Backwaters of Kerala

Alleppey - Call it Alapuzha or Venice of the East, Alleppey is the most popular backwater destination in Kerala. The vast network of inland canals forms a significant source of income among the villagers here. Most of the backwater cruises begin or end in the backwaters of Alleppey. The backwaters in Alleppey are connected to Vembanad Lake, the largest backwaters in Kerala. Boarding a houseboat cruise is a magical experience on the Alleppey backwaters. The best time to visit Alleppey is during the Aranmula Snake Boat Race in the month of August.

Kuttanad - Nicknamed as the ‘Rice Bowl of Kerala’, Kuttanad is an abundant producer of rice. The place lies below sea level adorned with enthralling geographical features. Agriculture is the main source of income at Kuttanad. During the backwater cruise, the stretch of banana, yam, and cassava plantations also serves as picturesque views along with paddy fields.

Kumarakom - One of the favourite spots of backwater tourism in Kerala, the small village of Kumarakom houses a stunning group of islands on the famous Vembanad Lake. While circling through the backwaters on boats and houseboats, tourists can enjoy birdwatching and fishing experiences.

Kasargod - A blend of serenity, purity and beauty flows through the Bekal backwaters at Kasargod. Comparatively less crowded than Alleppey and Kumarakom, Kasargod promises its travellers an experience full of thrill and fun and a range of backwater cruises to connect the tourists to the pristine beauty of verdure landscapes.

Cherai Island - At Cherai, the backwater merges with the Arabian Sea and therefore is fondly known as ‘The Princess of the Arabian Sea’. The perfect beach for bathing and swimming due to its clear and shallow waters. During backwater cruising, sea-side scenery birdwatching, fishing, and watching the busy anglers are the part of visual delight.

Kochi - The backwaters of Kochi presents a whole new side of Kerala where Alleppey and Kumarakom backwaters blend with the Arabian Sea. Being a photographers’ paradise, a boat and canoe ride on the Cochin backwaters provides perfect frames of the islands dotted around the backwaters and the Chinese Fishing Nets on the operation of catching fish.

Kozhikode - Kozhikode preserves the virgin beauty of the backwaters and the enormous houseboats rowing through are the very epitome of a luxurious ride with visual treats. The velvety backwaters endow enchanting scenic spectacles around the Kallai River and Cannoli Canals.

Thiruvananthapuram - A backwater tour at Trivandrum lays a vast expanse of the paradisical beauty of the waterways network of canals, rivers, lagoons and lakes. The houseboat cruise traverses through the backwaters en route Kovalam, the most popular route. This route also offers canoe rides to the confluence of the Karamana and Killi Rivers. The Veli Lagoon located nearby also offers various water activities for tourists.

Kavvayi - The unique set of attraction in the backwaters of Kavvayi is the confluence of five rivers; Kavvayi, Kankol, Vannathichal, KuppiThodu, and Kuniyan. The archipelago of small islands clustered together on the Kavvayi backwaters is another mesmerising tourist attraction.

Kollam - Kollam is the ancient port town of Kerala and is popularly addressed as the ‘Gateway to Kerala Backwaters’. The Ashtamudi Lake is a significant source of backwaters in Kollam and serves the longest backwater ride from Kollam to Alleppey which lasts for 8 hours. A ride through the Ashtamudi backwater stretches exhibits a glimpse of coconut groves and palm trees dotted along the banks.