View Real Village Life with Backwaters of Kerala

The enchanting Kerala backwaters win the heart of every traveller, visiting the state. These wonderful waterways are the highlights of Kerala tourism. Tourists especially throng God's own country for a houseboat cruise along the backwaters. Kochi, Alppuzha, Kottayam, Kumarakom and Kasaragod are some of the famous backwater destinations in the state.

The backwaters of Kerala represent a world of serenity. The coastal regions of the state speak volume about their network of waterways. This interconnected body of waterways forms the important attractions of the state. Over 900 km of the backwaters are navigable and have been served as a medium of transportation. Cruise on these waterways on a traditional houseboat to enjoy the scenic charm of Kerala backwaters.

Alappuzha- Venice of East

Alappuzha is an enchanting town with its gorgeous lakes, lagoons and rivers. Known as the 'Venice of the East', the town is interlaced with a network of canals. It is also popular for its houseboats, boat races, beaches and Coir industry. While on Alappuzha tour, visitors can also spot diverse animals and birds. Alappuzha is a noticeable backwater destination in the state.

Kasaragod- The Most Panoramic Backwater Stretch

Kasaragod backwaters offer you a wonderful holiday experience. The alluring sunset on a Chandragiri cruise is out-of-this-world experience. Tourists can embark on a ride on the Kettuvallam, the traditional houseboats. Travellers can also enjoy excellent facilities at the houseboats. Enveloped by Western Ghats on its east and north, Kasaragod offers you the exciting backwaters tour on the Chandragiri River and Valiyaparamba.

Kottayam- The land of Letters, Latex and Lakes

It is another gorgeous Kerala backwater destination that offers you a heavenly experience. The famous Vembanad Lake adds popularity to this well-known backwater. Tourists can also witness the historic churches and ancient temple of Kottayam on their Kerala backwater trip. Stunning backwater stretches, green paddy fields and endless rubber plantations add excitement to your Kottayam tour.

Kumarakom- A Cluster of Islands

Lying 15 km away from Kottayam, the backwaters of Kumarakom is an enchanting destination in the state. It houses a large bird sanctuary which is known as birdwatchers' paradise. This popular backwater destination also offers tourists many leisure options. The fresh cool air and an ambience of placidness make Kumarakom a refreshing holiday experience. Tourists can avail facilities like boating and fishing.

Kuttanad- Rice Bowl of Kerala

The destination is a backwater paradise and serves as an important destination for backwater cruise. The scenic waterways, streams, lakes and waterways enable it to float in the gorgeous houseboat. If you wish to enjoy the scenic charm of countryside of the state, then go on a Kerala houseboat tour.

Kochi- Queen of the Arabian Sea

It is the most preferred destination on your Kerala backwater tour. Hoards of tourists visit this pristine backwater site. In Kochi, the backwaters serve as the finest of natural water harbour sites in the country. Kochi backwaters is among the famous port cities in the sub continent region of India.

With their indelible charm, backwaters of Kerala represent the state tourism. These enchanting waterways form an important part of Kerala attractions.

Explore Endless Natural Beauty with Kerala Backwaters

Tourists can explore the captivating backwaters of Kerala with houseboats. These backwaters serve as a world of serenity. The interconnected body of waterways are known as Kerala backwaters. These have been used for centuries by the local people for transportation. Alleppey, Kumarakom, Trivandrum, Kollam and Cochin are the prime backwater destinations in Kerala.

Gifted with abundance of natural vistas, Kerala is a blissful tourist destination in India. With its stunning backwaters, gorgeous greenery, rich culture and spectacular hill stations, Kerala enchants everyone, visiting this land. Renowned for its breathtaking beauty, Kerala backwaters form an important part of Kerala tourism.

Kumarakom Backwaters

It is among the most prominent backwater destinations in Kerala. Tourists can enjoy boating and fishing. The village of Kumarakom serves as a cluster of small islands on the Vembanad Lake, which is a part of the Kuttanad region. It also has a bird sanctuary, serving as the favourite haunt of migratory birds like the Siberian stork. Herons, egrets, darters, cuckoo, waterfowl and wild duck live here. Tourists can also enjoy a boat trip round the islands.

Kollam Backwaters

Earlier known as “Quilon”, Kollam is an enchanting destination on your Kerala backwater tour. Lying 70 km from the capital city, Kollam is a spectacular coastal district. Lush tropical vegetation and the well-known Ashtamudi Lake add popularity to Kollam. The destination also serves as the gateway to Kerala backwaters. Extending from the Ashtamudi Lake, the serene backwaters of Kollam offer an ideal site to experience a luxury houseboat cruising.

Trivandrum Backwaters

Kerala backwater tour takes you to the voluminous backwaters of Trivandrum offer the scenic view of a paradise. The labyrinthine lagoons, canals, lakes and rivers are queued up along the dense tropical verdancy of nature. It also involves the spectacular turn to experience a calm drift through this network of waterways. The backwaters form valuable attractions of Kerala.

Alleppey Backwaters

Being enveloped by waterways and canals, Alleppey is known as the “Venice of the East”. Various Kerala backwater cruises start or end in Alappuzha. The backwaters with flowers, water birds and greenery along their banks form a soothing sight. Alappuzha is also known all over the world as a centre of the Coir industry. Tourists can also see the interesting snake boat races of Alappuzha during Kerala tours.

Cochin Backwaters

Known as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea”, Cochin is the most preferred backwater destination of Kerala. The immaculate backwater site is thronged by large number of travellers. It is among the finest harbour sites in the country. Kochi Backwaters also boast of being the popular port city in the sub continent of India.

