View Real Village Life with Backwaters of Kerala

The enchanting Kerala backwaters win the heart of every traveller, visiting the state. These wonderful waterways are the highlights of Kerala tourism. Tourists especially throng God’s own country for a houseboat cruise along the backwaters. Kochi, Alppuzha, Kottayam, Kumarakom and Kasaragod are some of the famous backwater destinations in the state.

The backwaters of Kerala represent a world of serenity. The coastal regions of the state speak volume about their network of waterways. This interconnected body of waterways forms the important attractions of the state. Over 900 km of the backwaters are navigable and have been served as a medium of transportation. Cruise on these waterways on a traditional houseboat to enjoy the scenic charm of Kerala backwaters.

Alappuzha- Venice of East
Alappuzha is an enchanting town with its gorgeous lakes, lagoons and rivers. Known as the ‘Venice of the East‘, the town is interlaced with a network of canals. It is also popular for its houseboats, boat races, beaches and Coir industry. While on Alappuzha tour, visitors can also spot diverse animals and birds. Alappuzha is a noticeable backwater destination in the state.

Kasaragod- The Most Panoramic Backwater Stretch
Kasaragod backwaters offer you a wonderful holiday experience. The alluring sunset on a Chandragiri cruise is out-of-this-world experience. Tourists can embark on a ride on the Kettuvallam, the traditional houseboats. Travellers can also enjoy excellent facilities at the houseboats. Enveloped by Western Ghats on its east and north, Kasaragod offers you the exciting backwaters tour on the Chandragiri River and Valiyaparamba.

Kottayam- The land of Letters, Latex and Lakes
It is another gorgeous Kerala backwater destination that offers you a heavenly experience. The famous Vembanad Lake adds popularity to this well-known backwater. Tourists can also witness the historic churches and ancient temple of Kottayam on their Kerala backwater trip. Stunning backwater stretches, green paddy fields and endless rubber plantations add excitement to your Kottayam tour.

Kumarakom- A Cluster of Islands
Lying 15 km away from Kottayam, the backwaters of Kumarakom is an enchanting destination in the state. It houses a large bird sanctuary which is known as birdwatchers’ paradise. This popular backwater destination also offers tourists many leisure options. The fresh cool air and an ambience of placidness make Kumarakom a refreshing holiday experience. Tourists can avail facilities like boating and fishing.

Kuttanad- Rice Bowl of Kerala
The destination is a backwater paradise and serves as an important destination for backwater cruise. The scenic waterways, streams, lakes and waterways enable it to float in the gorgeous houseboat. If you wish to enjoy the scenic charm of countryside of the state, then go on a Kerala houseboat tour.

Kochi- Queen of the Arabian Sea
It is the most preferred destination on your Kerala backwater tour. Hoards of tourists visit this pristine backwater site. In Kochi, the backwaters serve as the finest of natural water harbour sites in the country. Kochi backwaters is among the famous port cities in the sub continent region of India.

With their indelible charm, backwaters of Kerala represent the state tourism. These enchanting waterways form an important part of Kerala attractions.

Article Source : http://keralaattractions.blogspot.in/2013/04/backwaters-of-kerala.html

Unfold the finest Vistas of Nature with Kerala Tourism

The blissful land of Kerala adorns the south-western corner of India with its existence. It enjoys unique geographical features that have made it counted among the most popular tourist destinations in Asia. Aptly referred to as “God’s own country”, Kerala was also chosen by the National Geographic Traveller as one of the top 50 destinations of a lifetime.

Kerala tourism enchants visitors with its equable climate, rare wildlife, tranquil beaches, serene hill stations and the vast stretches of backwaters.

Kerala Backwaters

Kerala Houseboat

If you wish to enjoy the bliss of tranquillity, then head to Kerala backwaters. Tourists can experience a houseboat trip along the enchanting backwaters of Kerala. On board, travellers get a chance to enjoy freshly cooked South Indian food and chilled beer. You can consider spending night out amidst the lake as well.

• Cochin
• Alleppey
• Kollam
• Kumarakom

Beaches

Hoard of tourists throng Kerala as it houses the most diverse variety of beaches. Sprawled along the 900 km Arabian Sea Coastline, Kerala beaches enchant everyone visiting the state. The shorelines of Kerala have their own features including spas, water sports and seafood that add charm to your Kerala holidays. With its long shoreline, Kerala houses the most enchanting beaches, natural harbours, coconut groves and lagoons.

