Backwaters of Kerala are a network of briny lagoons, lakes and canals situated on the Malabar Coast of Kerala in India. It covers about half of the length of Kerala state. The existence of backwaters is unique to Kerala and hence it is one of the key factor that promotes the tourism industry of Kerala.
The backwaters of Kerala can be explored through a houseboat. Houseboats can be hired from the major backwater tourist destinations such as Alleppey, Kumarakom and Kochi. Smoothly sailing through the backwaters of Kerala in a houseboat with each side decorated with lush greenery is an ideal holiday dream. The backwaters were the traditional transport ways. In the modern times the backwaters of Kerala accelerates the tourism industry of Kerala with tourists from every nook and corner of the world visiting Kerala just to enjoy the scintillating charm of the backwaters. The backwaters provide fresh water, rich in marine resources and enhance the natural beauty of God’s own country.
The major backwater regions of Kerala are Vembanad backwater, Ashtamudi Lake and Kannur – Valiyaparambu backwaters. The most attractive part of the backwaters is the Vembanad backwater stretching across the districts of Alleppey, Ernakulam and Kottayam. Vembanad is the longest lake in Kerala and it is rich with bio-diversity.
The southern Vembanad Lake is renowned for its mesmerizing beauty and charm. It is situated between Alleppey and Kottayam. It is one of the most visited tourist places of Kerala. Houseboat tourism is very popular in this area. Tourists can stay overnight in luxurious houseboats fully immersed in the elegance of the backwaters. The houseboats come with a navigator and a cook. You can enjoy the mouthwatering Kerala delicacies in the houseboats. Thus a houseboat journey will be a treat for the eye, mind as well as for your taste buds.
Backwaters rejuvenates the mind and soul of the visitors with its bewitching charm. It is really a novel refreshment for the mind, which is clamored with stress of day to day life.
Kerala is famous for its lustrous greenery, fabulous beaches and gorgeous backwaters. Visiting this state and enjoy its large stretches of backwaters can be a dream of many travellers from across the world. Many honeymoon couples choose this state for their honeymoon in order to experience backwater cruising in a traditional houseboat. The backwaters in Kerala stretch for more than 900 kilometres and an important aspect of tourism. The calm backwaters of the state are amazingly delightful and provide a soothing effect to your senses.
It can be a wonderful experience for the travellers to take a houseboat cruising along the palm-fringed backwaters in Kerala. There are several beautiful destinations, villages and towns on the banks of backwaters. The natural charm and serenity of the brackish backwaters truly fascinate travellers from across the globe. It must be a heavenly pleasure for them to enjoy a cruise in a traditional houseboat or kettuvallom. As you drift past, you will be able to watch the green countryside, swaying coconut palms and green emerald paddy fields. Just visit our website www.ksu.in to check more about backwater tourism in Kerala and hire a houseboat at best rates.
Alappuzha: A houseboat cruising along the sparkling backwaters of Alappuzha can be a mind-blowing experience. Popularly known as the Venice of the East, Alappuzha is an excellent backwater tourist place with awe-inspiring natural beauty. This scenic destination is entwined by a vast network of fresh water rivers, lakes and lagoons. The rich greeneries and abundant paddy fields are also increase the beauty of Alappuzha. Besides, this backwater destination is also home to a wide range of animals and birds. Travellers can watch both local and migratory birds at this region. You can easily spot flocks of parrots hanging around in the paddy fields of this region. Kuttanad, the rice bowl of Kerala, is also a marvel in this district. Famous for its rich paddy fields, farming at Kuttanad is done below the sea level. No doubt, one can enjoy outstanding backwater cruising experience at Alappuzha.
Kappil: Enjoy backwaters in the backdrop of the sea by choosing the picturesque Kappil. The destination is almost 53 kilometres from Thiruvananthapuram. People who love to enjoy backwater cruising choose this destination because Kappil is the conflux of the river and sea which gives them amazing experience.
Kochi: Popularly known as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’ Kochi is another well known backwater destination in Kerala. It is the cluster of a few islands like Bolgatty, Vallarpadam, Vypeen and Gundu. Simply choose Kochi if you want to enjoy backwaters of Kerala because cruising through the criss-cross waterways can be a marvellous experience. Besides, it gives a wonderful chance to enjoy some of the popular attractions in the city such as Chinese Fishing Nets, Vasco Da Gama Square, St .Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica, Bastion Bungalow and VOC Gate. Large shopping malls are other attractions of Kochi in addition to its cultural and historic landmarks. Kochi also offers plenty of fantastic restaurants that serve exotic dishes including seafood which are popular among travellers.
Kollam: Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam is among the most visited backwaters of Kerala. Covering more than 30% of the district, this lovely lake makes it the gateway to the majestic backwaters of the state. The 130 kilometres long interlinked water networks start from this lake to the north. Take an 8-hour boat trip to Alappuzha from Kollam to enjoy the most beautiful backwater experience in Kerala. It is the longest backwater way which makes you delighted. Ashtamudi Lake is almost 71 kilometres away from Thiruvananthapuram.
Kozhikode: Enjoy a memorable holiday by choosing the unspoiled and unexplored backwater destination of Kozhikode. Travellers can find several destinations like Kallai River, Elathur and the Canolu Canal to enjoy boating. Never forget to visit the famous Kadalundi bird sanctuary to watch varieties of avian species during your trip to this backwater destination in Kerala. Korapuzha is another well known picnic spot in this region which is famous for the Korapuzha Jalolsavam.
Kumarakom: It is the most beautiful and popular destination when it comes to the backwaters of Kerala. With an awe-inspiring paradise with emerald green paddy fields, rich coconut groves and enchanting mangrove forests, enjoy a cruising through the scintillating backwaters of Kumarakom can be a memorable experience. Besides, you can find plenty of other tourist attractions in this region. It is the dream of each holidaymaker and honeymoon couple to Kumarakom to enjoy a backwater cruise in a traditional houseboat. The renowned Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is another attraction of this destination which spreads across nearly 14 acres. It is an ornithologist’s paradise where you can watch wide varieties of birds. Some of the birds that you can watch at this sanctuary include cuckoo, teals, egrets, wild duck, herons, waterfowls and many migratory birds like Siberian Stork. This bird sanctuary is around 16 kilometres away from Kottayam.
Thiruvallam: Plan a trip to Thiruvallam if you wish to enjoy the beauty of sapphire-like and tranquil backwaters. It is almost 10 kilometres away from Thiruvananthapuram on the way to Kovalam. This large stretch of backwaters is ideal to enjoy canoe rides.
Valapattanam: You can reach these backwaters by travelling around 7 kilometers from Kannur. Travellers can enjoy amazing cruising experience through the winding ways of Valapattanam backwaters.
Valiyaparamba: Enjoy memorable cruising in the backwaters of Valiyaparamba, one of the most beautiful backwater stretches of the state. Dotted with several little islands, the backwaters of this destination feed by four rivers. People love to visit this destination because it offers amazing boat cruises. Besides, they enjoy exploring backwaters along the scenic Thejaswini River. No doubt, a boat cruise through the sparkling backwaters of Valiyaparamba can be a beautiful experience. One can reach this backwater destination by travelling 30 kilometres from Bekal.