Backwaters in Kerala

Oftentimes compared to the American Bayou, Kerala backwaters are an intricate network of waterways including lakes, canals, rivers, lagoons, estuaries etc. Spanning over 900 km, these backwaters have become a centre of attraction for travelers visiting southern India. It is the movement of waves and shore currents that give rise to this wonderful chain of backwaters in Kerala. What makes these backwaters even more alluring for tourists is the mesmeric location of small cities and towns that are positioned amidst. Whether it is summertime or monsoon, travelers love to begin on backwater cruises to soak up the wonderful scenery, the rich flora and fauna and other bounties of nature that Kerala boasts of. By means of ‘kettuvallams’ (traditional houseboats of Kerala), the journey along the Kerala backwaters becomes the journey of a lifetime.

Major Backwater Regions

One of the greenest places on earth, Kerala has in store a number of backwater destinations where life can be fun and worth experiencing. If you are already contemplating a backwater tour in Kerala, given below are some important backwater regions, the start and the end points of most of the backwater cruises.

Kollam

Previously referred to as Quilon, Kollam finds its mention in the travelogues of such great travelers like Ibn Battuta and Marco Polo. Almost 1/3rd of this backwater town in Kerala is covered by the Ashtamudi Lake.

Alappuzha

No time is a bad time to pay a visit to Alappuzha or Alleppey. Due its excellent geographical locations and the presence of numerous canals, Alappuzha is aptly compared with Venice, hence famous as the ‘Venice of the East’. The Kuttanad region and the Vembanad Lake are the biggest draws for tourists at Alappuzha.

Kuttanad

The place can be aptly termed as a backwater lover’s paradise. Popularly known as the ‘Rice bowl of Kerala’ Kuttanad provides a window to the seaside lifestyle of Keralites. A houseboat ride through the Kuttanad backwaters region opens one’s eyes to the astounding beauty of Kerala’s countryside.

Kumarakom

Though it is a part of the Kuttanad region, Kumarakom has its own unique identity as an ideal backwater destination. Besides offering you scenic backwater cruises, Kumarakom also attracts travelers for having numerous Ayurvedic resorts and the 14-acre Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary (a regular haunt of migratory birds including Siberian Stork, Egret, Heron, Darter, Teal etc).

Backwater Rides & Routes

While in Kerala, a backwater ride is the most happening activity. Friends, families and kids can equally soak up the charm of traveling in a ‘kettuvallam’ along the backwaters of Kerala. The duration of the ride can range from a few of hours to a couple of days. Some of the most popular backwater routes are as follows.
    » Alappuzha (Round Trip)
    » Alappuzha to Kottayam (Return)
    » Kumarakom (Round Trip)
    » Alappuzha to Kumarakom (Return)
    » Alappuzha to Kollam (Longest Trip)

Tip : If you are traveling to Kerala during March-April, do remember to book houseboats with air-conditioning facility. However, air-conditioning in rooms will only be available during nighttime.