Beginning:
Greetings, fellow travelers! Are you ready to enter a place where time moves slowly and nature puts on a wonderful display? Welcome to the beautiful backwaters of Kerala, which is known as God’s Own Country!
Did you know that the backwaters of Kerala are more than 900 kilometers long? They create a maze of lakes, canals, and lagoons. It feels like Mother Nature wanted to make her own version of Venice, but with palm trees and the smell of spices in the air!
I have traveled through the calm waters, enjoyed delicious Kerala food, and relaxed on the deck of a traditional houseboat. I can say that visiting Kerala’s backwaters feels like being in a beautiful postcard. So, put on your sunhat and let’s start a 5-day trip that will make your 2024 travel diary something all your friends will admire!
Day 1: Kochi – The Entrance to the Backwaters
Your journey in Kerala starts in Kochi, a place where many cultures come together, and it is the ideal way to begin exploring the amazing things that are waiting for you. When you get off the plane, the warm air filled with the smell of spices greets you in God’s Own Country.
Begin your journey by checking into one of the lovely heritage hotels in Fort Kochi. These nicely restored old colonial buildings show a part of Kochi’s rich history and also give you all the modern comforts you need. I stayed at the Old Harbour Hotel, and I must say, waking up in a building that is 300 years old is really something special!
After you have freshened up, it is time to go out and explore the streets of Fort Kochi with a guided walking tour. When you walk through the small streets, it will feel like you are walking through a history book. The mix of Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial buildings is really interesting.
When you go to Kochi, you must see the famous Chinese fishing nets working. It is a must-do experience. These large cantilevered nets, which were brought by Chinese explorers in the 14th century, are still in use today. Stay for the sunset – seeing these nets outlined against the orange sky is truly magical. Here’s a helpful tip: You can also give it a go at using these nets for a little charge!
When night comes, get ready to enjoy a wonderful show for your senses at a traditional Kathakali performance. This traditional dance-drama is famous for its detailed makeup, expressive hand movements, and engaging storytelling. Even if you do not understand the language, the amazing artistry will make you feel amazed.
Day 2: Kochi to Alleppey – A Beautiful Houseboat Experience
Wake up and get ready, adventurers! Before we say goodbye to Kochi, there is one more special thing to enjoy – a trip to the fragrant spice markets. As you walk around the stalls, the strong smells of cardamom, cinnamon, and pepper will wake up your senses. Remember to get some spices to bring back home – they are wonderful souvenirs!
Next, we are going to Alleppey, which is lovingly called the ‘Venice of the East’. When you drive through the beautiful green scenery of Kerala, you will see why people call this place God’s Own Country. The journey is around 2 hours long, but believe me, the views make the time pass quickly.
Now, it’s time for the moment you have been eagerly waiting for – getting on your luxury houseboat! These traditional rice boats, called ‘Kettuvallams’, have been changed into floating hotels. When you get on board, your friendly crew will welcome you and take care of you for the next 24 hours.
While your houseboat smoothly moves through the backwaters, relax on the deck and observe the daily life happening along the shores. You will see children playing, women washing clothes, and fishermen throwing their nets – it feels like a real-life documentary about the life in rural Kerala!
As the day comes to an end, your chef on board will prepare a delicious spread of Kerala dishes. From spicy fish curry to soft appams, each bite is a joyful celebration of local tastes. Good advice: Request a cooking demonstration – it’s a wonderful way to bring a bit of Kerala back with you!
Go to sleep listening to the soft sound of water hitting your houseboat, dreaming about the fun things you will do tomorrow.
Day 3: From Alleppey to Kumarakom – Birds and Happiness
Wake up and see one of the most beautiful sunrises you will ever experience. It feels very special to see the world waking up while you are sitting on the deck of your houseboat. Enjoy a cup of freshly made Kerala coffee while you relax and take in the peaceful morning atmosphere.
After a good breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to your floating home and go to Kumarakom. This small piece of heaven is famous for its bird sanctuary and Ayurvedic resorts. Go to your lakeside resort – I suggest the Kumarakom Lake Resort because it combines luxury and nature very well.
