The
complex network of rivers, streams, lakes and canal interconnected with each
other have been given a common term Kerala Backwaters. These water bodies
form the nerves of the
Kerala.
In total there are 41 west-flowing rivers and these backwaters stretch to
almost 1,900 kilometers. Life seems to sing a melodious tune when you are in
a boat gliding past the lush greenery at the banks of the water bodies. This
boat trip is dramatic and takes one through many interesting places. The
major Kerala backwaters are Kumarakom, Kollam, Trivandrum, Alleppey and
Kochi. The intricate network of canals through the town of Alappuzha has
earned it the sobriquet "The Venice of the East". It is during the
rainy season that these backwaters of Kerala are in full swing and splendor
revealing their phenomenal charm.
Major Kerala Backwater
Destinations
Kollam - Kollam is known for its marine and cashew
industries. This place is also known as the gateway to the magnificent
backwaters of Kerala. The renowned Ashtamudi Lake (meaning the lake with 8
arms) covers around 30% of the backwater town of Kollam.
Alappuzha (Alleppey) - Alappuzha or Alleppey is one of
the exotic backwater sites in Kerala. And the backwater stretch between
Alappuzha and Kollam is the longest in Kerala and the backwater cruise spans
around 8 hours. The backwater ride is both scenic and delightful.
Kottayam - Kottayam is a beautiful Kerala backwater
destination, the land of lakes, latex and letters. This place is also known
for its toddy tappers. Being located in an area of great natural abundance,
Kottayam backwater is much popular with tourists. The Vembanad Lake lies to
the west of Kottayam.
Ernakulam - Ernakulam is just about the center of
Kerala. It is basically a collection of islands, narrow peninsulas and
beautiful backwaters. The Vembanad Lake is a major attraction for visitors
here. During your visit to the backwaters of Ernakulam, you will also see
picturesque islands including Bolghatty, Vypeen, Gundu and Vallarpadam.
Trivandrum
- This is the capital of Kerala, known for its splendid past, old buildings,
botanical garden, Zoo and beautiful backwaters. Now known as
Thiruvananthapuram, the place is bounded by the Western Ghats on the east
and northeast and by the Arabian Sea on the west.
Kasargod - Backwater trips on the Chandragiri river at
Valiyaparamba in Kasaragod are very much liked by travellers here. Kasaragod
is the northernmost district in Kerala. Kasargod has the Western Ghats to
its east.
Kochi- Kochi
is more popularly known as the Queen of Arabian Sea, a cluster of islands on
the vast expanse of the Vembanad Lake. The Chinese fishing nets, dating back
to the era of Kublai Khan, are a big attraction for tourists here. You can
also enjoy cruises to islands like Vypeen, Bolghatty, Gundi and Vallapadam
from here.
Backwater Cruises in Kerala
Visitors can enjoy backwater cruises in the houseboats of Kerala, also
known as kettuvalloms. On an average, these houseboats in Kerala are 90 feet
in length and are completely devoid of nails. There is also an option of
connecting (or tying together) two or more houseboats to make a family
train. Houseboat cruises in Kerala are available in different ranges - from
a few days to a week or more. There are a number of houseboat operators in
Kerala offering exciting houseboat cruises. These houseboats come along with
modern facilities like air-conditioning, music system, drawing room,
hygienic kitchen, eco-friendly bathrooms, king-size beds etc.
Other Attractions in Kerala Backwaters
Apart from backwater cruises in Kerala, you have a number of other things
to do and indulge in during your trip to backwaters of Kerala. There are
many
Ayurvedic resorts and
yoga and meditation centres at the above mentioned Kerala backwater
destinations, so you can always plan an Ayurvedic therapy to benefit your
body and spirit. At Kumarakom, you can visit the
Kumarakom Bird
Sanctuary, where not only you will find domestic birds but also many
migratory species. Boat races have been a part and parcel of Kerala's
traditions. Spend some more time and participate in the boat races of Kerala
where you can actually interact with locals.
