Kerala, God’s own country, is bestowed with a vast coastline fringed with coconut palms, scenic hill stations, enchanting backwaters, cascading waterfalls, and exotic wildlife. Of these, the Backwater trails in Kerala are one of the top attractions of Kerala Tourism and also one of the popular things to do in Kerala.
The backwaters are a chain of saltwater lagoons and lakes lying parallel to the Arabian Sea coast of Kerala. The Kerala Backwaters network includes 5 huge lakes, 38 rivers, and lagoons. Most popular backwaters trails in Kerala spread across the famous Vembanad Lake and Ashtamudi Lake.
Kerala has many backwater trails. Alappuzha or Alleppey and Kumarakom are the most famous destinations of backwaters in Kerala and also the most visited tourist places in Kerala.
Kerala houseboats, also known as Kettuvallams, are the most popular mode of transportation and also preferred accommodation for tourists who visit Kerala. Apart from Alleppey & Kumarakom, Kochi, Kollam, Kuttanad, Kottayam, and Kozhikode are the other popular trails of Kerala Backwaters.
Kochi Backwaters
Kochi or Cochin is one of the most visited backwater destinations in Kerala and also one of the top places to visit in Kerala. Often referred to as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’, Kochi is considered as one of the finest harbors in the world. Kochi is the main tourist hub for many Kerala tours and also the starting &ending point of many backwater cruises.
Kochi – Alleppey & Kochi – Kollam are the two popular backwater trails of Kochi Tourism. Houseboats are the best way to explore the majestic surroundings of Cochin backwaters as well as Kerala Tourism. Indira Gandhi Boat Race is the popular event conducted in the backwaters of Cochin, during the last week of December.
Kollam Backwaters
Kollam, also known as Quilon, is one of the most beautiful backwater destinations in Kerala located between the Ashtamudi Lake and Lakshadweep Sea. The lush green vegetation, placid, and crystal clear water makes Kollam the southern gateway to Kerala Backwaters. Kollam Backwaters are best explored on traditional Kerala houseboats and are equipped with all modern facilities.
The eight-hour boat trip between Kollam and Alappuzha is one of the best ways to explore the backwaters of Kollam. Kollam -Cochin, and Kollam – Kumarakom is the other popular backwater route. Kollam is the venue for the most famous Kallada Boat Race held in January every year.
Kottayam Backwaters
Kottayam, bounded by the Western Ghats on the east and the Vembanad Lake on the west, is a well-known Kerala Backwaters destination and also one of the prominent Kerala tourist places. The famous Vembanad Lake marks Kottayam Backwaters as a renowned tourist destination.
The famous Kottayam backwater cruises include sailing in houseboats on the enchanting Vembanad Lake and passing through the legendary Punnamada Lake, viewing the unique lifestyle of people in Kerala. It is a land of striking beauty with long stretches of serene backwaters, sprawling paddy fields, rubber plantations, and a population of literate people and hence is cited as the ‘land of letters, latex and lakes’.
A backwater cruise in the Kottayam Backwaters is the perfect way to enjoy the beauty of nature in Kerala.
Kuttanad Backwaters
Kuttanad, also known as ‘the rice bowl of Kerala’ is one amongst the most fascinating destinations of Backwaters in Kerala. It stretches for 75 km from Kollam to Kochi, sandwiched between the sea and the hills.
Kuttanad is breathtakingly beautiful and also an ideal destination for a backwater cruise in Kerala. The most famed backwater excursion of the Kuttanad region is the full-day journey between Kollam and Alappuzha.
Kuttanad is one of the few places in the world where farming is done below sea level.
Kozhikode Backwaters
Kozhikode, also known as Calicut is a small little town situated in the northern part of Kerala. It is one of the best backwater trail destinations in Kerala. The popular Kerala boat cruises from Kozhikode are Kozhikode – Kadalundi – Kasargod and Kozhikode – Kappad Beach.
Kozhikode takes you on the memorable journey sailing along the Kallai River and Canoli River. Kadalundi, located 25 km from Kozhikode town, is a beautiful bird sanctuary near the backwater destination of Kozhikode that attracts nature lovers.
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Thanks for such a wonderful post. Recently I visited the Raviz resort at Kollam for my friend’s wedding. Located at the banks of Ashtamudi lake, It’s really a perfect destination for a water-themed wedding and honeymooning in Kerala. They even arranged houseboat ride between the water stretches of Kollam and Alleppey for the couple. check out the website: http://theraviz.com/raviz-ashtamudi.