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These Kerala backwater destinations are a mixture of historic and modern towns and scenic holiday getaways in the backwaters of Kerala. Tourists from all over the world come to these Kerala backwater destinations to see their scenic attractions.

Backwater regions

Kollam(earlier known as Quilon) was one of the leading trade centres of the ancient world, eulogised by travellers such as Ibn Battuta and Marco Polo. It is also the starting point of the backwater waterways. The Ashtamudi Kayal, known as the gateway to the backwaters, covers about 30 per cent of Kollam. The 8 hours boat ride from Kollam to Alappuzha is the longest cruise in Kerala and is delightful ride with lotuses and water lilies all around.The historic Thangasseri Fort is near Kollam, which is situated 71 km north of Thiruvananathapuram. 

Alappuzha

With the Kuttanad region and the Vembanad Kayal nearby, alappuzha_.jpgAlappuzha (earlier known as Alleppy) attracts tourists throughout the year. The criss-crossing canals in the area evoke comparisons with Venice, but the differences are also substantial. Each has an identity of its own. Amongst the notable sights is the palm covered Pathiramanal Island in Vembanad Kayal, one hour by boat from Alappuzha.The place is famous for the snake boat races and also has a number of historic colonial buildings and a beach.

Kuttanad

The Kuttanad region is a vast area of partly reclaimed land, covered with bright green paddy fields, separated by dikes. The level of water is a few feet higher than the level of the surrounding land.It is an amazing labyrinth of shimmering waterways composed of lakes, canals, rivers and rivulets. Lined with dense tropical greenery, it offers a glimpse into rural life-styles of Kerala.Kuttanad is a backwater paradise and an ideal destination for a backwater cruise in Kerala. It is possible to drift along in a houseboat and enjoy the scenic view of the Kerala countryside.

Kumarakom

The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Kayal, and is part of the Kuttanad region.The blue backwaters of Vembanad Kayal and the amazing kumarakom_.jpgshades of green of the vegetation, combines with the quietness of the place to make it an idyllic holiday destination. Many of the resorts also offer ayurvedic treatment.While Kuttanad is ideal for a house boat cruise, the resorts are the main attraction in Kumarakonam. One can also take a boat trip in Kumaramonam It is located 15 km west of Kottayam. The bird sanctuary and the drift wood museum are added attractions.

Srinivas, a singer summed up: “Imagine opening your eyes every morning to a sheet of still, blue water and majestic palm tress gently swaying in the breeze. To define the feeling in one sentence: Nature undisturbed by man is wonderful and inspiring, and Kumarakom is just that!”

Munroe island

Munroe Island is a place surrounded by kallada river, Ashtamudi Lake and [[Sasthamkotta Lake]] in Kollam district ,MunroeIsland is a cluster of eight tiny islands, Blessed with a number of criss-cross canals and zigzag water channels, this Island plays a host to so many migratory birds from various countries around the world. You can watch birds such as King fisher, Woodpecker, Egret,Bee-eater, Crow pheasant, and Paddy Birds. There is yet another rare chance to see the traditional Indian spice plants such as Pepper, Nutmeg and Cloves.

The first community tourism programme in the State will start functioning from the MunroeThuruthu islands.Coir making is a home industry to almost all the village living people. It is very interesting to watch the coir making by the village ladies with the help of weaving Wheels. They make the coir ropes by hand. In addition to this, on the way, you can see the process of extracting coconut oil from the "copra" [dried coconut]. Among the routine traditional engagements, duck, poultry farm and prawn breeding are common in all houses.

Kasargod :

Kasargod in north Kerala is a backwater destination, known for rice cultivation, coir processing and lovely landscape, it has the sea to the west and the Western Ghats to the north and east. Cruise options are Chandragiri and Valiyaparamba. Chandragiri is situated 4 km to the southeast of Kasargod town and takes tourists to the historic Chandragiri fort. Valiyaparamba is a scenic backwater stretch near Kasargod. Four rivers flow into the backwaters near Kasargod and there are many small islands along these backwater stretches, where birds can be seen.

