The backwaters of Kerala are a labyrinth of brackish lagoons, canals, lakes, and rivers; its rich biodiversity make it an exotic holiday destination for millions of visitors from across the world. Relaxing on a luxurious houseboat as it sedately cruises down the meandering waters, watching the unhurried pace of village life pass by, listening to the calls and chirps of birds, the wind swaying the tall graceful palm trees – a unique and blissful holiday! Make sure your Kerala tour packages include a couple of these places.
1. Alleppey
Perhaps the pick of the lot, this laidback town is renowned as the ‘Venice of the East’. This town has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to houseboats. As you step into the Alleppey boat house and cruise down the tranquil waters, you can experience rural Kerala life as it unfolds – and drink in the verdant landscape. Vast expanses of paddy fields, tiny islands that dot the waters, traditional homes at the banks with their small boats and jetties, palm fringed canals, exquisite sunsets; it’s a mesmerizing experience you will never forget. Alleppey also offers kayaking for the adventurous. The best time to visit is close to the festival of Onam, when the Aranmula Snake Boat Race takes place.
2. Kumarakom
Situated on the Vembanad Lake and 15 Km from Kottayam town, Kumarakom is a sleepy, neat little village that enchants visitors. This cluster of small islands on the lake boasts a bird sanctuary that encompasses 14 acres, and is a haven for several endangered and migratory birds. The mangrove forests also harbour several species of fauna. Perfect for a lazy holiday, Kumarakom is also a seafood lovers’ paradise; you can fish, and feast on seafood cooked in typical Kerala style either on board your houseboat or at restaurants. You can also shop for traditional handicrafts of coir, bamboo and
coconut shell.
3. Kollam
Famed worldwide for its marine and cashew exports, Kollam is an ancient port with a rich history of foreign trade. This charming town is situated on the banks of Lake Ashtamudi – the gateway to Kerala’s backwaters. You will be greeted by the sight of abundant water lilies, resplendent in the sunshine. One of the most popular cruises is a round trip to Alleppey. As you cruise, you can see the famous Chinese fishing nets or ‘Cheenavala’, which are basically shore operated lift nets. Don’t forget to purchase the premium quality cashew nuts from this city. There are several historic
monuments for those who love heritage.
4. Kochi
Known as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’, Kochi is a city made of several islands, like Bolgatty, Vypeen, Vallarpadam and so on, on the Lake Vembanad, which opens into the Arabian Sea. Kochi has a history of trade with the Dutch, Portuguese, Chinese, British and Arabs, and you can see the marks they have left – old churches, synagogues, mosques, museums, colonial homes and other buildings and monuments. In fact there is an area of Fort Kochi which is called Jew Town, which used to house several Jewish families who escaped persecution in their own countries; they have since
migrated to Israel.
5. Kuttanad
Its countless paddy fields have earned this village the sobriquet ‘The Rice Bowl of Kerala’. Here’s a surprising fact for you: farming here happens 1.5 to 2 m below sea level! Yam and cassava are the other crops cultivated. It’s a hidden treasure that cannot be reached by road, and is a green paradise. Kuttanad is a fascinating and eclectic mixture of waterways – canals, ponds, small rivers and lakes, and the pollution-free village is a dream for Nature lovers.
6. Kasargod
Situated in the northernmost region of Kerala, Kasargod is bordered by the Western Ghats to the East and the Arabian Sea to the West. The Chandragiri River and Valiyaparamba offer scintillating backwater cruises. Chandragiri is renowned for its historic fort and its mesmerizing backwater experience. The Bekal fort is another attraction that you must not miss on your visit here; Pallikere and Kappil offer sun kissed beaches for relaxation.
7. Thiruvananthapuram
The Capital city of Kerala has a long shoreline with numerous beaches that are globally renowned – Kovalam being the most famous. The city also has several historic monuments like palaces and museums that are worth visiting. Veli, about 8 km from the city, is among the main backwater area in Thiruvananthapuram. It’s bordered by the Veli lagoon and the Arabian Sea, with just a narrow sand bar separating the lagoon from the sea. Traditional handloom dhoties and ‘veshti-mundu’ for women are a must- buy from here.
8. Thiruvallam
This tranquil stretch of backwaters This tranquil stretch of backwaters is about 6 Km from Thiruvananthapuram, and is a popular canoe riding destination. En route to the fame Kovalam beach, Thiruvallam is the point where the two rivers Karamana and Killi meet.
9. Kottayam
Surrounded by the Vembanad Lake, the Western Ghats and the lush paddy fields of Kuttanad, Kottayam has panoramic stretches of backwaters that make for a rejuvenating getaway. This hilly district is dotted with rubber plantations, and is often called the land of latex. Kottayam also has numerous ancient temples and lovely old churches with beautiful architecture – don’t miss out!
10. Calicut/Kozhikode
Perhaps among the most unspoilt and unexplored backwaters in Kerala, the Kallai River and Korapuzha offer peaceful backwater cruises that help you unwind and melt your stress. Elathur is another popular location for boating. The Kadalundi river has a beautiful bird sanctuary where you can glimpse some rare and migratory birds. Korapuzha is gaining a reputation for being the go-to place for water sports. Calicut is among the oldest ports in Kerala, and the place where Vasco Da Gama landed in search of a sea route to India. Prior to that, the Arabs used to come here to trade in perfumes, spices and coir products. Calicut is a foodies’ paradise, so make sure you tuck in to your heart’s content.
