Also known as the “Venice of East”, Alappuzha Backwaters is surrounded by waterways and canals. One can have a nostalgic retreat amidst the backwaters of Alleppey as many Kerala Backwater cruises begin and end here. It is also famous for the exciting Snake Boat Races held annually. The leisure-seeking tourists can also head to the Alappuzha beach which features some of the beautifully restored colonial buildings, pristine beaches and lighthouse.
The placid backwaters of Vembanad Lake are one of the popular spots in Kerala. This enormously beautiful lake is situated at a distance of 16 km from Kottayam town. The tourists can enjoy a number of recreational activities such as boating, fishing and backwater sightseeing. One can admire the delightful scenario of the paddy fields, rubber plantation and majestic highlands around the backwaters from the Country Boats which passes through the tiny hamlets. Indulge in the heavenly experience while having a stay at the rented houseboats and tour along the backwaters of Kumarakom.
The gorgeous Kochi backwaters are referred to as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea”. The cluster of islands comprising Bolgatty, Vypeen, Gundu, and Vallarpadam nestled in the Vembanad Lake are a treat to savour. The ravishing Vembanad Lake gracefully meets the Arabian Sea and forms the most beautiful natural harbors in the world. One can see a fusion of different cultures, explorers and traders, having a symbolic influence from the Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and British. The boat cruises of Cochin Backwaters offers a tour to the Willingdon Island, Mattancherry Palace, the Jewish Synagogue, Fort Kochi and Bolgatty Island. The Sunset cruise offers a splendid three-hour backwater cruise, showcasing Kerala’s beautiful coir villages and coconut plantations.
The picturesque town of Kollam located 71 km north of Trivandrum is a vital place for Kerala Backwaters Tourism. The majestic coastline is popular for fishing and cashew industry. The exotic backwaters of Kollam are known for its architectural style and traditional ornate. The majestic beauty of the renowned Ashtamudi Lake where the Kollam backwaters journey commences makes the tours popular. Some of the tourist attractions in the vicinity include the stellar Thangassery Light house and Ananda Valleeswaram Temple.
The famous Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama, arrived in Kappad Beach, near Kozhikode in the year 1498. This place was later named as Calicut became the foremost trading outpost for the British. The most popular export item here is the local made checked cloth called Calico. Now this utterly beautiful countryside beauty features some of the heritage sites, wildlife sanctuaries, beautiful rivers and majestic hills. One cannot resist the charm and hospitality of this majestic place. The backwaters of Kozhikode offer boating on the Elathur, the Canolly Canal and the Kallai River. The must visit nearby places include Kadalundi, which is a beautiful bird sanctuary, located close to Korapuzha, Jalotsavam which offers thrilling water sports, the pristine Kozhikode Beach and Pazhassirajah Museum.
The exotic Trivandrum backwaters offers scenic views of the luscious lagoons, glittering lakes, serene rivers and canals, forming an intricate maze. Having a solitary cruise on the largest backwaters of Vembanad Lake, stretching over 200 square km is enthralling. This lake opens into the Arabian Sea at Cochin port. The phenomenal Trivandrum backwaters located on Kovalam route is famous for its canoe rides. These backwaters serve as the meeting point between Killi and Karamana hills. The chief attractions include the famous temple, dedicated to Parashurama, who according to a mythology founded Kerala, Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Kanakakkunnu Palace and Sanghumugham Beach.
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