Backwaters are huge water bodies fed by perennial rivers and streams. These are unique to Kerala. The last couple of years has seen unprecedented tourist interest. The backwaters are essentially inland lakes connected by network of canals. Innumerable lagoons, lakes, canals, estuaries and the deltas of forty-four rivers make up the 900 km backwater network of Kerala. The backwaters mainly cover the folowing districts of state-Kollam, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Kochi and Kozhikode. The largest backwater body, the Vembanad Lake flows through Alappuzha and Kottayam districts and opens out into the sea at the Kochi port. The Ashtamudi Lake, the second largest backwater stretch, offers the longest ride and is considered the gateway to the backwaters.

Kerala boasts of backwater that are found nowhere else in the world. There are 44 rivers in Kerala that have presented the state with the lovely backwaters. Pleasant cruises along these waters are also a wonderful chance to enjoy the fabulous landscape and observe the lifestyle of the people who live along its banks.

The backwaters of Kerela is a unique product of Kerala and is found nowhere else in the world. Backwaters are a network of lakes, canals and estuaries and deltas of forty-four rivers that drain into the Arabian sea. The backwaters of Kerela are a self supporting eco-system teeming with aquatic life. The canals connect the villages together and are still used for local transport. Over 900 km of this labyrinthine water world is navigable

The largest backwater stretch in Kerela is the Vembanad Lake which flows through three districts and opens out into the sea at the Kochi Port. The Astamudi lake, literarlly having eight arms, which covers a major portion of Kollam district in the south, is the second largest and is considered the gateway to the backwaters.

The most exciting thing on the backwaters of Kerela, however, is the kettuvallom ( traditional houseboat ) which has become the most popular tourism product in India today. In a land as waterbound as Kerala it wouldn't be an unusual sight, but for a visitor to God's Own Country a houseboat gliding along the vast green expanse of the backwaters is the most amazing spectacle in the world. Even more enchanting is a holiday in the houseboats of Kerela.

Alappuzha

Alappuzha rightly known as the "The Venice of the East" is an ancient city, which had trading links with Europe, Africa and the Far East. A boat trip along the pleasant waters is a lovely treat that one should gift oneself. Specially constructed Kettuvallams with all modern facilities carry tourists along the placid waters of Kerala's famed backwaters. A night trip under the wide and starry skies or a silvery moon can be the experience of a lifetime. Daytime trips give the travellers a chance to observe the routine life of the people on the banks. Memorable images include the water taxies, the coir workers and the fishermen doing brisk work.

Kuttanad

Cruisng along the backwaters at Kuttanad is also a lovely chance to observe the farmers at this place that is known for its lush paddy fields. A hundred shades of green provide a rare and lasting feast for the eyes.

Pathiramanal

Pathiramanal is a beautiful island accessible by boat from Alappuzha. Cruising along the waters here you can also observe varieties of migratory birds from different parts of the world that frequent the place.

Kottayam

Kottayam, the land of lakes and latex, is a land blessed abundantly by nature's charms. Tranquil expanses of backwaters, lush paddy fields, highlands and extensive rubber plantations makes Kottayam special.

Kumarakom

House boat cruises along the waters around Kumarakom is an opportunity for observing the fishermen and also watch several species of birds that make the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary their home. The place is so enchanting that it captured the imagination of the poet prime minister of India Mr. AB Vajpayee who chose it for his annual retreat.

Kollam

An important city by the banks of the famous Ashtamudi Lake, Kollam is considered the gateway to the legendary backwaters of Kerala. Kollam offers exotic and refreshing backwater experience.

Kochi

Delightful cruises along the vast waters that surround the many islands, which make up Kochi, is a lovely experience. Passing by in local ferries and special boats, one can also observe beautiful sights including mansions built in Indo- European style of architecture rubbing shoulders with traditional Kerala style houses. Chinese fishing nets which have become an integral part of the local landscape gain a dreamlike aura when seen against the setting sun.

Trivandrum

Akkulam and Veli in Trivandrum are other locations to embark on enchanting boat cruises.

Houseboats

A visit to Kerala is incomplete without a trip in one of the Kettuvallams. The houseboats or kettuvalloms are specially constructed boats that are about 80 feet long. These are around 13 feet wide in the middle and are made up of eco-friendly materials like bamboo poles, coconut fiber, ropes, bamboo mats, carpets etc. The structure is even strong enough to transport a truckload of materials through the sea.

These boats have luxurious furnishing with exquisite flooring, hull and valavara (canopy) they are provided with sun deck, spacious living / dining area. Boats that are being offered to tourists are complete with attached toilets and classy kitchen. These are maintained safe and free of insects and are provided with fire extinguishers. The services of professional cooks are available on the boat

Snakeboats

A much sought after event during one's visit to Kerala is the renowned boat races or Vallomkali. A large section of tourists arrange their holiday in such a way that it coincides with the boat races here. The most famous of these is the snake boat (chundan vallom) race along Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha district. The annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race is held during the festival of Onam. The best part of the event is the contagious enthusiasm of the crowds that cheer the oarsmen. The race is a keenly fought one but the sportsman spirit with which the participants compete is truly exemplary.

Apart from the Nehru trophy boat race, the Aranmula Uthrattathi boat race, the Champakkulam Moolam Vallam Kali etc are the popular races.

Boating

Among the major attractions of a holiday in Gods' own country are the facilities for boating in the state. With the many water bodies in and around the state, Kerala is also known as the land of rivers, lakes and backwaters. Boating facilities are provided at almost all the major reservoirs and backwaters. Veli, Akkulam, Neyyar, Periyar, Malampuzha and Pookote are the best-known boating sites.

The enchanting backwater cruises of Kerala lure tourists from all over the globe. Peaceful rides in the specially built houseboats or kettuvallams can turn out to be experiences of a lifetime