What are backwaters?
The Kerala Backwaters are a part and parcel of the
Kerala tourism. These backwaters
are formed due to the back and forth motions of sea waves, giving rise to
intoxicating water bodies like lakes, canals, lagoons, deltas and estuaries.
How will you gain access?
Trivandrum and
Cochin are two international
airports in Kerala. Calicut has a domestic airport connecting Kerala to the
major cities of the country. Kerala has a well-laid rail-network. There are
8 National Highways and 58 State Highways linking the state of Kerala to all
the important cities of the country.
What are backwater houseboats?
The houseboats or Kettuvalloms are a fantastic example of Kerala's
traditional craft. These giant structures, on an average, measure about 80
feet in length. What is most fascinating about the structure is the fact
that it is amazingly devoid of nails. Yes, you will not find a single nail.
The boats are shaped by tying wood planks with special coir ropes. No
wonder, the boats are luxuriously made catering to the needs of the
visitors. There are atleast two bed rooms with attached bath, an open lounge
and a deck. The rooms are comfortable and hygienic. You will find a cook, an
oarsman and a guide on board. There is also an opportunity of linking two or
more houseboats, as per your needs, giving rise to a boat-train. Last but
not the least there awaits a cuisine which is so traditional and so very
delicious. The meals are supplemented with freshly caught fish.
What is the average cost of a backwater tour?
The starting range of a Backwater tour package, on an average, is about Rs.
5000 to Rs. 6000 per night. However the rate per night can go up to Rs.
50,000 to Rs. 60,000. The package cost is inclusive of accommodation for 2
persons, breakfast, lunch, dinner, airport/railway station-hotel transfers,
houseboat cruise and all applicable taxes.
Which are the chief backwater destinations?
» Alappuzha Backwaters
Alappuzha, popular as the Venice of the East, is a district of immense
beauty. The district has the Arabian Sea on its west and is home to a fair
number of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers. The snake-boat races, the
houseboat holidays, the beaches and the coir industry of the place attracts
a huge number of vacationers and tourists from all around.
» Kuttanad Backwaters
Kuttanad is known as the “Rice Bowl of Kerala”. The unique
landscape and the scenic beauty of the place make it known all over. What is
most interesting about the place is that farming is done here below sea
level. The rivers Pampa, Manimala and Achankovil beautifully meander down
the length and breadth of the place.
» Kottayam Backwaters
The mesmerising backwaters, lush greenery and the vast expanse of rubber
plantations, all combined, provide an ethereal setting for a backwater tour
here. The St. Mary's Church, one of the oldest churches in Kerala, is yet
another attraction of the town. The church was erected way back in the year
1585. The Ettumanoor Shiva Temple and the Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple bear
some fantastic murals and sculptural compositions.
» Kumarakom Backwaters
The Kumarakom backwaters lie to the north of Alappuzha. The quaint tiny
hamlet of Kumarakom stands on the Vembanad lake. The village provides with
facilities like boating, fishing, sightseeing etc. The Kumarakom Bird
Sanctuary is home to numerous migratory birds including Siberian stork,
egret, darter, heron and teal.
» Kollam Backwaters
The Kollam backwaters are located at a distance of 71 km north of
Thiruvananthapuram. The district is famous for its marine and cashew
industries. The place also has some temples built in the traditional
architectural style. The very popular Ashtamudi Lake covers 30% of the town.
The 8-hour long trip between Kollam and Alappuzha is the longest backwater
cruise in Kerala.
» Trivandrum Backwaters
The enchanting district of Thiruvanathapuram is surrounded by verdant hills
of the Western Ghats on east and the northeast and the Arabian Sea on the
west. The chief backwater areas of Thiruvananthapuram include Thiruvallam
and Veli. The vast shoreline, the world-class beaches, the historical
legacy, the backwater stretches and the chromatic cultural heritage of the
district make it one of most coveted spots in Kerala.
