Description
The backwaters of Kerala are a fascinating and integral part of this tropical state and the best way to discover this expansive area is on a converted rice barge. Life in the backwaters is very relaxed and slow paced, like a vast rural Venice. The boat is the main form of transport on the backwaters and they vary from beautiful old rice barges, slowly punted along the waterways to small one man canoes, that nip around the islands, like the scooters of Bombay. The backwaters are fantastically picturesque and enjoyable to visit.
Private houseboats accommodate two people plus a crew of three, including a captain and cook. The bedroom is private and the bathroom modern, with showers, flush toilets and hot water. You will spend the day gently exploring the backwaters and this is best seen from the deck of your houseboat as you watch the world go by. Children playing in the water, fishermen hard at work, women washing clothes by hand, traditional snakeboats floating by, local wildlife and scenery, there is plenty to captivate the senses.
In the evening, you will moor up and a traditional Keralan feast will be served on your deck. Two and three-bedroom houseboats are also available as are two-night cruises that allow you to venture even deeper into the intricate maze of canals and lagoons.
Accommodation
One, two or three-bedroom private houseboats. The bedrooms are cosy and provide a small en suite shower room. The rooms have decent sized windows with views out of one side of the boat.
Childcare
Children are welcome but there are no specific facilities.
Facilities
The houseboats are comfortably furnished with an open lounge and dining area and a kitchenette serving traditional local cuisine.
Activities
Aside from the stunning beaches and waterways why not visit one of twelve wildlife sanctuaries and two National Parks, nestled in the lush forests of the Western Ghats, where you can catch glimpses of elephants, gaur, sambar, deer and wild dogs. The Kerala Hill Stations are also well worth a visit home to beautiful cascading waterfalls, tea and cardamom plantations, and breathtaking scenery ideal for walking and trekking.
Services
Services onboard the houseboats include a private crew of three including a chef and captain.
When to travel
Isolated from much of India by the Western Ghats, the climate of Kerala & Karnataka is tropical and as a result of the mountain ranges the area isn’t as dry as much of India. The best time to visit is from April through June. While there can be the occasional light showers these are just a prelude of the wet weather to come. The weather is generally hot and humid during this early summer. The monsoon season arrives in late June and thus can wash out July and August. September is much more humid as a result of the rainy season, and the fall can be dry but with the humidity this makes it feel quite the warm. The temperatures cool down and the humidity lets up as winter comes in around December, with this season lasting until February when the dry spring returns. Winter can be a pleasant time to visit, especially if you’re looking to head off the beach and explore this Indian land of mystery.
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Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
Backwaters, India
Journey round Kerala's beautiful backwaters which consist of a complex network of brackish lagoons, lovely lakes and canals.
How to get there
13-hour flight (1 change) to Cochin International Airport. Cochin is the nearest airport to Houseboat, the drive from there takes around 1.5-hour.
