Spending a night at houseboats in Alleppey/ Kumarakom is a must for travellers visiting Kerala, which makes it a very sought after location. But the immense amount of traffic brought by these boats has ended the appeal of staying in houseboats.
Offbeat backwater destinations in Kerala
1. Padanna Backwaters, Kasargod
Source: incrediblekerala.org
Padanna Village, one of its kind theme village, survives on oyster harvesting and mussel-farming. The cruise passes through here and lets tourists try their hand at farming. Kareem’s forest, a 32-acre plantation of coconuts and areca nuts is inviting. The possibility of taking a cruise at night is what makes Padanna one of the best backwater destinations in Kerala.
Nearest railway station: the Kanhangad Railway Station
Nearest airport: Calicut
2. Ashtamudi Backwaters, Kollam
Source: chaiwallasofindia.com
The 16 km long Ashtamudi Backwaters is the second largest backwater network in India fed by 8 channels. The option of spending your night in either hotels along the lake or in houseboats is available to you. Although it’s true beauty can be realised when you wade through the water at night. It is picture perfect and is one of the best weekend getaways.
Nearest railway station: Kollam Junction
Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport
3. Sasthamkotta Backwaters, Kollam
Source: wikipedia.org
Also known as the queen of lakes in Kerala, Sasthamkotta Backwaters is a terrific 375 hectare expanse enclosed by hills which grow Drosera, an insect eating plant. What makes this backwater destination in Kerala even more lucrative is the Sastha Temple.
Nearest railway station: Kollam Junction
Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport
4. Valiyaparamba Backwaters, Kasargod
Source: meetup.com
Formed by 4 rivers and located just 30 kms away from Bekal Fort, which can be accessed by ferries, Valiyaparamba Backwaters is a wonderful weekend getaway with its calming and known all too well bayou. For adventure and photography enthusiasts, the Mangrove Trail of Malabar provides an attractive alternative. The Pallikere and Kappil beaches provide tourists with a sense of serenity, away from the crowds, a place to be with oneself.
Nearest railway station: Payyanur Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Calicut
5. Pathiramanal Backwaters
Source: pathiramanal.com
A perfect Location for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers, Pathiramanal Backwaters presents them with the opportunity to observe several migratory birds. Accessible only through waterways, this backwater is spread from Alleppey to Kochi through the Kayamkulam Lake. The Krishnapuram Palace makes this backwater for one of the best places to visit in Kerala.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport
6. Kavvayi Backwaters, Payyanur
Source: wanderingtastebuds.com
Think Alleppey without the crowd. Kavvayi Backwaters, offering the same experience of countryside scenery and a glance into its villages, is the largest backwaters in north Kerala and is one of the most sought after backwater destinations in Kerala. This backwater offers many places to visit, like the Edakilayadu Island where snakes are worshipped and the Theyyam performance of Payyanur. These locations make for one of the best places Kerala has to offer.
Nearest railway station: Payyanur Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Calicut
7. Thiruvallam Backwaters, Thiruvananthapuram
Source: justkerela.in
Thiruvallam Backwaters is a place of tranquillity and chaos. It’s the best of both worlds. Combine adventure sports like canoeing on a calm night here to experience a great backwater destination in Kerala. The houseboats cruise from Thiruvananthapuram to Kottayam making canoeing and kayaking possible on the way. Options of floating bridges and short village cruises are also available. Tourists can also watch how houseboats are handcrafted making it one of the best places to visit in Kerala. The Parashapuram temple – dedicated to the creator of Kerala, Parashapuram, is also locate here.
Nearest railway station: Thiruvananthapuram Railway Station
Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport
8. Alumkaduvu, Kollam
Source: vacationskerala.com
Alumkaduvu, the houseboat building centre of Kerala, is another offbeat backwater destination. Rice barges (kettuvallams) were renovated into houseboats here. This backwater’s main attraction is the boat building yard where skilled craftsmen build boats from eco-friendly materials. Others use coir to make handicrafts and souvenir items. Staying here is a perfect weekend getaway in Kerala.
Nearest railway station: Karunagappally
Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport