Sasthamkotta: Lake of Legends
As your vessel follows the Kallada River’s winding path, you’ll pass a mosaic of landscapes: from sleepy fishing villages and rice paddies to vibrant riverfront towns where tradition still reigns. Sasthamkotta Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Kerala, lies at the heart of this experience—its protected ecology and mythological connections adding spiritual weight to the journey. It’s an ideal embarkation or anchor point for those looking to explore the diverse backwaters of southern India.
Sasthamkotta Lake, fed by springs and surrounded by rolling hills, is both sacred and stunning. Named after the ancient Sastha temple on its banks, the lake is revered by Hindus and home to hundreds of docile monkeys that roam the temple grounds. While the lake itself isn’t part of the river cruise circuit due to its protected status, it provides a tranquil prelude to the Kallada River experience. Begin your journey here, taking in early morning birdcalls and mist rising over the water before transferring to your boat just downstream.
Whether you're drawn by Kerala’s rich religious heritage, its biodiverse wetlands, or simply the peace of its inland waterways, a river cruise through Sasthamkotta offers the perfect lens to observe, understand, and appreciate this region. This is slow travel at its finest—guided by nature, enriched by culture, and elevated by comfort.
The Kallada River: Cruising Kerala’s Eastern Backwaters
Kollam: Colonial Charm and Port Heritage
About 25 km southwest of Sasthamkotta, the city of Kollam serves as a major hub for Kerala’s backwater cruises. Once a prominent spice-trading port for the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, Kollam offers a rich cultural history to explore. Board traditional houseboats or modern river cruise vessels near the Ashtamudi Lake—where the Kallada River begins its journey inland. Visit the Thangassery Lighthouse, historic churches, and the buzzing boat jetties filled with coir, cashew, and fish vendors.
Munroe Island: Labyrinth of Canals
Munroe Island, located at the confluence of Ashtamudi Lake and the Kallada River, is a magical water-bound village that feels suspended in time. Paddle-powered cruises glide through narrow canals beneath palm groves, past clay-tiled cottages and villagers performing daily rituals on the riverbank. Sunset here is particularly magical, often accompanied by the call to prayer or the soft beat of temple drums. Munroe is also a highlight for kayaking excursions and overnight stays on smaller vessels.
Chittumala: Hillside Views and Temple Vibes
Heading northeast from Munroe Island, river cruises often pass by Chittumala, a small hilltop settlement with panoramic views over the backwaters. The Sree Durga Devi Temple, perched at the summit, is a spiritual anchor in the region and is often visited during religious festivals and boat processions. Chittumala is a quiet stop, but its peaceful atmosphere and sacred energy resonate with those looking for deeper cultural experiences along the Kallada route.
West Kallada: Coconut Groves and Coir Craft
West Kallada is where Kerala’s traditional industries meet its natural beauty. Dense groves of areca palms and banana plantations fringe the riverbanks. You may spot women along the shore drying coir or twisting ropes from coconut husks—an artisanal practice still thriving here. Some cruises offer shore excursions to small coir workshops or traditional mat-making demonstrations, providing travelers with an intimate look into the rhythm of riverine life.
Kareepra and Puthur: Untouched Hinterlands
Further inland, the river meanders past Kareepra and Puthur, less-touristed areas that offer glimpses of Kerala’s rustic charm. These stretches are quieter, with opportunities for birdwatching and forest walks. Species like Brahminy kites, egrets, and kingfishers dot the skies, while otters occasionally play along the muddy banks. These sections are perfect for travelers seeking tranquil immersion and photography opportunities.
Pathanapuram: Gateway to the Highlands
Pathanapuram, located in the eastern stretch of the Kallada, marks the transition from lowland backwaters to Kerala’s hillier terrain. While not always included in standard itineraries, this region is sometimes visited on longer cruise routes. It's a land of rubber plantations and spice gardens, with easy access to eco-tourism activities such as forest hikes, waterfalls, and village homestays.
