Waters of Life

Journey through the veins of Kerala – by paddle, by shikara, by stories shared on the water

In Kerala, water is not just a backdrop—it is a way of life. Ekathra’s Backwater Life Tour invites you to explore this fluid world through its most authentic rhythm: by boat.

Glide gently through narrow canals in a country boat, where each paddle stroke takes you deeper into the heart of village life. These small, quiet boats navigate the unseen arteries of the backwaters, offering intimate glimpses of daily rituals—women washing clothes by the shore, children waving from doorsteps, fishermen setting their nets. Here, the journey itself becomes a dialogue with nature and community.

Switch to a traditional shikara, a more spacious yet leisurely ride that allows you to unwind as vast stretches of shimmering water unfold around you. Watch flocks of birds skim the water’s surface, observe aquatic life, and feel the meditative pace of a world without hurry.

Then, travel like the locals do—on public transport boats that crisscross the backwater networks of both southern and northern Kerala. These boats are lifelines, connecting villages, livelihoods, and people. Sharing space with residents, you witness a slice of real life unfolding on water—with every stop, a new story.

Whether slipping silently through shaded canals or cruising the wide, sunlit waters, these slow journeys offer something rare: stillness. In that stillness, you don’t just see Kerala’s backwaters—you begin to feel them. You connect not only with landscapes, but with a way of life that flows with grace, patience, and presence.