{"id":12985,"date":"2018-06-11T17:54:27","date_gmt":"2018-06-11T16:54:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/?p=12985"},"modified":"2022-04-26T12:04:28","modified_gmt":"2022-04-26T11:04:28","slug":"best-way-to-experience-keralan-backwaters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/archive.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/best-way-to-experience-keralan-backwaters\/","title":{"rendered":"How to experience the Keralan Backwaters"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]To experience the Keralan Backwaters properly is one of the most incredible experiences in Southern India. But there\u2019s a common preconception that staying in a houseboat is \u2018the\u2019 way to do it \u2013 which may not be true for everyone. Here, India<\/a> expert James tells you why.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

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\"Deep

A smaller boat can take you deep into the narrower channels of the backwaters away from the crowds<\/p><\/div>\n

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Should you stay on a houseboat in the backwaters?<\/h2>\n

The central Keralan Backwaters<\/a> are, quite rightly, one of the biggest draws to India\u2019s tropical Southwestern state. You get a real flavour of local life, witnessing local trade, slow-paced villages and beautiful landscapes, all the while cruising lazily on the water in an array of lovely boats.<\/p>\n

But there\u2019s one common preconception pushed on travellers; that you have<\/strong> to stay overnight on a houseboat to experience the Backwaters \u2018properly\u2019. The idea that this is the most idyllic experience, and the best way to immerse yourself fully in the atmosphere and pace of life.<\/p>\n

\"Busier

The route houseboats take on a one night voyage can be quite crowded<\/p><\/div>\n

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In reality, one night on a houseboat isn’t quite as serene as you may think.\u00a0 The first, and probably the main reason, is that houseboats are quite large, being too wide to go down the narrower channels where the life and soul of the Backwaters really lies. It\u2019s a shame to visit such a fascinating part of the world and get inches away from its true magic, only to be stopped by a tight corner!<\/p>\n

You also don\u2019t get an expert guide English speaking guide on board a houseboat. In such a culturally rich area, you really need a guide to point out what\u2019s happening where; they can really give you a far greater insight, and take you beyond what meets the eye.<\/p>\n

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\"Experience

Local life comes alive once you get away from the crowds down the narrower channels<\/p><\/div>\n

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What\u2019s more, the Backwaters are popular (they have been pretty much ever since the National Geographic Traveller pinned them as a \u2018Destination of a Lifetime\u2019 in 1999) and, for most people, a\u00a0houseboat\u00a0is deemed the preferred mode of transport. As such, it can get a little crowded \u2013 especially since one-night houseboats follow similar routes. Come 5pm, it is possible to find yourself moored among fellow tourists rather than amongst the local action. Additionally, as you\u2019re so close to the water, mosquitoes can be even more of a pain than usual.<\/p>\n

To be clear, though, this really only applies to one-night houseboat cruises. If you love boating and its relaxed nature, a 2-3 night houseboat cruise is a fantastic way to explore the area. Having the extra time gives you space to get off-the-beaten-track and immerse yourself in beautiful surroundings and lesser visited channels.<\/p>\n