God's Own Country
Kerala — God's Own Country
Awaits You
Kerala is an enchanting state of breathtaking beauty, sandwiched between the Arabian Sea and the mighty Western Ghats. With lush backwaters, misty hill stations, pristine beaches, ancient temples, and Ayurveda heritage, Kerala has rightfully earned its title of God’s Own Country. At DO Houseboats, we have been helping travellers experience the very best of Kerala — particularly the world-famous Alleppey backwaters — since 2005. National Geographic named the Kerala backwaters one of the top 50 things to do in a lifetime.
Destinations
Discover
Kerala's Wonders
At DO Houseboats, we’ve been helping travellers experience the very best of Kerala since 2005 — starting from the world-famous Alleppey backwaters.
ALLEPPEY (Alappuzha) — Venice of the East
Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, sits on the edge of the great Vembanad Lake. Dating back to the 3rd century BC, it is Kerala’s most iconic backwater destination. Alleppey is the heart of Kerala’s coir industry and is famous worldwide for its houseboat cruises, annual Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race (held every August on Punnamada Lake), marine beaches, and serene Shikara canal rides.
COCHIN (Kochi) — Queen of the Arabian Sea
Built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, Cochin (Kochi) blends colonial heritage with modern commerce. The famous Chinese fishing nets, Fort Kochi heritage walks, spice markets, Jewish Synagogue, and Kathakali performances make Kochi a must-visit before or after your Alleppey houseboat journey.
MUNNAR — Tea Country in the Clouds
Munnar is a beautiful hill station 1,600 metres above sea level, covered with rolling tea plantations, wildlife sanctuaries, and misty valleys. Home to the rare Neelakurinji flower that blooms once every 12 years, Munnar offers a perfect contrast to the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey.
THEKKADY — Wildlife & Spice
Thekkady, in the south-Indian state of Kerala, is home to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Elephant sightings, spice plantation tours, bamboo rafting, and the famous Kalaripayattu martial arts demonstrations make Thekkady a thrilling addition to any Kerala itinerary.
VARKALA — Clifftop Beach Bliss
Varkala’s dramatic red laterite cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea create one of Kerala’s most stunning coastal settings. The Papanasam Beach, ancient Janardhana Swami Temple, and laid-back café culture make Varkala a beloved retreat for travellers.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM — The Capital
Kerala’s capital city, Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), is home to the magnificent Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Napier Museum, Kovalam Beach, and several Ayurveda wellness centres. An excellent starting point for a Kerala tour that culminates in the Alleppey backwaters.
Travel Tips
Kerala Travel FAQ
What is the best season to visit Kerala backwaters?
October to March is ideal. The weather is pleasant, rainfall is minimal, and all tourist activities are fully operational. The monsoon season (June–August) is equally magical for those who enjoy lush green Kerala landscapes and peaceful, less-crowded backwaters.
How many days should I spend in Alleppey?
We recommend a minimum of 2 nights in Alleppey — 1 night on a houseboat, and a morning Shikara cruise the next day. For a complete Kerala experience, plan 7–10 days to include Cochin, Munnar, and Alleppey.