Backwaters in Kerala

Steeped in greenery and natural beauty, Kerala is fast gaining momentum as a tourist destination and the credit goes to its fascinating attractions. Backwaters seems to top the list. The state is blessed with outstanding network of canals, lakes, lagoons and estuaries which are the perfect places to enjoy nature. Backwaters of Kerala have played a major role in helping it earn international fame. The peaceful and blissful blue backwaters of Kerela promise to make your experience so treasured that it gets etched in your mind forever. Palm trees, pandanus shrubs, leafy plants and bushes fringing the backwaters leave the onlookers enchanted.

The backwater cruise in Kerala envelops beauty, excitement, fun and pleasure. Cruising across the backwaters on a traditional houseboat is like slipping slowly into a heavenly dream. The traditional houseboats of Kerala are called Kettuvallams which are available in various sizes. Equipped with modern comforts and traditional style, these houseboats are the best ways of exploring the treasured beauty of Kerala. Eco-friendly in nature, Kettuvallam is made of bamboo poles, coconut fibre, ropes, bamboo mats, carpets etc. It has one or two rooms and a small sitting room. The food served consists of local Kerala dishes giving the real taste of Kerala culture to the tourists.

The mesmerizing backwaters of Kerala attract beautiful birds such as terns, kingfisher, darters and cormorants. Other aquatic species which have found a home in Kerala backwaters are crabs, frogs and mudskippers. Besides providing entertainment to the tourists, Kerala backwaters holds great importance for the local people of Kerala. They are used by the local people for transportation, fishing and agriculture. Backwater lands in Kuttanad region are extensively used for growing rice.

Some of the famous backwater regions in Kerala are:

Kollam:
Popularly known as 'Swapnadesh', Kollam is one of the most famous backwater destinations of Kerala. A cruise on Kollam backwaters will reward you with wonderful sights of lotuses and water lilies.

Alappuzha/ Alleppey:
Tourists flock to  Alappuzha backwaters for a breathtaking experience. Its admirers compare it with Venice(a beautiful city in Italy). On hour by boat from Alappuzha will bring you face to face with historic colonial establishments and a arresting beach.

Kuttanad:
This region offers delightful views of lush green paddy fields separated by dikes(an artificial earthen wall constructed as a defence). This region consists of beautiful lakes, canals, rivers and rivulets.

Kumarakom:
The beauty of this destination can not be described in words, one must see it to believe it. Located on Vembanana Lake, it is a bird sanctuary consisting of a a wide variety of birds like migratory Siberian storks. It offers great water sport facilities.

Kasargod:
The proud land of immense natural beauty, Kasargod is a great backwater destination. It is also famous for rice cultivation and coir processing. The nearby area of Kasargod is dotted with several small islands.

Thiruvallam:
Located only 6 km from Thiruvananthapuram, Thiruvallam is the perfect place for canoe rides. Situated near this amazing destination is the Veli Lagoon where you can enjoy exciting water sports. There is also a park for children near Thiruvallam.

Kozhikode: