Kerala is famous for its backwaters and is popular all over the world for its exotic Kerala backwaters. A houseboat ride through these backwaters is something you shouldn't miss while visiting Kerala.
The backwaters of Kerala are a chain of interconnected lakes, canals, inlets and rivers that form over 900 km of water bodies. These backwaters have a unique ecosystem and serve as the perfect place for houseboat cruises.
Though backwater tourism is a year-round thing in Kerala it is best enjoyed between the months of August and May, as the monsoon rains in the rest of the months could play spoilsport to your houseboat ride plans. But if your plans only include enjoying the monsoon rains (especially if you are here for your honeymoon) backwaters of Kerala provide you with a perfect background to just relax and enjoy the rains.
Alappuzha is a popular destination for those who love houseboat rides. The place is blessed with scenic lagoons, lakes, beautiful rivers and awesome food. A houseboat ride across this 'Venice of the East' is not only a great experience but also the best and most popular way to explore the beauty of Alappuzha.
Most of these houseboats are modeled on the traditional 'kettuvallams' which were in older times used to transport food grains and spices. The houseboats could be hired according to the size of the visiting group. The present day houseboats are literally floating cottages which have most of the modern facilities.
The houseboat trip is an awesome experience and the trip provides a great view of the otherwise inaccessible rural areas, including the Kuttanadu paddy fields, the sleepy villages, coconut groves, as the boat wades through the exotic backwaters of Kerala.
Other famous places for the houseboat trips are Kumarakom and Ashtamudi lake in Kollam district.
So first select your destination i.e., whether you want to explore the backwaters of Alappuzha or Kumarakom or Kollam. Once you have done that contact your tour operator Kerala Holidays Pvt. Ltd. and zero in the places you could visit around the backwaters of Kerala. That will help you to cover a maximum area within the days you could spend here.
Places of interest around Alappuzha include Marari, Andhakaranazhi and Alappuzha beach, lighthouse, Pandavan Rock, Pathiramanal, and there are also many a number of famous temples, churches and mosques in the district. The famous 11th-century statue of Lord Buddha - Karumadi Kuttan - is just 5 km east of Ambalapuzha in Alappuzha district.
Cochin International Airport lies about 80 km away from Alappuzha and Alappuzha railway station is well connected to major cities in the country.
As mentioned earlier, Kumarakom in Kottayam district is also a perfect gateway for those who want to enjoy the backwater tour in Kerala. Kumarakom is favourite honeymoon backwater destination among honeymooners. This cluster of small islands on the Vembanad lake is blessed with scenic beauty and provides facilities such as boating, fishing and bird watching.
Kumarakom which is famous for lush paddy fields and eco-tourism has many luxury and budget hotels and resorts which offer Ayurveda massages, yoga, meditation and swimming classes. Some of these hotels provide fishing lessons and equipment and you could catch your own supper from the nearby water bodies.
The Kumarakom bird sanctuary is the perfect place to watch rare as well as migratory birds. One of the best ways to enjoy this is by hiring a houseboat. Sunset cruises are also available in Kumarakom.
Places to visit around Kumarakom are Aruvikkuzhi waterfall, Kumarakom beach, Bay Island Driftwood Museum etc...
Those who are coming from outside Kerala could either get down at Kottayam railway station (16 km) or use Cochin International Airport (80 km). You can also hire a taxi to visit Kumarakom after you enjoy the beauty of Alappuzha which lies 32 km away. Alleppey - Kumarakom backwater route is also famous.
Another place favoured by those who love to enjoy Kerala backwaters is Kollam. Kollam, which lies on the banks of Ashtamudi lake, is an old harbour town. Other than its famous backwater tourism, the place is also famous for its beaches, Tangasseri lighthouse, boat building yard at Sakthikulangara, Asramam Picnic Village, and Munroe Island.
Trivandrum International Airport is about 56 km from Kollam and the Kollam Junction railway station is the second largest railway station in Kerala. You can also take a houseboat ride between Kollam and Alappuzha.
Another major backwater tourism destination in Kerala is Kochi. The 'Queen of Arabia' has a chain of lagoons and lakes that lies parallel to the Arabian Ocean. Boat rides are available on these lakes and the city has got many tiny islands which are worth visiting. Many of these islands have historic monuments and are well connected via both road and water.
Those who visit Kochi can also enjoy the picturesque promenade Marine, Kochi Marina (the only one in India), Fort Kochi, Mattancherry, Hill Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Bolgatty Palace, Willingdon Island etc... Kochi also has some famous beaches, including Cherai and Fort Kochi. The famous Athirappilli waterfall is only 60 km from the city. There are many famous tourist and historically important places in and around Kochi.
The city is well connected by road, air and rail with most of the major cities in India.
Well, we have a piece of advice to you that it will be better if you contact operator as soon as you plan the trip and contact your tour operator and pre-book all the trips, including the houseboats.
Houseboats are available according to the needs of the tourists; these include single/double/triple and five bedrooms all with attached bathrooms, private balcony, sundeck and kitchen. They are also available in AC and non-AC formats and can be hired for a day cruise or for an overnight stay. The authentic Kerala food will be cooked by the staff who will accompany the tourists on the trip, while you enjoy the view.
