Tour Locations of Kerala Backwaters

Kerala is cherished with its excellent backwater locations and it is a popular destination in the popular tour packages. The salty lakes an...

Kerala is cherished with its excellent backwater locations and it is a popular destination in the popular tour packages. The salty lakes and fresh water lagoons mostly situated in line to the Arabian sea coast is popularly called as backwaters of Kerala. Kerala is abandoned with water with its 38 rivers and five large lakes. Backwaters of Kerala were formed due to the high tidal waves and river currents flowing to the Arabia Sea from Western Ghats. Lot of small islands were created as a result of this phenomenon in the backwaters of Kumarakom, Chettuva, etc.

The backwaters of Kerala is an interconnected network of lakes and rivers and it has created a labyrinth system similar to American Bayou.A unique ecosystem is created in the backwaters due to the freshwater flow mixing with the seawater from the Arabian Sea. The sea water barriers are created in Kuttanad near Kumarakom in the Vembanad Kayal to prevent salt water from the sea entering the fresh water lake. This make fresh water intact and it is widely used for irrigation purposes.Vembanad Kayal is one of the largest lake of the Kerala.

Main Tour Locations of Kerala Backwaters

Kollam

Kollam can be selected as the starting point for the Kerala backwater waterway tour. Kollam is a place eulogized by travelers such as Ibn Battuta and Marco Polo. The Ashtamudi Kayal and Sasthamcotta Kayal are the main spots in Kollam. Sasthamcotta Kayal is the largest fresh water lake in Kerala.  A boat ride of 8 hours from Kollam will take you to Alappuzha - the Venice of East.The historic Dutch built Thangasseri Fort is another attraction in Kollam.

Alappuzha

The main attraction in Alappuzha (earlier known as Alleppy) is the criss-crossing canals which resembles the canals of Venice but each has its own substantial differences. The largest fresh water lake - Vembanad Kayal is the main tourist attraction of Kerala. The enchanting site of coconut tree covered Pathiramanal Island in Vembanad Kayal will last in your mind forever. You can reach Pathiramanal with a one hour boat ride from Alappuzha.The beautiful Kayamkulam Lake connects Kollam and Alappuzha. The National Thermal Power Plant of Kerala is also located in the shores of Kayamkulam Lake. 

Kuttanad

The Kuttanad region is famous for its bright and green paddy fields. The paddy fields are separated by dikes and one square of paddy field is called as "Kalam". The sea water barriers in Kuttanad prevents sea water from entering into the paddy fields. The view of Kuttanad paddy fields is amazing and will enchant the traveler. Kuttanad offers the glimpse of rural life-style of  Kerala farmers.Kuttanad is the paradise of backwaters and an ideal travel destination for a houseboat cruise in Kerala. It is possible to drift along in a houseboat and enjoy the scenic view of the Kerala countryside.

Kerala, the God’s own country is famous with its backwaters, lush greenery, trekking in mountains and mouth watering cuisines.