Keralam Backwaters

The Kettuvallam was once just a floating rice barge. Today over 400 houseboats dot the Alappuzha backwaters; most of them equipped with furnished rooms, toilets and a long strip of a verandah. However, one thing that remains untouched through these makeovers is the assurance of witnessing the best dawn of your life. The tender green of paddy fields, and the far-flung Chinese fishing nets add to the resplendent charm of the sunrise. With its labyrinth of waterways, Alappuzha, extolled by travellers as the 'Venice of the East', is one of Keralam's most exotic backwater destinations.

Kumarakom is more than just a picturesque destination. Find your way to the bountiful lush backwaters if you want to experience rural living at its best. Keralam's first Responsible Tourism destination, Kumarakom has won the prestigious UNWTO Ulysses Award for Excellence and Innovation in Tourism as well as the National Award for the Best Tourism Project. Located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, an ornithologist's paradise, is a favourite haunt of migratory birds. A cruise along the Vembanad Lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary.

Floating cottages and Chinese fishing nets adorn either side of the octopus-shaped Ashtamudi lake. For a placid houseboat experience with the view of mangrove forests, egrets descending onto the still waters, serene rural vistas and the retting of coconut husks, go for an eight-hour houseboat ride through the lake Ashtamudi.

This serene backwater stretch, enroute to Kovalam, is famous for its canoe rides, kayaking and cruises in kettuvalloms. The Boat Club here organises tours to the nearby islands of Pozhikara and Edayar as well as visits to coir manufacturing units.

A confluence of the sea, river and the backwater, this secluded, picturesque spot is worth the visit. The Priyadarshini Boat Club here offers boating facilities. Ph: 0470-2662323

A cluster of islands on the vast expanse of the Vembanad Lake, Kochi, one of the finest natural harbours in the world, is more popular as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. Half the fun of visiting Kochi is going about in the local ferries. A conducted cruise through the winding waterways will take you to several quaint spots including the picturesque islands of Bolgatty, Vypeen, Gundu and Vallarpadam.

An enchanting scenic spot located on the border of Kozhikode and Malappuram districts, Kadalundi Backwaters form the estuary of Kadalundipuzha spanning an area of over 250 hectares including wetlands and mangroves. The backwaters form the habitat for over 400 acres of mangrove forests. Plants belonging to 36 genera including mangroves like Avicennia, Exoccania and Bruguiera and mangrove associates like Acanthus and Derris are found here.

Unexplored and unspoilt, the backwaters of Kozhikode offer delightful holiday options. Elathur, the Canoli Canal and the Kallai River are favourite places for boating. Kadalundi, with its beautiful bird sanctuary and Korapuzha, the venue of the Korapuzha Jalotsavam (water fiesta) are popular tourist destinations.

The scenic backwaters near the Bekal fort transports us to a serene environment away from the hustle and bustle. The mesmerizing view from a kettuvallam (houseboat) is probably the one thing that you need to just lay back and relax. It is the third largest backwaters in Keralam which provides a picturesque view of the local flora and fauna. The calm and secluded Valiyaparamba island is a perfect getaway from the city. The Valiyaparamba beach is not very far away and remains untouched by tourists. Although Valiyaparamba backwaters is a favourable spot all throughout the year, November to May will help you escape the summer.