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Kerala Backwater Destinations

Kerala's centuries-old, palm fringed and picture perfect backwaters and mirror still lagoons stretch over 1900 kms. Kerala lives along these backwaters. They snake over the land, bestowing paddy fields with good harvests, and provide the whole village with drinking water and other facilities. The backwaters refer to the large inland lakes of Kerala. Today these backwaters act as vital water ways for the transport of goods, people and produce. They are often the only link between remote, isolated villages and crowded town pockets. It's an incredible experience to float on these soothing waters in a country craft to absorb this unusual representation of Kerala. We also offer Kerala homestay tour in Southern India.

Kerala Backwater Destinations Are :
Backwaters of Thiruvananthapuram
Backwaters of Cochin
Backwaters of Alappuzha
Backwaters of Kumarakom
Backwaters of Alleppey
Backwaters of Kollam

Backwaters of Thiruvananthapuram

The capital city of the kaleidoscopic Thiruvananthapuram is a terrific Kerala tourism destination. Thiruvananthapuram is a major center for tourists, politics and industries. The soothing shoreline, beautiful beaches and the backwater stretches make Thiruvananthapuram 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.

Backwaters of Alappuzha

Alappuzha figures prominently on the tourist trail as one of the major centres for backwater boat trips, served by ferries to Quilon and Kottayam in particular. One of the best-known ports along the coast of Malabar, it is often referred to as the ‘Venice of the East'.

The alluring Alappuzha 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.

Backwaters of Cochin

Come into Cochin (Kochi), Queen of the Arabian Sea. Believed to be the finest natural harbour in the world. With ferry rides commanding its breathtaking view. Cruise around man-made islands with lush green lawns sloping down to the water's edge. Cochin is the oldest European settlement in India. Recording a history of visitors who came, saw and stayed for hundreds of years. Layered impressions - Chinese, Arab, Jewish, British, French and Portuguese, are contained within its environment.

Backwaters of Alleppey

The sweeping network of canals, honey-combing the town of Alleppey (Alappuzha) has earned for the place its sobriquet - "The Venice of the East." Small, low-slung country boats are the taxis of this waterland.

It is a heart-warming sight to see them carry a motley assemblage of cycles, goats, fisherwomen with cane baskets, school children, toddy-tappers with their knives and pots, duennas in white with gold earrings, Syrian Christian priests and a bare-chested boatman apiece.

Do not miss out on a ride into Kuttanad through shimmering, green paddy fields and tail-wagging, head-bobbing groups of ducks. The coir-workers too present an interesting sight as they soak coconut fibre in pools, beat them out and weave the tough brown strands into long ropes on spindles stretched between endless coconut trees.
Alleppey becomes the cynosure of the eyes of the world in August - September, every year, as it plays host to the celebrated Snake Boat Races - a water regatta unique to Kerala.

Backwaters of Kumarakom

The enchanting backwater destination of Kumarakom is a small village that is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake in Kerela.
Kumarkom strengthens Kerala's reputation for being God's own country with its unbelievably beautiful mangrove forests, coconut groves and emerald green paddy fields interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with while lillies. It is part of the Kuttanad region, and the bird sanctuary here spread across 14 acres of any ornithologist's paradise.

This enchanting backwater destination offers visitors many leisure options. From wandering into the depths of its wildlife sanctuary to cruising down the back waters and fishing, Kumarkom is perfect for a lazy and laid back holiday.
The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands, as hundreds of swaying verdant coconut palms lining the rivers lean to brush the tops of your heads. Kumarkom is an example of nature at her bountiful best in the fragrant flowers, the riot of multi coloured birds, the surrounding greenry and the clear waters.

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Backwaters of Kollam

Located 71 km to the north of Thiruvananthapuram, this historic coastline district known for its marine and cashew industries was one of the oldest ports on the Malabar coast and a major international trading point in day gone by.

The district also has some interesting historic remnants and a number of temples built in the traditional ornate architectural style.

30% of this historic town is covered by the renowned Ashtamudi Lake, making it the gateway to the magnificent backwaters of Kerala. The eight hour trip between Kollam and Alappuzha is the longest backwater Holiday cruise in Kerala state. The District Tourism Promotion Council here offers a wide range of backwater tours and cruises.