The Backwaters of Kerala - Meandering inland lakes networked by canals – stretch to over 900 km. Boat trips across these tranquil stretches are an experience unique to Kerala. Large Kettuvalloms (traditional country crafts over 60 ft. in length) have been convened into luxury houseboats for these cruises.

Kollam

One of the oldest ports of the Malabar Coast, Kollam was once the centre of the international spice trade. North of Thiruvananthapurarn, 30% of this historic town is covered by the renowned Ashtarnudi Lake. The eight hour boat trip between Kollam and Alappuzha is the longest and most enchanting experience of Kerala's backwaters.

Accessibility: 72 km (2 hours) from Thiruvananthapurarn. 

Hotels at Kollam : Ashtamudi Resort, Hotel Sudarsan,Hotel Sea Bee,Shantigiri Ayurveda Centre,Aquaserene,Sarovarom,Valiyavila Family Estate, Hotel Rail View, Palm Lagoon Backwater Resorts, Shine’s Tourist Centre,Yatri Niwas.
 

Alappuzha

Also known as the Venice of the East, Alappuzha is famous for its boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry. A singular characteristic of this land is the region called Kuttanad. The Granary of Kerala, Kuttanad is one of the few regions in the world where farming is done below sea level.

Accessibility: 64 km (2 hours) from Kochi. 

Hotels at Alappuzha : Alleppey Beach Resort,Alleppey Prince Hotel,Anamika – The Villa,Cherukara Nest,Gowri Heritage Home, Hotel Arcadia, Hotel Arcadia Regency, Hotel Komala,Hotel Royal Park,KTDC Motel, Lake Palace,Marari Beach Resort,Mutteal Holiday Inn,Narasimhapuram,Padipura Residene,Pagoda Resorts,Raheem Residency,Raiban Hotel,Kayaloram.
 

Kumarakom

Just 12 km from Kottayam, this unique backwater destination situated on the banks of the Vembanad Lake is considered the gateway to the backwaters of Kuttanad. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a favorite haunt of migratory birds from across the world which makes it a renowned bird watching centre. Kumarakom is also a centre for houseboat cruises.

Accessibility: 88 km (2 1/2 hours) from Kochi.

Hotels at Kumarakom : Backwater Ripples,Cherucheril Home Stay, Coconut Lagoon,GK’s River View Home Stay, Golden Waters,Illikkalam Lake Resort,Kavalapara Home Stay,Kumarakom Lake Resort,Philipkutty Farm,Taj Garden Retreat, Ted’s Home Stay,Tharavadu Heritage Home,Varsha,Waterscapes,Cocobay Resort.
 

Kochi

The commercial and industrial capital of Kerala, Kochi has one of the finest natural harbors in the world. This city is home to the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth as well as numerous old churches and temples. Jew Town, the area around the synagogue is a centre of spice trade and curio shops. Ancient mariners from Arabia, China, Holland, Britain and Portugal have all left their mark on this beautiful island city. Half the fun of visiting Kochi is moving around on the local ferries. A conducted cruise through the winding waterways will take you to several quaint spots.

Accessibility: Kochi is well connected to all the cities in India by excellent air, sea, road and rail networks.

Hotels in Fort Kochi/Mattancherry: Ballard Bungalow, Brunton Boatyard, Delight Tourist Resort, Fort Heritage, Fort House, Kapithan Inn, Kimansion Inn, Malabar House, The Old Courtyard.

Hotels in Ernakulam: Alappat Regency, Best Western The Avenue Regent,Bharat Hotel,BTH Sarovaram,Gaanam Hotel, Grand Hotel, Hotel Abad Atrium, Hotel Abad Plaza, Hotel Aishwarya,Hotel Blue Diamond, Hotel Cochin Tower, Hotel Excellency, Hotel Mermaid, Hotel Presidency, Hotel Whyte Fort,Le Meridien Resort, Paulson Park Hotel,Riviers Suites,Taj Residency, The Avenue Centre Hotel, The International Hotel, The Metropolitan, The Renaissance Cochin, The Woods Manor, Woodlands Hotel,Yuvarani Residency.

Hotels on Willingdon Island: ATS Willingdon, Casino Hotel, Taj Malabar, The Trident Hilton Kochi. 

Hotels on Mulavukadu Island: Bolgatty Palace Hotel. 

Hotels at Kochi outskirts: Baywatch Beach Huts,Cherai,Cherai Beach Resort,Cherai,Gramam Backwater Home stay,Kumbalangi,Kallencherry Retreat,Kumbalangi,Kamyakam Heaven,Kothad,Royal Village Resort,Kalamaserry,Vadakkedathu Home stay,Kakkanad. 
 

Kozhikode

Unexplored, unspoilt, the backwaters of Kozhikode hold great promises of enchanting holiday options. Elathur, the Canoli Canal and the Kallai River are favorite destinations for boating. Kadalundi, with its beautiful bird sanctuary is a charming site. Korapuzha, the venue of the Korapuzha Jalotsavam is fast becoming a popular water sport destination.

Accessibility: Well connected to all the major cites in India by excellent air, road and rail networks.

Hotels in Kozhikode: Alkapuri Hotel,Aradhana Tourist Home,Asma Tower Hotel, Beach Heritage Inn,Calicut Tower, Fortune Hotel,Harivihar,Hotel Maharani, Hyson Heritage,Jamshad & Suchi Place,Kalpaka Tourist Home, Malabar Mansion, Malabar Palace, Metro Tower,Sasthapuri Tourist Home, Sea Queen,Taj Residency.

Hotels at Kozhikode Outskirts: Burnside Home stay, Hotel Thushara International, Kadavu Resorts, Kappad Beach House, Kasa Marina.
 

Kasaragod
The northernmost district of Kerala, Kasaragod is situated on the sea coast with the Western Ghats in its eastern and northern borders. Backwater trips on the Chandragiri River and Valiyaparamba are fascinating experiences.

Hotels in Kasaragod : Hotel City Tower, Hotel Apsara Regency, Fort Palace, Fort Land Tourist Home, Bekal International, Nalanda Resorts, Gitanjali Heritage, Neelambari Resort