Discover the Entrancing Backwaters of Kerala: A Journey through Serenity

Kerala is a captivating combination of lush landscapes, tranquil backwaters, and rich culture nestled along India's southwest coast. It is charming because of its palm-lined beaches, ayurveda, tea plantations, hill stations, energetic festivals, and traditional houseboat cruises on convoluted waterways.

Kerala is also known as "God's Own Country". There are 34 backwaters; out of them, 27 are either parallel to or closer to the Arabian Sea. The remaining seven are inland waterways.

It offers a sensory journey into a tropical paradise filled with lush hills, aromatic spices, and warm hospitality.

Here are some must-visit Kerala backwaters that you can’t miss while planning a vacation to Kerala.

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  Alleppey (Alappuzha) Backwaters

  
  

Alleppey backwaters are often called the "Venice of the East". Alleppey is a Paramount place to experience the backwaters in Kerala.

Rivers, lakes and streams surround the city, making it a prime spot for backwater exploration. The annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race is a major attraction, featuring long snake boats competing in thrilling thrill races.

The houseboats here allow you to immerse yourself in scenic surroundings inside, enjoy traditional food and witness local life on the waterways.

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  Kuttanad Backwaters: The Rice Bowl of Kerala

  
  

The low-lying Kuttanad backwaters are out-of-the-ordinary of their extensive paddy fields and interconnected waterways.

You can observe the intricate details of conventional rice farming and learn about the locals' agricultural way of life as you navigate the canals.

The unusual topography, where the water frequently rises above the land, produces a bizarre, fascinating, and alluring setting.

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  Kumarakom Backwaters

  
  

An idyllic haven known for its pristine beauty, Kumarakom is tucked away on the shores of Vembanad Lake.

The lake, which is the biggest in Kerala backwaters, provides a placid setting for houseboat cruises. As you travel through the backwaters, you will be treated to views of lush paddy fields, coconut groves, and unusual bird life, including migratory birds.

Bird watchers can spot a variety of species at the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, which enhances the allure of your backwater experience.

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  Kollam Backwaters: Gateway to the Backwaters

  
  

Ashtamudi Lake, famous for its eight arms, is a major Kerala backwater attraction. From Kollam, you can set out on a houseboat trip to explore the tranquil waterways that lead to the charming Munroe Island.

The island provides an authentic look into village life, with chances to see coir production, fishing operations, and lush landscapes that perfectly capture Kerala's natural beauty.

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  Thiruvallam Backwaters

  
  

Thiruvallam, an extraordinary backwater destination where the Vellayani Lake and the Parvathy Puthanar rivers converge, is located close to the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram.

The presence of palm trees, lush vegetation, and the sporadic sighting of traditional country boats all contribute to the peaceful atmosphere. The majestic surroundings make it an excellent place for canoe rides and peace seekers.

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  Kozhikode Backwaters

  
  

Kozhikode, also known as Calicut, was once a significant spice trading hub and one of Kerala's most well-known luxurious backwater destinations.

This coastal metropolis on the Malabar Coast has some of the most pristine backwaters, which draw plenty of tourists each year.

Prominent locations like the Kallai River, Canoli Canal, and Kozhikode Beach represent the area's rich history and natural beauty. The Kozhikode backwaters are unique and connected by canal networks, a prismatic range of flora and fauna, and are ringed with cool palm thickets.

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  Kasargod Backwaters

  
  

Kerala's northern district of Kasargod is home to a number of stunning backwater areas. Many backwater cruises in and around Kasargod's historic forts offered thrilling views of several exotic birds and lush greenery.

An amazing experience is a backwater cruise around Chandragiri and Valiyaparamba in Kasargod. This region's untouched natural beauty and the serenity of the backwaters offer a special chance to get away from the crowds and get in harmony with nature in its most natural habitat.

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  Kochi Backwaters

  
  

The backwaters of Kochi, including Vembanad Lake, are a harmonious fusion of artificial and natural beauty. The Chinese fishing nets create a distinctive backdrop, historic islands like Fort Kochi and the crowded harbor.

The backwaters in Kerala provide a glimpse of Kochi's glorious past and vibrant culture against a picturesque backdrop of water.

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  Kakki Reservoir Backwaters

  
  

Kakki Reservoir's backwaters are a captivating destination for nature buffs and are situated in the Periyar Tiger Reserve. They provide a pleasant retreat with their calm waters and lush surroundings.

Travellers can take boat rides on the turquoise water, observe the diverse wildlife, and relax in the lush surroundings. For those seeking a soothing getaway, the Kakki Reservoir Backwaters offer the ideal stability of stress relief and scenic wonders.

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  Ashtamudi Backwaters

  
  

One of Kerala's largest backwaters is the Ashtamudi one. The 16 km long backwaters are in the district of Kollam.

The Ashtamudi, as it is so named, is connected to eight lakes, waterways, and canals. Through the Neendakara estuary, this lake flushes into the Arabian Sea. One of the best wetlands in the world is those in Ashtamudi.

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  Kavvayi Backwater at Payyanur

  
  

The largest backwater in north Kerala and the third largest in Kerala are both found close to Payyanur.

One of the most picturesque and untarnished backwater stretches, Kavvayi Kayal, has its own peculiar attractions. The Kavvayi backwaters in Kerala remain undiscovered by the outside world, allowing visitors to bathe in complete seclusion and peace.

This point of Sangam is stunning, and these spectacular backwaters are essentially the union of five different rivers.

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  Pathiramanal Backwaters

  
  

In the Vembanad Lake, in the Muhamma panchayat of the Alappuzha district, is a small island entitled Pathiramanal. The Pathiramanal word refers to "midnight sand.

Given that it is home to 50 species of migratory birds and 91 local species of birds, it is a bird watcher's paradise. The island's scenery is astonishingly breathtaking, making it a lovely place to watch birds and the water. The chirping sounds of numerous birds will surround you if you visit during the right time of year.

Conclusion

Kerala's backwaters offer an enthralling journey through a world of dazzling natural beauty, diverse cultural heritage, and serene serenity.

Each backwater offers a distinct environment and a chance to experience Kerala's stunning scenery, cultural diversity, and enduring charm.

So, get ready to set out on this epic journey filled with cultural exploration, relaxation, and wonder as you discover the enchanting backwaters of Kerala and reveal their inner magic.