Kerala, also known as “God’s Own Country”, is one of India’s most beautiful tourist destinations. Located on the tropical part of the Malabar coast of India, Kerala has around 600 km of Arabian coastline. The Southern Paradise is famous for its beaches, backwaters, golden sands and tea plantations, attracting a large number of tourists from all across the globe.
What does a luxury backwater cruise itinerary in Kerala include?
A Kerala backwaters luxury cruise typically includes private houseboat accommodation, guided village tours, traditional Kerala cuisine, sunset views, and serene journeys through palm-lined canals, lakes, and rivers. It offers a relaxing blend of comfort, culture, and natural beauty.
Table of Contents
1. What is Kerala Famous For?
2. What are Kerala Backwaters?
3. Why are the Backwaters so Special?
4. What are the Amenities in a Luxury Houseboat?
5. How Does a Kerala Backwater Luxury Cruise Itinerary Look Like?
6. Conclusion
7. FAQ’s
What is Kerala Famous For?
Kerala is known for its beaches, golden sands, beautiful cliffs, dense forests, and tea plantations. With its diverse landscapes and rich culture, Kerala offers a beautiful journey across the Southern Part of India. Other notable highlights for which Kerala is famous are:
Backwaters
With a wide stretch of approximately 900 km, Kerala backwaters are the soul of the Southern Paradise, and offer a unique experience to its tourists. Places like Alleppey, Kumarakom, Kochi and Bekal, the backwater experience in a luxury houseboat adds natural charm to the “God’s Own Country”.
Cultural Significance
From the clothing to the cuisine, Kerala is famous for its South Indian culture, which can be evident from the lifestyle of the locals. Kerala is a famous destination for elevating the South Indian culture and offering a rich travel experience to its tourists.
Wildlife
Many travelers do not know this, but Kerala is home to one of the most exotic and diverse wildlife in India. National Parks like Periyar and Silent Valley offer a closer view of the fauna of South India and make sure that no stone is left unturned while visiting “God’s Own Country”.
Hill Stations
Apart from offering spectacular beaches and golden sands, the Southern Paradise is also famous for its hill stations, elevating the travel experience of the tourists. Places like Munnar, Wayanad, Thekkady, Vagamon and Lakkidi are some of the most popular hill stations of Kerala.
Wellness centres
Famous for its hospitality and relaxed atmosphere, almost every place in Kerala is known for offering spa sessions to tourists. With the help of coconut oil and ayurvedic massages, the visitors are treated with a peaceful and serene ambience in the wellness centres.
What are Kerala Backwaters?
Kerala Backwaters are a unique network of interconnected water passages that offer a beautiful view of the rivers, canals and lakes to the tourists. The backwaters of Kerala include 38 rivers and 5 big lakes extending from one end of the state to another. Offering a unique travel experience to their visitors, Kerala backwaters are one of the most popular tourist destinations in India and are also used as one of the transportation routes.
Why are the Backwaters so Special?
Immense Network
The backwaters of Kerala are a unique set of water passages that stretch for 1500 km and include rivers, canals and lakes. With 38 rivers and 5 big lakes, the backwaters are filled with dense forests and tropical beauty, which is enjoyed the most by luxurious houseboats and their premium services.
Distinct Waterways
The water passages include lagoons, water canals, lakes and rivers, which are unique and distinct. The backwaters are serene and peaceful and offer a very relaxed experience to their tourists.
Houseboats
The journey across the lush forests and serene backwaters is amplified by travelling in a houseboat. Houseboats, or locally known as Kettuvalam, are luxurious floating residences in Kerala that offer a truly unique and premium experience to visitors.
Serene Environment
The peaceful atmosphere of the backwaters is the perfect place to spend some time away from the vibrant and bustling streets of the city traffic. Strolling through the waterways in a luxury houseboat, filled with premium services, is one of the most relaxing experiences one can enjoy.
Local Cuisine
The best part about the backwaters is its food. With authentic South Indian ingredients and local spices, every dish prepared in the kitchen tastes delicious and flavourful. Guests also have an option to ask the chef to prepare their favourite seafood meals.
What are the Amenities in a Luxury Houseboat?
Houseboats in Kerala are luxury floating residences that take you on a calm and serene journey among the dense tropical forests. The houseboats are filled with luxury amenities and offer a truly premium experience to the tourists, making their trip rewarding. Here is a quick breakdown of the amenities provided in a luxury houseboat:
- Spacious AC bedrooms with comfortable seating
- Private Sundecks and WiFi services
- Wellness Centres and Spa Services
- Well-equipped kitchens
- Muti-course meals
- Room Service and Housekeeping
- 24/7 Support
- Safety Features (Fire extinguishers, First Aid Kits and Doctors)
How Does a Kerala Backwater Luxury Cruise Itinerary Look Like?
A luxury backwater cruise in Kerala usually ranges from 3-day cruises to 7-day cruises, depending on the preferences of the tourists. Here is a breakdown of the luxury cruise itinerary of Kerala Backwaters:
Day 1: Arrival in Kochi and Settle In
- Arrive in Kochi (via flight) and check into your hotel
- Visit the Forts and the nearby areas to explore the city, like St. Francis Church, the Grand Mattacherry Palace and the spice gardens.
- Return to your hotel and rest
Day 2: Munnar
- Leave for Munnar, the hill station of Kerala
- Explore the Cheeyappara and Valara Waterfalls and enjoy the view of the Western Ghats from your hotel
- Explore the tea plantations and Eravikulam National Park
Day 3: Explore Key Places in Munnar
- Explore the Ayurvedic forests in Munnar
- Enjoy the evening at Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point
- Return to your hotel and rest
Day 4: Leave for Alleppey
- Leave for Alleppey (via taxi, 5 hr distance)
- Check in to your houseboat and enjoy the serene journey through the backwaters
- Dinner at the houseboat and rest
Day 5: Departure
- Breakfast on the houseboat
- Leave for Kochi airport for Departure
Conclusion
The backwaters of Kerala are a 1500 km unique passage of waterways and canals forming a peaceful and serene ecosystem. The beauty of Kerala backwaters lies in its dense tropical forests and peaceful atmosphere, accompanied by a luxury houseboat, which amplifies the beauty and experience of the journey. A luxury tour of Kerala Backwaters includes a trip to Alleppey, Kumarakom, Cochin, and Kuttanad, surrounded by dense forests and a calm atmosphere.
FAQ’s
- What is the best time to visit Kerala Backwaters?
October to February is considered the best time to visit the backwaters of Kerala, as the weather is quite pleasant and temperatures are mild, offering a comfortable and convenient experience to the tourists. - What are the popular destinations for the Kerala Backwater experience?
Alleppey, Kumarakom, Kochi, Kuttanad and Ashtamudi Lake are some of the popular backwater destinations in Kerala that offer houseboat experiences. - How can I book a Kerala backwater trip?
Travelosei provides a seamless backwater experience to their tourists, offering customised itineraries with premium houseboats, luxury services, and 24/7 support. You can book your next backwater journey here: Serene Backwaters Tour
