Location :
Kerala, South India
Best time to Visit : Throughout the Year
Made of : A network of lakes, lagoons and 44 rivers
About the Backwaters
Kerala is often sobriquet God's Own Country and that's not for nothing as
it is home to some of the most exotic locales on the planet replete with
breathtaking natural beauty and amazing features. One such tourist magnet is
the captivating beauty of the backwaters. Imagine yourself in a houseboat
replete with all the luxury facilities that enhance your experience of
feasting your eyes on the enchanting surroundings. Gently sway past lush
fields and sandy beaches lined with palm trees as you witness a world that
is totally unlike what you would have seen before.
The backwaters are a network of lakes, lagoons, estuaries and over 44 lakes
surrounding the coast of Kerala. The backwaters spread to thousands of
kilometers with over 900 of that being navigable, serving as important trade
routes for traders and navigators since centuries. The backwaters stretch
almost to the entire length of the state from
Cochin
in the north to
Kollam in the south.
Kettuvallom, a traditional type of houseboat is a popular means of
navigating the waters while modern constructions meant for tourists are
replete with the most modern amenities such as rooms with attached bath, a
living room, platform etc. An interesting thing about the boats is that
these are constructed without using even a single nail.
Do Not Miss
The backwaters are believed to have been formed in 1866 AD when floods from
the neighbouring sea engulfed the area. The backwaters since then became an
important means connecting the scattered areas and are still the only means
of local transport. Several cities in Kerala offer exciting backwater cruise
options. Lake Vembanand is the largest of them measuring around 83 km in
length. Ashtamudi Lake and the backwaters of Allapuzha, also known as the
'Venice of the East' are other popular backwater destinations in Kerala.
Other Attractions in Kerala
Kerala Beaches
The beaches of Kerala can compete with the best in the world, especially
when talking of a laid back and relaxed atmosphere. The beach resorts are
fine heavens of peace and tranquility that take you into another completely
different world of easiness. Witness the breathtaking natural beauty, take a
gentle stroll or just stretch your legs and sip on a cool coconut water
drink.
Ayurveda Resorts
Ayurveda is the ancient art of wellness, practiced in India since the
ancient times. The art has lived on through the times and exercised with
absolute dedication at Kerala, perhaps more so than anywhere else on the
planet. Numerous ayurveda resorts all over the state offer special ayurveda
holiday packages for the tourists. Experience the rejuvenating and
revitalising effects of Ayurveda at Kerala.
Stay At
From heritage hotels to tree houses, you can experience it all at Kerala.
Some of the best accommodation options at Kerala include Golden Water
Retreat (Heritage hotel at Kumarakom), Hotel Taj Malabar (Deluxe hotel at
Kochi), Coconut Lagoon (Ayurveda resort at Kumarakom), B-Six Holiday Resort
(Tree houses at Munnar) and The South Park Hotel at Thiruvananthapuram.
Getting There
By Air : Kerala is well connected to other cities in
India and the world through its three airports at Thiruvananthapuram,
Kozhikode and Cochin, with the one at Thiruvananthapuram also being an
international airport receives flights from overseas as Colombo, Maldives,
Dubai, Sharjah, Bahrain, Singapore etc. Domestic flights are available to
and from major Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai
etc.
By Rail : Railway stations are located at nearly all the
big and small cities of Kerala connecting it to other major cities in and
outside the state. Trains are also available to and from destinations as New
Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata.
By Road : An extensive network of well built roads criss
cross the entire state connecting it with the rest of the country. Major
national highways passing through the state are NH 47, 17 and 49.
