Experience an unforgettable journey,along the tranquil backwaters of Kerala


	With 41 west-flowing rivers, Kerala's backwaters and lagoons stretch over 1900 km. The backwater routes date back over the centuries and have been long used for all transition needs, in particular trade in coconut, rubber, rice and spices. Today, these waterways connect distant villages and islands to the mainland and nerve centers of the coastal area. 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. When you first encounter the backwaters they look unreal: slow flowing watery highways meandering between palm-hung banks. Kerala backwaters take you through the winding waterways unveiling the colourful culture and customs of the remote Kerala. No holiday to Kerala would be complete without the experience of a cruise down the backwaters. Experience an unforgettable journey, along the tranquil backwaters of Kerala. Clearly, the best way to encounter these water lands is to hire a houseboat.
	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. Palm trees, pandanus shrubs, various leafy plants and bushes grow alongside the backwaters, providing a green hue to the surrounding landscape



	Kerala - Kerala Backwaters - Destinations
	Alappuzha \| Ernakulam \| Kumarakom \| Kottayam \| Kozhikode \| Kasargode \| Kollam \| Thiruvallam \| Thiruvananthapuram \|

	Alappuzha Alappuzha is interlocked with a large number of canals and bridges. This water locked district has immense untapped potential for backwater tourism, preserved through the ages and completely hidden from the road is an enchanting experience to any visitor. Gliding along the calm and serene backwaters flanked by green leaves and palms seeing a rural more so while sailing a slow-moving, spacious Kettuvallam . 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 fiber in pools, beat them out and weave the tough brown strands into long ropes on spindles stretched between coconut trees.
	Ernakulam Kochi is a cluster of islands on the vast expanse of the Vembanad Lake. Muvattupuzha and Periyar are the main rivers of which the latter flows through Thodupuzha, Muvattupuzha, Aluva, Kunnathunadu and Parur taluks. Ferry rides in Kochi commands a breathtaking view due to its lush green lawns sloping down to the water's edge. Giant Chinese fishing nets that billow from massive teak and bamboo poles dot the entrance to the harbor. Silhouetted against the setting sun, they present a magnificent sight at the waterfront.
	Kumarakom The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake in Kerala. Kumarakom is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna .It is a major tourist attraction an unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with white lilies. Kumarakom is the best, in this small water world you'll come across plenty of traditional country crafts, boats and canoes which will take you into the heart of the scenic lake. The Vembanad Lake, the largest backwater in Kerala, is habitat for many marine and freshwater fish species. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a noted bird sanctuary where many species of migratory birds visit. The bird sanctuary extends over 14 acres (57,000 m²), and came into existence following preservation efforts from the government. The natural friendliness of the Kerala is best extracted through a luxurious cruise the backwaters of Virgin Kerala villages.
	Kottayam Sandwiched between the gorgeous Vembanad Lake and gentle hills, Kottayam packs in a vast network of rivers and canals, Kottayam boasts of a picturesque backdrop with palm fringed backwaters on the west and the majestic Western Ghats on the east. Vembanad Lake is an enchanting picnic spot. “The midnight sands” or Pathiramanal, the only island in the Vembanad Lake, can also be visited by boat.
	Kozhikode Kozhikode Backwaters the Unexplored, unspoiled,backwaters of Kozhikode hold great promises of enchanting holiday options. Elathur, the Canolly Canal and the Kallai River are favorite haunts for boating. Kadalundi, with its beautiful bird sanctuary is a charming site. Korapuzha, the venue of the Korapuzha Jalotsavam is becoming a popular water sport destination .The area around Kozhikode was ruled by local rulers called Zamorins who traded with merchants from Arabia. In 1498 the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama landed at Kappad Beach, near Kozhikode.
	Kasargode Kasargod in North Kerala is a beautiful Kerala backwater destination. Known for rice cultivation, coir processing and lovely landscape, four rivers flow into the backwaters near Kasargod and there are many small islands along these backwater stretches, where birds can be seen. The Kasargod Backwater s offer two most thrilling backwater cruises, along Chandragiri and Valiyaparamba. Chandragiri is situated 4 Km to the Southeast of Kasargod town. Backwater cruises in and around Chandragiri are a pleasant experience. At Chandragiri you will see the historic Chandragiri Fort, which was built in the 17th century. The fort offers excellent viewpoints from where you can see spectacular sunsets over the sea near Kasargod, Kerala, India. The backwater cruises from Chandragiri start from the Chandragiri Bridge.
	Kollam The backwaters around Kollam, which extend from the Ashthamudi Lake, that covers around 30% of the city are exceedingly beautiful. The renowned Ashthamudi Lake makes Kollam, a popular gateway to the magnificent backwaters of Kerala. Kollam is also a beautiful destination and a gateway to the Kerala backwaters.The backwater tour from Kollam to Alappuzha is the longest cruise in Kerala. This boat ride from Kollam Backwaters Tour to Alappuzha takes 8 hours and is a delightful ride, with lotuses and water lilies growing in the water, water birds calling from the banks and otters splashing and playing in the water Kollam Kerala Backwaters.
	Thiruvallam Thiruvallam is a popular tourist Backwater destination is situated just 6 km. from Thiruvananthapuram .This serene backwater stretch is also very popular for its canoe rides. Killi and Karamana are the two rivers that come together at Thiruvallam to offers its spectators a breathtaking view. A time away from busy city life to just layback and float along on a Houseboat and visit the local fishing villages where life stands still in time almost 100 years ago. Exotic flowers, vegetation, water birds and others are all there to share the scenic beauty of Thiruvallam backwaters.This place is also a popular Hindu pilgrimage destination of Kerala. A temple dedicated to Parashurama, the legendary founder of Kerala, is also located here, where tourists in large numbers come every year to offer prayers.
	Thiruvananthapuram The main backwater areas of Thiruvananthapuram are Thiruvallam and Veli. The Veli Tourist Village in Thiruvananthapuram is perhaps one of the most attractive places to visit as it located near a enigmatic and picturesque water lagoon. Akkulam Boat Club-This is a very popular picnic spot with boating facilities on the lake and a children's park with a Swimming pool.