Kayaking

What it is

Paddle a sit-on-top kayak through backwater canals, mangroves, lagoons and river mouths. Slow, quiet and close to the water, with guided tours of two to three hours at most spots.

When to go

October to May on the coast. The Kerala backwaters can be paddled all year, with the calmest, driest mornings from October to March.

First time?

Nothing to learn in advance. Tours use stable sit-on-top kayaks, provide life jackets and paddles, and a guide leads the group. Most operators take children in a double kayak with an adult.

Where to do it

• Alleppey backwaters

  sunrise paddles through village canals, away from the houseboat routes

• Goa

  the Sal backwaters, the Cola beach lagoon and the Chapora mangroves

• Mulki

  the Shambhavi estuary beside the surf schools, calm when the surf is flat