Kerala’s backwaters are one of the most fascinating tourist attractions of India. These amazing backwaters truly justifies the phase “God’s own country” used for Kerala, especially because of the beauty it possesses. It It is a land with a huge chain of amazing canals, beautiful lagoons, shallow lakes and Dazzling Rivers. These stunning water bodies are often known in the local phase as the backwaters. This peculiar landscape has had a distinct impact on the lifestyle of the people who live along the banks of these backwaters. Kerala uniqueness lies in its backwaters found nowhere else in the world.
Kerala’s palm-streak backwaters are inward lakes hooked up by a network of fine canals. With over 41 streaming rivers, the amazing backwaters of Kerala are stretched at around 1900 km. From centuries, these beautiful backwaters have served as trade route of Kerala which satisfy’s all the transportation needs especially for commodities like coconut, rubber, rice and rare spices. During present days, these watercourses link secluded villages and islands to the mainland and also serves as a major tourist hub for Kerala.
A peaceful & harmonious tour at the side of lovely palm fringed backwaters destination in Kerala along with mesmerizing sight of sunset, rich green paddy meadow, dreamy moonlight and supple lapping of water as you walk along the kettuvallams (During ancient times kettuvallams were used as a carrier boats who used to carry tons of rice and spices from one place to other, but now they have been transformed into a cozy houseboats) will make your tour absolutely memorable and also gift you an experience you will relish for the rest of your life.
So here’s our top 5 Stunning backwaters destination:
(1)Kochi Backwaters:
Kochi also known as Cochin & Ernakulam, is the undisputed queen of the Arabian Sea. It is is a major tourist attraction of Kerala that that has peoples trooping in hordes to enjoy the luxurious and magnificent backwater rides along the kayal or beautiful lagoon that guarantees to be an heavenly experience for the tourists.
A tour on the way to the mesmerizing backwaters of Kochi is a feast for the exhausted mind and body. This place is a haven of traditional architecture, mouthwatering delicacies and pure privacy. The gorgeous Wellingdon Island is the most famous tourist destination of Kochi, it is a must see destination on a cruise to the Kochi backwaters.
Places to see in Kochi – Mattancherry Palace, Paradesi synagogue, Santa Cruz Basilica, Veegaland, St. Francis church, Sree Poornathrayeesa temple, Emakulam shiva Temple, Cherai, Thrikkakara temple, Indo-Portuguese museum etc.
(2)Alappuzha Backwaters:
Alappzha is also recognized as Alleppey. It has also been nicknamed as “Venice of the East.” for its amazing beauty. It has a huge network of beautiful narrow canals, rivers, lakes lagoons and rich green fertile land. Lots of Kerala Backwater cruise tour commence or ends in Alappuzha. Alleppey is also known for its unique feature, it’s one of the only places in the world where farming is practiced 3 meters below sea level. Alappuzha is also acknowledged globally as a center of the coir industry. Alappuzha is quiet popular for the Snake boat Races held at this time every year around the time of the Onam festival. A backwater cruise on top of the sparkling lakes and rivers take you next to canals past picturesque islands offering magnificent views of coconut and green paddy fields, Chinese fishing nets, large flocks of beautiful ducks swimming alongside the banks, tiny birds dashing across the blue sky and traditional Kerala village houses will give you an experience that you will cherish for the rest of your life.
Places to see in Alappuzha: Alappuzha Beach, QST & R Block, Chambakulam Church, Pathiramanal Island, Kayal, Karumadi kuttan, , Chambakulam Local Market, Nehru Trophy Boat Race.
(3)Thiruvananthapuram Backwaters:
Thiruvananthapuram is also recognized as Trivandrum among tourists & locals, and is located on the seashores of the Arabian Sea. It is famous for its stretched secluded beautiful shoreline and beaches. Thiruvananthapuram is blessed with many historical & cultural heritage which works like a magnet for attracting tourist. The most crucial backwater stretch of Trivandrum is Thiruvallam and Veli which are 6 km at a distence from Trivandrum, Thiruvallam is a scenic and harmonious backwater, its quiet famous for its canoe rides and it is a union spot of two rivers, Killi and Karamana. The best part of Thiruvallam is temple devoted to Parasurama, who is said to be the creator of Kerala, as per Hindu mythology & beliefs. Veli is also quiet a well known destination especially for its water sports activities and its amazing backwater beauty. A trip to Thiruvananthapuram is a amazing experience that you just cannot afford to miss.
Places to see in Thiruvananthapuram: Poovar Island, Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, Shri Chitra Art Gallery, Padmanabhapuram Palace, Puthenmalika Palace, Agastya Mala,Aazhimala Siva Temple etc.
(4) Kollam Backwaters:
Kollam is situated at a distance of 71 km from the capital Trivandrum. It is among one of the most stunning destinations in Kerala, a large amount tourists and visitors go on Kollam backwater tours simply to come back with the most thrilling experience of their lives. Kollam is placed close to the well-known Ashtamudi Lake and is without a doubt one of the most picturesque landscapes that Kerala has to offer. The rich lush green vegetation and peaceful and see-through water makes the backwaters of Kollam the doorway to the beautiful backwaters of Kerala.
Kollam is also quiet famous for its Cashew and fish industry. During the old days it used to be a crucial trade center. Kollam is also blessed with a number of historical monuments and ancient ruins that offers a magical essence to this calm little town. The Kollam backwaters can be explored in a best way on traditional Kerala houseboats known as “Kettuvalloms”. So just sit down and relax on a comfy couch while enjoying lip-smacking food and enjoying a wonderful sight of the sunset that paints the water golden.
Places to see in Kollam: Adventure Park, Paravur lake, chinnakada clock tower.
(5) Kottayam backwaters:
“Kottayam” is a name consists of two words, “Kotta” which stand for fort and “Akkam” stand for inside. Kottayam is also acknowledged as “The land of lakes, latex and letters”, the reason behind this is that Kottayam has a number of lakes, wide-ranging rubber plantations and a incredibly high literacy rate. This amazing town of Kottayam is also quiet famous for its historical churches and temples which is why it plays a vital role in the history of Kerala. The stunning Vembanad Lake and its associated backwaters border Kottayam district. There are hills ranging on the East side and the Ernakulam district toward the Northern side .A relaxing tour to Kottayam will be an amazing experience for you as this place can easily hypnotize you with its beauty. The rich lush green paddy fields, the mist covered beautiful hills and the see-through backwaters are what transform this place into a magical and spellbinding place.
Places to see in Kottayam: Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, Vagamon, Bay Island Driftwood Museum, Tomb Of Saint Alphonsa, Malliyoor Sri Maha Ganapathi Temple, Thangal Hill, Mozart Art Gallery, Elaveezhapoonchira, Ganapathiyar Kovil Temple.