900 Km of tranquillity

An intricate netwotk of innumerable lagoons, lakes, canals and estuaries, the backwaters lace the interiors of Kerala. Over 900 Ian of them are navigable.

The largest backwater stretch in Kerala is the Vembanad Lake which flows through three districts and opens our into the sea at the Kochi port. The Ashtamudi Lake (literally, having eight arms), which covers a major portion of Kollam district in the sourh, is the second largest.

The Kettuvallom: Showcasing a unique heritage

The kettuvalloms (houseboats) of Kerala are giant country crafts, measuring up to 80 feet in length. Today, these goods carriers have been adapted to make the most exciting tourism product in India, the luxuriously furnished houseboat. A kcttuvallom usually has one or two bath attached bedrooms, an open lounge, deck, kitchenette and a crew comprising oarsmen, a cook and guide.

Alumkadavu (23 km from Kollam town):

Kuttanad (Alapuzha):

Kuttanad, known as the Rice Bowl of Kerala because of its wealth of paddy crops, is the very heart of the backwarers. The scenic countryside here displays a rich crop of bananas, yams and casava. This is one of the places in the world where farming is done below sea level. Inland waterways I which flow above land level is an amazing feature of this unique land.

Pathiramanal (1 1/2 hours by motorboat/30 min. by speedboat from Alappuzha):

The enchanting island of Pathiramanal (sands of midnight) on the backwaters is a favourite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world. The island lies betWeen Thaneermukkom and Kumarakom, and is accessible only by boat.

Kumarakom (10 km ftom Kottayam):

A voyage north of Alappuzha takes you to the rich green, sleepy little village of Kumarakom on the Vembanad Lake. An enchanting picnic spot, Kumarakom provides boating, fishing and sightseeing experiences that are truly exhilarating. An exclusive attraction is the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary which is an ornithologist's paradise and a favourite haunt of migratory birds like the Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal. A cruise along the Vembanad lake is the best way to view the bird life.

Kochi

More popular as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Kochi is a cluster of islands on the vast expanse of the Vembanad Lake. Some of these picturesque islands are Bolgatty, Vypeen, Gundu and Vallarpadam. One of the finest natural harbours in the world, Kochi is a fascinating blend of cultures and influences of explorers and traders - Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, British etc. - who visited this wealthy land. The Synagogue, the Dutch palace, the Chinese fishing nets etc. are remnants of an eventful past. 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.

Chandragiri (4 km from Kasaragod town):

Situated on the Chandragiri river, southeast of Kasaragod town, this town is known for the large 17th century of a chain of forts. It offers a breathtaking view of the river and the Arabian sea. It is a vantage point to watch the sunset.

Chandragiri cruises

Boat trips to nearby islands and palm gee point are available. Boarding point:: Chandragiri bridge.

Valiyaparamba (30 km from Bekal Fort):

This is perhaps the most scenic backwater stretch in Kerala. Fed by four rivers and dotted with numerous little islands, Valiyaparamba is a much favoured backwater resort that offers enchanting boat cruises.