Kerala Backwaters
Kerala Backwaters (Alleppey) · Kerala, India
Slow life in a palm-fringed water world, living witness to a thousand years of spice trade.
Know before you go
- Don't throw rubbish into the water from boats
- at Kathakali and other performances, don't wander about or talk loudly.
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
Along Kerala's coast, lagoons, canals and estuaries weave into the 'backwaters'; the traditional houseboats (kettuvallam) around Alappuzha are made from whole timbers lashed together without a single nail, and most now carry tourists. The Chinese fishing nets on the shore at Kochi are said to have been introduced by ancient Chinese traders, a living witness to the maritime spice trade between China and India; at night, Kathakali dancers tell epic stories in vividly painted make-up.
Local customs
- Houseboats usually offer one- or two-night charters, with Kerala-style meals cooked on board
- Ayurvedic massage is a local speciality.
Religion & beliefs
- Hinduism, Christianity and Islam coexist in Kerala, with many festivals
- the snake-boat races in August–September are spectacular.
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Rules that apply here
India: some states ban alcohol completely
- Before visiting Bihar, Gujarat, Mizoram, Nagaland or Lakshadweep, learn the alcohol rules
- Drinking or carrying alcohol in a dry area
- Drinking in parks and other public places
Drinking or possessing alcohol in a dry state can lead to arrest without bail and 5 to 10 years in prison.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: India travel advice
India: e-cigarettes are banned
- Leave your e-cigarette at home
- Bringing an e-cigarette into India or buying one there
E-cigarettes and related products are banned in India.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: India travel advice
India: no satellite phones or GPS devices without a permit
- Before you leave, check whether your equipment needs a permit
- Carrying a satellite phone or satellite navigation device without a permit (even in transit)
Illegal; you can be fined or arrested and the device confiscated. British tourists have been arrested for this.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: India travel advice
Don’t DON'T
- Don't throw rubbish into the water from boats
- at Kathakali and other performances, don't wander about or talk loudly.
Locals appreciate DO
Life moves slowly here, and locals like to drink a spiced milk tea by the water in the evening and watch the fishing boats come in.
Plan your visit
Practical info
Travel tips
- November to February has the best weather
- houseboats offer day trips and overnight stays, and an overnight trip lets you see the backwaters at dawn and dusk
- the Chinese fishing nets at Kochi are best at sunset.
Eat nearby
What to eat nearby
Must-try
- Sadya feast
- Karimeen (pearl spot fish)
- Appam with stew
Sadya (vegetarian banana-leaf feast), karimeen pollichathu (pearl-spot fish grilled in banana leaf), appam with stew (rice pancakes with coconut-milk stew), prawn curry, tapioca with fish curry
| Where to eat | Houseboat meals at Alleppey / Kumarakom (included when you book the boat), seafood restaurants and 'meals' canteens in Alleppey town |
|---|---|
| Dining etiquette | Sadya is traditionally eaten with your right hand from a banana leaf, most authentically at the Onam festival; tell the houseboat in advance about dietary restrictions or vegetarian needs |
| Typical price per person | In town INR 400–800 ≈ CNY 34–67; houseboat meals are usually included in the boat fee |
| Tips | For the freshest fish, buy it at the market before boarding and hand it to the boat's cook (agree the cooking fee); coconut oil has a strong flavour — ease in if your stomach is delicate. |
Prices are typical rates as of October 2026, not exact quotes; CNY equivalents are approximate where exchange rates fluctuate.
BHAVAPRIYA J U · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photos
Photos
RndmCrs · CC0
Rangan Datta Wiki · CC BY-SA 4.0
JP Vets · CC BY-SA 4.0
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