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Neomaxer helps you discover extraordinary journeys — explore trails, experiences, activities, hotels, and flights, all curated to inspire your next trip.
Download our app and travel the Neomaxer way.
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broken clouds
Humidity
71%
Wind
4.02 m/s
Travel guides, tips, and stories
November to February is ideal with pleasant weather, clear skies, and comfortable temperatures. September-October is also excellent with full water levels after monsoon. Avoid April-May (very hot and humid) and June-August (heavy monsoon rains, though some find rainy backwater cruises atmospheric).
Houseboats are available in various sizes (1-bedroom to 5-bedroom). Most bookings are for overnight stays (check-in noon, check-out 9 AM). The cruise includes all meals (Kerala cuisine cooked onboard), a crew (driver, cook, helper), and stops at villages. Prices range from ₹6,000 to ₹25,000+ per night depending on the boat quality.
No, it's genuinely magical, especially if you choose the right route. Avoid the crowded Punnamada Lake route near town. Ask for routes through Kuttanad (the rice bowl below sea level) or Vembanad Lake's quieter stretches. Smaller canals with village life are far more atmospheric than the main waterways.
Held on the second Saturday of August on Punnamada Lake, this is Kerala's most famous event — 100-foot-long snake boats (chundan vallams) with over 100 rowers race to rhythmic boat songs. It draws huge crowds and is an incredible spectacle of teamwork and tradition.
Yes, half-day (4-hour) and full-day (8-hour) houseboat cruises are available at lower prices. Alternatively, take a local ferry through the backwaters for ₹10-50 — a budget-friendly way to experience the waterways with locals. Kayaking and canoe tours are also excellent options.
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Time zone
IST
Currency
INR
Official languages
Malayalam, English
Best time to visit
AUG-DEC
Recommended trip duration
3 days
The arrival of April in Kerala is heralded by the brilliant golden clusters of Kanikonna flowers. Known as the Indian Laburnum, these yellow blooms are the soulful signature of the Vishu festival. They symbolize prosperity and light, decorating every household during the sacred Vishukkani ritual. Against the lush green landscape of the tropics, the drooping petals create a stunning natural tapestry that reflects the warmth of the summer sun.
