Boating in Kerala

Kerala is a state located in the southwestern part of India, known for its lush green landscapes, including backwaters, tea plantations, and dense forests. Kerala’s backwaters are a major attraction, with networks of canals and lakes best explored by traditional houseboats. Boating in Kerala is a the best way to explore the region.

Type of boats

Houseboats (Kettuvallams): These are classic wooden boats turned into floating homes with comfy rooms, dining areas, and often a deck for chilling out. They’re perfect if you want a cozy, luxurious stay while soaking in the beauty of the backwaters.
In Malayalam, (A language spoken mainly in Kerala) the name kettuvallams comes from two words: “Kettu,” meaning tying, and “Vallam,” meaning country boats. This name reflects their construction, as houseboats are crafted from hundreds of jackwood planks tied together with coir ropes. The dark, resinous coating on the boat is made from a caustic black resin derived from boiled cashew nut kernels. In the past, they were used to transport goods like rice, coconuts, rubber, and spices between cities.

Shikaras: These are smaller, sleeker boats inspired by the ones from Kashmir. They’re ideal for a more personal and relaxed ride through the narrow canals and serene backwaters.

Country Boats: These are the no-frills, practical boats that locals use for fishing and daily errands. You can rent one for a simple, authentic experience on the water.

Kayaks and Canoes: If you’re up for some action, kayaking or canoeing lets you get close to the water and explore the narrow canals in a more hands-on way. It’s a great way to see the scenery up close.

Motorboats: For those who want a bit more speed, motorboats are a modern choice for quick trips or day tours. They’re perfect for getting around the backwaters efficiently.

Where to boat in Kerala

Alleppey

Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha and called the “Venice of the East,” is one of the best places to get on a houseboat in Kerala. With its intricate network of canals, beaches, and lagoons, Alleppey is frequently the starting or ending point for houseboat tours. From Alleppey, you can choose from various tour packages, depending on how long you want to spend on the boat. Tours range from day trips to up to five days trip, being the most popular route through the picturesque Kuttanad region, known for its lush greenery and captivating views.

Kollam

Kollam, also known as Quilon, is a major city port located in the southern part of Kerala. Situated on the banks of the Ashtamudi Lake, which is one of the largest lakes in Kerala, is popular for its Cashew industry. The boat tour offers views of ancient ruins and historical sites while floating through the lush, eco-rich environment. The trip from Kollam to Alleppey is one of the longest backwater cruises, typically lasting two days. Although the total trip takes around 8 hours, it’s divided into two segments: 4 hours of travel each day, allowing you to enjoy a leisurely exploration of Kerala’s stunning waterways.

Kumarakom

Kumarakom is a picturesque village, situated on the Vembanad Lake, which is the largest lake in Kerala. The village is renowned for its network of serene backwaters, which can be explored by traditional houseboats or smaller boats. These waterways offer stunning views of the surrounding landscapes, including lush paddy fields, coconut groves, and traditional Kerala village life. The most popular rout is from Kumarakom to Allepey, which take you to landscapes hard to find in other routes, including mangroves, winding canals and migratory birds.

Kuttanad

Kuttanad is a unique region located in the southern part of Kerala, often referred to as the “Rice Bowl of Kerala” thanks to its extensive rice paddies. The region is also rich in crops like yam, and bananas. The water level here is slightly higher than that of the surrounding lands, providing tourisit with a somewhat different landscape. In some areas, fishermen can be seen throwing their nets from narrow strips of land. Since Kuttanad is close to both Kumarakom and Alleppey, most boat routes will include stops at one or all three of these beautiful locations.

Are you ready to start discovering India?

I decided to book a couple tours when I went to India and had an amazing experience! I’m leaving the link to the tour below in case you are interested!

Are you ready to start discovering India?

I decided to book a couple tours when I went to India and had an amazing experience! I’m leaving the link to the tour below in case you are interested!