The backwaters in Kerala are a world of serenity and wonderment. The coastal regions of Kerala have a network of waterways, inlets from the sea, estuaries of over forty rivers, lakes and natural canals connecting coastal towns. This interlinked body of waterways is known as the backwaters in Kerala. Over 900 Km of the Kerala backwaters are navigable and have been used for centuries by the local people for transportation. You can travel on these waterways on a traditional houseboat and enjoy the scenic beauty of the backwaters in Kerala, while on Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater.
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The backwaters of Kerala have a unique ecosystem - freshwater from the rivers meets the seawater from the Arabian Sea in the backwaters in Kerala. Many unique species of aquatic life including crabs, frogs and mudskippers, water birds such as terns, kingfishers, darters and cormorants, and animals such as otters and turtles live in and alongside the backwaters in Kerala. |
Palm trees, pandanus shrubs, various leafy plants and bushes grow alongside the Kerala backwaters, providing a green hue to the surrounding landscape. You can see the amazing flora and fauna of the backwaters in Kerala, while on Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater. |
Kerala has over 900 Km of interconnected waterways, rivers, lakes and inlets that make up the Kerala backwaters. In the midst of this beautiful landscape there are a number of towns and cities, which are the starting and end points of Kerala backwater cruises. These Kerala backwater destinations are a mixture of historic and modern towns and scenic holiday getaways in the backwaters of Kerala. Tourists from all over the world come to these Kerala backwater destinations to see their scenic attractions. |
| Some of the best backwaters in Kerala are |
| Kumarakom |
Kumarakom has a vast network of rivers and canals, which empty into the great expanse of water called the Vembanad Lake , 16 km from Kottayam town. The lake, an enchanting picnic spot and a fast-developing backwater tourism destination, provides boating, fishing and sightseeing experiences, which are truly exhilarating. |
| Kollam |
Though backwater tourism in the state has always been associated with canals of Alleppey, a cruise through the serpentine waterways of Kollam is sure to enmesh you in an eternal love triangle. Placid lakes with beautiful and luxurious houseboats, lush green-fringed palms rippling on the emerald green waters and Chinese fishing nets patiently waiting for their prey, all make Kollam an ideal destination for the tourists.
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| Kuttanad |
Kuttanad is an expanse of waterlogged land, lying below sea level. Often, the level of water here is higher than that of the green paddy fields on either side.
Kuttanad bears a strong resemblance to Holland in terms of geographical features. Three rivers- the Pamba, the Manimala and the Achankovil criss-cross this region, popularly called 'The Rice Bowl' of Kerala, before flowing into the Vembanad Lake .
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Malampuzha, a little township on the foothills of the Western Ghats takes its name from the river Malampuzha. Nurtured by this tributary of Kerala's longest river, the Bharathappuzha, Malampuzha is a lush green town and has been a major tourist attraction for its trekking trails and the large irrigation dam.
Around the reservoir of the dam are beautiful gardens and amusement parks. Boating facilities are available on the lake. |
| Poovar |
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An innovative range of tourist accommodation, "Floats", a cluster of 10 floating cottages, is getting ready for occupation at Poovar 30 km from Thiruvananthapuram.
The cottages are located at the meeting point of the Neyyar river, the Arabian Sea and a stretch of backwaters.They are built on platforms made of fibre, steel and ferrocement, in the traditional Kerala style of architecture.
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Chandragiri |
Situated on the banks of the Chandragiri river in Kasargod district, this destination is known for its large 17th century fort. This fort offers a breathtaking view of the river and the Arabian Sea . It is also a vantage point to watch the sunset.
The ancient Kizhur temple nearby celebrates a grand annual festival called 'Pattutsavam'. |
Mattuppetty Lake |
A nature lover's paradise, Mattuppetty Lake is nestled on the hills of Idukki, one of the most nature-rich districts of Kerala. The calm, tranquil waters of the Mattuppetty Lake , at an altitude of 1,700 m above sea level, lies along 13 km.
A boat cruise on the lake is the best way to experience the idyllic destination. The District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) at Idukki is providing speed boats, motor boats, pedal boats and row boat facilities at the lake.
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| Pathiramanal |
One and a half hour drive by motor boat or 30 minutes by speed boat from Alappuzha, Alappuzha district, south Kerala.
Pathiramanal, a small island on the backwaters of Alappuzha, is a haven for hundreds of rare birds migrating from different parts of the world. |
| Pookkot Lake |
It's not just a natural fresh-water lake on the Western Ghats . The Pookkot Lake is the only one of its kind in Kerala. It sports a fresh-water aquarium with numerous varieties of fish. At 2,100 metres above sea level the Pookkot Lake is a tourist's paradise.
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| Q S T & R Block |
The rice fields here are four to ten feet below sea level. Extensive track of fertile land is reclaimed from the backwaters, for which, the water is held at bay with the help of dykes resembling those in Holland . This is a unique illustration of the indigenous agricultural engineering skills of the ancients. |
Veli Tourist Village |
The long, undulating shoreline of Kerala is broken by lagoons that merge into inland lakes to form some of the most picturesque picnic spots. One such is the Veli lagoon, separated from the Arabian Sea by a narrow sand bar. |
