Kerala Backwaters at Ernakulam

About Kerala Backwaters at Ernakulam

Ernakulam Backwaters at kochi is More popular as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Kochi is a cluster of islands on the vast expanse of the Vembanad Lake.Some of these picturesque islands are Bolgatty, Vypeen, Gundu and Vallarpadam. The lake opens out into the Arabian Sea here to form one of the finest and the Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and Gritish have all left their mark here.natural harbours in the world.Half the fun of visiting Kochi is moving around on the local several quaint spots.Boat cruises from Kochi harbor to Willingdon Island, Mattancherry Place, the Jewish Synagogue, Fort Kochi and Bolgatty Island.Sunset cruise. 3 hour backwater village cruises which include visits to coir villages and coconut plantations.

Ernakulam is basically a collection of islands and narrow peninsulas. Ernakulam is the commercial centre and forms the main land. The commercial capital and the most cosmopolitan city of Kerala. It is this natural advantage that has made Kochi a fascinating blend of the cultures and influences of the explorers and traders who visited this wealthy land.the Chinese fishing net and other remnants of European and Asian architecture are ample proof of the attempts by foreigners to merge smoothly into the traditional fabric of this seaport city. Kochi also provides Backwater cruise conducted by KTDC .

Interesting things to Visit

Historical Museum :

Important scenes of Kerala history are portrayed through through Sculptures. Greeting the visitor outside is a statue of Parasurama ,the mythological safe who is said to have created Kerala.

Bastion Bunglow :

Built in the Indo-European style way back in 1667 AD, Bastion Bungalow get its name from its location on the site of the Stromberg Bastion of the old, Dutch fort.

Bolghatty

Bolghatty palace built by the Dutch in 1744. Later it became the seat of the British Resident of Cochin. Today it is a hotel run by K.T.D.C. The grounds have a small golf course & several vantage points for lovely views of the harbour & the sea.

Cherai Beach:

Cherai Beach offers a unique combination of sea and backwaters rimmed by lush green coconut palms.

Children’s Park :

A high-tech children’s Park with Non-Conventional Energy Museum and Musical Fountain. The Children enjoy a lot with the facilities available here.

Marine Drive:

Marine Drive is considered to be one of the most beautiful part of Kochy city. The marine walk is the main hangout for the local populace as the view of the backwaters and the harbour from here is excellent.

Nearest Visiting places

Hill Palace Museum, Thripunithura :

This is now the largest archaeological museum in Kerala and is the official residence of the Kochi royal family. The complex is a reflection of traditional
architectural style of Kerala. Full-fledged ethno-archaeological articles and artifacts belonging to the Kochi royal family are all a luxury that the visitors to the place get to relish. In addition there are numerous species of flora including rare medicinal plants around the area.

Kodanad:

It is one of the largest elephant training centres of South India. The beautiful river Periyar flows in the north of this place. The elephants are mainly trained for Safari. There is also a small zoo here.

Willington Island:

This is artificial island named after Lord Willingdon, and a British viceroy to India is surrounded by beautiful, calm and serene backwaters. This sweet
getaway was created from the soil obtained while deepening the docks at the Kochi harbor. This small piece of land is the headquarters of the Southern naval command and also an important trade center. Cruises along the gorgeous backwaters that surround the island are a luxury anyone would love to indulge in.

Kalady:

Situated on the banks of River Periyar, 45 km from Kochi is Kalady a pilgrim centre and the birth place of Adi Sankaracharya, the great Indian Philosopher
of the 8th century AD. There are two shrines in memory of Adi Sankaracharya, one dedicated to him as Dakshinamurthy and the other to the goddess
Sharada maintained by Sringeri Mutt. On the same premises there is also a spot (Brindavan) where Adi Sankaracharya`s mother Aryamba was cremated.
In addition to it there is an ancient Shri Krishna Temple close by which was me family temple of Adi Sankaracharya.

Madhavan Nayar Foundation:

It is situated about 8 km from Ernakulam town at Edapally. It has life size figures revealing the historic episodes and events from the Neolithic to the neoteric era. The art gallery has 200 original paintings and sculptures, which are the works of the contemporary Indian artists. The light and sound shows with English and Malayalam commentaries attract a number of visitors.

Thattakkadu Bird Sanctuary:

This bird Sanctuary on the Kochi-Munnar road, about 20 km from Kothamangalam. This sanctuary is rightly named after its explorer Dr. Salim Ali, the
renowned ornithologist. A variety of native birds like the Malabar grey-horn bill, the woodpecker, the parakeet etc can be seen here. The Ceylon frog-moth
and rose-billed roller are among the rare birds found in this sanctuary. Various migrant birds also come here during the season.

Nearest Petrol Pump

Petrol Pump
NH 47A, Palarivattom
Ernakulam, Kerala.

Supplyco Petrol Bunk
Near Iac, D H Road
Ernakulam, Kerala 680016
Tel: 0484 2362852

BP Petrol Pump
NH 47A, Ernakulam, Kerala.

BP Petrol Pump
Kacheripady, Ernakulam
Kerala

Reliance Auto LPG Station
Seaport Airport Road
Kakkanad, Ernakulam
Kerala

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

Hotel Le Meridian Cochin
Hotel Le Meridian, Maradu
Kochi, Kerala, India.

