Kerala Backwaters

Most visitors to Kerala make a point of cruising its backwaters aboard a houseboat, which are traditionally made of locally harvested coir, or coconut fiber. This sprawling region consists of hundreds of miles of waterways flanked by jungles and rice paddies, with ample opportunities to take photographs of local wildlife, from water birds to otters. Many tours of the region include short jaunts on houseboats, and some even feature multi-night backwater journeys.

• A must-do for couples and those interested in local culture.

• Don’t forget sunscreen and bug spray.

• Cruises are generally calm, and most travelers prone to motion sickness shouldn’t have any issues.

Most people start their cruise from Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, a short drive from the Kochi/Ernakulam area. You can also take a prepaid taxi from one of two area airports: Cochin International Airport or Trivandrum Airport.

If you want to go on a backwater cruise, it’s best to avoid the rainy season (June through November) and instead opt to come during the cooler, dryer winter months of December, January, and February. March through May tend to be the hottest months in Kerala, but if you’re willing to brave the heat, you can often get good offseason discounts.

If you spend more than a couple of hours on a backwater cruise, chances are you’ll get to sample some of Kerala’s traditional cuisine, which is quite different from the North Indian cuisine usually associated with the country. Much of the food here is cooked with coconut milk and oil, giving it a sweeter taste, and instead of the wheat-based naans and chapatis served up north, rice and various rice-based pancake-style breads dominate.

The best time of year to visit the Kerala Backwaters is during the winter months (December–February), when there's typically less rain and lower temperatures. March to May is the hottest season, which can result in off-season discounts. June through November tends to get plenty of rain, which can be beautiful, but is not always ideal for outdoor activities.

No, you cannot swim in the Kerala Backwaters—the water in much of the system is polluted with waste. If you want to swim during your trip, your best option is to book a hotel that has a pool.

Yes, guided boat tours of the Kerala Backwaters are the most popular way for visitors to explore the area. Tours are available by day or as overnight trips on houseboats, which typically include comfortable accommodation and great food.

What you wear depends somewhat on the season, but no matter when you visit, it’s wise to have clothes that will keep you cool and comfortable during periods of high humidity. It’s best to also pack sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and sunglasses. Food and water are typically included with tours, but do check ahead to be sure.

While you never know what you’ll spot on a trip through the backwaters, you’re likely to see plenty of birds and maybe some fish and other aquatic creatures. Species found in the area include kingfishers, cormorants, terns, turtles, crabs, frogs, and even otters.

It depends. Many people visit the backwaters on a day tour, and even half-day visits are available for travelers with little time. Overnight tours are a fantastic way to slow down and get a feel for the local environment and typically take place on comfortable, private houseboats with well-appointed rooms.