Backwater is usually a body of stagnant water connected to a river. The backwaters of Kerala stretches over 1900km. Boat across these tranquil stretches are an experience unique to Kerala. Large Kettuvalloms (traditional country crafts over 60ft. in length) have been converted into luxury houseboats for these cruises. The Backwaters in Kerala is one of the major tourist attractions of this small and beautiful state.
The major backwater destinations are the Kumarakom and Alleppey.
The Kumarakom backwaters are stretched around the beautiful Vembanad
lake and is situated in the district of Kottayam. The lake an
enchanting picnic spot and is fastly developing as a backwater tourism
destination which provides boating, fishing and other
entertainment.The Kumarakom Tourist Village offers houseboat cruises.
The beautiful lake comes alive during the destival onam with
spectacular snake boat races.The blue backwaters and the surface of
Vembanad Lake reflect the beauty of the azure sky. The amazing shades
of green vegetation, which includes mangroves, coconut palms, and
paddy fields cover the verdant countryside and is a mind bogging
sight.
The nearest railway station to Kumarakom is at Kottayam, which is 16
kms away.
The Cochin International airport is 76 kms away from Kumarakom.
Kumarakom is also accesible to the other parts of the state by road.
Alleppey
is another beautiful destination for Kerala backwater tourism.
Alleppey(Alappuzha) is also known as the "Venice of the East"
for its ecological beauty. Alleppey is also famous for its beaches.
Alleppey is the coir hub of India and is one of the major producers of
coir and coir related products. Alleppey is well connected to the
major Cities of Kerala by road and rail. The main characteristic of
this land is the region called 'Kuttanad'. Kuttanad is a land of lush
paddy fields and is called the rice bowl of Kerala. Kuttanad is one of
the few places in the world where farming is done below sea level. The
other Commercial activities includes - toddy tapping, fishing fro
small fry, coir making, etc.
Kochi
The Backwaters of Kochi is a spacious stretch of water and the sight of the chinese fishing nets immersed in the backwaters of Kochi has become its own trademark. The backwaters of Cochin is one of the major tourist attraction and there a lot of plans in place to make the backwater stretch more useful for the travelers. The backwaters of Kochi provides you ample opportunity to have a boating trip which helps you to explore more of the city that is adjoining the backwaters. A lot of boat and ferry services are available that helps you to have a ride through the backwaters and you can also visit some of the major islands that are present along the backwaters. Kochi is well connected to the other cities through air, rail and road and you can come and enjoy the backwater trip much easily.