The backwaters of Kerala are formed by interconnection of a number of manmade or natural canals, rivers and inlets whose waters have been somewhat blocked at their mouths by the barriers formed by waves or water currents. One can find a number of towns and halt points all along these backwaters that provides for excellent boat tourism or backwater boat cruises very popular in Kerala. These have unique natural ecosystem that supports a large number of marine life such as birds, fresh water fishes and others. Also these fresh waters are used for irrigation in the fields and farms.
The House boats or the kettuvallams are popularly used for a number of tourism activities in Kerala. These Kettuvallams had been previously used for transportations of the cargo from one point to the other but with time these are now used as boat huts for tourists coming from outside to enjoy travel and night stays on the boat itself. The food is cooked and served on the house boat itself which is cherished a lot especially by the foreign tourists. The Alappuzha area supports most of the boat cruises in Kerala with various packages that can be enjoyed.
A number of Vallam Kali or boat races are being organised here and that are a must watch water sport in the region of Kerala. A large number of spectators throng the place to enjoy these snake boat races and especially the Thazhathangadi boat race performed every year on Meenachil river, Kottayam that fills one which energy and excitement watching.
Find below some of the famous backwater regions in Kerala that are must watch if you are planning for a visit to the place:
One can enjoy one of the largest and the longest boat cruises from Kollam to Alappuzha which takes approx 9 hours for travel all along the backwaters.
Very famous amongst the tourists is the Alleppy which is considered as Venice of India and is thronged by a number of foreign tourists. One can have a mind boggling view of the Arabian sea from this place.
The Thiruvallam backwaters in Kerala is very popular among the tourists for it provides for a majority of options to have fun some of them include the canoe rides, the water sports and water parks. A number of boat cruises also are available from here.
One can enjoy the blue waters along with the amazing collection of small islands and greens that increases tenfold the beauty of the place. One can also have ayurvedic medicinal treatments in a number of resorts available here.
It provides are a beautiful picture of the tropical green forests all along and hence an amazingly heavenly view of the backwaters when one ferries from one place to the other.
The place formed by a number of small islands is inhabited by a large variety of migratory birds and animals thats amazing to watch. The criss cross and zig-zag waters makes it an exciting place to have fun along with friends. A must watch is the coir making process by the villagers.
Very famous for various water sports is the Kozhikode (Calicut) among the tourists. Here you can choose among a number of boating and cruising options to enjoy the rides.
Along with the various natural and beautiful surroundings in the backwaters, one can watch the historic Chandragiri fort if one comes to visit the place. A number of cruises goes to and fro form two major spots Chandragiri and Valiyaparamba.