Top 5 Backwaters of Kerala that you should not miss
Kerala's backwaters are the most popular tourist destination of Kerala. Kerala is one the most magnificent state of India and I can say this without a shadow of doubt it is truly “Gods own country”. Kerala with its distinct tradition & hypnotizing culture is blessed with lots of striking travelling destinations such as mesmerizing beaches, amazing lush green paddy fields, historically rich forts, calm & cool hill stations, shallow lagoons and bird & wild life sanctuaries etc. The most amazing element about these destinations is, each of these sensational destinations is only 2-3 hours on driving distance from the other such attribute is hard to find. The amazing palm-fringed, tranquil backwaters during the old days were once just the state's commercial highways.
A pleasant and soothing tour next to these palm fringed backwater locations in Kerala along with stirring view of the sundown, abundant green paddy fields, the dreamy moon light and the soft lapping of water as you amble along on a kettuvallams (traditional houseboats of backwaters) make it an experience of a lifetime.
So here’s our top 5 backwaters destination in Kerala:
1. Alleppey
Often introduced as the “Venice of the East”, Alleppey with its rich glorious past & a unique culture claims a very important place in history of Kerala. Alleppey is also identified as Allappuzha among locals. Alleppey in current era is quiet renowned for its boat races, backwaters trip, gorgeous beaches and coir farm industries. And with its alluring landscape, laced on the west by the superb stretch of seashores and the Arabian Sea, linked by glittering rivers, peaceful natural lakes, quiet lagoons and huge palm groves it can effortlessly spellbind within a fraction of second.
Alleppey is also acknowledged as “Rice bowl of Kerala” as it is among very few places in the world where farming is carry out below sea level. During the ancient time this place was the leading trading and fishing hub and today it has reformed itself as a globally recognized backwater tourist destination. There are lots of places you absolutely need to see here such as QST & R Block, Alappuzha Beach, Pathiramanal Island, Kayal, Chambakulam Church, Karumadi kuttan, Nehru Trophy Boat Race, Chambakulam Local Market.
Suggested Tour : Alleppey Full Day Backwater Tour
Read More : Top 15 Alleppey Tourist Attractions
2. Kochi
Recognized as the undisputed Queen of the Arabian Sea, Kochi is considered to be the finest natural harbor in the world. It is a compilation of islands that is encircled by the beautiful Vembanad Lake. And because of its commercial significance, the gigantic powers such as the French, English, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and Jewish strives for supremacy in the area which is why this destination has a fusion of several exotic cultures. There are lots of historical ancient monuments that’s worth seeing, such as the Jewish Synagogue, the historically rich Fort Kochi and the Mattancherry synagogue & Palace, they were constructed before-British invasion in India, the backwaters in Kochi is just another cause why thousands of visitors go to see this amazing port city the throughout the year.
Though the entire state of Kerala is acknowledged for its backwaters, kochi backwaters is considered as one of the most eye-catching ones. In fact, most of the backwater cruises either instigate or end in the city. While you hang out at any of the hotels, try to take some quality time off your plans for a Kochi backwater cruise tour. Which comprise amazing water birds, wild flowers and absolute lush greenery which can hypnotize you with its beauty within a blink of an eye.
Read More : Top Tourist Attractions in Cochin
Suggested Tour : Kochi : Cochin Full Day Tour
3. Thiruvananthapuram
The backwaters of Trivuvanthapuram present the beautiful glance of a heaven which will completely spellbind you. Thiruvananthapuram otherwise acknowledged as Trivandrum is placed on the bank of Arabian Sea and has good stretched secluded popular seashore and beaches.
The gorgeous lagoons, the mesmerizing shallow lakes, channels and streams are all creased up on the wide tropical vegetation of Trivandrum. Trivandrum has huge historical and cultural heritage which attracts thousands of tourists on its own, the most imperative backwater stretches are Thiruvallam and Veli. At a minimal distance of 6 km from Trivandrum lies the amazing destination Thiruvallam, Thiruvallam is a calm & placid backwater that extends from en route to Kovalam. The two amazing rivers, Killi and Karamana are quiet famous for canoe rides and many other thrilling water sports. The best part of Thiruvallam is the glorious temple that was crafted in the admiration of Parasurama, who is said to be the creator of Kerala, according to Hindu religious beliefs.
Read More : Top Tourist Attractions in Trivandrum
Suggested Tour : 8 Days - Kerala Backwater Tour
4. Kollam
The amazing city of Kollam is located at around 71 kms from Trivandrum. It is quiet prominent tourist destination and is located on the southern region of Kerala. It is acknowledged for its exceptionally stunning backwaters, beautiful lush green tropical vegetation's and the ever beautiful Ashtamudi Lake, which overlays 30% area of this amazing city of Kerala. The backwaters of Kollam are quiet fascinating especially with their incredible traditional architectural styles. The magnificent seashore of Kerala is quiet eminent for its fishing, mussel and cashew industries. In ancient times, it was a quiet noteworthy place for coastal industry and trade which is why it is believed to one of the oldest seaport positioned on the Malabar Coast. There are lots of places worth seeing here such as Paravur lake, Chinnakada clock tower, Adventure park etc
Suggested Tour : 5 Days - Kerala Backwater Tour Package
Read More : Top 7 Water Activities Kerala is Famous For!
5. Kumarakom
The amazing backwater of Kumarakom is one of the most gorgeous backwater destinations of Kerala and is situated at approximately 14km from Kottayam district beside the stunning Vembanad lake.
The sight of Kumarakom is like anything you have ever seen particularly the lush green paddy meadows, thick mangrove forests, shallow lagoon and channels which are embedded by stunning white lilies which are quite popular and draws lots of tourists & sightseers to this place from all over the globe.
Read More : Top 5 Places To See on a Kumarakom Tour
Suggested Tour : Kumarakom One Day Tour
The bird sanctuary of Kumarakom, is extent at around 14 acres, and is the 2nd home of lots of migratory birds’ species which is why it won’t be wrong for us to say that it’s indeed an ornithologist’s dreamland. Wild duck, Herons, cuckoo, Egrets, waterfowls, Darters, teals, and migratory birds like the amazing Siberian Stork who visit this place in large groups.
Also Read - Top 10 Kerala Backwater Destinations
Top 10 Hill Stations in Kerala
Popular Tour Packages of Kerala : 10 Days - Best of Kerala Tour
