Kerala Backwaters - Best Kerala Backwaters

The charm of Kerala backwaters as a tourist place is well-known as a pristine aquatic adventure all over the world. The formation of the backwaters is a unique geographical aspect of the southernmost state of India. Do you know that at the end point of Kerala, the perfection of India converges as the confluence of all the tree oceans surrounding the country? Anyone can easily see the three distinct ocean colors as the merge by the famous Vivekananda Rock in Kanya Kumari. This end point of India is also considered the terminal of the backwater stretch covering the entire coastline of Kerala.

A Unique Aqua-Land

It is a labyrinthine formation of waterways formed by 38 rivers merging to the Arabian Sea on the coast of Kerala. The Deltas make numerous tiny islands, inhabited by the simple coastal village folk. The rivers and their tributaries form lakes and reservoirs across the coastline.

The most important rivers of the region are Chaliyar, Valapattanam, Bharathapuzha, Periyar, Chalakudy, Kalladayar, Pamba, Kalladayar, and Achancoil. The Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam covers an area of almost 200 sq km. This serene lake is the most preserved lake in India. Visit Kerala backwaters to explore the quaint nativity of these ancient waters, rivers at last reaching their Nirvana to the seas! The Ayurvedic resorts along the backwaters shoreline are very popular across the world as one of the most peaceful retreats to rejuvenate mind, body, and spirit.

These water bodies also embody a very special eco-system. The confluence of sweet over from the rivers and the brackish water from the sea creates a strange drinkable taste of the waters. At some of the places, bunds have been erected to separate the freshwater from the brackish water. The flora and fauna of the backwaters include palm fringed shorelines and pandanus shrubs. Many birds, such as the Kingfisher, the terns, the cormorants, and the darters live by the trees. Otters and turtles are seen in the waters.

Exploring By Boat

Planned Cruises

Total backwater cruises cover about 205 km, almost the entire coastline of Kerala. The total combined length of the waterways has been estimated to be about 900 km. Smaller cruises leave from major backwater towns such as the Alappuzha cruise, the Alappuzha Kochi cruise, the Alumkavadu cruise in Kollam, and the Kavvayi Backwater of Payyanur present different unique facets of this serene experience. Regular ferry services connect different regions of the backwaters.

Other special tours include a trip to model fishing village Kumbalangi or a trip to Kuttanad, also known as the rice bowl of India. The backwaters at Kumarakom are very special! You can also visit the Chithari Island and the Chandragiri Fort by the river. Kerala as a tourist place has been hailed officially as ‘God’s Own Country’ and it has every reason to the claim! The experience is exquisitely beautiful and perfect for a peaceful retreat. The natives travel by small boats for transport and for carrying crops from the land or the river. These beautiful native boats create many picturesque moments at sunsets, when they return to the homes by the coast.

Staying in House Boats

Houseboats can be rented from the key nodes on the backwaters. The beautiful floating homes have been arranged with all amenities of modern luxury. Staying in the houseboat is a blessed experience. At the depths of a starlit night, surrounded by water on all sides, you would slowly float by a dreamy landscape in a houseboat. In fact, at different points of history, the houseboats were used by the Royalty of Kerala for such dreamy tours. The same tradition continues. More than 2000 big barges ply on the backwaters. These have been classified into Platinum, Gold, and Silver by the Kerala tourism board.

These are also very popular with couples, especially among folks on honeymoon. You can easily book a houseboat online these days. The houseboats are called kettuvalloms in Malayalam. Besides letting them on private rent, the houseboats are also used for cruises, especially night cruises. Numerous cruising options are available so that you can plan your trip anytime of the year. The tradition of rowing these huge barges on these waters is actually about 1500 years old. Beypore is a place known famously for the heritage of houseboat construction. The biggest ones are about 100 feet in length!

Snake Boat Races

The snake boat races on the backwater are amazing. Long serpentine boats are rowed in coordination by more than 100 rowers at a time! There would be a coordinator standing in the intersections coordinating the rhythm of the boatmen. The decorated boats compete in spellbinding races where the speedily passing boat truly feels like a huge snake rushing on the waters!

Several boat races are held in different parts of the backwaters. If you want to visit, you will have to plan the trip at the time of the annual race. Famous competitions include the Alappuzha boat race, the Champakulam Moolam boat race, the Aranmula Uthrattadi Vallamkali, and the Payippad Jalotsavam.

Plan a trip to the backwaters anytime of the year. The weather is predominantly tropical almost all the time. For feeling the most of the waters, consider visiting in the torrential monsoons. If you love rain, Kerala is the perfect place for romance! This water network is definitely counted among the best lists of top ten tourist attractions in India.

Float in Serenity

The Kerala experience is extremely serene. The peacefulness of the quaint waters would slowly help you to settle down even when you would be floating most of the time. You need to plan your trip well because covering the entire backwaters is going to be extensive. Look out for boat race and other local festivals timings with a competent travel agency for planning the itinerary. Make a list of experiences that you want to explore at the backwaters. Set the plan accordingly. For prolonged stays, you can book accommodation in the Ayurvedic and other resorts by the coastline. This watery network presents a very special aspect of feeling India as a tourist destination. The water trips would promise to be an unforgettable experience!