Exuding a heavenly charm in the form of a host of natural resources, Kerala is one of the favorites among travelers all around the world. Of all tourist attractions here, the backwaters perhaps attract the maximum attention. Cruising through the Kerala backwaters will be an experience of a lifetime during your tour to magical state of Kerala.

Kerala Backwaters - Introduction:
Tread the avenues of serenity and thrill at the same time while you sail through the emerald backwaters of Kerala. Relatively less explored than the beaches and mountains, the backwaters of Kerala promise you enthralling holiday options. The palm-fringed, placid backwaters served once as the state�s trade highways, and were used for transportation needs, chiefly for trading purpose. Coconut, rice rubber, and spices, were the major items that were transported via these backwaters.
Stretching for 1900 km across the state, the backwaters of Kerala have been formed by a large network of waterways, inlets from the sea, lakes, lagoons, estuaries of 41 west-flowing rivers, and natural canals linking the mainland to coastal towns, remote villages and islands.

A unique ecosystem rules the backwaters of Kerala. The rivers� freshwaters converge with the seawater from the Arabian Sea in the Kerala backwaters. On your cruises through these backwaters you will come across a host of flora and fauna of Kerala as well. Once in a while you might encounter some of the several uncommon species of aquatic life including frogs, crabs, water birds and animals like otters and turtles. Fringed by palm trees, bushes, leafy plants and thickets, the backwaters ooze an enchanting lure. Travelling through these backwaters on a traditional houseboat or a canoe gives an unforgettable experience of lifetimes.


For some of the amazing tours of backwaters you can opt to hit the Valiyaparamba Backwaters, Chandragiri, Alumkadavu, Willingdon Island, Pathiramanal, Thiruvallam. The longest backwater stretch is the Vembanad Lake, which empties into the sea at the Kochi port and eventually flows through three districts - Alappuzha, Kottayam and Kochi. The Kuttanad region is another interesting option of backwaters of Kerala. A visit to Veli Aakulam lagoon will let you enjoy various water sports and ride the exciting speedboats. In north Kerala, the calm backwaters of Kozhikode are still to be explored.

Cruising through the backwaters in Kerala are all the more exciting due to the houseboats or Kettuvalloms which are well equipped with a kitchenette, a spacious lounge, and one or two bedrooms with attached baths. It is in these houseboats that you can relish some of the excellent traditional Keralite dishes made out of the most fresh and hygienic ingredients.

Log on to www.touristplacesinindia.com which gives online information on the backwaters of Kerala on your tour to India.