Backwaters across Kerala

Enchanting Backwaters of Kerala

Experience Kerala’s backwaters in Alleppey, Kumarakom, and beyond, with houseboat cruises, village canals, lagoons, birdlife, and peaceful waterside stays.

Each listing shows its information status. Sources and verification dates appear only when recorded; ListKerala does not claim independent verification without a listed source.

A local guide to Kerala

Slow down on Kerala’s backwaters

Kerala’s backwaters are best explored at an unhurried pace, through a network of lakes, lagoons, canals, and village waterways. Discover houseboat routes, waterside communities, birdlife, and peaceful places around Alleppey, Kumarakom, and beyond.

Browse by category or district, then open a listing for its recorded details and sources. Use the report link on a listing to flag information that needs review.

Enchanting Backwaters of Kerala

Alleppey Backwaters

Backwater Network
Alappuzha District
Status: VerifiedInformation last verified: September 2026Source: Kerala Tourism: Alappuzha
Sources:

Kerala Tourism describes Alappuzha as a backwater destination with canals and houseboat cruises.

Key Attractions:
Vembanad Lake Pathiramanal Island

Anchuthengu Backwater

Historic Backwaters
Thiruvananthapuram District
Status: Unverified

Historic backwater area with fort ruins and traditional fishing villages along scenic waterways.

Key Attractions:
Anchuthengu Fort Fishing Villages Traditional Boats
November to March
35 km

Ashtamudi Lake

Backwater Lake
Kollam District
Status: VerifiedInformation last verified: September 2026Source: Kerala Tourism: Ashtamudi Lake
Sources:

Ashtamudi Lake is a backwater lake in Kollam district. Kerala Tourism describes its eight-armed shape and lists houseboat cruises.

Key Attractions:
Eight-armed lake shape

Azhikode Kayal

Coastal Backwaters
Thrissur District
Status: Unverified

Coastal backwater system where inland waters meet the Arabian Sea creating unique ecosystem.

Key Attractions:
Coastal Interface Sea Meeting Point Unique Ecosystem
November to March
120 km

Bekal Backwaters

Attraction
Kasaragod District
Status: Needs reviewInformation last verified: September 2026Source: Kasaragod District Administration: Tourist Places
Sources:

Details withheld pending official source review.

Beypore Backwaters

Attraction
Kozhikode District
Status: Needs review

Description withheld pending official source review.

Key Attractions:
Dhow Building Maritime Heritage Arab Trading History
October to March
220 km

Biyyam Backwaters

Backwater
Malappuram District
Status: VerifiedInformation last verified: September 2026Source: Malappuram District Administration: About District
Sources:

The District Administration lists Biyyam among the backwaters in Tirur and Ponnani taluks that offer fishing and navigation facilities.

Bolgatty Island

Island
Ernakulam District
Status: VerifiedInformation last verified: September 2026Source: Ernakulam District Administration: Bolgatty Palace
Sources:

Bolgatty Island is the setting for Bolgatty Palace, which the District Administration dates to 1744.

Chandragiri Backwaters

Attraction
Kasaragod District
Status: Needs reviewInformation last verified: October 2026Source: Kerala Tourism: The backwaters of Malabar
Sources:

Details withheld pending official source review.

Chethi Kayal

Pond Backwaters
Alappuzha District
Status: Unverified

Small backwater pond system with intimate cruising experience and rich biodiversity.

Key Attractions:
Small Pond System Intimate Setting Rich Biodiversity
November to February
92 km

Chettuva Backwaters

Mangrove Backwaters
Thrissur District
Status: Unverified

Mangrove-rich backwater area with diverse ecosystem and bird watching opportunities.

Key Attractions:
Mangrove Forests Diverse Ecosystem Bird Sanctuary
November to March
115 km

Connolly Canal

Malappuram District
Status: Needs review

Description withheld pending official source review.

Showing 1–12 of 52 results