Fringing the coast of Kerala and winding far inland is an intricate network of innumerable Lagoons, Lakes, Canals, Estuaries and the Deltas of forty-four rivers that drain into the Arabian Sea.

Over 900 kms of this labyrinthine water world is navigable. As characteristic of Kerala as the 600km long coastline of dazzling beaches is the dense, lush Backwaters of the state.

And while hill stations are all over the country and palm-fringed beaches too, the Backwaters are unique to Kerala. These Backwaters are both the basis of a distinct lifestyle and a fascinating thoroughfare. Travelling by boat along the Backwaters is one of the highlights of Kerala.

The boats cross shallow, palm-fringed lakes studded with cantilevered Chineses fishing nets and travel along narrow shady canals, where Coir, Copra, and Cashews are loaded into the boats. The largest backwater stretch in Kerala is the Vembanad Lake, which flows through three districts and opens out into the sea at the Kochi port.

The Ashtamudi Lake (literally, having eight arms), which covers a major portion of Kollam district in the south, is the second largest and is considered the gateway to the Backwaters. Each district of Kerala is marked by the presence of the inviting Backwaters, which form a prominent part of the panoramic landscape of Kerala.

Veli Tourist Village
The Veli Tourist Village is sandwiched between the Veli Lagoon and the Arabian Sea. The lagoon here is separated from the sea by a narrow sand bar.

Facilities at the village include water sports in the lagoon and an 18-acre waterfront park with a floating bridge that connects the village to the beach.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM DISTRICT - KERALA BACKWATERS TRAVEL

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The southernmost district of the State, Thiruvananthapuram is bounded by the wooded highlands of the Western Ghats on the east and northeast, and the Arabian Sea on the west.

A long shoreline, with secluded, internationally renowned beaches, historic monuments, backwater stretches and a rich cultural heritage give this district some of the most enchanting picnic spots. The main backwater areas of Thiruvananthapuram are Thiruvallam and Veli.
Thiruvallam Backwaters
This serene backwater stretch, en-route to Kovalam, is famous for its canoe rides. Thiruvallam is the meeting point of two rivers - Killi and Karamana. A temple dedicated to Parashurama, the legendary founder of Kerala, is located here.
Akkulam Boat Club
This is a very popular picnic spot with boating facilities on the lake and a children's park with a Swimming pool.

KOLLAM DISTRICT - KERALA BACKWATERS TRAVEL

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Located 71 km to the north of Thiruvananthapuram, this historic coastline district known for its marine and cashew industries was one of the oldest ports on the Malabar coast and a major international trading point in days gone by.

The district also has some interesting historic remnants and a number of temples built in the traditional ornate architectural style. Around 30% of this historic town is covered by the renowned Ashtamudi Lake, making it the gateway to the magnificent Backwaters of Kerala.

The eight hour trip between Kollam and Alappuzha is the longest backwater cruise in Kerala. The District Tourism Promotion Council here offers a wide range of backwaters tours and cruises.

Alumkadavu
Along the vast expanse of the Kayamkulam Lake is the picturesque little village of Alumkadavu. This village is the home of the skilled artisans who crafted the enormous Kettuvallams in yester years.

ALAPPUZHA (ALLEPPEY) DISTRICT - KERALA BACKWATERS TRAVEL

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With the Arabian Sea on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers crisscrossing it, Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty. Referred to as the Venice of the East by travellers from across the world, this backwaters country is also home to diverse animal and bird life.

By virtue of its proximity to the sea, the town has always enjoyed a unique place in the maritime history of Kerala. Today, Alappuzha has grown in importance as a backwater tourist centre, attracting several thousands of foreign tourists each year.

Alappuzha is also famous for its boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry. A singular characteristic of this land is the region called Kuttanad.

Pathiramanal Backwaters:
According to mythology, a young Brahmin dived into the Vembanad Lake to perform his evening ablutions and the water made way for land to rise from below, thus creating the enchanting island of Pathiramanal (sands of midnight).

This little island on the Backwaters is a favourite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world. The island lies between Thaneermukkom and Kumarakom, and is accessible only by boat. It takes 1½ hours by motorboat/30 min, by speedboat from Alappuzha.

KOTTAYAM DISTRICT - KERALA BACKWATERS TRAVEL

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Bordered by the lofty Western Chats on the east, the Vembanad Lake and the paddy fields of Kuttanad on the west, Kottayam is a land of unique characteristics.

Panoramic backwater stretches, lush paddy fields, highlands, extensive rubber plantations and a totally literate people have given this district the title: the land of letters, latex and lakes.

