Kerala Backwaters

Kerala Backwaters Overview
Backwaters is a special feature of Kerala and often considered as a priority by the tourists. The backwaters are essentially regions lying close to the sea that receive water primarily from the sea waves that travel beyond shoreline. The backwaters are present in the form of lagoons, lakes and estuaries. However, monsoons also contribute in the water levels maintained by them.

At Kerala the backwaters comprise of a network of canals, lakes, lagoons and deltas. There are 44 rivers that flow throughout the state, most of them (41 rivers) towards the Arabian Sea, and are intricately connected by a network of canals. These waterways are navigable by boats and provide awe inspiring journeys throughout the lands of Kerala. The Vembanad Lake is the largest backwater stretch (83 kms in length) that runs through three districts and finally opens at Arabian Sea, at Kochi.

Backwater Cruises
Backwater cruises are great leisure to be had at Kerala. The massive houseboats, called Kettuvalloms, provide means of a fascinating journey through the backwaters. Also available are motorized boats that hasten human responses. The backwaters also supports aquatic life and many bird species. There are many fishing communities that derive their primary source of food and income from these lakes. The waterfronts are lined up with lush vegetation including coconut and palm groves. The aqua road, distant clinging green carpets and sight of a rare bird are remarkable and welcome.

Popular Backwater Destinations of Kerala :

» Alappuzha Backwaters	» Kochi Backwaters
» Kollam Backwaters	» Kozhikode Backwaters
» Kumarakom Backwaters

Houseboats
Most of the backwater hot spots have excellent facilities in the form of exquisite houseboats. Floating on the backwaters, these houseboats embark on spectacular cruises. A few days stay at the houseboats provides an experience of a lifetime.

As the houseboats navigate through the waters surrounded by lush green paddy fields and towering coconut trees, tourists get to see the best views of Kerala countryside. These exquisite boathouses have excellent roofing, flooring and side walls. Other facilities include spacious rooms, attached toilets and world class catering. Many different packages are offered to suit the needs of different tourists.

Being the mainstay of Kerala's tourism, all the backwater hotspots have well developed transportation infrastructure. Moreover, there are accommodation facilities to suit all class groups.

Best of Kerala (11 Days) Features : The tour package inculcates backwater trips, which form the best tourist places in the state. Backwater trips are arranged for destinations including Periyar (Thekkady), Kumarakom and Cochin. The package also includes tour through popular hill station, Munnar and beach spree at Kovalam. The tour begins from Cochin and proceeds to destinations including Periyar, Munnar, Kumarakom and concludes at Kovalam. Departure is from the capital city of Kerala, Trivandrum.

Kerala Vacation Package (10 Days) Features : Kerala Vacation Package provides a customized package for some popular destinations of Kerala and beyond. Backwaters, one of the prime places to visit in the state are covered. The backwater destinations include that of Cochin, Periyar and Kumarakom. Apart from backwaters the tour also caters to other destinations like Kovalam and Kanyakumari. Beyond Kerala, it provides a guided tour of Mumbai city, in the concluding part.

Kerala Backwater Tour (10 Days) Features : The tour as its title suggest features the much prized attractions of Kerala, backwaters. The tour provides for a few selected best backwater destinations including Cochin, Periyar, and Kumarakom. The events covered include boat rides, backwater cruises and unhampered holiday at the famous Kovalam beach. A total of 10 days are spend exploring these beautiful places and enjoying some unique moments in the lagoons and lakes of Kerala. For some memorable romantic vacations there is no better deal than this.

Kerala Spice Trail (16 Days) Features : Kerala Spice Trail is an adventurous tour through diverse lands of Kerala including its beautiful lakes and waterways. The tour packages takes you to the popular backwater stretches like Cochin, Periyar and Alleppey. The boat ride from Cochin to Alleppey is a great pleasure and one of the features of the named package. The tour further journeys through the popular hill stations, beaches and plantations lands. The tour highlights adventure treks, backwater cruises, beach pleasure and more. Destinations covered include Trivandrum, Munnar, Madurai, Thekkady, Cochin, Alleppey and Kovalam.

Kerala and Tropical India (14 Days) Features : The tour package has an elaborate schedule that covers a wide area in and around Kerala. Backwater tour is a small part of the trip and limited to a few places. The tour begins from the famous city Chennai and proceeds along the Western Ghats, into the mainland Kerala. This road expedition helps in close encounters with the beauty and nature of the place. The destinations covered include Madras (Chennai), Mysore, Ooty, Guruvayoor, Cochin, Varkala and Kovalam. An exciting tour for adventure lovers.

Captivating Kerala (08 Days) Features : The tour package provides for a brief sojourn at key places in Kerala state. The package lays more emphasis on leisure than adventure. The package gives you a tour through backwater destinations including Cochin, Periyar and Kumarakom. In addition there is a trip to the famous Marari Beach. Boat safari and sunset cruise is a special treat in the schedule. Other activities include bird watching at Kumarakom and beach activities at Marari.

India and the Tropical South (15 Days) Features : India and the Tropical South is a slow paced tour along the beautiful backwaters and plantation lands of Kerala. The package provides traditional means of transportation including a ride in the famous Kettuvalloms. The backwater destinations covered includes Kollam, Alleppey, Cochin and Kumarakom. The tour further takes to the acclaimed tourist places that exist as popular hill stations, spice towns and wildlife reserves. This 15 days tour will see you through places like Kollam, Alleppey, Cochin, Munnar, Madurai, Periyar, Kumarakom and Kovalam.