Kuttanand Backwaters

These beautiful backwaters are adorably called as the “Rice Bowl of Kerala”. Lush green landscapes and perfect scenic views distinguish the destination. Waterways, streams, lakes and channels add enjoyment to your Kerala houseboat tour.

Traversing the Wonderland with Backwaters of Kerala

If you wish to relax amidst a serene ambience, hearing the sound of nature, then cruise over the backwaters of Kerala. These long stretches of unceasing peace and serenity attract tourists from far and wide. Sailing in the traditional houseboats of Kerala is a different experience in itself. Alappuzha, Kochi, Trivandrum, Kottayam and Kumarakom are the famous backwaters of the state.

The backwaters of Kerala are among the most prominent tourist attractions of the God's own country. These waterways serve as a self supporting eco-system, brimming with aquatic life. They are a network of canals, lakes and deltas of 44 rivers, which stretches to almost 1,900 km. Backwaters are the water bodies formed by the backward flow of seawater because of hindrance in the natural current. The Vembanad Lake serves as the largest backwater in the state that add fame to Kerala tourism.

Some of the most popular backwater destinations in Kerala include:

Alappuzha

Popularly referred to as the “Venice of the East” due to its adjoining canals and waterways, Alappuzha is among the famous Kerala attractions. Besides backwaters, the destination is also famous for the Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race, organised every year. The large snake boats, propelled by teams of rowers create a spectacle to behold.

Kochi

Called as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea”, Kochi is among the most popular backwater destinations in Kerala. The Vembanad lake envelops the group of islands, forming Kochi. Different islands of Kochi include Bolgatty, Vyppin and Vallarpadam. Tourists can enjoy visiting the islands in small ferries for the unique experience. The place also houses various attractions, encompassing the Jewish Synagogue, Bolgatty Palace and the Chinese Fishing Nets.

Trivandrum

The stretching backwaters of Thiruvananthapuram make Kerala a gorgeous land of beauty. Tourists can enjoy cruising on the “Kettuvalloms”, the traditional houseboats, which offer a different experience. Mingled with lush green vegetation, the meandering waterways look spectacular. Sailing on the tranquil backwaters of the 200 sq km expanse of crystal clear lagoons and lakes.

Kottayam

It serves as among the most fascinating destinations of your Kerala backwater tour. Famed for its natural richness of strikingly beautiful backwaters, Kottayam backwaters tours are worth to embark on. With blue waters and the lush green meadows, the backwaters create a magic on the onlookers.

Kumarakom

It is a serenely gorgeous backwater destination that you can visit on Kerala houseboat tour. Dotted with traditional rice boats and canoes, the backwaters leave you mesmerised. It is among the most invigorating places to unravel in the state. The swaying palm trees, vast paddy fields, interwoven lagoons and backwaters will soothe your mind.

Kollam

If you wish to capture the glimpses of nature in its best form, then head to Kollam backwaters. Encrusted with various trees, the shores provide shelter to innumerable exotic birds like egrets, cuckoos and ducks. Tourists can enjoy a long trip between Kollam and Alappuzha, which boasts of being the longest backwater cruise in the state.

Article Source : http://www.squidoo.com/backwaters-of-kerala

A Romantic Cruise on the Dazzling Kerala Backwaters

Kerala, the land of backwaters occupied my mind so much that I decided to explore the land on my next visit. It was an especially planned tour to backwaters of Kerala. The aim was to live the beauty of backwaters up to the hilt. Fortunately, my husband could also take time off to accompany me on this tour. We booked a Kerala backwater tour package and left the rest on a renowned tour operator in Delhi.

While leaving from Delhi, we were too excited about the exploration that we were supposed to enjoy. We collected all the necessary information on Kerala backwaters. The popular ones include:

• Alappuzha
• Kottayam
• Kollam
• Kuttanad
• Kochi
• Kumarakom
• Kasargod
• Trivandrum

We choose to explore Alappuzha backwaters in Kerala and reached at Kochi airport. After shedding off our fatigue and making ourselves comfortable in a resort in Kerala, we started our boat cruising. It was from Kottayam to Alappuzha and we enjoyed the still waters and felt mesmerised at the sight of farmlands, located below the water levels. There we were around the famous Vembanad Lake, bordered by Alleppey, Kottayam and Ernakulam.

The lake also encompass several islands that have dry restaurants. The plenty of coconut palms at Kerala houseboat ensured us not to face any shortage of natural water. We went for a good meal at a vegetarian restaurant near the boat yard in Alleppey. I cut back to the food as I was more happy to consume coconut water.

Alappuzha is also known as 'Alleppey' and is famous for the annual event, Nehru Trophy Boat Race (Snake boat race) and Coir industry. We could also spot a few huge 'Kettuvalams', which created a spell binding sight. I could imagine how magnificence the spectacle must look during the time of the boat race event, which is among the famous Kerala attractions.

A magnificent church came into our sight from the boat. The whole experience of our Kerala tour was amazing and the short break completely refreshed us. Exploring Kerala backwaters with houseboat is an experience of lifetime.

Choose any Kerala backwater tour, the outcome will be awesome. Speaking volume about its breathtaking beauty and natural attractions, Alappuzha backwaters is among the celebrated ones.

Article Source : http://royalindia.wordpress.com/2013/02/01/a-romantic-cruise-on-the-dazzling-kerala-backwaters/