Thiruvallam :

Thiruvallam backwaters are just 6 km from Thiruvananthapuram, the state capital. Known for its canoe rides Thiruvallam is becoming increasingly popular with tourists. Two rivers, the Killi and the Karamana come together at Thiruvallam. Not far from Thiruvallam is the Veli Lagoon, where there are facilities for water sports, a waterfront park and a floating bridge. The Akkulam Boat club, which offers boating cruises on Akkulam Lake and a park for children, is also a popular tourist attraction near Thiruvallam.

Kozhikode :

Kozhikode (also known as Calicut) has backwaters which are largely “unexplored” by tourist hordes. Elathur, the Canolly Canal and the Kallayi River are favourite haunts for boating. Korapuzha, the venue of the Korapuzha Jalotsavam is fast becoming a popular water sport destination.
House Boats
 
Kerala Houseboats (Riceboats) or kettuvallam are country boats that were used in the early days for the transport of goods from the isolated interior villages of Kerala Backwater area to the towns like Alleppey, Kollam, Cochin and Kottayam. With the advent of roads, bridges and ferry services, gradually the kettuvalloms went off the scene. Now these kettuvalloms are back again as a major tourist attraction as a modern moving boat house that is kerala houseboats . kerala houseboats size vary from, about to 95 feet feet in length and a width of around 13 feet to in the middle for one bedroom houseboat and , big houseboats with up 107 feet long and up to 19 feet wide. The materials that go into the making are all local and Eco friendly bamboo poles, coconut fiber ropes, bamboo mats, coir carpets etc. The main wood used is "Anjili". Kerala house boats have fully furnished single double triple and five bedrooms with sundeck, private balcony with comfortable chairs, kitchen and toilet with WC. In addition there is also separate rest room.

Houseboats in Kerala have a three member crew - a chef, driver & cabin assistants. The cuisine is traditional Kerala flavor with the local specialties; delicious local fish. There are single bedroom houseboats for two people and two bedroom houseboats for four people.and 3 bedroom houseboat for 6 , and 5 bedroom houseboat for 10 People.The spectacular beauty of Kerala's backwaters needs no introduction. A Kerala Houseboats cruise along the palm-fringed waterways of Kerala in luxury houseboats is the most enchanting holiday experience in India today. In this world of simple pleasures, you will skim past ancient Chinese fishing nets, water lilies, lush paddy fields, coir villages, rustic homes, temples and coconut groves. A guided tour down the backwaters would provide you with a complete and most enchanting experience on the back waters of Kerala and will also reveal to you some interesting facts about the life of local village people. This month's lens view takes you to the backwater stretch of the Vembanad, where one can go for a leisurely cruise on a multi deck boat, allowing you enjoy the scenic backwater life.
Honey Moon
 
Begin your life together with an unforgettable journey to a green paradise, when you enjoy a honeymoon in Kerala Backwaters. Imagine you and your loved one relaxing on a houseboat and floating along a tranquil Kerala Backwater. Feel as if you're the only people in the world as you travel through the placid waterways. Hear no voices other than the murmur of rippling water, the whisper of the wind rustling among the palm fronds and the sound of birds calling as they fly across an azure sky. Lie back and count the stars in the velvet sky of the tropical night, as you anchor on the banks of a Kerala backwater.

A honeymoon in the backwaters is the most delightful experience one can ever have. Kerala certainly deserves the name 'the God's Own Country', with all its golden beaches, palm-fringed seashores, untouched natural beauty, and Kettuvallams--the much-famed houseboats of Kerala. 

Cruise through the backwaters of Kerala in these traditional houseboats and play to the dazzling and delightful moonlight. Live out a fantasy with the lullaby of the waves and in the arms of each other as your heart skips a beat with every stirring of the seawater, which is as deep as your love for each other. You will always cherish the moments that you spend aboard the giant country crafts that are the indispensable part of the state's picturesque backwaters.

Once used in Travancore and Kochi, and in the Minicoy Islands as a cargo boat, these huge, eye-catching boats are made up of large planks of wood that are tied together perfectly using hand-made coir ropes, besides beaten coconut fibers.

Seeing the curiosity and interest they arouse in the tourists, they have now been converted into floating luxury dwelling units complete with a suite, one or two bath attached bedrooms, one living room, kitchenette, an open lounge, deck and a crew comprising oarsmen, a cook and guide. An ideal sojourn for the honeymoon couples.

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