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    A traditional house boat is anchored on the shores of a fishing lake in Kerala's Backwaters, India.

    Luxury Kerala Backwaters
    Tours made for you

    Experience the verdant beauty of the Kerala Backwaters with a private tour designed just for you
    Vector art of a river, drawn in bold, gold line

    Waterside villages

    Stop off at local villages to experience riverside living

    History icon

    Historic significance

    Explore the regions links to ancient trade and commerce

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    Fresh local produce

    Sample traditional foods, said to be some of the best in India

    Lush green waterways and relaxing river life

    With the Western Ghats towering to the east and the Arabian Sea flowing out from the west, Kerala is one of India‘s most verdant and beautiful states. Crisscrossing this green lung are the backwaters that snake their way through towns and villages. Teeming with aquatic life and providing an invaluable resource to all who sit on their banks, these waterways have helped create an impossibly lush pocket of India.

    The backwaters are a network of interconnecting canals, rivers, lakes and inlets that weave their way through sprawling plantations and paddy fields. With around 900km of accessible water, one of the best ways to explore the area is by boat, navigating your way through the emerald labyrinth past water lilies and coconut groves that lean over the banks as if to take in a long, refreshing drink.

    The wider canals and lakes are used by local ferries and larger boats, but there are plenty of narrower tributaries to explore. Gliding along the waterways you’ll pass villages where life revolves around coir making and prawn farming as well as larger towns such as Alleppey, historically one of the most important trading ports along the Malabar Coast.

    Kerala’s history is closely linked to trade and commerce with Greek, Roman and Arab merchants coming to deal in cardamon, pepper and ginger. An abundance of spices, fresh fish and coconut means Kerala produces some of the best food in India. There are few places more relaxing as you watch the sun rise and set over the tranquil waters, calm but for the occasional ripple as a boat edges its nose through the water.

    Highlights

    Enjoy a houseboat cruise along the backwaters

    Learn how to make mouthwatering south Indian food

    Navigate the waterways through sprawling plantations and paddy fields

    Visiting the Keralan Backwaters is like stepping into a peaceful dream—imagine gliding through tranquil waters, surrounded by lush greenery and charming villages. Whether you're on a traditional houseboat or exploring by canoe, the calm and beauty of these waterways make it the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

    Ellie Khoury headshot

    Ellie Khoury

    Senior Travel Designer

    Luxury accommodation in the Kerala Backwaters

    There are many incredible places to stay in the Kerala Backwaters. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:

    Why book with Jacada?

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    Personalised design

    We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.

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    Authentic experiences

    Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.

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    Responsible travel

    Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.

    Ready to plan your adventure?

    Whatever you want from your Kerala Backwaters tour, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

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    Meet your Indian Subcontinent team

    When to visit

    December through February is the best time to visit Kerala, a verdant and vibrant state in southern India. Hop in a boat to glide through the intricate canals and rivers that make up the Kerala Backwaters during the cooler and drier winter months – or brave the summer monsoons to witness the Onam harvest festival in August or September.

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    Onam Harvest Festival

    August / Spetember

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    March / October - November

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    December - February

    When is the Best Time to Visit India?

    When is the Best Time to Visit India?

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    Plan your trip to the Kerala Backwaters

    Whatever you want from your adventure in India, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

    Plan with peace of mind

    When you book a trip in today’s world there’s a lot to think about. But with the right advice and expert planning, you can do it with confidence.

    If you book to travel with us but your plans are impacted by circumstances you can’t control, we’ll change your reservation or cancel your booking for a full credit towards future travel.

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    Ariel view of waves breaking on a forested shoreline