Backwater tourism in Kerala, India, is a popular and unique form of tourism that allows visitors to explore the serene and picturesque backwaters of the state. Kerala is often referred to as the “God’s Own Country” due to its natural beauty, and the backwaters are a significant part of this charm.

Kerala is famous for backwater tourism and the state provides different options for travelers to enjoy the magical experience of backwater cruising.

Kerala, popularly known as ‘God’s own country’ is certainly a paradise on earth for several reasons. In addition to the scenic nature, this small South Indian state is famous for its spectacular beaches, misty hills, scintillating backwaters and exotic flora and fauna. It is a marvelous holiday destination with varieties of experiences. Kerala offers a wonderful deal of opportunities to experience the backwaters, hill stations, beaches and forests. So, it is among the most preferred destination for honeymoon couples and holidaymakers.

Even though there are plenty to explore in Kerala, the most popular magical experience is its backwaters. A boating through the 900 kilometers long stretch of emerald waterways that slowly moves through the rich paddy fields and enticing riverside villages can be a wonderful experience for each traveler to Kerala. Each visitor to this majestic state love to glide along the backwaters in a traditional houseboat. They love the experience because it provides them the opportunity to watch the local life. Besides, they can sleep under the stars while floating through the backwaters.

Kerala Houseboat Experience

Backwater cruising in a traditional houseboat is certainly one of the most memorable experiences to enjoy in Kerala. Houseboat cruising in Kerala is famous throughout the world. It helps the cruisers to enjoy different activities such as fishing, boating and observe local life. In fact, it shall be an exhilarating experience for each visitor to this small state. The most popular backwater destinations in the state are Kumarakom, Alleppey (Alappuzha) and Kollam. Several other small backwater destinations are also there in Kerala apart from these three places. It may be a little bit difficult to choose between Alleppey and Kumarakom for travelers. Kumarakom is more suitable to enjoy the village ambience while Alleppey is almost a town.

Kerala Houseboat Packages

Houseboat owners offer attractive packages in order to attract travelers. These packages are suitable for all types of travelers including honeymoon couples. The best way to enjoy the backwater in the state is hiring a houseboat. You can relish traditional Kerala cuisine and delicious dishes while enjoying the sceneries. Remember, it is not the only way to enjoy the beauty of the state. You can find plenty of cheap options to enjoy the real charm of Kerala Backwaters. However, many holidaymakers prefer houseboat packages to explore the backwaters.

Travelers have the option to choose an overnight houseboat package or a day cruise one. Different backwater cruise choices are available for the convenience of tourists. These cruise choices are suitable for travelers who are on a tight budget or find difficulty to get a good houseboat in order to enjoy the beauty of backwaters.

Shikara Ride

One of the exciting day backwater day cruise option is shikara ride. Shikara is a small boat with reclining luxurious seats and couch bags. It has covered roof but all its sides are open. Compared to houseboats, shikara boats do not have many facilities. It can carry around 2 to 10 people depending on the size of such boats. You will just love to take a leisurely cruise through the gorgeous backwaters of the Vembanad Lake at Kumarakom in shikara boat. The cost of this ride may cost nearly Rs.500 per hour. The shikara boats are available mainly in Alappuzha near the boat jetty and the bus station.

Motor Boat Ride

You can enjoy a motor boat ride in Kerala for approximately Rs. 400 per hour. Depending on the size, each boat can carry nearly 1 to 50 pax. Usually these boats are available mainly on the route to the Nehru trophy finishing point near the canals. These types of boats are available for cruise from 7 am to 6.30 pm. Motor boats are of different sizes and travelers can choose one based on the number of people with them for the ride and the budget.

Canoe Ride

A ride in a traditional canoe is the cheap option to explore the backwaters of Kerala. Nearly 2-3 people can go for a ride in a canoe and it usually cost for about Rs.200-250 per head. Travelers can seek help from their resort or homestay to arrange canoe ride. District Tourist Promotion Council provides the facility to book for canoes for the convenience of tourists. The advantage of hiring a canoe for backwater cruise is that it can pass through even the small canals. You can enjoy even the remote areas in a canoe that cannot be possible with large houseboats. Houseboats require more space for its movement.

The Thrill Of Kerala Backwater Cruise

A cruising in the backwaters of Kerala can be a mind-blowing experience because of the eye-catching view of the endless lagoons, canal systems, fishing in backwaters, large paddy fields and the small village houses on tiny stretch of land. It shall be exciting for the travelers to watch the small houses in the backwaters. They will also love to watch the people who work in the paddy fields or using canoes for transportation or various backwater birds. Heritage homes and resorts are specialties of these backwater destinations in order to attract travelers. People also love to take a stop near the small shops to enjoy traditional hot coffee, fried bananas, coconut beer, coconut milk, delicious fish items, fresh fruits and the slow rustic life around the backwaters.

Cheap Ferry Service

If you fond of Kerala backwaters but on a tight budget, you can go for the last option of the ferry service by the Kerala state government water transport. It is the cheapest way to enjoy the backwaters of Alappuzha or Kumarakom. You can explore the charm of ‘Kuttanadu’ a lovely backwater village, for a small amount if you opt for the ferry service. The ferry service costs you only Rs. 25 per head. It is a normal ferry service route through which local people frequently travel.

One can have an amazing backwater experience in this ferry service. It is a 90-seater boat with lower and upper deck seating arrangements. It also has video facility and a mini-eatery. The rate for the lower deck is only Rs.10 per passenger while tourists need to pay Rs. 25 per head for using the upper deck. The only problem with this option is that it is operating from Kainakari to Alleppey and back. Besides, the lower deck of the ferry is used for transport. The upper deck of it is reserved for tourists and tea and other refreshments provided there.