Backwaters in Kerala

"God's own country", Kerala is a heavenly portrait splashed with myriad of enchanting hues. A land that invigorates in one's mind mother nature's divine sense of creativity. This little coastal state on the southwestern tip of India offers an amazing array of backwaters that snakes through the state. And if one is planning to travel to Kerala, a cruise down the backwaters on a Kettuvallam (houseboat) is a unique experience in itself. It is more beautiful than the canals in Thailand and infinitely less crowded than those in Milan.

The ultimate way to enjoy the backwaters is to stay a night or two on a converted Kettuvallam. The point is not to get anywhere, but to drift languidly through ethereal beauty. It is astonishingly romantic to watch the sunset from one Kettuvallam among several, as you pass a world of coconut trees, marshy groves, shallow lakes, deep canals, and long boats. Your backwater odyssey will have twittering kingfishers, eye-catching cormorants and gliding ducks. The coastline of Kerala is dotted with delightful backwater destinations.

It's a green Venice, but unlike Venice, where man has created most of the glory, in Kerala nature rules. 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 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.

Cruise along Backwater Destinations

Alappuzha
Alappuzha, formerly known as Alleppey, 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.

Kochi
Kochi - or Cochin, as it used to be known - is a sleepy Macau-like port where the Portuguese set up trading depots in the 16th century until they were pushed out by the Dutch in 17th century. (They in turn, were shoved aside by the British in the 18th century.) For the best views of the city, take a ride on a wooden launch. If you miss the boat, you can always hire someone to row. Head for Fort Cochin, a maze of narrow streets and old buildings, where most visitors stay. Within this labyrinth is Jew Town, Asia's oldest Jewish enclave, though most of its residents moved on to Hong Kong and Shanghai more than a century ago. Its 400-year-old synagogue is decorated with blue-and-white willow pattern tiles from China. Jew Town is the main source for antiques, especially colonial furniture, in South India.

Thiruvanthapuram
Thiruvanthapuram, the capital city of the Kerala, is a major center for tourists, politics and industries. The soothing shoreline, beautiful beaches and the backwater stretches make Thiruvanthapuram few of the most frequently visit backwater holiday destination for the tourists to Kerala. The sacred city of the snake is scintillating for the tourists especially during the festivities of the harvest season of Onam. You must pray at the various temples. The architectural planning, the greens and the moderate temperatures of the city throughout the year make the tour even more enchanting.

Thiruvallam
Next to Thiruvanthapuram is the stunningly beautiful and serene stretch of Thiruvallam backwater. The backwater destinations of Thiruvallam make a great one-day tour. The renowned canoe rides make Thiruvallam popular with the tourists. You may even enjoy the water sports in the lagoon and the move to the beach from the village using the floating bridge in the waterfront park. The short village cruises using the country boats are the perfect ways to enjoy the backwaters of Thiruvallam.

Kumarakom
The ideally located, Kumarakom near Lake Vembanad is picture perfect village. Its unparalleled boating, fishing and sightseeing opportunities makes it a picturesque holiday spot in the backwaters of Kerala. The rich greens and the rural life are clubbed with the beautiful Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. You may take a cruise along the lake to catch glimpses of a variety of birds like ducks, cuckoos, Siberian stork etc.

Kottayam
Amidst paddy fields, rubber plantations and the highlands is the charming Kottayam backwaters. Kottayam is popularly known as the land of lakes and latex. The entire population of Kottayam is literate that makes it the land of letters too. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a place to go if one wants to have a look at the natural habitat of elephants, the tiger and the bison. A glimpse of the spotted deer, wild pigs, bisons, tigers and the leopard by cruising on the lake is truly enchanting.

Kollam
The splendid town of Kollam on the Ashtamudi Lake is renowned for being the gateway to the beautiful backwaters of Kerala. You may opt for an of the backwater tour and cruise that commence from Kollam. The backwater tour from Kollam to Alappuzha is the longest cruise in Kerala. Do not forget to catch on the cashews on your tour to Kollam.

Kasaragod
Situated close to the seacoast, Kasaragod's backwater destination offers mesmerizing trips to the enchanting Chandagiri on the Chandragiri River renowned for the chain of forts, and the vivacious Valiyaparamba known for providing the best breathtaking views of the backwaters. The boat cruises to and from Kasaragod will never fail to enchant you. On your backwater tour you must check out the well-preserved Bekal Fort. The Pallikere and the Kappil beach at Kasaragod are excellent spots for relaxation and rejuvenation.