Kerala’s backwaters are worth the trip, but head north for the calm.
Kerala’s backwaters are a network of lagoons, lakes, and canals running parallel to the Arabian Sea coast. The classic way to see them is from a kettuvallam, a traditional rice barge converted into a houseboat.
In my opinion, an overnight stay aboard — where you’ll drift past villages and wildlife — is one of the best things to do in the state. Short on time? A day cruise is a good alternative.
Most people choose to do this in Alappuzha (also known as Alleppey), a city in Kerala south of Kochi. Alleppey is worth seeing, but the canals are so full of boats that it can feel like rush hour on water.
For a quieter alternative, head up to Valiyaparamba in Kasaragod, Kerala’s northernmost district. This backwater stretch is lined with mangroves and coconut groves, and home to around 90 species of birds, so bring binoculars.
To explore them, book a houseboat from the Kottappuram terminal near Nileshwar, the main gateway to these backwaters. Houseboats can range from about ₹8,000 a night for a basic boat to well over ₹25,000 for a luxury one, and meals cooked by an onboard chef are usually included.
October through March is the best time to go, and December and January are the busiest, so I suggest booking ahead.
Source: www.businessinsider.com