Kumarakom

Kumarakom slumbers on the banks of the famous Vembanad Lake, which is a part of Kuttanad ('granary' of Kerala). The Vembanad Lake with its majestic canals, streams and tributaries along its banks weave an intricate and enchantingly beautiful web.

The gorgeous green of the fringed palms ripple in the blue waters and blend into wavelets A boat ride in the countryside offers a close look into an engaging rustic life. Skilled-fishermen launching their cockshell boats.

Kuttanad Backwaters, Kerala Backwaters Travel, Backwater Tours in Kerala, Kerala Backwater Ride
Large flotillas of ducks waddling down to the water from thatched houses on the banks. Women, neck-deep in water, with their waist-length hair heaped in a crown, searching for fish with their feet.

And aimless cattle grazing in lush pastureland, where white lotuses lie here and there in small, low-lying pools.

ERNAKULAM (KOCHI) DISTRICT - KERALA BACKWATERS TRAVEL

More popular as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Kochi is a cluster of islands on the vast expanse of the Vembanad Lake. Some of these picturesque islands are Bolgatty, Vypeen, Gundu and Vallarpadam.

The lake opens out into the Arabian Sea here to form one of the finest natural harbours in the world. It is this natural advantage that has made Kochi a fascinating blend of the cultures and influences of the explorers and traders who visited this wealthy land.

The Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and the British have all left their mark here. The Jewish synagogue, the Dutch palace, the Chinese fishing nets, and other remnants of European and Asian architecture merge smoothly into the traditional fabric of the seaport city.

Half the fun of visiting Kochi is moving around on the local ferries. A conducted cruise through the winding waterways will take you to several quaint spots.

KOZHIKODE DISTRICT - KERALA BACKWATERS TRAVEL

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Once the capital of the powerful Zamorins, a prominent trade and commerce centre and the land of the Malabar Mahotsavam, Kozhikode was the most important region of Malabar in days past.

Today, ancient monuments, lush green countryside, serene beaches, historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries, rivers, hills, a unique culture and a warm, friendly ambience make this district a much sought after destination.

Unexplored, unspoiled, the backwaters of Kozhikode hold great promises of enchanting holiday options. Elathur, the Canoli Canal and the Kallai River are favourite places for boating.

Kadalundi, with its beautiful bird sanctuary is a charming site. Korapuzha, the venue of the Korapuzha Jalotsavam (water fiesta) is fast becoming a popular water sport destination.

KASARAGOD DISTRICT - KERALA BACKWATER TRAVEL


The northernmost district of Kerala, Kasaragod is situated on the sea coast with the Western Chats on its east and northern borders. Backwater trips on the Chandragiri River and at Valiyaparamba are fascinating experiences.

Chandragiri
Situated on the Chandragiri River, southeast of Kasaragod town, this town is known for the large 17th century Chandragiri Fort, one of a chain of forts.

It offers a breathtaking view of the river and the Arabian Sea. It is a vantage point to watch the sunset.

Chandragiri cruises:
Boat trips to nearby islands and palm groves are available.

Boarding point:
Chandragiri bridge.

Valiyaparamba
This is perhaps the most scenic backwater stretch in Kerala. Fed by four rivers and dotted with numerous little islands, Valiyaparamba is fast turning into a much favoured backwater resort.

KERALA BACKWATERS CRUISES

The most popular backwater cruise is the eight-hour trip between Kollam and Alappuzha and vice versa. The regular public ferry service on this route has been suspended but tourist boats are as popular as ever.

There are essentially identical daily cruises operated on alternate days by the Private Alleppy Tourist Development Co-Operative and the State Government's District Tourism Promotion Council.

MUNNAR

Pastoral greens ribboned with winding hill roads, flanked by tall hill trees take you to Munnar, an enchanting hill station in serene Kerala, South India. This spectacular world of hill greens happens to be one of the most important tea producers in Kerala, South India.

Agreeable Munnar lies at the conflux of three hill rivers Nallathanni, Kundala and Muththirapusha. More than 30 tea gardens lie in the midst of wild forests steeped in fragrant aromas of pepper and cardamom plantations in Munnar, Kerala, South India.

Famous for the Neelkurinji blossom that carpets dense greens in shades of blue once in 12 years, Munnar is definitely an exotic hill station. In fact Munnar was a popular summer holiday resort during British colonial rule in India.

Well connected by buses and taxis divine Munnar is easily accessible from Madurai, Coimbatore and Kochi that also happens to be the nearest airport and railway junction. See traces of British colonial past in the red roofed colonial bungalows that adorn dark green hills and be enchanted with local traditions that seem to go on as they were in the ancient times.

