Backwater

Alappuzha

If you are cherishing the idea of spending some good time, amidst the sights and sounds of the hydrosphere, then step into a country boat and wind through the labyrinth of canals in Alappuzha. While cruising through these canals, one would come across many interesting aspects of day-to-day life on the land as well as on water.

Here, at Alappuzha, one can easily find boats according to one’s requirement, starting from small country boats to luxury houseboats and small speedboats to big passenger motorboats. Small boats are preferred for cruise through the canals. Once you have the transport ready, pick one of the canal systems in and around Alappuzha for your cruise.

Getting there:

Nearest railway station:Alappuzha, a few kilometres away.

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery, about 85 Kms

Kumarakom

An unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with white lilies. Situated on the Vembanad Lake, in this small water world you'll come across plenty of traditional country crafts, boats and canoes which will take you into the heart of the scenic lake. The resorts nearby offer comfortable accomodation and exclusive leisure options like an Ayurvedic massage, yoga, meditation, boating, fishing, angling and swimming.

Kuttanad

Kuttanad,called the rice bowl of Kerala because of her wealth of paddy crops,is at the very heart of the backwaters.The scenic countryside of Kuttanad with its shimmering waterways also has a rich crop of banana, cassava and yam.This is perhaps the only region in the world where farming is done 1.5 to 2 m below sea level. Inland waterways which flow above land level are an amazing feature of this region.

Getting there:

Nearest railway station: Alappuzha.

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery, about 85 km from Alappuzha

Padanna

Much of the popular backwater attractions of Kerala are located in the southern and central parts of the State. Contrary to this belief, Footnotes, this month takes you to a serene backwater network in the northern most district of Kerala – Kasaragod. Here adjoining the backwaters of Valliyaparampu lies a beautiful backwater village of Thekkekadu, which has an inspiring story to share with its visitors. It is all about Padanna’s crusader in self-employment, Mr. Gul Mohammed and his backwater retreat – Oyster Opera at Padanna.

Getting there
Nearest airports: Mangalore (120 km), Calicut (180 km)
Nearest Bus Station: Cheruvathur (9 Km)
Nearest Railway Stations: Cheruvathur(8 Km)

Pathiramanal

Location : 1 1/2 hours drive by motor boat or 30 minutes by speed boat from Alappuzha,Alappuzha district,south Kerala.

Pathiramanal,a small island on the backwaters of Alappuzha,is a haven for hundreds of rare birds migrating from different parts of the world.Surrounded by the Vembanad Lake,stretching from Alappuzha to Kochi and the Kayamkulam lake,Pathiramanal is accessible only by boat.The green island thus forms an ideal place for a break in the journey while on a backwater cruise.The mainland Alappuzha has a vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers criss crossing it and is a district of immense natural beauty.

Getting there :

Nearest railway station : Alappuzha
Nearest airports : Cochin International Airport, about 85 km north of Alappuzha Thiruvananthapuram,about 150 km towards the south.

Sasthamkotta

Sasthamkotta, situated about 29 kms from Kollam town, can be rightly called the 'Queen of Lakes'. This vast fresh water lake flanked by hills on three sides is the largest of its kind in Kerala. The ancient Sastha Temple, which lends its name to the town, is an important pilgrim centre. This temple dedicated to both Lord Ganesha and Lord Ayyappa is surrounded by hills and forests, and the monkeys inhabiting the premises are considered holy. The monkeys of Sasthamkotta are believed to be the faithful entourage of the ruling deity, the Dharmasastha and therefore they have a spiritual ambience about them. The monkeys are devotee-friendly, and the thousands of devotees visiting the temple take pleasure in feeding these monkeys with nuts and fruits.

Getting there:

Nearest railway station: Kollam, about 29 kms away.
Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 71 kms from Kollam.

The Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom

(16 km from Kottayam town)Kottayam is a vast network of rivers and canals which empty into the great expanse of water called the Vembanad Lake. The lake, an enchanting picnic spot and a fast developing backwater tourism destination, provides boating, fishing and sightseeing experiences that are truly exhilarating. The Kumarakom Tourist Village offers houseboat cruises and holiday packages. The serene lake comes alive during Onam with a spectacular water regatta - the snake boat races. It is indeed amazing to watch oarsmen, at least a hundred in one boat, slice their way through the waters to the fast rhythm of their own full throated singing.

Thiruvallam

(10 km)This serene backwater stretch, enroute to Kovalam, is famous for its canoe rides.

Valiyaparamba

(30 km from Bekal)This is perhaps the most scenic backwater stretch in Kerala. Fed by four rivers and dotted with numerous little islands, Valiyaparamba is fast turning into a much favoured backwater resort that offers enchanting boat cruises.