More beautiful than the canals in Thailand, infinitely less crowded than those in Milan, the backwaters of Kerala offer an enchanting experience of fun and relaxation and a chance to see authentic local life.
It is a world apart, a world of coconut trees, marshy groves, shallow lakes, deep canals, and long boats… plenty of long boats. The backwater canal region is different from anything else in the Indian sub-continent, and is a unique way of traveling and getting about. Punted cargo boats floated by carrying coconuts and pepper, and palms flanked the canals, meeting overhead and forming a green canopy, giving the water a green hue. It is a picture postcard setting, if ever there is one.
The land of the green and the serene Kerala offers an amazing array of the backwaters in Kerala. The breathtakingly beautiful destinations are the true storehouses of the nature at its best. The splendid sunsets, the waxing moonlights, the shoals of ducks, the pulsating palms and the wonderful waves make the backwater destinations the most sought after in kaleidoscopic Kerala.
The alluring Alappuzha with its lovely lakes, lagoons and the fresh water rivers will not fail to sweep you off your feet. The stunningly gorgeous 'Venice of the East' has more than the boat races, houseboats, beaches, marine products and the coir industry; Alappuzha is home to the diverse animal and bird life. The rich crop of bananas, yams and cassava will surely catch your eye. Kuttanad in the heart of the backwaters of Alappuzha owing to its richness of the paddy crops is referred to as the rice bowl of Kerala. The half an hour journey by speedboat to the nearby island of Pathiramanal will reveal the range of rare migratory birds that fly from various parts of the world.
Your holiday in the kaleidoscopic Kerala will be bewitching with the balmy beaches and the breathtakingly beautiful backwaters. Though it will be the private boat trip along the backwaters that will make the tour complete. The 'kettuvallams' or the traditional houseboats offer the best possible accommodation. The slow yet steady sail along shallow, palm-fringed lakes and narrow canals is mesmerizing. As it is the strong yet smooth sailing houseboats form one of the most abiding images of Kerala.
Take your pick for the best backwater tour for family and friends. The cruises and the overnight stays in the houseboats are the best way to an unforgettable holiday. The waterbus ferry and the cruise boats are the most relaxed. Your backwater holidays need not be meticulously planned. Even the booking need not be made well in advance. Besides the houseboats the regular accommodation options of the budget, standard, deluxe, luxury et al may be opted for. The entire maritime journey is a merry time experience in true sense.
Chill out at the backwaters of Kerala and be assured to enjoy the time of your life!
Alappuzha Backwater - Kerala
With the Arabian sea on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers crisscrossing it, Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty.
Referred to as the Venice of the East by travelers from across the world, this backwater country is also home ot diverse animal and bird life.
By virtue of its proximity to the sea, the town has always enjoyed a unique place in the maritime history of Kerala.
Today, Alappauzha has grown in importance as a backwater tourist centre, attracting several thousands of foreign tourists each year.
Alappuzha is also famous for its boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry. A singular characteristic of this land is the region called Kuttanad.
Kuttanad:
Kuttanad, known as the rice bowl of Kerala because of her wealth of paddy crops, is the very heart of the backwater. The scenic countryside here is a rich crop of bananas, yams and cassava.
This one of the places in the world where farming is done below sea level. Inland waterways which flow above land level is an amazing feature of this unique land.
Pathiramanal
(1 ½ hours by motor boat/30 min. by speed boat from alappuzha): According to mythology a young Brahmin dived into the Vemabanad Lake to perform his evening ablutions and the water made way for land to rise from below, thus creating the enchanting island of Pathiramanal (sands of midnight).
This little island on the backwater is a favorite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different part of the world. The island lies between Thaneermukkom and Kumarakom, and is accessible only by boat
Kumarakom Backwater - Kerala
Kumarakom, situated on the banks of the Vembanad Lake is one the world famous Backwater destinations of Kerala. Fishing, Boating and visits to the countryside make this destination a unique place to look forward to. Kumarakom also has a small bird sanctuary where different species of birds can be seen. A boat cruise along the Vembanad Lake is the best way to experience the serenity of the enchanting backwaters. Luxury hotels situated in this area to make your stay more relaxing and comfortable.
How To Reach
Air: Kumarakom is well linked by Air, Rail and Road network.
The nearest Airport is The Cochin International Airport which is 70 kms. away from the Muhamma boat jetty
The Trivandrum International Airport is 171 kms away.
Rail: The nearest Railway station is at Kottayam and regular local and Express trains connect the city with rest of India.
Road: Kottayam is 14 kilometer from Kumarakom and both State highway and National Highway links it with the rest of the country.
Thiruvallam Backwater - Kerala
Thiruvallam is the meeting point of two rives- Killi and Karamana. A temple dedicated to Parashurama, the legendary founder of Kerala, is located here.
Veli tourist Village: (8 km from thiruvananthapuram city): The Veli Tourist Village is sandwiched between the Veli Lagoon and the Arabian Sea. The lagoon here is separated from the sea by a narrow sand bar.
Facilities at the village include water sports in the lagoon and 18 acre waterfront park with a floating bridge that connects the village to the beach.
Akulam Boat Club: (8 km from Thiruvandanthapuram city): This is a very popular picnic spot with boating facilities on the lake and a children's park with a swimming pool.
Kollam Backwater - Kerala
Located 71 km to the north of Thiruvananthapuram, this historic coastline district known for its marine and cashew industries was one of the oldest ports on the Malabar coast and a major international trading point in day gone by.
The district also has some interesting historic remnants and a number of temples built in the traditional ornate architectural style.
30% of this historic town is covered by the renowned Ashtamudi Lake, making it the gateway to the magnificent backwaters of Kerala. The eight hour trip between Kollam and Alappuzha is the longest backwater cruise in Kerala. The District Tourism Promotion Council here offers a wide range of backwater tours and cruises.
Alumkadavu (23 km from Kollam town): Along the vast expanse of the Kayamkulam lake is the pictures little village of Alumakadavu. This village is the home of the skilled artisans who crafted the enormous Kettuvalloms in yester years