Indian Subcontinent

Kerala Backwaters

Hugging the coast of Kerala is a complex network of lagoons, lakes, rivers and canals that make up this fragile ecological system. A distinct way of life has evolved around this watery world, which acts as a source of food, irrigation and method of transport. The best way to experience the area is to step aboard a houseboat, beautifully converted from an old rice barge, and escape the daily noise and frenetic pace of modern India.

Life glides by as the fishermen check the catch in their cantilevered Chinese nets; rice barges float along laden down with people, cashews, coconuts or bricks; and you can watch the daily rituals of the people from a unique angle as they go about their lives on narrow spits of land. A houseboat on the backwaters offers a special insight into a peaceful and serene world.

There is also the option of enjoying one of the spectacular temple festivals of Kerala. These grand processions consist of beautifully decorated elephants and colourful chariots accompanied by hundreds of musicians and thousands of dancing devotees. Other festivals include vibrant, pulsating races of snake boats on the backwaters. Luxury tented camps are erected at the site of each festival for a two nights' stay - please contact us for further details.

Our preferred boats on the Backwaters include:

Sauvar Nigam
Vaikundum
Oberoi Vrinda

Discovery

Our preferred hotels on the Backwaters include:

Kumarakom Lake Resort

Purity

Philipkutty's Farm

Coconut Lagoon