Themed and Length-Based Cruise Itineraries
Short Cruises (3–5 Days)
Short cruises often begin in Kollam or Munroe Island and include highlights like the Munroe backwaters, Sasthamkotta Lake area, and overnight stays aboard traditional kettuvallam houseboats. Expect intimate village visits, canoe rides, and freshly prepared Kerala cuisine. These cruises are ideal for weekend escapes or as an add-on to a broader South India itinerary.
Medium-Length Cruises (6–9 Days)
These routes delve deeper into the Kallada River, combining heritage sites in Kollam with lesser-visited destinations such as Chittumala and Puthur. Cruises may also extend into other waterways connected to the Ashtamudi Lake system. Optional yoga sessions, cultural performances, and guided temple visits enrich the itinerary. Medium-length cruises offer a balanced blend of leisure and learning.
Long Cruises (10+ Days)
Extended river cruises chart the whole stretch of the Kallada River and beyond, possibly connecting with other inland waterways and lakes across Kerala. These immersive experiences include all the aforementioned destinations, with additional days for homestays, spice farm tours, birdwatching trips, and local cooking classes. Long cruises attract cultural explorers, retirees, and nature lovers who want a comprehensive view of Kerala’s inland life.
Special Interest Cruises
- Art & History Cruises: Featuring visits to ancient temples, Dutch-era churches, and heritage mansions. Ideal for travelers interested in Kerala’s spiritual and colonial past.
- Wellness Cruises: Centered on Ayurvedic treatments, yoga, and meditation sessions, often in conjunction with onboard wellness menus and spa offerings.
- Culinary Cruises: Offering cooking classes on houseboats, market visits, and curated meals featuring Kerala-style seafood, banana leaf feasts, and coconut-rich desserts.
- Christmas & Festival Cruises: Timed with local events like the Chittumala Boat Festival, Onam, or Christmas boat parades, where decorated boats light up the waterways in magical processions.
The Onboard Experience
Ship Sizes and Ambiance
River cruise vessels range from small, family-run kettuvallams (traditional rice barges converted into houseboats) to more spacious boutique cruisers with 10–15 cabins. Interiors are typically made of teak and coir, evoking Kerala’s natural materials and design sensibilities. Expect shaded sun decks, open-air lounges, and intimate dining spaces—perfect for soaking in the river views.
Cuisine and Wine
Meals on board are a highlight. Many cruises offer regionally inspired dishes made from locally sourced ingredients—think Karimeen pollichathu (pearl spot fish), jackfruit curries, and rice served on banana leaves. Some longer itineraries include seafood BBQs on sandbanks or wine tastings featuring Kerala's growing selection of fruit wines and toddy (fermented coconut sap).
Excursions and Enrichment
Shore excursions range from temple visits and spice garden tours to village walks and cultural performances. Some cruises include workshops on Kathakali dance, coir rope-making, or Ayurvedic massage techniques. Birdwatching guides and local historians often join for portions of the trip to offer deeper insight.
Something for Everyone
- Couples: Romantic houseboats, candlelit dinners, and private sunset cruises
- Families: Interactive cultural activities, wildlife spotting, and safe, calm waters
- Solo Travelers: Ideal for reflective journeys, cultural immersion, and photography
- Luxury Seekers: Boutique cruises with premium suites, wellness spas, and gourmet dining
Cruising Sasthamkotta
“To drift through Sasthamkotta’s waterways is to touch the living heart of Kerala—a rhythm of river and prayer, of nature and nurture, where every bend reveals a story, and every sunrise paints a new beginning.”
In Sasthamkotta, river cruising is more than a scenic escape—it's a soulful experience. From the spiritual stillness of its lake to the winding embrace of the Kallada River, this region invites travelers to experience Kerala’s sacred ecology, rich history, and vibrant culture in one continuous flow. Whether you seek peace, discovery, or deep connection, Sasthamkotta delivers it through water, light, and timeless tradition.
