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

Pookode Lake

Freshwater lake
Wayanad District
Status: VerifiedInformation last verified: September 2026Source: Wayanad District Administration: Places of Interest
Sources:

The District Administration describes Pookode as a natural freshwater lake of about 8.5 hectares, with a maximum water depth of about 6.5 metres, around 3 km from Vythiri.

Poonthura Backwater

Fishing Harbor Backwaters
Thiruvananthapuram District
Status: Unverified

Active fishing harbor backwaters showcasing traditional maritime culture and fishing industry.

Key Attractions:
Fishing Harbor Traditional Boats Fish Markets
October to March
15 km

Poorappuzha

Malappuram District
Status: Needs review

Description withheld pending official source review.

Poovar Backwaters

Estuary Backwaters
Thiruvananthapuram District
Status: Unverified

Pristine backwater destination where river, lake, sea and backwaters converge, creating a unique ecosystem.

Key Attractions:
Golden Sand Island Mangrove Forests Floating Cottages
October to March
27 km

Punnamada Lake

Snake Boat Race Venue
Alappuzha District
Status: Unverified

Famous venue for Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race, showcasing traditional boat racing culture.

Key Attractions:
Snake Boat Racing Race Stadium Traditional Boats
August (Race Season), November to February
85 km

Sasthamkotta Lake

Freshwater Lake
Kollam District
Status: VerifiedInformation last verified: September 2026Source: Kollam District Administration: Places of Interest
Sources:

The Kollam District Administration describes Sasthamkotta Lake as Kerala’s largest freshwater lake.

Thirumullavaram Backwater

Beach Backwaters
Kollam District
Status: Unverified

Unique backwater area where inland waters meet the coastal region with diverse aquatic life.

Key Attractions:
Beach Interface Diverse Ecosystems Fishing Areas
October to March
80 km

Vadakke Kayal

Northern Backwaters
Alappuzha District
Status: Unverified

Northern backwater network with pristine canals and traditional village life experiences.

Key Attractions:
Northern Canals Village Life Traditional Culture
November to March
88 km

Valapattanam Backwaters

Attraction
Kannur District
Status: Needs reviewInformation last verified: September 2026
Sources:

Details withheld pending official source review.

Valiyaparamba Backwaters

Backwater island
Kasaragod District
Status: VerifiedInformation last verified: September 2026Source: Kasaragod District Administration: Valiyaparamba
Sources:

The District Administration describes Valiyaparamba as an island separated from the mainland by backwaters and identifies it as a fishing village and tourist destination.

Vattakkayal

Round Lake
Kollam District
Status: Unverified

Circular backwater lake known for its unique shape and serene environment perfect for peaceful retreats.

Key Attractions:
Circular Lake Peaceful Environment Water Birds
November to March
85 km

Veli Lagoon

Urban Lagoon
Thiruvananthapuram District
Status: Unverified

Beautiful lagoon near Thiruvananthapuram city with recreational facilities and water sports.

Key Attractions:
Veli Tourist Village Floating Bridge Adventure Park
October to April
8 km

Showing 37–48 of 52 results