Backwaters & Beyond: Discover the Many Shades of Kerala with Club Mahindra

Kerala's backwaters are often the first thing that comes to mind when you picture the state. But follow the waterways a little further and you'll find villages, traditional crafts, local food and everyday life unfolding along the banks. At Club Mahindra Poovar, Ashtamudi, and Arookutty, the backwaters become a starting point for discovering these quieter sides of Kerala. 

At a Glance 

Poovar: Where the Backwaters Meet the Sea

Poovar sits on Kerala's southern coast, where the Neyyar River meets the Arabian Sea. Mangroves line the backwaters, and the boat journey to Poovar Beach takes you through this mix of river, sea and village life.

At Club Mahindra Poovar, red-tiled roofs and waterfront views make a comfortable base for exploring the area.

A ride on the water is one of the best ways to experience Poovar. Follow the narrower channels through mangroves, watch boats and birds along the way, and continue towards the beach.

Back at the resort, Kerala's cultural traditions take centre stage during the Traditional Kerala Night. Featuring performers dressed in kasavu and mundu, guests can experience Kathakali and Mohiniyattam performances alongside regional flavours, rangolis and the warm glow of diyas.

Food offers another taste of the region. At the in-house restaurant, Square Lagoon, Kerala-inspired dishes such as karimeen pollichathu, kizhi parotta and pothichoru sit alongside a wider multi-cuisine selection. For a slower meal, lakeside dining pairs traditional sadhya and local favourites with the stillness of the waterfront.

Ashtamudi: Life Along the Backwaters

Club Mahindra Ashtamudi sits on the shores of Ashtamudi Lake, one of Kerala's major backwater destinations. The lake is known for its interconnected waterways, coconut-lined shores, rich birdlife and traditional livelihoods, including coir-making.

Set out by private canoe towards Munroe Island or take a leisurely cruise towards Alappuzha. Munroe Island sits where Ashtamudi Lake meets the Kallada River, with narrow canals, coconut palms and village life shaping the landscape. Coir-making is among the traditional activities associated with the island.

There is plenty to discover at the resort too. Restorative Ayurvedic therapies offer a quieter way to spend the day, while traditional sadhya meals, Kathakali performances and Carnatic music bring different aspects of Kerala's cultural heritage into your stay.

Then there is the food. At Finz, Kerala's seafood traditions are spotlighted, while Ripples and Spice offer a broader selection. Try pillowy puttu and appam with avial, or settle in for karimeen curry prepared with coconut milk and aromatic spices.

Arookutty: Take the Backwater Route

Further along Kerala's backwater country, Club Mahindra Arookutty offers a more intimate introduction to waterways and village life.

Surrounded by swaying palms, canals and paddy fields, the resort makes it easy to venture out onto the water. Take a narrow-canal boat ride as your boatman steers past coconut palms and villages, or swap the boat for a kayak and paddle into waterways too narrow for larger vessels.

For something more relaxed, a traditional wooden boat ride lets you simply sit back and watch Kerala unfold around you.

Pathiramanal Island, a small green island in Vembanad Lake, is known for its birdlife and can only be reached by boat. Meanwhile, at Fort Kochi, colonial-era architecture, historic streets and the famous Chinese fishing nets offer a cultural glimpse of Kerala.

Back at the resort, Kerala's culinary traditions continue at the table. Finz serves seafood against tranquil lake views, while Ripples brings together regional specialities and global favourites. Dishes such as prawns kizhi, nandu roast, Malabari grilled fish and seafood platter offer plenty of reasons to linger over lunch or dinner.

See Kerala Beyond the Water

The backwaters are a good place to start, but they are certainly not the whole story.

At Club Mahindra Poovar, Ashtamudi and Arookutty, a boat ride can lead to a village, a meal can introduce you to local flavours, and a cultural performance can immerse you in the age-old traditions of the region. You can spend the day moving between canals and islands, or do very little at all and simply watch life unfold along the water.

That is perhaps the best thing about exploring Kerala this way: you don't have to rush from one landmark to the next. Sometimes, the slower route tells you more.