Kerala, India
The Slow Way Through Kerala’s Backwaters
Free · open it in the app and customise every day.
Kerala rewards travellers who slow down. The backwaters — a lattice of lakes, canals and rivers behind the Arabian Sea coast — are best seen at the pace of a houseboat drifting past paddies and palms.
The classic arc
Start in Kochi for its colonial old town, climb to the tea hills of Munnar, then descend to Alleppey for the houseboat everyone comes for.
On the water
An overnight kettuvallam is the headline — sunset over the paddies, fresh karimeen fried on board, and a rare silence. September to March brings the best weather.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 — Kochi
Colonial port town
- Fort Kochi Beach
- Chinese Fishing Nets
- Mattancherry Palace
- Bengaluru (BLR) → Kochi (COK)
💡 Catch a Kathakali performance in the evening — arrive early to watch the artists apply their make-up.
Day 2 — Munnar
Tea country
- Tea Gardens
- Eravikulam National Park
Day 3 — Munnar
Lakes & viewpoints
- Mattupetty Dam
- Munnar - Top Station Highway
Day 4 — Alleppey
On the backwaters
- Alleppey Backwaters
- Alappuzha Beach
- Premium Houseboat, Vembanad Lake
Backwater day
- • Light cottons
- • Mosquito repellent
- • Reusable water bottle
- • Motion-sickness tablets (optional)
More itineraries to explore
Kerala, India
Kerala Backwaters: A First-Timer's Guide to Houseboats, Hills and Beaches
Kashmir, India
Kashmir in Spring: A First-Timer’s Guide
Rajasthan, India
Royal Rajasthan: Forts, Palaces & Desert Nights
Goa, India
Goa Two Ways: Buzzing North, Quiet South
Ladakh, India
Ladakh: How to Do the High Passes Right
India