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2016
Cruise the Backwaters of Kerala on a Traditional Houseboat
Not yet published by Kristin Cowles, Editor-in-Chief
Country: India 
The Experience
On the south-western coast of India, nestled between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, lies “God’s Own Country”: the state of Kerala. Here, the perpetual drone from auto rickshaws and building congestion, typical of Northern India, gives way to lush landscapes and the dull hum of houseboats as they crisscross the backwater canals.
What started out as a means of transporting grain and rice harvested from productive fields, which surrounded more than 900 km of Kerala's backwaters; has now transformed into a major tourism staple. Houseboats (or “Kettuvallam”), navigate this labyrinth of waterways, and transport visitors to a different side of India; a more serene and simple way of life. You can glimpse into life on Kerala's backwaters; and simply put: water is life. The brackish water provides nourishment, hygiene, and a way of living that connects. Communities can be as isolated as a few houses separated from others, with all other conveniences many kilometres away.
The hub for Kerala backwater tours is the town of Alleppey, home to over two hundred Kettuvallam. Alleppey houseboats range from small and simple to grand and luxurious, depending on your taste; and the Kerala backwater tours also range in duration. Many choose the standard eight-hour tour; or for a more authentic and insightful perspective, try one of the overnight tours. Keep in mind that shorter tours are also done is more populated areas, and not necessarily on an authentic Kerala houseboat. Despite their rustic appearances and thatched roofs, most of Kerala's houseboats have the basic amenities, such as bedrooms, Western bathroom, kitchen; and some even have air conditioning. If you plan on a longer Keralan backwater tour, try to get a Kettuvallam with an upper deck where you can sit and enjoy the view.
After you depart from Alleppey, there really isn't much to do other than to sit back, relax and enjoy. The ecosystem is truly unique, with much to see. The intricate systems of canals and lakes are also home to many birds and aquatic animals, and during your Kerala backwater tour you can, at points, get out and explore local villages. Once you dock, locals may even approach you to try out canoes. If you are a bigger person, this can be a risky decision as they are much smaller and more slender than Westerners may be used to; and seem more prone to tipping.
To see a calmer side of India, a Kerala backwater tour is just the thing. The inherently slow pace of the traditional houseboats gives you more than enough time to take in the sublime surroundings and the simple way of life in these backwaters.
What started out as a means of transporting grain and rice harvested from productive fields, which surrounded more than 900 km of Kerala's backwaters; has now transformed into a major tourism staple. Houseboats (or “Kettuvallam”), navigate this labyrinth of waterways, and transport visitors to a different side of India; a more serene and simple way of life. You can glimpse into life on Kerala's backwaters; and simply put: water is life. The brackish water provides nourishment, hygiene, and a way of living that connects. Communities can be as isolated as a few houses separated from others, with all other conveniences many kilometres away.
The hub for Kerala backwater tours is the town of Alleppey, home to over two hundred Kettuvallam. Alleppey houseboats range from small and simple to grand and luxurious, depending on your taste; and the Kerala backwater tours also range in duration. Many choose the standard eight-hour tour; or for a more authentic and insightful perspective, try one of the overnight tours. Keep in mind that shorter tours are also done is more populated areas, and not necessarily on an authentic Kerala houseboat. Despite their rustic appearances and thatched roofs, most of Kerala's houseboats have the basic amenities, such as bedrooms, Western bathroom, kitchen; and some even have air conditioning. If you plan on a longer Keralan backwater tour, try to get a Kettuvallam with an upper deck where you can sit and enjoy the view.
After you depart from Alleppey, there really isn't much to do other than to sit back, relax and enjoy. The ecosystem is truly unique, with much to see. The intricate systems of canals and lakes are also home to many birds and aquatic animals, and during your Kerala backwater tour you can, at points, get out and explore local villages. Once you dock, locals may even approach you to try out canoes. If you are a bigger person, this can be a risky decision as they are much smaller and more slender than Westerners may be used to; and seem more prone to tipping.
To see a calmer side of India, a Kerala backwater tour is just the thing. The inherently slow pace of the traditional houseboats gives you more than enough time to take in the sublime surroundings and the simple way of life in these backwaters.
When to Go
The best time of year for a Kerala backwater tour is during the winter months running from November through February. March, April and May are also fine, but keep in mind that the temperatures become much hotter and more humid.
Odds n' Ends
Kerala backwater tours range in price depending on your taste, duration, and the time of year during which you visit. A typical one-night stay can cost anywhere from $150 CDN to $350 CDN. It is recommended that you check out the boat before booking to ensure everything is up to snuff, and is as they say it is.
During our trip, aside from arranged meals and regular drinks, there were no extras onboard. If you'd like to enjoy a Kingfisher or two, and some chips, be sure to grab them yourself, or make arrangements with the staff prior to boarding.
During our trip, aside from arranged meals and regular drinks, there were no extras onboard. If you'd like to enjoy a Kingfisher or two, and some chips, be sure to grab them yourself, or make arrangements with the staff prior to boarding.
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