Kerala Backwaters

Backwaters are one of the special features of God's own country, Kerala and draws large number of tourists every year. Formed years ago due to water from sea waves, the backwaters regions are present in the form of lagoons, lakes and estuaries. Backwaters are situated essentially close to the sea, which maintain the water levels is the water bodies. Monsoon rains also contribute in the water levels maintained by them. Kerala is home to 44 rivers which are intricately connected by a network of canals. These canals and waterways can be best explored by massive houseboats which is once in a lifetime experience.

Kerala backwaters are lined up with lush vegetation including coconut and palm groves, supporting aquatic life and many bird species. While cruising, you can see bird species and many fishing communities that derive their primary source of food and income from these backwaters. Some of the popular backwaters of the state are :

Alappuzha Backwaters : Also called Alleppey, Alappuzha is loosely referred to as the backwater capital of Kerala. A charming backwaters destination, Alappuzha is criss-crossed by an intricate system of canals and waterways. In fact, Alleppey looks like a water world interspersed with small islands and land holdings, dotted with palm groves.

Alappuzha backwaters can be best experienced through houseboat, which apart from accommodation provides catering services and other services on board. Besides, Boat Cruises are the most popular activities at the Alappuzha Backwaters. Here, you can see people boarding the jetty boats for an exploratory trip. The boats take the people on board to popular attractions such as Ambalapuzha Temple, Kuttanad, Champakulam Church etc.

Kochi Backwaters : Kochi or Cochin is also one of the most popular backwater destinations in Kerala. Also called the commercial capital of Kerala, Kochi is visited by large number of tourists who enjoy the backwater trips as well. Kochi is home to a number heritage structures built by Portuguese, Dutch and British, which can be covered by backwater cruise. One can go for backwater cruise which passes through famous islands such as Bolgatty, Vypeen, Gundu and Vallarpadam. The backwater stretch in Kochi is very impressive as the palm groves lining up the banks and spread over the islands. Apart from backwaters other attractions in Kochi include Mattancherry Palace, St.Francis Church, Marine Drive, Fort Kochi Beach and Shiva Temple.

Kollam Backwaters : A coastline district, Kollam is situated around 71 kms from Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala. Kollam is home to famous Ashtamudi lake which is intricately spread out into canals and channels. In addition to lake the place is also known for the backwaters. Kollam is the starting point for the 8hours long boat trip to Aleppey. The boat trip provides a close look of some great backwater destinations of Kerala. En-route you will see plentiful panoramic sceneries, bird and also explore into lives of some ancient fishing communities.

Kozhikode Backwaters : Earlier known as Calicut, Kozhikode is an important city located in north Kerala. Highlights of Kozhikode include historic buildings, golden beaches and the ubiquitous backwaters. In Kozhikode the canals and water channels are fed by the Arabian sea. The place has an extended network of rivers and lagoons which provide excellent opportunities for some exciting boat cruises. Here a number of islands stand stranded out by the backwaters, inhabited by huge population of birds.

The Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary is one such place at Kozhikode, where you can see variety of bird species. The Ashtamudi Lake is intricately woven into a network of canals and waterways that provide for the backwater cruise. Several beautiful islands are located within these backwater regions. The backwaters at Kozhikode are placid and the traffic is light. A boat cruise along these islands in once in a lifetime experience. Kozhikode Beach, Museum and art gallery and Planetarium are other attraction in Kozhikode.

Kumarakom Backwaters : A small village, Kumarakom is set on the banks of Vembanad lake, one of the famous backwater destination in Kerala. Popularly known as Kuttanad backwaters, the backwaters look quite beautiful with placid water, mangrove and coconut plantation on the banks and clear sky around. Besides, bird sanctuary spread over 14 acres add more to the charm of the backwaters. A boat cruise across the Kumarako backwater is a unique experience and it is full of delights and surprises all through the way.

To know more about this wonderful experience you can visit to http://kerala.south-india-tourism.com/kerala-backwater/

Alleppey – The Venice of the East

Situated in a labyrinth of backwater channels, with its lush green paddy fields, clear lagoons, flocks of ducks and waddling under the soft sun and shores bustling with daily business activities, Alleppey offers a delightful setting blessed by nature. A small town with just a single canal, Alleppey has today become a global attraction for its picturesque backwaters. Just board a houseboat (locally called kettuvallam) and cruise down the backwaters for some peaceful moments and savour delectable Kerala cuisine.

Visit the town in August – September to see the spectacular water regatta, the snake boat races. Allpepey is also famous for its beaches, marine products and coir industry and a must visit on every tourist’s itinerary. Some of the famous attractions of Alleppey have been mentioned below.

What to See in Alleppey

Krishnapuram Palace : A must visit place in Alleppey, Krishnapuram Palace was built in the 18th century during the reign of the Travancore King, Marthanda Varma. Situated at a distance of 47 km from Alleppey, the palace houses the famous mural painting, Gajendra Moksham.

Churches and Temples : The whole Alleppey region is strewn with places of worship and home to a number of churches and temples. Close to Alleppey the oldest church in Kerala is situated, known as St. Mary’s Church. Another church lies at Arthunkal, just 14 kms away from Alleppey. St. Sebastian’s Church is another famous church, which was set up by the Portuguese missionaries in 1851. Situated 14 km from Alleppey, the Sreekrishna temple is worth a visit. Sreekrishna temple is known for its classic architecture and draws large number of tourists.

Kuttanad : Also called the rice bowl of Kerala, Kuttanad is a must visit place and located close to Alleppey. Here, you can take a stroll along the lush green paddy fields.

What to Do in Alleppey

Boat Cruising : Boat ride in the alluring backwaters is the best way to experience Alleppey. While cruising along the Punnamada Lake, you can get a slice of real Kerala lifestyle. Besides, the views of villages along the banks, green paddy fields and coconut groves will surely captivate your imagination. For tourists there are a wide range of cruising itinerary to choose from.

Beach Holiday : Following the backwaters trip in houseboat, you can have a nice picnic at the Alleppey beach. Bestowed with a vast expanse of the Arabian sea in the west and numerous lagoons all around, the Alleppey beach is definitely worth a visit. The 140 year old pier which extends over the sea and an old lighthouse are special attractions of Alleppey beach.

Important Tips for Travellers

- Cochin International Airport is 64 km from Alleppey, which is well-connected by both national and international flights.

- Alleppey railway station is connected by trains from all parts of the country. The town is also well connected by road to rest of the country.

- Alleppey is connected by boat service from Cochin, Kottayam and Quilon.

- Kayaloram Heritage Lake Resort and Punnamada Resorts Pvt Ltd are the famous places to stay in Alleppey.

- Though August to March is the ideal time to visit Kerala, but the monsoon is the best time if you are looking for ayurvedic treatment.

- Cottons are the best cloth, don’t forget to carry sunglasses. Do carry along a pair of binoculars as the town plays host to many interesting bird species.

-If you plan your day to watch the famous boat race on the Vembanand lake, it is advised to carry along an umbrella.