Backwaters
Visit the Kerala backwaters, a unique tourism destination that rivals the Alleppey backwaters. This place, which exudes photogenic air, allows you to capture the vibrant sights in the scattered rays. This is a stop that provides a glimpse into the local culture as well as a taste of modern Kerala.
Attraction: Take a leisure trip around Chettuva Lake, Kanoli Kanal, and Tripayar aboard a shikhara or a houseboat. There are also motorboats if you become tired of houseboats and similar activities.
Best Time to Visit: May to August.
Nearest Railway Station: Thrissur railway station.
Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport.
