Kerala Backwaters
Kerala Backwaters are the main attraction in Kerala tourism. The Kerala Backwaters are a network of interconnected brackish lagoons and lakes lying parallel to the Arabian Sea coast. The backwaters are unique to Kerala. The largest backwater stretch in Kerala is the Vembanad lake which flows through three districts and opens out into the Arabian Sea at Cochin port.
The most beautiful area in the kerala backwaters is in Alappuzha district, the Kuttanad region, called the rice bowl of Kerala. Kuttanad is a peculiar village where farming is done below sea level and are surrounded by earthen embankments.
The backwaters have been used for centuries by the local people for transportation, fishing and agriculture.
The backwaters can be explored by hiring a house boat (kettuvallams locally) for one or several days. The boat usually comes with a navigator and a cook, which provide you with various facilities when exploring the backwaters. The houseboats have become floating cottages having a sleeping area, with toilets, a dining area and a sit out on the deck with beautiful decorations. The houseboats are of various types and can be hired as per the number of group members. The living-cum-dining room is usually open on at least three sides allowing you a grand view of the surroundings, including coconut groves and other agriculture fields of cassava(tapioca), banana and yam, myriad flock of ducks, fishermen on small boats catching fishes, other houseboats, throughout the day when it is on the move. It is brought to a standstill at times of taking food and at night. All ketuvallams have a generator and most bedrooms are air-conditioned. Ketuvalloms take tourists from a particular point and bring them back to around the same point next morning.
Kumarakom
Kumarakom, popular sub-tropical paradise on the banks of Vembanad Lake is interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals. The mangrove forests, lush paddy fields and coconut groves add to the beauty of this small water world. Read more...
Kollam (Quilon)
This town stands on the Ashtamudi Lake, with its belt of palm trees and picturesque promontories and making it the southern gateway to the magnificent backwaters of Kerala. The Quilon District Tourism Promotion Council arranges backwater cruises at the adventure park adjacent to the Government Guest House. The eight hour backwater cruise between Kollam and Alappuzha is the longest and most enchanting experience and it passes through canals, lakes, water bound villages and Chinese fishing nets. Read more...
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