Best Backwater Regions & Their Signature Stays
The backwater regions offer a multitude of places to visit for a short trip and a comfortable stay. From Alleppey’s serene backwaters to Kumarakom’s stunning villas, learn more as you read.
1. Alleppey (Alappuzha): The Timeless Backwater Destination
Alleppey is famous for its backwaters, beautiful sceneries, serene beauty and delicious seafood prepared by the local chefs here. It is a timeless destination for those who love nature and tranquillity.
Location: Laccadive Sea in the southern Indian state of Kerala
What makes it special: The houseboats, food prepared by the local chefs, the serene beauty of the backwaters and the village life
Best Resorts:
- Punnamada Resort – Premium lakeside cottages
- Deshadan Backwater Resort – Mid-range, great views
- Palmy Lake Resort – Budget-friendly charm
Activities: Boating, photo walk, fishing, kayaking and chill at the beach.
Highlight Photo Spot: The palm-fringed canals from the houseboats and sunset cruises.
Average price for a stay per person: ₹3,000 to ₹15,000+ per night (for budget-friendly resorts)
Booking Time: Whenever you want to book a room
Bonus: Easy access to Marari Beach
2. Kumarakom: Birdsong and Bliss by Vembanad Lake
Kumarakom is a nature lover’s paradise, with birdsong everywhere, luxury villas, and spa sessions that leave you feeling rejuvenated. Book your budget-friendly backwater resorts in Kerala here and experience your dream vacation.
Location: On Vembanad Lake in the backwaters of Kerala
What makes it special: The luxurious private villas, spa sessions and beautiful birds during the migration season
Best Resorts:
- Kumarakom Lake Resort – Celebrity-favourite luxury
- Coconut Lagoon (CGH Earth) – Traditional Kerala-style with sustainability focus
- Backwater Ripples – Family-friendly and scenic
Activities: Relaxing yoga and wellness treatments, kayaking, canoeing, village walks and enjoying houseboat rides
Highlight Photo Spot: The migrating birds and lush greenery
Average price for a stay per person: ₹5,000 to ₹20,000+ per night (as per accommodation type)
Booking Time: Anytime
Bonus: Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a must-visit
3. Ashtamudi Lake (Kollam): Untouched & Peaceful
Whether you want to visit Kerala for its scenic beauty, romantic viewpoints, or to simply chill by the lake and do nothing, Ashtamudi Lake is where you should be. The lake is home to a variety of houseboat cruises, backwater resorts in Kerala and rich wildlife that you don’t want to miss.
Location: In the Kollam district of Kerala
What makes it special: Fewer crowds, relaxing ayurvedic retreats and wide lake views
Best Resorts:
- Fragrant Nature – Luxury spa resort
- The Raviz Ashtamudi – Colonial-style opulence
- Ashtamudi Villas – Peaceful & budget-friendly
Activities: Parasailing, picnic in beautiful spots, fishing, houseboat cruising
Highlight Photo Spot: The lush greenery and wide lake views
Average price for a stay per person: Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 10,000 per person per night
Booking Time: During the peak seasons, it’s best to book months in advance
Bonus: Best for slow travel & longer stays
4. Munroe Island: Offbeat & Authentic
If you’re tired of the hustle and bustle of the city, Munroe Island will offer you the inner peace you’ve been looking for all this time. The lush greenery, Mangrove plantations, and vibrant cultural experiences await you.
Location: At the junction of the Kallada River and the Ashtamudi Lake
What makes it special: The canoe rides, local culture, and budget-friendly stays
Best Resorts:
- Munroe Island Lake Resort – Immersive village experience
- Vini’s Farm – Eco-conscious stay on a private island
Activities: Kayaking, canal cruises and canoeing
Highlight Photo Spot: The gorgeous villas, backwater views
Average price for a stay per person: ₹1,500 to ₹4,000 or more per person
Booking Time: Try and book for peak and holiday seasons for the exciting offers
Bonus: Best for solo travellers and culture seekers
5. Kochi & Cherai: The Serene Backwaters
While Kochi is a port city, Cherai operates as a suburb of Kochi. Both are popular tourist attractions, featuring Hindu temples, water sports, and watching sunsets as some of the best activities to enjoy here.
Location: Both Kochi and Cherai are within a 35 km distance of each other.
What makes it special: It’s very close to the airport and for its backwater fishing with Chinese fishing nets
Best Resorts:
- Aquatic Floating Resort – Floating villas near Kochi
- Cherai Beach Resorts – Twin experience: lagoon and beach
Activities: Dolphin sighting, sunset views, jet skiing, motorboat rides and kayaking
Highlight Photo Spot: The beautiful Cherai beach and the Coconut trees here
Average price for a stay per person: ₹2,000 to ₹10,000 per person per night
Booking Time: Between late September to mid-March.