Enter a tranquil world of herbal oils, rejuvenating ayurveda massages and breathe fresh hill air, unpolluted and fragrant, on your restful Munnar tours .

There are several places of tour interest located close to Munnar that definitely warrant a visit. Tour the Eravikulam National Park, Muttupetty, Chithirapuram and the Kundale Tea Plantation.

Referred to as the "Kashmir of South India," picturesque Munnar is just right for adventure sport lovers. Enjoy everything from rope climbing, trekking, para gliding to mountaineering on a thrilling Munnar adventure.

The venue of the famous Attukal Ponkala and Thrissur Pooram festivities, Munnar is also an important pilgrimage destination that is frequented during important fairs and festivals. The perfect time to visit picture postcard Munnar is during the months of October to March.

DEVIKULAM

Feel rested and refreshed after a rejuvenating Devikulam hill station tour. A delightfully quiet and peaceful hill station, Devikulam locales have an uncanny divine air.

Perched on the Western Ghats, Devikulam lies at a height of 1,800 meters above the sea level at a distance of 149 kilometers from Cochin and 6 kilometers from Munnar in Kerala, South India. Picnic on the serene banks of the glassy Devikulam Lake that adorns a depression in the midst of lush hills; listen to dry twigs crackling underfoot as you trek along hill hamlets on the lush Devikulam hills and entrust your body into the hands of an experienced ayurveda masseur.

Regale the aroma of fresh hill herbs, neatly clipped tea shrubs and rows of spice plantations as you enjoy spectacular nature vistas on your Devikulam tours. Tranquil Devikulam gets its name from the legend that Sita, the consort of Lord Rama had stayed in this area for a while.

Relax in the bosom of untouched greens, enjoy mountaineering, trekking, nature walks, chase colorful butterflies and spot chirping birds in Devikulam that is nothing short of a paradisiacal hill world peppered with mineral water springs, gum and fruit trees.

Visit Pallivasal waterfalls and enjoy wildlife excursions to the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary located close by.

The nearest rail junction is located at Ernakulam and the nearest airport in located at Cochin, Kerala, India.

VAGAMON

Gentle greens, burbling hill streams and acres of tea estates greet you the moment you enter surreal Vagamon that is a well known Kerala hill station. Located at a height of 1,100 meters above sea level, picturesque Vagamon lies over three hills, Kurisumala, Murugan and Thangal.

Vagamon wilds are home to wild animals such as elephants, deer and wild buffaloes. Idle your holiday hours on the banks of glassy hill lakes and enjoy trekking on popular hill routes that make Vagamon a well known trekking destination.

Tour the Kurisumala Ashram, the local church and tea estates while you enjoy hill tours to lovely Vagamon in Kerala, South India. Vagamon also serves as an ideal base from where you can enjoy tours to Muruganmala, Kulamavu and Thangalpara in Kerala, South India.

The nearest railway station is located at Kottayam at a distance of 60 kilometers and the nearest airport lies at a distance 100 kilometers in Cochin, Kerala, South India. Located on the Idukki-Kottayam border, Vagamon offers an ideal base for para gliding, trekking, rock climbing and other engrossing adventure sports.

The cool Vagamon air offers you ample opportunity to meditate in peace and rejuvenate with nature.

WAYANAD

Breathtaking Wayanad lies on the northeastern part of paradisiacal Western Ghats in Kerala, South India. The term Wayanad traces its origin to a Malayalam term 'Vayalnadu' that literally translates to 'the land of paddy'.

See the Banasura Dam and tour the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, visit the Chembra Peak, Thirunelli Temple, Pookat Lake, Kuruva Island and Sentinel waterfalls on your Wayanad hill station tours.

Set out on nature walks to coffee and rubber plantations, spot pretty birds and learn a thing or two about stunning mountain locales and quaint wood spots. See acres of step farms and freshen up in the pleasant hill weather that treats you to massive doses of oxy rich air.

Wayanad wears a glistening wet green look with dense forests sparkling under warm sunshine during the monsoon season. Sip a cup of coffee and perch yourself on a tree house and listen to sounds of raindrops plopping on Wayanad hills and streams.

Tour tribal settlements of Kurumas, Ooralis, Paniyas and Adiyars and enjoy fascinating green vistas of Wayanad on your hill station tours . Take a holy dip in the Papanasini River and enjoy wildlife safaris to the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary.

Let splendid Wayanad enchant you with its hill charms while you decide what to do with your leisure hours. Enjoy adventure sports like para gliding, trekking, mountaineering and other interesting hill activities that give you an opportunity to be a part of a serene green world aglitter with lively birds and wild animals that inhabit the fascinating Kerala greens.

