Within the magnificent freshwater lakes and the majestic Arabian Sea, Kerala produces a picturesque spectacle enriched with quietude and peace. The Kerala backwaters are a blissful labyrinth of interwoven canals, brackish lagoons, lakes, and rivers lying parallel to the Arabian Sea coast. With luscious verdure girdling the backwaters, this is scenic heaven for nature lovers and peace seekers.
To experience this palatial landscape, one is often required to pay a ginormous price, making this heaven a dream never come true for many. However, you can explore Kerala’s scenic landscape without draining your savings by following these five steps.
Staying in Backwaters does not mean staying in houseboats.
Backwaters mean Kettuvallams. Houseboats, however comfortable, are extremely expensive. Houseboats begin from Rs. 2000 per person per night. Although these are extremely difficult to find on the Internet for prior online booking. In addition, such houseboats are not as well-equipped as you may think, and you may even have to share them with other travellers. You can hence book your backwaters stay in the numerous resorts lined up against the lakes. These are comparatively very cheap and full of luxury amenities. For transportation, the state government has cruise trips from Alappuzha to Kollam every day. The DTPC is an 8-hour-long cruise trip for tariffs ranging from Rs. 150 to Rs. 700 per hour. There are a variety of cruise options to choose from.
Backwaters don’t just mean travelling in Alleppey or Alappuzha
Most people are just acquainted with the name of Alleppey when it comes to backwater tourism. This, however, is not true at all. Kerala has 34 backwaters, of which 27 are in parallel with the sea, and as a result, Alappuzha is not the only backwater option available. The popularity of Alleppey has inflated the cost of vacationing there. Moreover, the tourist influx has led Alleppey to not be as tranquil and unspoiled as other backwaters. You can visit Kozhikode, Ashtamudi, and Thrissur Backwaters, among others.
It’s not a Staycation! Sights to see on a budget
A popular misconception is that there are only a limited number of sightseeing options available in the backwaters. On the contrary, there are many budget-friendly sightseeing spots around the backwaters that one can visit. You can either use ferries or shikaras of native farmers for travelling. You have got to deploy your bargaining skills while looking for a mode of transport! If you are in Alleppey, then you can visit St. Mary’s Forane Church, Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple, Alleppey Lighthouse, Alleppey beach, and Revi Karunakaran Museum.
Be prudent when it comes to food-related expenses
The remote location of backwaters may mislead you into thinking of increased expenses on food and drinks as well. However, several small cafes and eateries have emerged with the rise in tourism here. If you are travelling on a ferry, you can easily point out where you need to stop and grab a delicious, local, inexpensive bite at the numerous cafes on the shore.
Time will help you save your money and travel freely
Given their climatic variations, all coastal destinations have a specific period during which travelling is at its peak. This duration lasts for around 3 to 4 months and usually is during winter. As a result, prices during this peak season shoot up enormously. While the peak season for backwaters is mostly during winter from October to March, you can visit the backwaters during the early monsoon or early summer months, particularly August. The temperature and weather at this time are not too torrid, and around August, boat races and festivals are also organized by the local population. Hence, travelling in the off-season can let you immerse yourself even in the cultural richness of Kerala.
Conclusion
Visiting God’s own country at least once in life is mandatory for those who love to travel. Apprehension because of the budget may be common, but enjoyment never has a price. You can enjoy even with the least minimal amount, provided you are around the people you love. Experiencing this unseen side of Kerala with the help of our backwaters guide will leave you astounded and not broke for sure.