• Kovalam
• Alappuzha
• Kappad
• Varkala
  

Wildlife Sanctuaries

Wildlife enthusiasts can embark on a Kerala wildlife tour to explore the rare wildlife of the estate. The land is known for its rich variety of flora and fauna. It also serves as a home to innumerable species of rare wildlife. Besides enchanting green and rain forests, tourists can also watch elephants, leopards, tigers, Nilgiri Tahr, gaurs, deer, lion-tailed macaque, civet cats, monkeys and squirrels.

• Periyar National Park
• Idukki Wildlife Reserve
• Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
• Thattekad Bird Sanctuary

Hill Stations

The rugged Western Ghats bestow Kerala a plethora of gorgeous hill stations. Tourists can also view the rich plantations of tea, rubber, coffee, pepper and aromatic cinnamons. Hill stations in Kerala are the ideal places to sit and relax amidst the serene atmosphere.

• Munnar
• Wayanad
• Ponmudi
• Thekkady
  

Ayurveda

Kerala Ayurveda Therapies

Kerala is proud to be the land of Ayurveda. This oldest healthcare system can be best experienced in the state. Kerala has many Ayurveda resorts, offering a choice of therapies, massages and treatments, based on Ayurveda. The climate of Kerala has also enhanced to opportunities to undergo Ayurveda therapies with its wealth of herbs, used in Ayurveda. Being the state that has practised Ayurveda with complete dedication, Kerala has become a preferred land to enjoy the bliss of Ayurveda.

Sheltering a number of enchanting attractions, Kerala tourism beckons you to enjoy refreshing holidays. Enjoy staying at Kerala houseboats to have an experience like you never had before.

Article Source: http://keralaattractions.blogspot.in/2013/04/kerala-tourism.html

Alleppey Backwaters Exhibit the Richness of Nature

Blessed with spectacular beaches, backwaters, hill stations, greenery and wildlife, Kerala is an ideal tourist destination in India. The state overflows with attractions of nature, which add on to its popularity. Tourists visiting Kerala love to embark on Kerala backwater tour to make the most of their holidays. Kochi, Alleppey, Kollam, Kasaragod and Kumarakom are the popular backwater destinations of Kerala.

Alleppey Backwaters

Alleppey Backwaters

Earlier known as Alleppey, Alappuzha in Kerala is now enveloped by waterways and canals.

A small town in Kerala, Alleppey looks spectacular with backwaters, beaches, canals and lakes. Fondly dubbed as the “Venice of the East”, the city beckons tourists to enjoy an exciting backwater tour. There is a lot to explore on your Alleppey tour. The main attraction is Alleppey round trip to Kuttanad, which is perfect for a houseboat cruise. This main backwater area abounds in natural beauty with lush greenery around it. Either side of the river envelops the gentle surfing of the coconut palms.

Various Kerala Backwater cruises start or end in Alappuzha. The backwaters along with water birds and flowers create a spectacular sight. Prime attractions offered by Alappuzha encompass boat races, lush surroundings, golden sand beaches and houseboats. Backwater circuits are very appealing and they fascinate tourists throughout the year.

Take a stroll on the land to see the captivating sights add more fun to your Alleppey backwater tour. Cruising also enables tourists to enjoy the fantastic sights of the coconut palm trees, fishing nets and paddy fields.

Houseboat Experience

kerala Houseboat Experience

Sailing over the bewitching backwaters, houseboats in Alappuzha transport travellers in the world of water. Houseboat trip from Alleppey offers tourists the wonderful chance to view the lush paddy fields in Kuttanad. This is the place where most of the snake boat races and house boat cruises are organized. Boat races serve as among the prominent attractions of Alleppey tours. Tourists can explore the stunning canals that offer fascinating views of paddy fields, palm groves, traditional villages and picturesque landscapes.

Due to its backwater channels, the destination has many sobriquets, denoting its beauty. The plan of sightseeing on the luxurious houseboats fascinates people so much that they wish to experience it again and again.

The gorgeous town of Alleppey is famous among couples as well as honeymooners. Alleppey houseboats take them to a different world offering romantic ambience, which is perfect for honeymoon holidays. Besides day cruising, there are several night houseboat cruises available in Alappuzha. These night cruise over the stunning backwaters bring lifetime memories for tourists.

Serving as the popular attractions of Kerala, Alleppey Backwaters hold tourists’ attention. Cruising over the backwaters with Alleppey Houseboat is a different experience altogether.

Article Source : http://keralaattractions.blogspot.in/2013/03/alleppey-backwaters-exhibit-the-richness-of-nature.html

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.