After you have made yourself comfortable, prepare for some great birdwatching at the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. This sanctuary covers 14 acres and is a safe place for both migratory birds and local birds that live here all the time. Be on the lookout for egrets, darters, herons, and if you are fortunate, you may see the rare Siberian Stork!
After all that fun, it’s time to relax and take care of ourselves. Enjoy a traditional Ayurvedic massage at your resort. Believe me, there is really nothing like the soft feeling of warm herbal oils to take away all your stress. At the end of your session, you will feel like you have been given a new life!
Finish your day with a peaceful dinner by the lake, enjoying the sounds of the night in Kerala. This is a great way to think about all the wonderful experiences you have had until now.
Day 4: From Kumarakom to Vembanad Lake – Exploring the Islands
Wake up with the sun for a real local experience – enjoy a morning canoe ride through the small canals. As you move quietly through the water, you will see village life up close and personal. It is normal to see local people brushing their teeth or having a morning bath in the canals. This is just a part of the real backwater experience!
Next on our journey is a trip to Pathiramanal Island, a special place located in the heart of Vembanad Lake. This empty island is a dream place for people who love birds. It is home to many rare birds that come from far away. While you are looking around the island, make sure to have your camera ready. You never know when a special bird might show up!
For lunch, we are going to have something really nice. We will go to a nearby Syrian Christian house to enjoy a traditional meal. Prepare to enjoy tasty dishes such as Meen Molee, which is fish cooked in coconut curry, Appam, which are rice pancakes, and the well-known Kerala-style beef fry. It is more than just food; it is a part of our culture!
As the day ends, we will get on a boat for a sunset ride on Vembanad Lake. See the sky change into beautiful shades of orange and pink, mirrored perfectly in the calm waters of the lake. This is the kind of moment that helps you understand why you go on trips.
Day 5: From Kumarakom to Kochi – Saying Goodbye to Paradise
On your last day in this beautiful place, begin your morning early with some yoga by the lake. Saluting the sun as it comes up over the calm waters is really something special. This is a great way to focus on yourself and think about your amazing journey.
After we have our breakfast, we will go to see a nearby coir factory. See with amazement how talented workers change coconut husk into strong and useful ropes and mats. It is an interesting look at one of the traditional industries in Kerala.
As we head back to Kochi, we have some time for a bit of shopping before we go. If you want spices, handicrafts, or lovely silk sarees, you can find everything in Kochi’s markets. Remember to practice your bargaining skills!
Conclusion
When the sun goes down on your trip to the Kerala backwaters, you will feel different because of the calm and peaceful way of life by these quiet waters. The swaying palm trees that reflect in the calm lakes and the friendly smiles of the local people make every moment in Kerala something special to find and enjoy.
So, what are you waiting for, my friends who love to explore? Now is the moment to leave behind the busy life we live every day and enjoy the peacefulness of Kerala’s backwaters. If you love nature, enjoy good food, or just want a break to refresh your soul, this 5-day plan offers experiences that you will remember even after your tan is gone.
Keep in mind, the greatest journeys are the ones that not just show us new things but also touch our hearts. So pack your bags, learn to say “Nanni” (which means thank you in Malayalam), and get ready for an adventure that will make 2024 your best year ever. The backwaters are inviting, the houseboats are ready, and the beauty of Kerala is all set to greet you warmly. Catch you on the water!
Travel Tips:
The best time to visit is from October to March when the weather is very nice.
When you pack, make sure to include mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and clothes that are comfortable and let your skin breathe.
Respect the local customs: Kerala is usually a conservative place. Wear simple and respectful clothes, especially when you go to temples or visit people’s homes.
Experience the Local Food: The food in Kerala is very special – be brave and try new tastes!
Learn Some Malayalam Words: A simple “Nanni” which means thank you, or “Sughamano” which means how are you, can really help in making a good connection with the local people.
Keep in mind, the Kerala backwaters are more than just a place to visit; they are something you feel and enjoy. Take it easy, breathe in deeply, and allow the beauty of this place to fill your heart. Wishing you a joyful journey!
