Kerala Backwaters Adventure

About This Tour

Kerala's backwaters are one of India's most enchanting natural wonders — a 900-kilometre network of canals, rivers, lakes and lagoons winding through a landscape of swaying palms, emerald rice paddies, and sleepy fishing villages.

Often called "God's Own Country", Kerala in the far south-west of India offers a completely different experience from the country's more visited northern regions. Here, life unfolds at a gentle, unhurried pace on and alongside the water. Traditional wooden kettuvallam (rice barges) have been converted into luxurious houseboats, and sailing aboard one is one of the most peaceful and memorable travel experiences in all of Asia.

Over five days you will drift through this extraordinary aquatic landscape, stopping to explore local villages, watch fishermen cast their traditional Chinese fishing nets at sunset, visit spice gardens fragrant with cardamom, pepper and vanilla, and observe the daily rhythms of Kerala's backwater communities from the deck of your floating home.

Your houseboat is staffed by a friendly crew including a skilled chef who will prepare three freshly cooked meals every day using the freshest local ingredients — expect abundant seafood, fragrant coconut curries, fluffy appam rice pancakes and sweet Kerala bananas. In the evenings, anchor on the still water as the sun sets behind the palms and the sounds of the jungle replace the noise of civilisation. This is Kerala at its most magical.

The tour begins and ends in Kochi (Cochin), one of South India's most charming cities with its fascinating blend of Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial heritage, vibrant Jewish Quarter, famous Chinese fishing nets and a thriving contemporary arts scene. Two nights are spent in Kochi — the perfect cultural bookend to your backwater adventure.