The Kerala backwaters are basically a network of interconnected, lakes, rivers, canals and inlets, with over 900 km of waterways. They run parallel to the Arabian Sea on the Malabar Coast of Kerala State in Southern India. The main rivers are the Valapattanam, Chaliar, Kadalundipuzha, Bharathapuzha, Chalakudy, Periyar, Pamba, Achancoil and Kalladayar, although there are many more smaller ones.

One of the main tourist attractions to the backwaters are the Kettuvallams, or Kerala Houseboats. There are more than 2,000 of them, with many being converted to accommodate tourists, and a number of holidays include a 1 night or 2 night cruise on a Kettuvallam.

You are able to cruise on Kerala’s backwaters with a number of travel companies, which include Audley Travel, Cosmos Tours & Cruises, Cox & Kings, Kuoni, Insider Journeys, Travelsphere and Wendy Wu Tours

Click on the following link for details of other rivers. For more information call GoCruise with Ian on 01455821770 or 08002922850.

(page updated April 2016)