Traversing the Wonderland with Backwaters of Kerala

If you wish to relax amidst a serene ambience, hearing the sound of nature, then cruise over the backwaters of Kerala. These long stretches of unceasing peace and serenity attract tourists from far and wide. Sailing in the traditional houseboats of Kerala is a different experience in itself. Alappuzha, Kochi, Trivandrum, Kottayam and Kumarakom are the famous backwaters of the state.

The backwaters of Kerala are among the most prominent tourist attractions of the God’s own country. These waterways serve as a self supporting eco-system, brimming with aquatic life. They are a network of canals, lakes and deltas of 44 rivers, which stretches to almost 1,900 km. Backwaters are the water bodies formed by the backward flow of seawater because of hindrance in the natural current. The Vembanad Lake serves as the largest backwater in the state that add fame to Kerala tourism.

Some of the most popular backwater destinations in Kerala include:

Alappuzha
Popularly referred to as the “Venice of the East” due to its adjoining canals and waterways, Alappuzha is among the famous Kerala attractions. Besides backwaters, the destination is also famous for the Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race, organised every year. The large snake boats, propelled by teams of rowers create a spectacle to behold.

Kochi
Called as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea”, Kochi is among the most popular backwater destinations in Kerala. The Vembanad lake envelops the group of islands, forming Kochi. Different islands of Kochi include Bolgatty, Vyppin and Vallarpadam. Tourists can enjoy visiting the islands in small ferries for the unique experience. The place also houses various attractions, encompassing the Jewish Synagogue, Bolgatty Palace and the Chinese Fishing Nets.

Trivandrum
The stretching backwaters of Thiruvananthapuram make Kerala a gorgeous land of beauty. Tourists can enjoy cruising on the “Kettuvalloms”, the traditional houseboats, which offer a different experience. Mingled with lush green vegetation, the meandering waterways look spectacular. Sailing on the tranquil backwaters of the 200 sq km expanse of crystal clear lagoons and lakes.

Kottayam
It serves as among the most fascinating destinations of your Kerala backwater tour. Famed for its natural richness of strikingly beautiful backwaters, Kottayam backwaters tours are worth to embark on. With blue waters and the lush green meadows, the backwaters create a magic on the onlookers.

Kumarakom
It is a serenely gorgeous backwater destination that you can visit on Kerala houseboat tour. Dotted with traditional rice boats and canoes, the backwaters leave you mesmerised. It is among the most invigorating places to unravel in the state. The swaying palm trees, vast paddy fields, interwoven lagoons and backwaters will soothe your mind.

Kollam
If you wish to capture the glimpses of nature in its best form, then head to Kollam backwaters. Encrusted with various trees, the shores provide shelter to innumerable exotic birds like egrets, cuckoos and ducks. Tourists can enjoy a long trip between Kollam and Alappuzha, which boasts of being the longest backwater cruise in the state.

Article Source : http://www.squidoo.com/backwaters-of-kerala

Cruising on Kerala Houseboats for a Rewarding Experience

Kerala is chock-full of lush greenery and swaying palm trees. The highly treasured backwaters of Kerala serve as the famous attractions of the city. Stretching several hundred kms, backwaters are a network of canals, which connect lakes and the sea. These waterways serve as a life source for various birds, aquatic creatures and locals as well. Some of the prominent backwaters of Kerala include Alleppey, Kovalam, Kochi, Kumarakom, Kuttanad, Kollam and Trivandrum. These breathtaking backwaters are the most preferred destinations to enjoy a backwater houseboat cruise.

Kerala Houseboats

Kerala Houseboats

The traditional houseboats in Kerala are known as “Kettuvallam”, which are tied together with Coir knots. During the built of the boat, not even a single nail is used. The boat is made of planks of jack-wood that are finely combined with coir. Coated with a caustic black resin, it has a sturdy structure that makes them last for years.

History of the Houseboats

A visit to Kerala is incomplete without experiencing the popular Kerala houseboats, which are known as Kettuvallams. There are around 2000 houseboats in Kerala. Earlier, the Kettuvallams served as the transport medium to carry rice, spices and coconuts. With the development of the country, trucks took over as the popular transport systems. As the tourism industry witnessed rapid growth, the boats were transformed into cabin boats for travellers. These are now among the prominent sources of gross earnings for Kerala.

Amenities of the Houseboats

Houseboats in Kerala are the means of luxury and leisure. These luxurious floating palaces have three main categories-bronze, silver and gold. Tourists can avail the boat for one day or for a complete week. The well-furnished interiors encompass kitchen, television, bedroom and bathrooms. Master cooks on board prepare lip-smacking traditional meals for the guests. Vacations on the Kerala houseboats are simply refreshing with the unique experience.

Kerala Houseboat Cruise

Houseboat Cruise

Visiting Kerala is incomplete without indulging yourself in the fun of Houseboat cruising. A houseboat tour Kerala enables tourists to capture the magical stretches of backwaters. The sights of flying migratory birds and fisherman villages in their subdued routine simply leave you mesmerised.

Adding fame to Kerala tourism, the luxuriously built houseboats offer tourists a memorable stay with all the modern-day comforts. These Kerala luxury houseboats are the perfect options for honeymoon holidays, family vacation or business meetings. Honeymoon couples can go for enjoying a memorable sojourn on board. Floating over the dramatic backwaters, these houseboats enhance the charm of honeymoon.

Go on a delightful experience of luxury on the Kerala houseboats for enriching memories. With its traditional hospitality, these houseboats are serving as among the prime Kerala attractions.