Kerala Backwaters
The Kerala backwaters are the highlight of the region, and for many their visit to India . Nearly 1,000km of waterways spread from the coast to far inland. The boats serving the area cross shallow lakes peppered with Chinese cantilever fishing nets, and travel along narrow shady canals where traditions of processing coconuts and cashew nuts still thrive.
The small villages that make up the backwaters are a treasure to visit. You'll find churches, mosques, temples and schools. Motorized transport hasn't replaced the traditional canoe yet, and is unlikely to given the amount of canals and the small number of roads.
The towns of Alleppey and Kollam are the major hubs for backwater trips, but Fort Cochin also offers lots of good trips.
There are three main ways to travel the backwaters:
Houseboat
The Houseboat is the ultimate way to experience the backwaters. Traditional rice barges (kettuvallam) have been converted to homes that cater for couples or groups. Trips are normally for 24 hours and all meals are included. Costs are typically INR6,000 per couple, but much less outside of the high season (Nov - Jan). Prices differ for bigger group houseboats. Single travelers are better to find someone to share with, unless you have a big budget. You can also have a day experience on a houseboat in Fort Cochin for INR550.
If you have the budget you can easily commission a houseboat for a longer period of time to go where ever you want.
The true houseboat experience is to be punted, where the drivers use long bamboo poles to power the houseboat. This reduces the distance you'll cover in a day, but is very peaceful. To cover more ground an engine is required, which is obviously not as tranquil.
Tourist Cruise
Tourist boats run everyday from Alleppey and Kollam and vice versa. These ferry like boats stick to the major waterways, and although you wont see the really delicate Keralan life you will see a little glimpse of many things. The trips leave at 10.30am and arrive at 6.30pm, everyday in high season. It's the best way to get between Alleppey and Kollam if you have time. There are also trips between Alappuzha-Kumarakom and Alappuzha-Kottayam.
Canoe
To see the really intricate and traditional parts of the backwaters you'll need to go on a canoe trip. No other vessel can weave through the narrow canals that make up the traditional village life of the backwaters. Trips vary, but prices are about INR300 per half day. Trips can be arranged in Fort Cochin, Alleppey or Kollam.
Combinations
Many places combine backwater travel experiences to give you a taste of each. In Fort Cochin the Tourist Desk Information Counter run a good day trip with a morning on a house boat, and an afternoon in canoes for INR550, including lunch, water and hotel pickup.