The backwaters of Kerala are a network of brackish lagoons and lakes parallel to the Arabian Sea coast of Kerala, India. these backwaters are mostly interconnected with a network of canals, rivers, and inlets., The network includes five large lakes linked by canals, both man-made and natural, fed by 38 rivers, and extending virtually half the length of Kerala state.
Spread over an area of more than 900 kilometres these backwaters act as waterways, that are capable of handling boats, houseboats and motor boats that ply these waters for cruise. The scenic backwaters are one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world that attracts tourists by the hoards. The tranquil backwater cruises in Alappuzha, known as the ‘Venice of the East’, are the highlight of Kerala backwaters and most popular among tourists.
The backwaters have a unique ecosystem: freshwater from the rivers meets the seawater from the Arabian Sea. A barrage has been built near Thanneermukkom, so that salt water from the sea doesn’t enter deep inside the backwaters, keeping the fresh water intact. A once in a lifetime experience these houseboat cruises can last anywhere from 2 day and 2 night upto 7 days and 7 nights. The backwaters of Kumarakom are also quite popular with tourist. An organized tour of backwaters on houseboats also includes other activities like kayaking, biking tours on shores, fishing, and visiting historic places, especially around Cochin. There are several other backwater cruises including Kuttanad Backwaters, Cochin backwaters, Kozhikode Backwaters, Ashtamudi Backwaters, Thrissur Backwaters. Kavvayi Backwater. Padanna Backwaters, Sasthamkotta Backwaters, and Thiruvananthapuram Backwaters.
Sometimes compared to American bayous, a body of water typically found in a flat, low-lying area of Southern USA, the backwaters are used by locals for transport, fishing, and agriculture. Besides houseboat tours the backwaters are famous for annual snake boat races, these include the Nehru Trophy held on Alleppey’s Punnamda Lake, the Champakkulam Moolam, held along the river at Champakkulam and the oldest race, Payippad Jalotsavam held on Payippad Lake, and the Aranmula Boat Race held on the Pampa River at Aranmula. Snake boat races are held on the backwaters every year during the monsoon season from June to September, with exact dates mostly depending on the phases of moon. Snake boat races on the Kerala backwaters are highlight of Onam Festival.
The lush green landscape, diverse wildlife, and traditional houses and villages that line up on the banks of backwaters make a journey an enchanting experience. The best point to start a trip on the backwaters is Alleppey, which is well connected by road and rail with all major cities of India with air link provided by Kochi. The best way to enjoy Kerala backwaters is to hire a traditional Kerala-style houseboat called a kettuvallam for a quintessential Kerala experience.
Most houseboats plying on the backwaters have a comfortable setup with living rooms, dining rooms, modern amenities, air-conditioning, and en-suite bathrooms. The highlight of the houseboats is the traditional Kerala cuisine served daily. These Kerala houseboats come in various shapes and sizes, from basic to ultra-luxurious. The smallest houseboats have one bedroom, while the largest have ten. There are even houseboats with spas. A trip on a houseboat can also be combined with staying at a resort, hotel along the backwaters. The cheapest backwater tour is from the daily Alleppey to Kollam 8-hour trip. Ferry service and water taxi are also available on the backwaters. Tour o0perators offer variety of tour packages to decerning tourist based on thire budget.
However, unregulated proliferation of motorised houseboats in the lakes and backwaters has raised concerns regarding the adverse impact of pollution from diesel engines and outboard motors on the fragile ecosystem, as wella s discharge of sewage from the houseboats. There are reportedly 1,200 plus houseboats in Kerala, and about 700 of them operate in the waterways between Alleppey and Kumarakom. While booking a houseboat it is important to find out classification, and condition about the houseboat. Before or after taking the houseboat trip, tourists can enjoy a trip to major tourist hotspots of Wayanad, Thekkady, Kochi, Munnar and Trivandrum. As such a trip on Kerala backwaters is truly an enchanting for tourist
