Kottayam Backwaters
The Kottayam Backwaters are a vast network of lagoons, lakes, and canals that fringe the eastern banks of the Vembanad Lake. Unlike the more famous backwaters of Alappuzha, the Kottayam side, particularly around Kumarakom and Pallam, offers a more tranquil and luxury-oriented experience. This area is a world of water where land and sea merge into a beautiful maze of green. The backwaters are essentially the lifeline of the region, supporting a unique ecosystem that includes the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Traveling through these waters, you will see the iconic 'Kettuvallams' or houseboats, which were once used to transport rice and spices but have now been converted into floating luxury hotels. The sights here are mesmerizing: rows of coconut trees leaning over the water, white lilies blooming in the canals, and local fishermen in tiny boats. The backwaters are also famous for "Kuttanad" farming, where cultivation happens below sea level. This is a place for slow travel—watching the sunrise over the lake, enjoying a traditional Kerala meal on a boat, and listening to the rhythmic sound of the oars. The peace is only broken by the occasional call of a migratory bird from Siberia. It is a destination that captures the romantic and poetic side of Kerala, making it a favorite for honeymooners and peace-seekers alike. Whether you take a high-end houseboat or a simple country boat, the Kottayam Backwaters provide an unforgettable immersion into nature’s bounty.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1 - 2 DaysPlace Type:
Backwaters / LuxuryEntry Fees:
Varied Pricing: Access to the lake is free. A 3-hour Shikara boat ride costs Rs.1,500 to Rs.2,500. A luxury houseboat for 24 hours can range from Rs.10,000 to Rs.25,000 depending on the season and facilities. ...Varied Pricing: Access to the lake is free. A 3-hour Shikara boat ride costs Rs.1,500 to Rs.2,500. A luxury houseboat for 24 hours can range from Rs.10,000 to Rs.25,000 depending on the season and facilities.Timing:
Regular Timings: Boats usually operate from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Houseboats stay anchored in the lake from 6:00 PM to 8:00 AM.
Ideal Visit Time: Early morning (6:30 AM) for bird watching and late afternoon (4:30 PM) for cruises. ...Regular Timings: Boats usually operate from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Houseboats stay anchored in the lake from 6:00 PM to 8:00 AM.
Ideal Visit Time: Early morning (6:30 AM) for bird watching and late afternoon (4:30 PM) for cruises.Special Events:
Kumarakom Boat Race: Held during the Onam festival (August/September), this is a spectacular event where massive snake boats (Chundan Vallams) compete for the trophy amidst thunderous cheering. ...Kumarakom Boat Race: Held during the Onam festival (August/September), this is a spectacular event where massive snake boats (Chundan Vallams) compete for the trophy amidst thunderous cheering.Best Photo Spots:
Vembanad Lake at Sunset: The open expanse of the lake during sunset provides a golden light that is perfect for silhouette photography. The sight of a lone houseboat against the setting sun is the quintessential Kerala postcard shot. ...Vembanad Lake at Sunset: The open expanse of the lake during sunset provides a golden light that is perfect for silhouette photography. The sight of a lone houseboat against the setting sun is the quintessential Kerala postcard shot.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Houseboat Stay: Spend a night on a luxury houseboat. It includes all meals and takes you deep into the lake for a sunset view.
Kayaking and Canoeing: For a more adventurous experience, rent a kayak to navigate the narrow canals where larger boats cannot enter.
Visit Bird Sanctuary: Take a morning boat ride to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary to see herons, darters, and migratory species.
Village Life Tour: Visit the local villages to see coir making and toddy tapping. ...
Information
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Why Famous:
Vembanad Lake: This is the longest lake in India and the backbone of Kottayam’s water tourism. The area is famous for its luxury resorts, the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, and the annual snake boat races that draw thousands of spectators from around the world. ...Vembanad Lake: This is the longest lake in India and the backbone of Kottayam’s water tourism. The area is famous for its luxury resorts, the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, and the annual snake boat races that draw thousands of spectators from around the world. -
Architecture:
Traditional Kettuvallam Design: The houseboats (Kettuvallams) are architectural marvels made without a single nail. They use coir ropes and cashew nut resin to join wooden planks of 'Anjili' wood. A typical boat is 60 to 100 ft. long and 13 to 15 ft. wide, featuring bamb...Traditional Kettuvallam Design: The houseboats (Kettuvallams) are architectural marvels made without a single nail. They use coir ropes and cashew nut resin to join wooden planks of 'Anjili' wood. A typical boat is 60 to 100 ft. long and 13 to 15 ft. wide, featuring bamboo-thatched roofs and modern interiors including bedrooms and kitchens. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Cochin International Airport is 85 KMS away.
By Train: Kottayam Railway Station is 12 KMS away.
By Road: Well-connected by the Kottayam-Kumarakom Road.
By Local Transpor... -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Bird Sanctuary (2 KMS), 2. Pathiramanal (5 KMS), 3. Bay Island Museum (4 KMS), 4. Thanneermukkom Bund (15 KMS), 5. Vaikom Temple (25 KMS), 6. Alappuzha (32 KMS), 7. Marari Beach (35 KMS), 8. Athirampuzha Church (15 KMS), 9. Malliyoor Temple (22 KMS), 10. Ettumanoor Temple (18 KMS).
Tourism Tips
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Health and Safety: Use life jackets during boat rides. Apply sunscreen and use hats as the sun can be strong on the water.
Packing: Light cotton clothes, sunglasses, and a good pair of binoculars for bird watching.
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