Kerala Backwaters

Sometimes soft like a jazz composition and sometimes loud like a rock anthem – Kerala in all forms exhibits varied notes.

Location - Kerala
Best Time To Visit – October to March

The mesmerising backwaters of Kerala are the land's real USP. And the Kettuvallom are perhaps the most famous defining image of Kerala. The unique inland network of navigable canals, rivers and lakes of Kerala is termed as the Backwaters. The undefinable beauty of the backwaters here proves the fact that calling Kerala as God's own country is not a cliché but a historical fact. These are said to be the real essence of the land.

Backwater – The Real Meaning
The Backwaters are the inter-connected freshwater rivers and canals that feed towards the sea, through a couple of larger lakes, that seasonally get charged with saline water, when the sea backs up. Hence are called Backwaters. It is only the sea that can do this as the rivers of Kerala are short lived , which originate in the Western Ghats relatively close to the sea and don't have the strength to hold the sea back.
Backwater Cruise
One can travel from place to place by boat, commonly called as Kettuvalloms along these backwaters in a variety of water craft getting a close-up view of the country side, quiet lagoons, swaying palm leaves and rural Kerala.
Some of the interesting places on the backwaters are :

Allapuzha ( Alleppey) – Also called as “ the Venice of the East”with its honeycomb of canals, bridges and a long silver beach. This is also a major venue of the famous boat races. A backwater cruise on the Punnamada Kayal takes you along canals past scenic islands offering sublime views of coconut and paddy fields, Chinese fishing nets and toddy tapers at work. Boats can be hired from the Tourist Boat Jetty near the bus station. The Punnamada Kayal is the starting point for the annual boat races in Allapuzha. This is where the Nehru Boat Race, the biggest snake boat race in the state is held on the second Saturday of August.

Kottayam – Amidst the paddy fields, rubber plantations and the highlands is the charming Kottayam. The place is also commonly referred to as the land of lakes and latex.

Kumarakom - Kumarakom located on Lake Vembanad with its unparalleled boating, fishing and sightseeing opportunities makes a picturesque holiday spot in the backwaters of Kerala. The rich greens and the rural life are clubbed with the beautiful Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. You may take a cruise along the lake to catch glimpses of the birds.

Accessibility
Air – There are three airports in the state - Trivandrum, Cochin and Kozhikode. Thiruvananthapuram is also an international airport, connecting the state to many places in India and the world.
Rail – There are around 200 railway stations in Kerala. These stations connect almost most of the places in the state with places in the other parts of the world.
Road - An extensive network of metalled roads connects most of the places in the state. National highways 47, 17, and 49 connect Kerala with other parts of India.