Kerala, just the mention, would bring the images of the pristine backwaters and the stunning houseboats to your mind. The backwaters are essentially a water network of beautiful lakes that lets you take a boat ride through the many canals. It is a ride that you would remember for life.  

The backwater trip gives you a sneak peek into the scenic beauty of Kerala, which has deservedly earned the sobriquet, ‘God’s own country.’ But Kerala backwater trip is not limited to taking a ride on the traditional house boats known as Ketuvallam but there are many other experiences that you can enjoy and have a more enriching travel experience. 

A houseboat cruise at night 

Many people who come to Alleppey enjoy the houseboat cruising in the day. While this is an incredible experience in itself, as you see the palm and coconut tree lined shores and revel in the tranquillity, you ought to experience the houseboat ride at night.  

Cruising along the backwaters under the night sky decorated with millions of glittering stars and the calmness around you is an experience that you will never forget. You can end the day on a high with a delicious Kerala-style dinner that is served in a banana leaf.  

Go Birdwatching 

If you have a penchant for birdwatching, the backwaters of Kerala is a paradise. And one of the best places to go birdwatching is Kumarakom. Located on the banks of Vembanad Lake, in the back waters, and dotted with houseboats, many bird species reside here.  

Here you can see many resident and migratory birds like heron, waterfowl, Siberian crane, egrets and many more. The best time to visit this place is between November and February when many migratory birds from far off places fly here and create a beautiful spectacle for the tourists.

Enjoy a soothing Ayurvedic massage 

Kerala boat trip in the backwaters may be incomplete without taking a massage here. Indulge in some self-pampering and gift yourself a full body ayurvedic body treatment. The unique Kerala-style massage that involves specialised techniques and herbal oils is popular worldwide.  

After spending a day cruising on the backwaters, you can head straight to one of the ayurvedic treatment centres and choose a massage that suits your needs. At the end of the session, you would definitely feel lighter, and relaxed from head to toe. The beautiful setting of the massage amidst lush greenery only adds to the experience and soothes your mind.  

Take a spice tour 

Kerala is one of the largest producers of spices in the world. It is said that about 80% of the spices produced in India come from Kerala. So, when you plan a houseboat trip to Kerala in the backwaters make sure that you take a tour of the local spice markets.  

The spice industry is an important part of tourism in Kerala, as the vast spice plantation provides a perfect setting for romantic strolls, and a site for clicking some epic pictures. From ginger to cardamom, and nutmeg to peppers, there are numerous kinds of spice plantations that you can explore.  

Not to mention, you can purchase the freshest and the finest spices for your home or for gifting to your loved ones.

Experience the rural life 

The real beauty of the Kerala houseboat trip can be experienced when you visit the many small hamlets and villages located on the shores of the lakes and canals. These pretty villages have remained the same for many centuries and the locals still follow a traditional way of living, i.e., humble yet enriching. 

Their life totally depends on nature and their surroundings. The best way to experience this is to visit Kumarakom Island, on the banks of Vembanad Lake that offers a 360-degree view of village life. Another beautiful place to experience rural life is Alleppey. 

Where to Stay – Club Mahindra Arookutty, Alleppey 

Thus, the Kerala Backwater trip has so much to offer, make sure that you enjoy these little experiences and add to the album of memories. 

About Club Mahindra

Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Ltd. (MHRIL), a part of Leisure and Hospitality sector of the Mahindra Group, offers quality family holidays primarily through vacation ownership memberships and brings to the industry values such as reliability, trust and customer satisfaction. Started in 1996, the company's flagship brand ‘Club Mahindra’, today has over 250,000 members , who can holiday at 100+ resorts in India and abroad.

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