A Kerala Backwaters tour is one of the top things to do in South India. So here’s a guide on what to expect and how to organise it.
How To Get To Kerala
The first thing we must mention, is that we recommend staying in Fort Kochi.
Fort Kochi is the main tourist area of the Kerala state. It’s a charming seaside area, known for its Dutch, Portuguese, and British colonial architecture, and elaborate bamboo fishing nets at Fort Kochi Beach.
Now depending on where you are travelling from, there are generally two options to get to Kerala:
Bus & Train
The cheapest option is usually to take a train to Ernakulam Junction Railway Station (ERS).
We were travelling down from Hampi, slightly North on the map, so took a bus to Mangalore and then switched on to a train directly to Kerala.
It was an all round 24 hour trip, the longest of our travels through India. However when arriving the majority of tourists we met had done the same.
Fly
The other option is to fly into Cochin International Airport, and book yourself a private Airport to Hotel Transfer.
Flights around India can be as cheap on £20 from Mumbai or Delhi.
So if you’re short on time or don’t fancy the long journey on public transport this is probably your best bet.
How To Book Your Kerala Backwaters Tour
There are plenty of travel agents in Fort Kochi that you can book your Kerala Backwaters tour through directly.
However the easiest way is to book online in advance.
There are two types of Kerala Backwaters Tour to choose from:
Half-Day Kerala Backwaters Tour
Full-Day Kerala Backwaters Tour + Fort Kochi Tour
Both Kerala Backwaters Tours include lunch, and pick up from a meeting point in Fort Cochin.
What To Expect On Your Kerala Backwaters Tour
At 7:30am sharp we were collected and within just short of an hour arrived in north Alleppey. The beginning of Kerala Backwaters.
We opted for the full day Kerala Backwaters tour which we believe was fantastic value for money and an ideal amount of time.
So after arriving by mini bus at a small tuck shop on the edge of Alleppey, we headed down with a group of around 15 people to the entrance of the river.
The bamboo boat was incredible. Woven into a beautiful design, held together by rope, with open arched windows.
Our Indian boat driver did an amazing job of guiding us through the narrow backwaters, that were neatly overgrown with trees creating a tunnel.
This lead out into some beautiful locations and it must have been a tough job in the scorching heat. With constant pushing off the bottom of the river with his HUGE bamboo stick, he was a master of his craft.
As we cruised along, it was sometimes hard to stay awake, especially when you caught a few moments of blissful silence. We did learn a few very interesting facts about Kerala and its history though.
Cultural Stops
The Kerala Backwaters tour really opens your eyes to see how normality sits with other walks of life.
The locals happily passed us down the narrow rivers in their small canoes, some of them being taxis, going about their daily routines.
The river taxis are highly depended on in order for locals to reach civilisation away from their backwater huts.
Before midday hit, we’d stopped at a couple of interesting, government run factories. We were shown how rope is made from start to finish by breaking down coconut fibres which was crazy!
It was refreshing to see the local authorities supporting families on the backwaters. Setting up these factories they were creating jobs for people in the rural areas.
Traditional Lunch
After learning a few tricks of the trade, but not quite mastering how to build a boat, we were ecstatic to find out it was time to eat.
Lunch was an all you can eat traditional Kerala Thali. Served on a banana leaf and eaten with nothing but our hands.
We ate until we couldn’t breathe and just about wobbled back onto the houseboat. It must have dipped a few inches in the water when we stepped on.
It was then plain sailing (excuse the pun) all the way back to Alleppey. We used the time to capture photos and sit back and relax whilst chatting to our new multi cultural group of new friends.
Overall the day was amazing. With beautiful scenery and such a relaxed vibe, our cruise through the vast backwaters of Kerala felt like nothing in India.
It was such a drastic change from the crazy cities we’d previously visited and was the perfect way to unwind. For us, this was definitely one of the best things to do in India.
So, sit back, relax and enjoy your Kerala Backwaters tour to the max.
Where To Stay In Kerala
Luxury
Featuring an outdoor pool, a spa and wellness centre and 3 dining options, Kochi Marriott Hotel is located in Edapally, adjacent to .
The cosy and feature air-conditioning, flat-screen satellite TV and a minibar.
The en suite bathroom is equipped with bath or shower , bathrobe and free toiletries.
At Kochi Marriott Hotel, guests can make use of concierge services, currency exchange and car rental services.
A well-equipped fitness centre and a 24-hour front desk are available.
Mid-Budget
Built in 1808, Koder House features Portuguese architecture and decor.
A 10-minute walk from Fort Kochi Beach, it offers a swimming pool and spacious rooms with a spa bathtub.
The elegant rooms at House Koder come with dark wood furnishings and a four-poster bed. Each room has large windows that offers views of the pool, and comes with a TV with cable channels.
To relax, guests can enjoy a massage at the spa.
The hotel provides car rental services and free parking. Currency exchange and concierge services are available upon request.
Budget
Providing free WiFi, Santa Maria is located in Cochin, within 550 yards of Kochi Biennale.
Around 350 yards from Princess Street, the property is also close to Vasco Da Gama Square.
The hostel offers a terrace. Speaking Hindi and English at the 24-hour front desk, staff are always on hand to help.
For more places to stay in Kerala, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.
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