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

Waterside villages

Stop off at local villages to experience riverside living

Historic significance

Explore the regions links to ancient trade and commerce

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

Ellie Khoury

Travel Designer

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

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:

Keralan Backwaters

Kumarakom Lake Resort

Surrounded by paddy fields and mangroves and nestled on the banks of Lake Vembanad, Kumarakom Lake Resort is a collection of villas that seamlessly blend traditional charm with modern luxury. Each of the villas have been reconstructed the traditional homesteads of Keralan villages, many of them lovingly reassembled from the original materials. High ceilings, tiled floors and huge windows keep the villas cool and flood them with natural light while open-air bathrooms . Some come with private plunge pools and Jacuzzis while others sit along a meandering 250m pool that weaves its way through the resort. The eight-sided Ettukettu restaurant was originally commissioned by King Marthanda Varma as a gift to his favourite martial arts tutor, and has been dismantled and restored piece by piece in its new location at the hotel. Being in the heart of Kerala’s backwaters means fresh fish is in abundance at the seafood bar, which is one of the best places to watch the sunset. There is also a traditional tea shop set among the verdant gardens. An infinity pool looks out over the shimmering lake and there is an Ayurvedic spa for when you want to relax and unwind. For those who want to explore, there are guided walks and bikes to hire as well as boat cruises and fishing trips.

Keralan Backwaters

Vismaya

Sat on a little peninsula on the western banks of Lake Vembanad, Vismaya is a historic timber house that dates back over three centuries. Painstaking restored with contemporary luxuries subtly introduced, it is now an exclusive use villa with two bedrooms, a double and a twin, each air conditioned with en suite bathrooms. The property is surrounded by typically lush Keralan gardens and features an expansive granite swimming pool and peaceful coconut grove with hammocks to soak up serene views across the lake. Meals – with freshly caught fish bought straight from local fishermen – can be served wherever takes your fancy, be it out on the veranda, in the lounge, poolside or in the gazebo. From the villa’s private jetty embark on meandering boat tours of the backwaters, or borrow bicycles to explore the surrounding countryside. Village walks can also be arranged as can visits to nearby temples, churches and Alleppey town.

Marari Beach

Carnoustie Ayurveda & Wellness Resort

On the shores of the Arabian Sea and close to the famed backwaters of Alleppey, this verdant resort is beautifully placed to explore the best of Kerala. There are 30 villas set in the sprawling gardens, each a luxurious blend of modern and traditional Keralan design with private pools, lavish bathrooms and walk-in dressing rooms. A major draw here is the stunning Ayurveda spa which offers a huge range of treatments and tailored wellness programs using age-old practices, with a focus on rejuvenation, stress management and detoxing combined with personalised Ayurveda diets. For those seeking to explore, take bicycle rides around local villages for a glimpse into rural lifestyles in this beautiful corner of India, discover the Jewish and colonial history of the region on historical excursions, explore sacred temples or visit the nearby Kumarakom bird sanctuary. There are also daily yoga sessions, the peaceful Marari beach and the Carnoustie’s own wonderful houseboat for private lunch and evening cruises along the backwaters. Making the most of the surrounding water and its bounty, the Chimaera restaurant serves up the freshest seafood while Ida has something for everyone. Being a resort dedicated to body and mind, there’s no alcohol available.

Keralan Backwaters

Philipkutty's Farm

Sat on a beautiful farm island on land reclaimed from the backwaters of Lake Vambanad, is Philipkutty’s Farm. A family home where the emphasis is on welcoming people into the fold, a stay here is to experience Keralan hospitality at its finest. Each of the six spacious villas are named after local plants, trees and birds and look out over the peaceful backwaters. Decor is simple but homely with tiled floors, wooden ceilings and antique furniture. Windows and doors flood the villas with natural light and a verandah is the perfect spot from which to sit back and watch life on the river. A thatched pavilion on stilts overlooks the farm and is where communal meals are served. As a working farm, there is plenty of local produce and delicious meals are made using coconuts, vegetables, fruit and spices grown in the garden and freshly caught fish. Take a walk through the plantations, making friends with the hens, duck and geese that call the farm home. The family residence is set apart from the villas to ensure total privacy, but they are always happy to chat to guests. The lush, green surroundings provide the perfect haven in which to simply relax and unwind but there are also cooking classes, sunset cruises and outdoor activities for those who wish to explore the beautiful Keralan backwaters.

Keralan Backwaters

Purity

Located on the western shores of Lake Vembanad, Purity is a beautiful boutique hotel with sublime views and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. All rooms and suites come with a terrace or balcony that looks out over the water where boats glide up and down and palm trees sway in the breeze. Whitewashed walls keep rooms bright and cool, perfectly complimented by colourful textiles, antiques and intricate wooden carving. Sculptures and paintings by local artists are displayed throughout the hotel adding to its homely feel. Dinner is enjoyed at at peaceful spot overlooking the lake and there is a courtyard for when you want to relax with a book and a cup of chai. There is also an outdoor pool, a spa offering a range of Ayurvedic treatments and yoga classes every morning.

Why book with Jacada?

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.

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.

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.