Bonus: Great for a short luxury getaway
Unique Backwater Resort Experiences
ExperienceWhere To Find ItAyurvedic detox and panchakarmaKumarakom Lake Resort and fragrant natureFloating cottagesAquatic Island and Poovar Island ResortPrivate sunset cruiseAlleppey luxury resortsBirdwatchingAstamundi fringes and KumarakomVillage life immersionMunroe Island and Kumbalanghi homestays
Ayurvedic & Wellness Resorts on The Backwaters
1. Somatheeram Ayurveda Village (Poovar)
This Ayurvedic wellness backwater resort in Kerala is a popular destination for Ayurvedic treatments. After a long day of sightseeing, strolling across the backwaters and seeking adventure, travellers come here to unwind and relax. With its wide range of classic detox treatments and therapies, it makes for the most sought-after stay.
Stress management therapy, Panchakarma (body purification) and Rasayana Chikilsa (a form of rejuvenation therapy) are most famous here. October to February is generally the best time to visit this resort, as the weather is most suitable for sightseeing too.
The best part about the therapy and treatments here is that they come in packages that cover sessions ranging from 8 to 22 days. Thus, the prices vary accordingly.
2. Niraamaya Retreats Backwaters & Beyond
Amidst the most beautiful backwater resorts in Kerala, Niraamaya Retreats is a tourist favourite. It is home to some of the finest yoga and ayurvedic treatments. The resort also offers a stunning view of the coconut trees, which adds to the tranquillity one can find here.
This luxury 5-star Ayurveda resort also offers regional and international cuisines that will leave your taste buds craving more. Weight management, Panchakarma, back pain management, and corporate stress management are among the finest Ayurvedic programs offered here.
Between November to March makes for the ideal time to come here. The weather’s comfortable, allowing travellers to come for wellness treatments after a long day of touring across regions. The packages for each wellness program may vary depending on which one you choose.
3. Fragrant Nature Ashtamudi
This lakeside paradise is every traveller’s dream stay. The healing programs and serene lakefront setting make this a top choice among tourists yearly. This backwater resort in Kerala offers a swimming pool, traditional cruise boat rides and a cultural amphitheatre.
The dining space also offers a wide variety of cuisines, set in a peaceful setting with a premium ambience. But the Prana wellness spa, early morning yoga sessions and healing practices stand out.
From Panchakarma therapy, meditation, to oil massages, choose from a wide variety of wellness treatments here at the most cost-effective prices. Between October to March is the best time to visit this backwater resort in Kerala, as the outdoor activities are much more fun during this time.
Houseboat vs. Resort: Which Should You Choose?
CriteriaHouseboat StayResort StayExperienceIntimate, floating and mobileSpacious, luxurious and land-basedDurationBest for 1 nightBest for a longer stayComfortBasic to premiumAll amenities with added spaceActivitiesCruise & dineExcursions, spa, village tour and pools
Pro Tip: If you want to take it slow and enjoy the best of both worlds, you can easily combine your experiences. E.g.: Spend 1 night on a houseboat coupled with 2 nights in a resort. This gives you enough time to explore all the beautiful scenic spots, indulge in fun outdoor activities and enjoy local food without the rush.
Best Time to Stay at Backwater Resorts
1. November to February
During these months, the weather is cool and dry as the monsoon season has just ended. The weather’s comfortable, allowing travellers to come for wellness treatments after a long day of touring across regions.
2. March to May
Although Kerala is quite humid during this time of year, there are fewer people, which eases your travel and booking process. In fact, the rates are also much cheaper everywhere.
3. June to August (Monsoon)
Rainfall can be gloomy, but never in Kerala. In fact, it makes the lush greenery look even more beautiful. We also highly recommend honeymooners travel to Kerala during this time of year for its romantic views and Ayurvedic therapy season.
4. August to September
If you want your trip to be culturally meaningful, this time of the year is our best recommendation. Kerala’s biggest festival, Onam, takes place during this season, offering a rich cultural experience and traditional feasts. It’s a sight to behold!
Tips For Booking Backwater Resorts in Kerala
1. Peak Season Booking
Kerala is at its peak of beauty during the season. From November to February, tourists visit this place to enjoy outdoor activities without the risk of rainfall or excessive heat. The weather is cool, the view is remarkable, and the experience is above comfortable. The lakeside villas here are the most happening during this season.
2. Check Your Inclusions
When booking your favourite backwater resorts in Kerala, don’t forget to check inclusions. Decide beforehand which cultural shows you want to attend, the rides you wish to try, and the meals you aim to try. This helps prepare a budget-friendly itinerary.
3. Check Water Levels
During the summer, the water levels in certain areas rise considerably. It is best to check this before visiting your favourite district.
4. Eco-conscious Stay For Eco-conscious Travellers
If you’re a supporter of Eco-friendly tourism, look for resorts that are Green Leaf certified. Encourage small homestays by booking them this season and let the tourist attraction bloom.
Conclusion
Kerala’s backwaters aren’t just relaxing, they reconnect you with culture, nature and your inner self. From sipping coconut water at sunrise to enjoying canoeing in the evening with your loved one, this is where you lose yourself in stillness and wonder. Make sure you choose the most comfortable resort and allow the peaceful tides of the waterbodies here to work their magic. Until then, book your budget-friendly Kerala backwater resort tour package with TravelTriangle and enjoy the vacation of your dreams.