IDUKKI

See untamed wilderness, deep gorges, gurgling hill streams and acres of step farms interspersed with spice plantations and tea gardens on your Idukki tours. A tranquil Kerala hill retreat, landlocked Idukki lies at a height of 2,500 meters above the sea level.

Well connected yet secluded, Idukki is an ideal hill retreat that is easily accessible. The closest railway station is located at a distance of 132 kilometers at Kottayam and the nearest airport lies at a distance of 132 kilometers at Kochi, Kerala, South India.

Famous for the massive Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary that lies over a sprawling 77 square kilometers, Idukki is just the place to delight in thrilling jungle treks, enchanting bird watching tours and electrifying wild life safaris.

Picnic near the sprawling greens close to the Idukki Arch Dam that has been constructed across River Periyar and be mesmerized with the natural music created by Kuthumkal waterfalls on your Idukki hill station tours in Kerala, South India.

The Observatory Hill at Nedumkandam, Idukki is a peaceful hill retreat where you get an opportunity to track celestial objects and be with nature and its enticing attractions. You may also set out on an educative excursion to Peermade while on an Idukki hill station tour

PONMUDI

Listen to the music of hornbills, thrushes, flycatchers and rare birds while you follow narrow jungle treks inside dense Ponmudi woods. See acres and acres of spice plantations interposed with modern buildings and colonial mansions while you tour the local attractions of Ponmudi, Kerala, South India.

A 54-kilometer drive from Thiruvananthapuram brings you to tranquil Ponmudi that lies at a height of 1,000 meters above sea level. Scenic and attractive, pleasant Ponmudi is a fairly developed Kerala hill station.

Set foot on a green land ornate with wild orchids, exotic shrubs and dense hill forests. Relax and enjoy nature while you tour the well-kept Deer Park i.e. a popular tour attraction.

Tour the local tea estates as the fresh aroma of coffee and spice plantations waft past your nostrils while you trek to the Ponmudi Crest and visit a mini zoo that is a haven for barasinghas.

Picnic near natural fresh water streams and tour the spectacular Golden Valley on your Ponmudi tours to Kerala. Enjoy excursions to the serene Varkala beach and revel in the spirit of joy in case you happen to be in Ponmudi during the Aranmula water carnival that place near picture perfect Ponmudi, Kerala, South India.

Enjoy an exhilarating wildlife safari to the fascinating Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary located close to lovely Ponmudi and relax in the lap of dense wilds as you rejuvenate with hill herbs and crisp hill air.

VYTHIRI

Enchanting velvety hills, dense forests, orchids, wild vegetation, pepper, cardamom and rubber plantations steeped in foggy white mists ensconce you on your tours to tranquil Vythiri that is a serene holiday destination.

Located at a height of 1,300 meters above the sea level, luxuriant Vythiri is a storehouse of natural attractions. Tour the Edakkal caves and Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve apart from several other attractions that adorn the lovely Vythiri hills.

Stay in dreamlike tree houses that offer you breathtaking views of dense tropical rainforests. Walk on rope bridges hung over gurgling hill streams and picnic at nature spots located under natural sunshades. See sunrays that filter past thick canopied forests, etch net like patterns on dry leaves as you spot chirping birds and wild animals that inhabit the luxuriant Vythiri wilds.

The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary that is located close to Vythiri in Kerala, South India. See Malabar squirrels and langurs while jungle trekking and spot colorful birds frolicking in rubber plantations.

An eco-friendly hill station, Vythiri in Kerala, South India is the perfect place to relax and meditate. Practice yoga and pamper yourself with local ayurveda therapies. Vythiri gained the status of an enchanting holiday retreat during the British colonial rule in India.

PEERMADE
Located 915 m above sea level, at a distance of around 40 km from Kumily in Idukki district of central Kerala, this beautiful hill station in the Western Ghats is known for its green landscape.

LAKKIDI
55 km east of kozhikode / 5 km south of vythiri, lakkidi the gateway to wayanad, is situated 700 m above mean sea level. At the crest of the thamarasseri ghat pass. Lofty peaks, gurgling streams and luzuriant forests add magic to the journey up the winding roads to this hill station.

NELLYAMPATHY

55 km from idukki town, munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams. 1600 m above sea level, this hill station was the summer resort of the british government in south india. Sprawling tea plantations, picture - book towns, winding lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular hill station neelakurinji is the flower which bathes the hills in blue once every twelve years, will bloom next in 2006 a.d. munnar also has the highest peak in south india, anamudi - which towers over 2695 mts. Anamudi is a ideal spot for trekking.

is an amazing hill station on the western ghats mountain ranges in Palakkad district of Kerala, 60km from Palakkad town, is one of the best places for ecotourism in Kerala. The green lush forests covering the whole hill area, coffee, tea, cardamom, vegetable and orange plantations, water falls and the misty and cool climate of Nelliyampathi offering a delightful vacation for the tourists.

