Written by the crew

Guides to the backwaters

Practical notes from the people who run the boats — when to come, what gets cooked, which tier to book and what is actually at the bird sanctuary.

A traditional kettuvallam houseboat cruising the Kumarakom backwaters

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18 Jun 20267 min read

A first-timer's guide to the Kerala backwaters

What the backwaters actually are, why Kumarakom is a different trip from Alappuzha, and what a night on a kettuvallam is really like — written for people booking their first cruise.

Anand NairCruise operations manager

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Before you book

Frequently asked questions

Getting here, safety, meals, mooring rules and the cancellation policy. Anything else — call the desk on +91 94468 21720.

Kottayam railway station is 15 km away, about 25 minutes by road. Cochin International Airport (COK) is 75 km, roughly two hours. We can send an air-conditioned car to either for a fixed fee — add it to your booking or ask the desk. Boarding is at Cheeppunkal Jetty, Kumarakom; drivers know it as the jetty near St Antony's Church.