The ‘God’s Own Country’, is a small though beautiful state of South India. The pride of the state is its unspoiled backwaters that attract the visitors the most. About 900 km of interconnected waterways make the Kerala backwaters for which the state is much famous for. A houseboat journey on the emerald backwaters, in the Kettuvallams--the monolithic traditional houseboats with thatched rood covers--turns out to be an experience of a lifetime.
While you enjoy the splash of water on the sides of the houseboat, feast on the many local delicacies and also watch the beautiful countryside pass by in the dim light of the lantern hung overhead. Swaying palm trees, green soaked rice fields, smiling children that wave as your houseboat passes by, and shy and young women who look curiously at you--add to the beauty of the unique journey on the backwaters.
A houseboat journey on the calm and serene backwaters of Kerala takes you to some of the famous towns, tourist spots and cites of the state about which you may have read or heard earlier. Cochin, Thirunvananthapuram, Kottayam, Kozhikode, Alapuuzha, Kottayam…these are just a few of the many well-known cities and towns of the state located by the various waterways of Kerala.
You could begin your fascinating journey on the backwaters from Thiruvananthapuram, the state capital which’s also the starting point of many Kerala backwater cruises. Thiruvananthapuram has many museums and temples also that are worth seeing.
The Venbanand Lake is another backwater attraction of the state and is much famous for its beautiful bird sanctuary. Cochin, the Queen of the Arabian Sea, is yet another city that you can visit during your memorable journey on the emerald backwaters.
Last but not least, make it a point to visit Alapuuzha, which’s yet another backwater attraction. Known as the ‘Venice of the East’, Alapuuzha is much famous for its snake boat races and the Nehru Trophy held during the Onam festival. Watching long snake boats compete fiercely among themselves for the coveted trophy is very thrilling.
Come and explore Kerala and have a first-hand experience of this beautiful world with languid backwaters and amazing Kettuvallams!
