Kerala, for its scenic essence is a most loved destination for many tourists. Without enjoying the backwaters your tour to God’s own country is incomplete and the famous backwater is Alleppey and Kumarakom backwater. 44 rivers in Kerala offer you the incredible opportunity of enjoying the backwaters. But baffled about the locations of backwaters? Here is a list of the 10 most fascinating backwaters of Kerala, that offers a blend of serenity and thrill. Must Read:-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.universaladventures.in/travel-guide/places-to-visit-in-kerala" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(230, 0, 0);">Top 30 Places to visit in Kerala</a>

Looking for <a href="https://www.universaladventures.in/travel-guide/places-to-visit-in-kerala" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 71, 178);">places to visit in Kerala with family</a>, you can go for this backwater. According to reports, Ashtamudi's pristine backwaters are India's second-largest and deepest wetland habitat. From your houseboat or kayak, you may take a tour of Kerala's picturesque backwaters, passing through evergreen coconut plantations and slender palm trees that flutter in the breeze. As the name implies, Ashtamudi means "Eight Hills," and these Ashtamudi backwaters have an unusual topography with eight branches. Ashtamudi Lake is the gateway of the Backwater of Kerala. The Chinese nets and the sunset are the best combo to watch at this backwater, counting the birds flying back home.

One of the <a href="https://www.universaladventures.in/state/Kerala" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 71, 178);">best places in kerala</a> is the Kuttanad Backwaters. A trip through the stunning backwaters of Kuttanad, which departs from the Kodimatha boat jetty in the Kottayam district, charms visitors in numerous ways. Your excursion over these smooth waterways takes you to several sights along the route including the Monroe Lighthouse in Pallom. Cruising through Kerala's natural bounty and soaking up the soothing sunlight filtering through the swaying palms overhead is a reward at Kuttanad. It is the first tourist attraction you will ever see on your thrilling trip from Kottayam to the Alappuzha jetty.&nbsp;

Kerala is the land of the Backwater cruise. When visiting Kerala, you should explore its distance and travel within the state via boats on backwaters. Though Kerala hosts many fun and thrilling activities, Backwaters is unmatchable. A Houseboat cruise is a terrific backwater activity you should try. But if you are fortunate to visit Kerala during Onam, you will enjoy the energetic boat races held in the backwaters of Kerala. The serenity of the backwaters fades away and the entire state looks energised.

Experience the extravaganza on the backwaters!If you're looking for the best tourist places in Kerala then this will be the best. Alleppey Backwater is well known for being one of the most preferred backwater cruise destinations in Kerala. It is a part of Vembanad Lake and is prominent for houseboats resembling the ancient Kettuvallams. Many houseboats provide you with the facilities such as a bedroom, bathroom, dining room, and all. You should try it once in your life and never forget the experience.Are you looking for a perfect homestay in Alleppey Backwaters? Marari Nest Beach Homestay and Lake Paradise Guest House are great options. Suggested Read:-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.universaladventures.in/travel-guide/places-to-visit-in-thiruvananthpuram" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(230, 0, 0);">Top 15 Places to Visit in Thiruvananthpuram</a>

Kumarakom Backwaters is well known for various collections of islands which are very famous and Kumarakom is a small village in Kerala. This backwater is made by Vembanad Lake and is one of the best backwaters. There is a Bird sanctuary which is famous for migrants as well as native birds such as Herons, Darters, Teals, Cuckoos, Waterfowls and animals. Visit here and enjoy the beautiful view. When boating on this jubilant backwater, enjoy fishing and bird watching.Let us help you with something that you may have overlooked while surfing internet! Backwater Ripples Kumarakom is one of the best resorts with top-notch amenities. So, the next time you plan a vacation for one day trip places in Kerala, you can book a stay here. Suggested Read:-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.universaladventures.in/travel-guide/best-resorts-in-wayanad" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(230, 0, 0);">30 Best Resorts in Wayanad for a Perfect Summer Plan</a>

Kollam, also known as Quilon, is a historic port city in Kerala, just 70 kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram, the state's capital. Since it is a place where the state's backwater stretches begin, it is known as the "Gateway to Kerala Backwaters." Also, it is the best place to visit in Kerala. Kollam backwaters are the most stunning attractions of the city because you can find them in the most pristine and unspoiled state. You can see many migratory birds sitting on mangrove tree branches and along the banks if you take a musical boat ride leisurely through these backwaters. Suggested Read:-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.universaladventures.in/travel-guide/top-popular-tourist-destinations-in-kerala" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(230, 0, 0);">Top 30 Popular Tourist Destinations in Kerala</a>

Kasaragod Backwaters is best if you are deciding for a one day trip places in Kerala. Kasaragod Backwater destination is a unique destination in Kerala that you should try and take experience from this sight. It is not busy with people like Alleppey Backwater and Kumarakom backwater. The backwater Cruises take guests from lush green landscapes and show the beautiful view of nature. The boatings through 4 small islands of the river offer you the best tranquil time and magical moments. It is located closer to Bangalore and is famous for its calmness among tourists.

Vasco Da Gama, the first European explorer, made his initial landing in 1948 on the Kappad Beach near Kozhikode. Although this lovely city offers many excellent activities and views, it was this fact that first gained its notoriety. The Kozhikode backwaters, which bear the legacy of that illustrious explorer, are a potent combination of fun and adventure. You can visit with your friends and family and enjoy this beautiful moment. You can also go boating in Kozhikode and collect beautiful memories from this trip.

The majority of Kochi's fame comes from its beaches, lovely landmarks like the lighthouse, and fishing towns where photographers may take breathtaking images of men fishing in the seas and get a glimpse of Kerala's rural landscape. But few people are aware that Kochi is also home to some of the most beautiful Kerala backwaters, the Kochi Backwaters, which reveal an entirely different aspect to this seaside hideaway. Backwaters from Alleppey and Kumarakom converge in Kochi to the Arabian Sea. You would be delighted to know that there are many backwater resorts in Kochi that not only meet your expectations of luxury but also surpass them.

Trivandrum Backwaters are connected with Vembanad Lake which is the largest lake in Kerala. If any tourists want peace then they should visit there because this backwater is well known for respite and beautiful nature. This is one of the best places in Kerala. This backwater is famous for serving as the meeting point of two Rivers - Kili and Karamana. There are many activities for exploring such as houseboat riding and boating on the tranquil rivers. Boating on this backwater feels like a dream.&nbsp;

Kavvayi Kayal, located in Kerala's Payyanur in the Kannur district, is one of the most aesthetically pleasing and unspoiled backwaters stretches with special features. The Kavvayi backwaters in Kerala remain undiscovered by the outside world, allowing guests to bathe in complete seclusion and quiet. A convergence of five separate rivers has created these breathtaking backwaters. The five rivers are Kavvayi, Kankol, Vannathichal, Kuppi Thodi, and Kuniyan. A merry cruise ride on Kavvayi island marvelling at the solitude is all you need after a tiring day.&nbsp;

Top 10 Bewitching Backwater Destinations in Kerala

India > Kerala

8 May 2026

Explore in Kerala

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