The Kerala backwaters are a chain of and lakes lying parallel to the coast of Kerala state insouthern India. The network includes five large lakes linked by canals, both manmade and natural, fed by 38 rivers, and extending virtually half the length of Kerala state. The backwaters were formed by the action of waves and shore currents creating low barrier islands across the mouths of the many rivers flowing down from the Western Ghats range.

The Kerala Backwaters are a network of interconnected canals, rivers, lakes and inlets, a labyrinthine system formed by more than 900 km of waterways, and sometimes compared to the American Bayou In the midst of this landscape there are a number of towns and cities, which serve as the starting and end points of backwater cruises. National Waterway. covers a distance of 205 km and runs almost parallel to the coast line of southern Kerala facilitating both cargo movement and backwater tourism

seawater from the Arabian Sea. In certain areas, such as the Vembanad Kayal, where a barrage has been built near Kumarakom, salt water from the sea is prevented from entering the deep inside, keeping the fresh water intact. Such fresh water is extensively used for irrigation purposes

Many unique species of aquatic life including crabs, frogs and mudskippers, water birds such as terns, kingfishers, darters and cormorants, and animals such as otters and turtles live in and alongside the backwaters. Palm trees, pandanus shrubs, various leafy plants and bushes grow alongside the backwaters, providing a green hue to the surrounding landscape

With the Kuttanad region and the Vembanad Kayal nearby, Alappuzha (earlier known as Alleppy) attracts tourists throughout the year. The criss-crossing canals in the area evoke comparisons withVenice, but the differences are also substantial. Each has an identity of its own. Amongst the notable sights is the palm covered Pathiramanal Island in Vembanad Kayal, one hour by boat from Alappuzha. The place is famous for the snake boat races and also has a number of historic colonial buildings and a beach

The Kuttanad region is a vast area of partly reclaimed land, covered with bright green paddy fields, separated by dikes. The level of water is a few feet higher than the level of the surrounding land It is an amazing labyrinth of shimmering waterways composed of lakes, canals, rivers and rivulets. Lined with dense tropical greenery, it offers a glimpse into rural life-styles of Kerala Kuttanad is a backwater paradise and an ideal destination for a backwater cruise in Kerala. It is possible to drift along in a houseboat and enjoy the scenic view of the Kerala countryside

Kottayam is a beautiful Kerala backwater destination Kottayam - "the land of lakes, latex and letters", that's what it is famously called. Interspersed with a network of canals and lakes, Kottayam is a land of unique characteristics, bordered by the mighty Western Ghats on the east, the Vembanad Lake and the paddy fields of Kuttanad on the west. Astonishing backwater stretches, lush paddy fields, highlands, vast rubber plantations and a total literate population. This is one of the few places in India,where you will find that even one person is not illiterate.
The beautiful Vemban and Lake and its associated backwaters border Kottayam district on the West. Kottayam is located in an area of great natural beauty and you're sure to be influenced by the scenery around Kottayam on Kerala House Boats with Kerala Backwater. The renowned Vembanad Lake constitutes Kottayam's magnificent backwaters, a famous tourist destination only growing more popular with time. which showcases just perfect sceneries formed by green pastures complementing the blue waters. The experience of serenely sailing on a kettuvollam or houseboat, underneath a gentle blue sky, amidst the full bloom of nature, removes all fatigue of mind kerala house boats and soul while on the waterways.

The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Kayal, and is part of the Kuttanad region The blue backwaters of Vembanad Kayal and the amazing shades of green of the vegetation, combines with the quietness of the place to make it an idyllic holiday destination. Many of the resorts also offer ayurvedic treatment While Kuttanad is ideal for a house boat cruise, the resorts are the main attraction in Kumarakonam. One can also take a boat trip in Kumaramonam It is located 15 km west of Kottayam. The bird sanctuary and the drift
Kerala is known for its panoramic backwater stretches, lush green paddy fields, highlands and beaches. A major backwater stretch lies in Kottayam district, where a network of rivers and canals empty into the great expanse of water called the Vembanad Lake. Located at Kumarakom 16 km from Kottayam town, the Vembanad Lake, an enchanting picnic spot and a fast developing backwater tourism destination, offers boating, fishing and sight seeing experiences that are truly exhilarating

Kollam (earlier known as Quilon) was one of the leading trade centres of the ancient world, eulogised by travellers such as and . It is also the starting point of the backwater waterways. The Ashtamudi Kayal, known as the gateway to the backwaters, covers about 30 per cent of Kollam Sasthamcotta Kayal, the large fresh water lake is 28.5 km from Kollam city.
The 8 hours boat ride from Kollam to Alappuzha is the longest cruise in Kerala and is delightful ride with lotuses and water lilies all around The historic Thangasseri Fort is near Kollam, which is situated 71 km north of Thiruvananathapuram.

Punnamada lake, Chavara Bhavan (traditional houses on the banks), Church at Champakkulam, 11th Century Buddha Image, Ancient Ambalappuzha temple. It starts from Alleppey to Thottappalley. As you sail along you can see the traditional wooden houses on the banks and visit the "Chavara Bhavan" the ancestral home of the blessed "Kuriakose Elias Chavara". Located 6 km from Alleppey, this house has preserved intact a historically important 250 year old beacon of light, in its original and primitive form.

Pallathuruthy River in Alappuzha, Kerala, India is a backwater destination. Pallathuruthy is a major location through which houseboats operate in Alappuzha. It is also a place to find rare birds living on the river basin. The picturesque district of Alappuzha (Alleppey) is noted for scenic expanses of backwaters. This is a major houseboat cruise destination in the state.

Vembanad Lake (Malayalam: Vembanad Kayal or Vembanad Kol) is the longest lake in India and the largest lake in the state of Kerala. It is also one of the largest lakes, in India. A lake spanning several districts in the state of Kerala, it is known by different names in different localities viz. Punnamada Lake in Kuttanad, Kochi Lake in Kochi. The Port of Kochi is located around two islands (the Willingdon Island and Vallarpadam) in a portion of this lake known as the Kochi Lake. The celebrated Nehru Trophy Boat Race is conducted in a portion of this lake, in the Kuttanad region, known as the Punnamada Lake