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Kerala Backwater Tourism
The backwaters of Kerala are what have given it the sobriquet "God's Own Country".The beauty of Kerala lies in its backwaters
that are unique in the entire world. Brimming with natural beauty and economically viable, this uniqueness of Kerala, makes
it a heavenly delight for its visitors.The backwaters in Kerala are a chain of brackish lagoons and lakes lying parallel to
the Arabian Sea coast. Kettuvallam (Kerala houseboats) in the backwaters are one of the prominent tourist attractions in
Kerala.
Alleppey, known as the "Venice of the East" has a large network of canals that meander through the town. The Vallam Kali (the Snake Boat Race) held every year in August is a major sporting attraction.In earlier times, this water highway covered the entire expanse from the South of Kerala to the northernmost part of the state but many of these waterways have been closed now.
The backwater network includes five large lakes (including Ashtamudi Kayal and Vembanad Kayal) linked by 1500 km of canals, both manmade and natural, fed by 41 rivers, and extending virtually the entire length of Kerala state. The backwaters were formed by the action of waves and shore currents creating low barrier islands across the mouths of the many rivers flowing down from the Western Ghats.Kerala's backwaters provide a gateway to the visitors to see the true rural life of the region.
There are bird sanctuaries to see along the shores and the village life has the attraction of simplicity and old-age world. There are bungalows that have now been converted into heritage hotels and ride of local houseboats called 'Kettuvallams' is indispensable. Kollam's lagoons, rivers and lakes are delightful and Kayamkulam and Ashtamudi Lakes are some of the most visited tourist spots here. Kochi or Cochin has traditional snake boat races with 130-feet long Chundan boats as its stars that add further value to its backwaters. The most prominent among these races are Nehru Trophy Boat Race and Aranmula Boat Race.
Alleppey, known as the "Venice of the East" has a large network of canals that meander through the town. The Vallam Kali (the Snake Boat Race) held every year in August is a major sporting attraction.In earlier times, this water highway covered the entire expanse from the South of Kerala to the northernmost part of the state but many of these waterways have been closed now.
The backwater network includes five large lakes (including Ashtamudi Kayal and Vembanad Kayal) linked by 1500 km of canals, both manmade and natural, fed by 41 rivers, and extending virtually the entire length of Kerala state. The backwaters were formed by the action of waves and shore currents creating low barrier islands across the mouths of the many rivers flowing down from the Western Ghats.Kerala's backwaters provide a gateway to the visitors to see the true rural life of the region.
There are bird sanctuaries to see along the shores and the village life has the attraction of simplicity and old-age world. There are bungalows that have now been converted into heritage hotels and ride of local houseboats called 'Kettuvallams' is indispensable. Kollam's lagoons, rivers and lakes are delightful and Kayamkulam and Ashtamudi Lakes are some of the most visited tourist spots here. Kochi or Cochin has traditional snake boat races with 130-feet long Chundan boats as its stars that add further value to its backwaters. The most prominent among these races are Nehru Trophy Boat Race and Aranmula Boat Race.
Kollam Backwaters
Known as the entry and exit point of the backwaters of Kerala, Kollam is situated 71 km to the north of Thiruvananthapuram. It was once the center of international spice trade, especially known for its marine and cashew industries.
30% of Kollam (Quilon) is covered by the renowned Ashtamudi lake and the eight-hour boat trip between Kollam and Alappuzha is the longest and most enchanting experience on the backwaters of Kerala.
Alappuzha Backwaters
Alleppey (Alappuzha) is prominent on the tourist trail as it is one of the major centers for backwater boat trips. With Arabian sea on the west, Alappuzha has a large network of lakes, lagoons and several freshwater rivers intersections. Alappuzha has grown in importance as a backwater tourist center, attracting several thousands of foreign tourists every year who come here to enjoy the serene marine beauty of the state. Boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry are some of the major attractions offered by Alappuzha.
The most famous event of boat race is the "Nehru Trophy Boat Race". It is held on the second saturday of every August. There are a dozen other snake boat races, providing an unforgettable and truly special scene. The fund of energy, spirit of competition and unerring co-ordination makes this sport extremely dynamic.
Kumarakom Backwaters
Kumarakom is situated 15 km from Kottayam, Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands located on the banks of the famous Vembanad Lake. The Vembanad Lake displys an intricate beautiful web of majestic canals, streams and distributaries. The gorgeous green of the fringed palms beautifully contrast with the ripple in the blue waters. The water ways of Kumarakom is now a big attraction for tourist.
It is incredibly different experience to cruise in Kumarakom backwater in a country boat, experiencing the beauty of Kerala villages. The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres is a favorite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise.
Holiday packages on the houseboats, traditional Kettuvalloms, are an out-of-this-world experience at Kumarakom. Millions of green coconut palms are lined on the river side, leaning to touch its reflections on the glassy waters. Blooming flowers, multi-hued birds, succulent freshwater fishes, all these makes the nature perfect at Kumarakom.
Kozhikode Backwaters
The bustling Kozhikode backwaters promise you enchanting holiday experiences. Languor on the Kozhikode beaches as you watch the quiet of the still Kozhikode backwaters interrupted with rhythmic movements of boat oars.Sail along the Kallai River and Canoli canal on your Kozhikode backwaters tours .
Sail to the Kadalundi bird sanctuary located on an island on the Kozhikode backwaters and see exotic bird species in their natural habitat. Be enthralled by the purity that emanates from the stunning Kappad beach, see the ancient lighthouse and visit the Pookot fresh water Lake on your Kozhikode backwaters tours.
Trivandrum Backwaters
The extensive backwaters of Trivandrum provide the picturesque view of a paradise. The intricate lagoons, lakes, canals and rivers are lined up along the dense tropical vegetation of Trivandrum. It is a breathtaking bout to experience a solitary and calm glide through this network of waterways. The biggest backwater is the Vembabad lake, some 200 sq kilometers in area,.
The serene backwater stretch, en-route to Kovalam, is famous for its canoe rides. It is the meeting point of two rivers-Killi and Karamana. A temple dedicated to Parashurama, the legendary founder of Kerala, is located in Thiruvallam