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Kerala backwaters: Photo Guide, Map and Tips

By vikas singh · Originally published August 31, 2011

A PHOTO JOURNAL / BY VIKAS

A few frames from the travel archive.

16 photographsSelect a frame to explore
Palm trunks and dense green plants beside Kerala backwatersWooden waterside cottages beneath a blue skyTwo dark-roofed cottages beside calm waterGolden clouds reflected behind silhouetted coconut palmsBroad waterway bordered by reeds and palm treesCross silhouetted beside glowing backwater reflectionsPainted wooden boat moored below coconut palmsOpen Kerala backwater beneath a vivid blue skyDark waterbird perched on a wooden postWhite-headed brown bird perched beside green waterLong-legged heron on a stone embankmentRow of cottages reflected in still backwaterWading bird silhouetted against golden waterSmall waterfront structure and cross across open waterNarrow shaded canal with a moored wooden boatColourful rooftop terrace among coconut palms

Kerala backwaters: plan a photo visit

Palms, narrow canals and waterside birds reward a slow journey. Choose one backwater base; the photographs do not identify a particular cruise operator or promise an overnight houseboat experience.

Suggested time: one or two days. Open destination map

Key sights and photo ideas
  • Alappuzha — Use a backwater base to arrange a clearly specified canal or lake outing.
  • Kumarakom — Consider this as an alternative base for the Vembanad backwater landscape.
A suggested itinerary
  1. Choose either Alappuzha or Kumarakom and settle in before a short waterside walk.
  2. Next morning: take a confirmed boat outing, then leave time for lunch and onward travel.
Travel and photography tips
  • Ask for the route, duration and inclusions before paying.
  • Confirm life jackets and weather conditions with the operator.
  • Keep your distance from birds and homes along narrow canals.

Photographs by Vikas. Original post: 2011-08-31; the publication date is not a confirmed visit date. This suggested route is researched planning advice, not a record of the original trip. Sources checked 2026-10-10: keralatourism.org. Check current access and booking details before travelling.

Until the next somewhere.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY VIKAS