📑 Table of Contents

1. Kayaking in Alleppey – The Backwater Capital of Kerala

2. Kayaking in Varkala – Coastal Meets Backwater

3. Kayaking in Kollam – Hidden Water Trails of Munroe Island

4. Kayaking in Kozhikode – Monsoon Rivers & the Malabar River Fest

5. Kayaking in Kochi – Urban Backwaters with Colonial Charm

6. Kayaking in Kannur – Bonus: White-Water Rafting in Tejaswini River

7. How to Choose the Best Kayaking Spot in Kerala

🛶 Kayaking in Kerala – Top Destinations for Backwater & River Adventures

Kayaking in Kerala is one of the most immersive ways to explore this tropical paradise. Whether you're gliding through the serene backwaters of Alleppey, navigating the coastal estuaries of Varkala, or weaving through the mangroves near Munroe Island in Kollam, each destination offers a different side of Kerala's water world. From sea kayaking and mangrove trails to monsoon river adventures in Kozhikode, Kerala is a top pick for paddle lovers.

1,🚣‍♂️ Kayaking in Alleppey – The Backwater Capital of Kerala

🛶 Highlights:

Paddle through narrow canals, island villages, and wide lake views

Catch the sunrise or sunset with migratory birds and peaceful vibes

Explore Punnamada Lake, the home of the iconic Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race

Includes free village canoeing, local breakfast/snacks, and certified guide

Alleppey (Alappuzha) is the crown jewel of kayaking in Kerala. Often dubbed the “Venice of the East,” it’s where the magic of calm canals, lush coconut groves, and friendly village life come alive.

Nestled between sea cliffs and serene lagoons, Varkala in Trivandrum offers a unique blend of sea kayaking and mangrove trails for a more offbeat adventure.

🛶 Highlights:

Paddle near Varkala beach and Edava Lakeside

Experience mangrove forest kayaking in nearby stretches

Explore tidal zones and calm lagoon kayaking for beginners

Surf schools also offer combo kayak/surf lessons

👫 Ideal for: Backpackers, couples, beach lovers

🕕 Best Time: Early morning or post-lunch sessions

💰 Prices: ₹799 – ₹1299 depending on duration and type

💰 Price Range: ₹499 to ₹1499 per person (includes safety gear, guide, refreshments)

👫 Ideal for: Couples, families, beginners, solo travelers

🕕 Best Time: Sunrise (6–9 AM) or Sunset (4–6:30 PM)

2, 🌊 Kayaking in Varkala – Coastal Meets Backwater

Still Deciding? Start with the #1 Rated Kayaking Experience in Kerala!

Paddle through Alleppey's serene canals, witness village life up close, and enjoy a free breakfast or tea stop—all guided by a certified local expert.

3, 🏝️ Kayaking in Kollam – Hidden Water Trails of Munroe Island

Just 25 km from Kollam city lies Munroe Island, one of Kerala’s most underrated kayaking gems. It’s a slow and magical place where nature surrounds every paddle stroke.

🛶 Highlights:

Narrow mangrove canals and small village streams

Watch local toddy tappers, ducks, and crab catchers at work

Peaceful environment with almost no motorboats

Great for slow travel and eco-tourism

👫 Ideal for: Photographers, offbeat explorers, slow travelers

🕕 Best Time: Morning or sunset (cooler weather, bird activity)

💰 Prices: ₹600 – ₹1000 per person

4, 🌧️ Kayaking in Kozhikode – Monsoon Rivers & the Malabar River Fest

During the monsoon season, Kozhikode (Calicut) transforms into a hub for whitewater enthusiasts. Chalipuzha and Iruvanjippuzha rivers offer thrilling rapids, and the district hosts Kerala’s biggest paddling celebration — the Malabar River Festival.

🛶 Highlights:

Monsoon kayaking and rafting in fast-flowing rivers

Kayak slalom and downriver racing during the Malabar Fest

Ideal for trained paddlers or those seeking professional rafting

Surrounding forests and hills offer beautiful scenery

⚠️ Only for advanced kayakers or guided whitewater tours

🕕 Best Time: June–August (during peak monsoon)

💰 Prices: ₹1200 – ₹2500 for guided experiences

5, 🌴 Kayaking in Kochi – Urban Backwaters with Colonial Charm

Kochi (Cochin) brings together history, culture, and backwaters in one compact package. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a shorter or city-based kayaking experience.

🛶 Highlights:

Paddle through Fort Kochi’s creeks and old spice-trade routes

Watch Chinese fishing nets and harbor activity

Backwater routes in Kumbalangi and Chellanam offer quiet escapes

Short sessions (1–2 hours) available from city operators

👫 Ideal for: Short-stay travelers, cruise passengers, city explorers

🕕 Best Time: Early morning or evening

💰 Prices: ₹600 – ₹1200 per person

While not traditionally known for kayaking, Kannur’s Tejaswini River offers white-water rafting during the monsoon. It’s a wild ride through rapids and forested riverbanks — ideal for adrenaline junkies.

🛶 Highlights:

Rafting with trained guides in upper Tejaswini River

Strong monsoon flow makes it perfect from July to September

Surrounded by Western Ghats scenery and tribal areas

Not for beginners, but thrilling for the adventurous

👫 Ideal for: Adventure lovers, rafting groups, monsoon travelers

🕕 Best Time: July–September

💰 Prices: ₹1500 – ₹2500 (rafting packages with safety crew)

6, 🏞️ Kayaking in Kannur – Bonus: White-Water Rafting in Tejaswini River