Hotel Taj Residency
Marine Drive, Ernakulam
Kerala, India.

Hotel The Trident
C-46-452 (11), Bristow Road,
Wellingdon Island, Kerala, India.

The Renaissance Hotel
P.B.No-2310, Palarivattam
Kochi, Kerala, India.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

ET North Police Station
Ernakulam, Kerala.

Police Station Edappally
Ernakulam, Kerala.

Hill palace police station
Ernakulam, Kerala.

Tripunithura Police Station
Tripunithura, Ernakulam,Kerala.

Nearest Hospital:

Gyno Speciality Hospital
Internatioal Airport Junction, Athani
Ernakulam, Kerala 680585
Tel: 0484 2475031.

Nairs Hospital
Nairs Hospital, N H Bypass
Ernakulam, Kerala 682304
Tel: 0484 2302666.

Chaithanya Eye Hospital
Near Sree Krishna Temple, Ravipuram Road
Ernakulam, Kerala 680016
Tel: 0484 2357135

Vijaya Insitute Of Medical Sciences
Kamadhenu Apartments,
Kaloor Road, Kadavanthara
Kochi, Kerala 682020
Tel: 0484 2205261

Link:

http://travelocity-in.blogspot.com/2009/10/kochi-beaches-kerala.html
http://indiatravelstours.blogspot.com/2009/09/abad-airport-hotel-kerala.html
http://vocation-tour-travel-info.blogspot.com/2009/09/india-kerala-travel-guide.html

Location info

• **Address:**Ernakulam(kochi), Kerala, India.

• District: Ernakulam district.

• **Nearest City:**Kalady, Angamally, Edapally, Kundara, ripunithura,Vaikom,Thalayolaparambu.

• **Best time to visit:**August to March.

Climate & weather

The climate of Ernakulam is tropical and average maximum temperature of 36°C in summer and minimum 18.0°C.

Things to do at Kerala Backwaters at Ernakulam

Boating, Water sports and swimming.

Things to carry

Food, water, and some warm clothes etc.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Kerala. 4G is reliable in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and along the coastal belt. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain backwater stretches. Most hotels, houseboats, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Kerala cuisine — fish curry, appam with stew, puttu, and Kerala sadhya — is widely available and famously delicious.

Best time to visit Kerala Backwaters at Ernakulam

The best time to visit Kerala Backwaters At Ernakulam is from November to February when the weather is pleasant and the backwaters are at their serene best. March to May is hotter but houseboat rides remain enjoyable. Monsoon (June–September) brings higher water levels transforming the backwaters into a lush paradise, ideal for Ayurvedic treatments although rain interrupts boat rides.

Timings & opening hours

Backwater areas are accessible from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Houseboat check-in is typically at 12:00 PM and check-out at 9:00 AM the next morning. Shikara boat rides operate throughout daylight hours.

Entry fee & tickets

Access to backwater areas is free. Houseboat charges: INR 5,000–25,000 per night depending on boat category (regular, deluxe, premium). Shikara boat rides: INR 500–1500 per hour. Canoe rides: INR 300–500 per person.

Duration needed

Half day to full day. Shikara rides: 1–2 hours. Houseboat overnight stays: 24 hours (12:00 PM check-in to 9:00 AM check-out). Backwater village walks can add 1–2 hours.

Safety tips

Always wear a life jacket during boat and houseboat rides, as provided. Do not lean over the edge of the boat or houseboat, especially when it is moving. Listen to the boat operator’s safety briefing carefully. Avoid swimming in the backwaters as the water depth and currents can be unpredictable. Keep children under close supervision near the water.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK) (approximately 0 km). Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction / Ernakulam Town Railway Station. The destination is well-connected by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and private taxis from major towns.

History of Kerala Backwaters at Ernakulam

The backwaters of Kerala, including Kerala Backwaters At Ernakulam, are a unique coastal ecosystem formed by the confluence of numerous rivers, lakes, and the Arabian Sea. These waterways have served as the region’s primary transportation and trade corridors for centuries. The backwater region has a rich history of coconut farming, fishing, and coir manufacturing. The unique houseboat culture evolved from traditional Kerala cargo boats (kettuvallams) which were used to transport rice and spices along the waterways.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a houseboat cost? — Houseboat rates range from INR 5,000–8,000 for regular, INR 8,000–15,000 for deluxe, and INR 15,000–30,000+ for premium/luxury categories per night (including meals). Rates vary by season. Do houseboats include meals? — Yes, most houseboat packages include all meals — breakfast, lunch, dinner, and evening tea with snacks. The cuisine is typically Kerala-style with rice, fish curry, and vegetarian options. How long is a typical houseboat cruise? — Standard overnight packages: check-in at 12:00 PM, cruise until 5:00 PM, moored overnight, and check-out at 9:00 AM after breakfast. Day cruises (12:00 PM–5:00 PM) are also available. Can I book a houseboat for just a few hours? — Yes, half-day cruises (3–4 hours) known as shikara rides are available for those short on time. These are more affordable and offer a glimpse of the backwaters. Is it safe for solo female travellers? — Yes, Kerala backwaters are generally safe. Houseboat crews are professional. Book through reputable operators. Inform your accommodation about your houseboat booking.

Quick facts

• Type: Destination
• State: Kerala
• Category: Backwaters