Nelliyampathy is situated at a height of 467 m to 1572 m above sea level. Journey to Nelliyampathy itself thrilling. There are about ten hairpin curves on the way. The road is narrow and it is recommended that one who drives the vehicle should be experienced to drive in such roads.

Pothundi Dam is one important picnic spot near, in a distance of 21 km away from Nelliyampathy. Pothundi Dam is an irrigation Dam. The speciality of this Dam is that, it is built without cement or concrete. A mixture of jaggery and quick lime is used in place of cement to construct this dam. This Dam, built in late 1800 AD is a real wonder for the new technology. Boat services are there in the reservoir of Pothundy Dam. The sight of Nelliyampathi mountains from here is quite spectacular.

Seetharkundu is one important spot of attraction in Nelliyampathy. There is a waterfall about 100m in height. It offers a fantastic sight of the valley below. We can see one-third of the entire Palakkad area from here.

Nelliyampathy is the paradise for nature lovers and trekkers. Several species of birds and animals including some rare species are found here. The tea plantation and coffee plantations of Nelliyampathy are famous.

Nearest town Nenmara is about 30km away from here. Thrissur town is 48 km away from Nenmara.

PYTHAL MALA; PERUVANNAMUZHI

Pythal mala: 65 kms from kannur town, this enchanting hill station, situated 4,500 ft. Above sea level near the kerala - karnataka border, is rich in flora and fauna. It is a six kilometre trek to the top of the hills.

Peruvannamuzhi: 60 km from kozhikode, the peruvannamuzhi dam site set amid hills is a beautiful picnic spot. The reservoir here provides facilities for speedboat and row boat cruises. Uninhabited island, a bird sanctuary and a crocodile farm add to the charm of the place.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Lying in Devicolam Taluk of Idukki district, chinnar was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1984. It is located in the rain shadow region of the Western Ghats. It is the second habitat for the endangered Giant Grizzled Squirrel in India. With an area of 90.422 sq kms, Chinnar is a unique thorny scrub forest.

The undulated terrain with rocky patches increase the scenic splendour of the sanctuary. As the altitute varies from 500 to 2400 metres within a few kilometre radius, there is a drastic variation in the climate and vegetation. The highest peaks are Kottakombumalai (2144 metre), Vellaikal malai (1863m) and Viriyoottu malai(1845 metre). Unlike in most forests of Kerala, Chinnar gets only about 48 rainy days in a year during October - November (North - East Monsoons). The forest types comprise thorny scrub forests, dry deciduous forests, high sholas and wet grasslands

Main attractions

Elephants, gaurs, panthers, spotted deer, sambars, grizzled, giant squirrels, Hanuman langurs, peacocks, star tortoises and Travancore evening browns.

Eravikulam National Park

Originally established to protect the Nilgiri tahr (Nilgiri Ibex),the Eravikulam National Park is situated in the Devicolam Taluk of the Idukki District. It was declared as a sanctuary in 1975. Considering the ecological, faunal, floral, geo-morphological and zoological significance, it was declared as a National park in 1978. It covers an area of 97 sq kms of rolling grasslands and high level sholas (evergreen forests). The park is breathtakingly beautiful and is easily comparable to the best mountain ranges found anywhere in the world.

15 Km from north of Munnar. Anamudi(2694 m), the highest peak south of the Himalayas, is the southern side of the Park.This is one of the wettest areas of the world.

Main attractions

Tigers, panthers, wild dogs, civet cats, jungle cats, sloth bears, Nilgiri langurs and wild boar.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Located around the Vembanad Lake near the Backwaters, the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a bird watcher's paradise. Migratory birds from as far as Siberia and also the Himalayas flock here. The Siberian stork, teal, egret, heron and darter are commonly seen.

Periyar National Park

Situated at Thekkady along the Periyar Lake and river, it is one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in India. Boat cruises on the lake provide exciting game watching opportunity making Periyar a must see on the wildlife map of Kerala.

Silent Valley national Park

In the Palakkad district of Kerala, Silent Valley is perhaps the last stretch on genuinely unspoiled rain forest. A prized site for environmental research and conservation, it forms the core area of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Silent valley made its way to the headlines over the construction of a dam on Kunti River, threatening to disturb the biodiversity of the region. It was declared a national park in 1980.

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