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/

Kumarakom - Backwater Paradise

A small town, Kumarakom lies 12 km from Kottayam on the shores of the beautiful Vembanad Lake. Blessed with mild tropical climate varying between 16C to 38C, Kumarakom draws tourists round the year. Kumarakom is a part of the Kuttanad region, consists of a cluster of little islands. Perched on the eastern banks of the Vembanad Lake – the tiny hamlet is flanked by a stretch of backwater spreading over 900 sq km. Kumaramkom is a nature’s paradise and it retains its tradition and culture.

Tourist’s delight in Kumarakom include the captivating coconut canopies, the clean beaches and the swaying palms. A gentle walk on the beaches with the stars above and sound of the waves hurtling on the rocks offers a romantic setting for both honeymooners and tourists alike. Kumarakom is dotted with a number of resorts, which offer Ayurveda, Yoga and meditation programmes. The resort also offers facilities of sunbathing, swimming, catamaran cruises, watersports, voleyball, water sailing, wind sailing and fishing.

Other attractions of Kumarakom include the Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls, Erumely – Sastha temple, churches at Kottayam, Vagamon – the trekker’s paradise, Aranmula – the centre of bell metal mirror crafts, Thangal para, Indo – Swiss Project, Kurisumala Ashram and Elaveezha Poonchira – Shiva Temple, the bird sanctuary, coconut lagoon and Baker’s bungalow.

Access to Kumarakom
Air – Cochin International Airport and Trivandrum International Airport are nearest airports from Kumarakom.

Rail – Kottayam is the nearest railhead, located at the distance of 16 kms from Kumarkom

Road – Buses and taxis are easily available at regular intervals from Kottayam to Kumarakom