Why Backwaters of Kerala ?
A
backwater is a body of salt water (connected to the sea) which has a
lake-like absence of surf and tides. There are many backwaters in Kerala,
although most of these are fresh water.
Kerala backwaters is constituted by over 900 Km of interconnected
waterways, 41 rivers, lakes and inlets. In the midst of this beautiful
landscape there are a number of towns and cities, which are the starting and
end points of Kerala backwater cruises. These Kerala backwater destinations
are a mixture of historic and modern towns and scenic holiday getaways in
the backwaters of Kerala. Tourists from all over the world get attracted by
the simplicity and the beauty of these Kerala backwater destinations.These
backwaters were once state's trade highways. Today, these waterways link
remote villages and islands to the mainland and nerve centers of the coastal
area.
Major Backwater Destinations
» Alleppey Backwaters : Alappuzha or Alleppey is one
of the major backwaters. It is also known as "The Venice of the East"
because of its intricate channels. Small but long country boats are like
taxis of the water. The Coir workers present an interesting sight as they
soak coconut fiber in pools, beat them and wind the strands on long spindles
stretched between an endless lines of coconut trees.
» Kochi Backwaters : In north Kerala, lies the
Cochin backwater, the old commercial town attracting travelers for its
history, wonderful backwaters and leisure sports. World famous for its
natural harbor, Kochi is known as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea".
All the islands that constitute Kochi are well connected by ferry. The
Chinese fishing nets, a method of fishing established in Kochi during the
times of Kubla Khan line the waterfront.
» Kollam Backwaters : The city of Kollam situated on
the banks of the Ashtamudi Lake is known as the center of the cashew
industry. One of the oldest ports of the backwaters, connected by ferry, it
takes more than 8 hours to reach Alappuzha. The houseboats are simply
furnished with a living room, bedroom with attached bath and a raised
central deck for lazing on cushions while watching the world go by.
» Kumarakom Backwaters : 
Kumarakom
is situated 15 km from Kottayam, on National Highway (NH) 47 between
Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) and Kochi (Cochin). Kumarakom is a cluster
of little islands located on the banks of the famous Vembanad Lake. The
Vembanad Lake displays an intricate and enchantingly beautiful web of
majestic canals, streams and distributaries. The Kumarakom Backwaters is a
relaxing exercise from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life.
» Trivandrum Backwaters : The extensive backwaters
of Trivandrum include the intricate lagoons, lakes, canals and rivers lined
up along the dense tropical vegetation of Trivandrum. The biggest backwater
the Vembanad lake, around 200 sq kilometers in area, opens out into the
Arabian Sea at Cochin port.
What to Do ?
Backwaters of Kerala are most ideal place in Kerala spend the holidays.
They are just mesmerizing. The breathtaking Kerala Backwaters are refreshing
and rejuvenating. Boat races, fishing, picnic, site seeing are just some of
the things to do at Kerala backwaters. Besides these, the Kerala backwaters
are also ideal place to get an extensive information on the tradition and
lifestyle of remote Kerala.
Backwaters
of Kerala 
