The nature lovers may utilize the vacation to the backwaters of Kerala, sandwiched between the Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west in India. The tourists from the world over flock to Kerala because of the palm fringed beaches, breathtaking backwaters, rivers, paddy fields, coconut canopies, spice plantations, ever green tropical forests and the simple-hearted people.
The backwaters are an integral part of livelihood and lifestyle of the people of Kerala, used for transportation of people and products between villages and towns. The boats used are termed as Kettuvalloms i.e. stitched boats since the boats are constructed by stitching coconut ropes together with wooden planks. Across the state of Kerala, the backwaters comprise of serveral canals, rivers, lagoons and lakes. These houseboats, normally 60-70 feet high and 13 feet wide in the middle, offer the best of facilities and services to the guest tourists.
Amongst the most frequented backwater destinations of India are Alapuzzha, Cochin, Thiruvananthapuram, Thiruvallam, Kumarakom, Kottayam, Kollam and Kasargod. Alapuzzha is often referred to as the Venice of East. In the heart of the backwaters of Alappuzha lies Kuttanad that is referred to as the rice bowl of Kerala owing to the enormous growth of paddy crops. To add to the pleasures of backwater holidays at Kerala i.e. coconut trees, marshy groves, shallow lakes, deep canals, and long boats tourist have to meticulously plan backwater cruises. The facilities and the simplicity of the entire holiday make it a luxurious holiday in India. Off late the backwater tourism has really caught up with the Indian as well as the foreign tourists. The gentle rhythm of the boat journey adds to the magic of the backwaters. The swaying coconut canopies make the heart of the tourists swing too. Watching the sun go down, savoring the fresh seafood and being entirely relaxed to the soul makes the holiday cruise on the Indian backwaters of Kerala an unparallel experience. In order to promote backwater tourism without losing out of the authentic feel of the cruise, traditional meals are served on banana leaves that comprise of several dishes, supplemented by fruits. The backwater cuisine, which comprises of delectable fresh fish like pearl spotted fish, barramundi, crabs, mussels and prawns is finger licking.
Life can be enjoyed at an unhurried pace by the tranquility of the backwaters while riding the Houseboats. It’s the most authentic and unexplored way to explore the beauty of the backwaters. The Houseboats that float on the backwaters are the improved version of the Kettuvalloms. The frequently visited tourist destinations amongst the backwaters in Kerala comprise of Kovalam, Alappuzha, Kottayam and Ernakulam. During a trip along Alappuzha or Alpeleppy, the best known port on the Malabar Coast, sailing in a houseboat is unforgettable. It has been rightly called the Venice of the East. The ducks flock together as to welcome you, the rich greens, and the vibrant villages together produce a mesmerizing effect. To add to the beauty in simplicity, the backwaters boast of sparkling waters and foliage that is lush and green.
Another beautiful coastal city is Cochin, Kochi or Ernakulam. It happens to be a collection of islands and peninsulas. The list of scenic islands comprises of Bolgatty, Vypeen, Gundu and Vallarpadam. The city of Cochin is often referred to as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. The city that is industrial and commercial capital of Kerala boasts of an International airport too. Besides the backwater Cochin is famous for landmarks of cultural heritage like the Jewish synagouge, the Dutch palace and St. Francis Church. The fun of visiting the tourist attractions in Cochin increases multifold when communicated through local ferries. The visit to the city will remain incomplete if you miss the famous Kathakali dance performance.
The beach resort of Verkala is amongst the jewels in the crown of the Kerala backwaters. Tourists flock to this resort cum spa because of its beautiful landscape. The small town is religiously significant for the Hindus because of the Janardana Swamy temple and the two thousand year old shrine of Lord Vishnu. The capital city of the kaleidoscopic Kerala, Thiruvantapuram and serene stretch of the Thiruvallam close to Thiruvanthapuram are other popular backwater destinations in Kerala. Water sports in the lagoon, village cruises using the country boats are the best bets to enjoy the backwaters tours. With the teeming opportunities of health care, enjoyment and relaxation, the backwaters of Kerala have indeed made a mark for themselves in the Indian tourism industry. The tourism may indulge into activities like boating, fishing and sight seeing while exploring the backwaters of kovalam beach in Kerala.
The tourists really enjoy the back waters of Kerala by visiting the Periyar or the Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary. The trip through the sanctuary will reveal the bounty of wildlife in Kerala including the wild elephants, bison, spotted deer, Nilgiri Wood Pigeons etc. The other destination for the nature lover is the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary that boats of both local as well as migratory birds. The bird watchers may either opt to ride the houseboats or the motorboats on the lake. The attractions amongst the various species of birds include the water duck, egret, larks, teals and the Siberian cranes. To catch a glimpse of the migratory birds, you should plan a trip any time form November to February.
The best time for backwater cruising in India falls between the months of October and March. Keeping in mind the weather conditions on Kerala the tourists are advised to carry cotton casuals on their backwater holidays. The canal-rides, boat-cruises and houseboat stays beckon all tourists seeking solace in the lap of nature.
During the months of monsoon the Kerala backwaters come to life with the sound of the traditional snake boat races, featuring the 130-feet long chundan boats. Amoungst the most important of these races is the Nehru Trophy Boat Race held on the second Saturday of August. Many a tourists opt for their backwater tours of India during this period. The Aranmula Boat Festival of the Parthasarathy temple of Aranmula, on the backs of the holy river Pamba, is the more traditional race in the backwaters.
Your backwater tour may turn more exciting when it coincides with the celebration of Onam festival, the auspicious moment for the boat carnival in Kerala.
