Kerala Backwaters in India

If Kerala is the “God's own country” than the backwaters are surely be the “residence of God”. Backwaters are the unique attractions among all other treasures of Kerala, which are really unmatched in the whole world. A trip to these marvelous and exhilarating backwaters is must-visit destination in the Kerala itinerary.

These tranquil and magnificent backwaters are an integral part of the Kerelite people's life and the Kerala tourism. Many exotic towns of Kerala such as Alappuzha, Kotayam, Ernakulum, kollam and Kottapuram, all are interconnected with each other through these vast networks of backwaters. Backwaters are created by the action of waves and shore currents. They moreover creates low barrier islands across the mouths of the many rivers flowing down from the Western Ghat ranges.


Where is Kerala backwaters?
The kerala backwaters which are a chain of brackish lagoons and lakes lying parallel to the Arabian Sea coast ie the Malabar coast of Kerala includes a vast network of interconnected five lakes and man made and natural canals. These canals are fed by 38 rivers.

Why Kerala backwaters are famous for?
In the foregone time, these backwaters served as the main highway to transport goods and passengers from one place to another. However, today these backwaters are now an indispensable part of the Kerala tourism. Kerala Government uses these backwaters to acquaint both the national and international tourists throng every year with the awesome natural beauty of this land.

These backwaters are famous worldwide for their traditional houseboats which are locally known as the Kettuvallams. There are almost 400 house boats which regularly ply on these backwaters. These house boats are well equipped with all modern amenities, so that tourists can enjoy every moment of their
backwater trip. You can even taste the local Keralite cuisines, sea foods etc on these houseboats while immersing yourself in the stunning beauty of these backwaters.

What to see in Kerala backwaters?
Kerala backwaters are the main venue for some of the annual water fiestas that hooks tourists from across the globe. Some of the major boat races of Kerala which are held in relation to the Onam festival, one of the major festival of Kerala which takes place in the month of the August and September. These are Nehru Trophy Boat Race, Aranmula Boat Race, Champukulam Boat Race, ATDC Boat Race, Alappuzha, Rajiv Gandhi Boat race and many more.

These backwaters are the meeting point of fresh water from the rivers and the sea water from the Arabian sea. Due to this fine blend of fresh waters and saline waters, Kerala backwaters has a unique ecosystem. So this unusual ecosystem will at once behold your sight. The flora of the backwaters comprises of palm trees, pandanus shrubs, various leafy plants and bushes grow alongside the backwaters whereas he fauna contains unique aquatic creatures like crabs, frogs and mudskippers. Some water birds such as terns, kingfishers, darters, cormorants and animals such as otters and turtles also live in and alongside the backwaters.

Another thing which you can visit, is a barrage. It is built near Kumarkom and prevents the entrance of sea water deep inside the backwaters.


What is the best time to visit it?
Kerala is a paradise for tourists. The climate of this land remains pleasant through out the year. However, the season between August to March is the most favorable time to visit the Kerala as the climate of these months remain moderate.

What are the nearby excursion places?
Beside the backwaters, Kerala has some more attractive places such as some exotic towns like Alappuzha, Kottayam, Kumarkam, Munnar. Most of these towns are surrounded by these ss marvelous backwaters.
Alappuzha known as the “ Venice of the east” is a beautiful town which is famous for the annual Snake boat races held during the festival of Onam. It is also famous world wide for its coir industry.

Kottayam is the first district in India which has achieved 100% literacy. This beautiful town is famous for the lake Vembanand and also for the latex plantation. It has panoramic beauty due to the presence of long stretches of backwaters, hills, hillocks, temples and churches.
Kumarkom is a cluster of island on the Vembanand lake. It has a bird sanctuary which is a favourite place of the migratory birds.

Munnar is one of the famous hill station of Kerala. In the British era it served as a summer resort. It is famous for its waterfalls, streams, lakes among the verdant slopes of Western ghats.