Kerala, known for its natural beauty, is a
paradise for those who want to spend time in nature's lap. Lush greenery,
Blue backwaters, Wildlife and the Forests of Kerala attracts tourists most.
Off all, the backwaters of Kerala have an exclusive offering to the
tourists. The blue backwaters of Kerala takes you to a world of serenity and
peace. Unexplored and untouched the backwaters of Kerala hold great promises
of enchanting holiday options. The palm-fringed, tranquil backwaters were
once just the state's trade highways, which have now become the most luring
and relaxing tourist destinations in India.
The network of the backwaters stretches for 1900 km across the state. The
backwaters have a very unique geography. The interlinked body is formed by a
network of waterways, inlets from the sea, estuaries of 41 west-flowing
rivers, lakes and natural canals connecting it to coastal towns. Though the
entire stretch is not open for navigation, around 900 Km of the Kerala
backwaters are voyagable, which have being used for centuries by the local
people for transportation. The backwaters routes date back over the
centuries as they have been used for all transportation needs, particularly
for trading purpose. Coconut, rubber, rice and spices, the major produces of
Kerala, have been transported via these backwaters. Today, these waterways
link remote villages and islands to the mainland. The fishermen and people
living by the sides of backwaters have a unique relationship with the Kerala
backwaters, as it is a major source of their livelihood. The fish caught
from its waters, the paddy, coconut and other crops harvested along its
banks, the boats they build and use to transport them across the complicated
backwaters in Kerala, are all a part of their traditional way of life.
The backwaters of Kerala have a unique ecosystem - the freshwater from the
rivers meet the seawater from the Arabian Sea in the backwaters in Kerala.
Many rare species of aquatic life including crabs, frogs and udskippers,
water birds such as terns, kingfishers, darters and cormorants, and animals
such as otters and turtles are present here. The backwaters are surrounded
by palm trees, pandanus shrubs, leafy plants and bushes, giving an enticing
look. Travelling through these backwaters on a traditional houseboat or a
canoe gives an unforgettable experience of lifetimes.
For breathtaking tour of backwaters go to Valiyaparamba Backwater,
Chandragiri Cruises, Alumkadavu, Willingdon Island, Pathiramanal,
Thiruvallam and have time of your life. The largest backwater stretch is the
Vembanad Lake, which opens out into the sea at the Kochi port and flows
through three districts-Alappuzha, Kottayam and Kochi. Another interesting
area in the backwaters is the Kuttanad region, called the rice bowl of
Kerala. To get a taste of adventure, visit Veli Aakulam lagoon where one can
enjoy water sports and ride the speedboats. Also a floating restaurant, an
amusement park and other facilities make this spot a hot tourist attraction.
In north Kerala, the cool backwaters of Kozhikode are waiting to be
explored. This old commercial town attracts travelers for its history,
wonderful backwaters and leisure sports.
Travel to any of the tranquil backwaters of Kerala and make your India tour
more & more exhilarating and invigorating. Serene and soothing, the
backwaters of Kerala will revive you completely.
