world reviewer
The Kerala Backwaters are a series of interconnected lakes, rivers and irrigation canals just inland from the Malabar coast in Kerala in southern India. They are highly popular with visitors to the region, as taking a boat along the backwaters is a great way to see the villages and culture of Kerala at a relaxed pace. Although brackish, much of the Backwaters are made up of fresh water, so creating a unique eco-system - it's a great place for spotting wildlife, especially birdlife. You can also stay in houseboats in certain parts of the Backwaters.
Written by 
James Dunford Wood.
“Lake Vembanad, Kerala, by Houseboat”
Wide peaceful lakes, slow-moving rivers and canals lined with green coconut palms and rice fields connect to form the Backwaters of Kerala. Take a boat trip and there is something new to see around every corner. Villagers walk along the banks to work … Read more...
Written by 
Jenny Fowler.
“Kids, curries, Kerala: the perfect recipe”
By Caspar Llewellyn Smith for The Observer. First published Sunday October 26 2008. ...Kerala's history is intertwined with that of travellers seduced by its spectacular beauty. In Cochin, to which we flew via Sri Lanka, there is still - just about - o… Read more...
Written by press. See the full article in The Observer, 26th Ocotber 2008
Comments, reviews and questions
Out of my 6 months in India, while on my GAP year, spending 3 nights on the backwaters was undoubtedly my most memorable. Engrossing myself in Keralan food and culture while relaxing on a rice barge was fantastic! So simple, yet breathtakingly beautiful.
1 reply...
Add a comment, review or question
Sponsored ads
Spice Trails of Kerala
16 day tour walking through the beautiful hills and tea plantations of South India plus a night on the backwaters.
www.exodus.co.uk
India Highlights Tour
A great value privately guided tour of the best in North India - Delhi, Varanasi, Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, and Jaipur.
www.kensingtontours.com
Cultural holidays in India
Authentic value for money small group adventure tours, from Rajasthan to kerala to the Himalayas.
www.gapadventures.com
Overland Adventures to India
Meet real people and real cultures in Intrepid's 'Off the Beaten Track' holidays
www.intrepidtravel.com
Advertise here
Who's been here
Similar experiences
Lake Garda
Lake Garda is one of the most beautiful lakes in Europe - with a backdrop of mountains on the one side and vines on the other, …
Lake Louise
Lake Louise is the jewel of the Canadian Rockies. You can dine in style at the fancy lakeside chateau, hike the many alpine tra…
Lake Titicaca
This basin high in the Andes on the border of Bolivia and Peru is the highest altitude shipping lake in the world as well as th…
What's nearby
The Old Courtyard Hotel
A wonderfully intimate historic hotel, right in the centre of bustling Fort Cochin, with great food, friendly staff and occasio…
Historic Cochin
Cochin, or Kochi is a centre for touring Kerala. Today, international flights land here. Historically, the city, based around …
Fort Cochin
Now part of the city of Kochi, and without a fort, Fort Cochin hosts some of Kerala’s best colonial architecture. Discovered b…
