Backwater is a body of stagnant water connected to a river. The backwaters of Kerala- meandering inland lakes networked by canals - stretch to over 1900km. Boat across these tranquil stretches are an experience unique to Kerala. Large Kettuvalloms (traditional country crafts over 60ft. in length) have been converted into luxury houseboats for these cruises. Local Malayali people call it Kayals. Kerala's backwaters is the most popular tourist attraction of Kerala. The palm-fringed, tranquil backwaters were once just the state's trade highways. Kerala is her backwaters and lakes.

They have dictated her history, shaped her present and promise a future by virtue of offering incomparable beauty and unique experiences.

	The boats cross shallow, palm-fringed lakes studded with Chinese fishing nets, and along narrow, shady canals where coir (coconut fibre), copra and cashews are loaded onto boats. Stops are made at small settlements where people live on carefully cultivated narrow spits of land only a few metres wide, and there's the chance to see traditional boats with huge sails, and prows carved into the shape of dragons. The most interesting area in the backwaters is the Kuttanad region, called the rice bowl of Kerala.
The area is probably the only place in the continent where farming is done below sea level, using a system of dykes and bunds.

The largest backwater stretch is the Vembanad Lake, which opens out into the sea at the Kochi port and flows through three districts-Alappuzha, Kottayam and Kochi. The Ashtamudi Lake has eight 'arms' covering a major portion of Kollam district in the south, and is the second largest lake in the state. The backwaters of Kuttanad comes vibrantly alive as the venue for the legendry snake boat races. Otherwise the best season to enjoy this part of the country is from December to February.

Kollam Backwaters One of the oldest ports of the Malabar coast, Kollam was once the centre of the international trade. North of Thiruvananthapuram, 30% of this historic town is covered by the renowned Ashtamudi Lake. The eight hour boat trip between Kollam and Alappuzha is the longesat & most enchanting experience of Kerala's backwaters. Accomodation in Kollam - Aquaserene Alappuzha Alappuzha is one of the major centers for backwater boat trips. The intricate network of canals through this town has earned it the sobriquet "The Venice of the East". Small but long country boats are the taxies of the water. The coir workers present an interesting sight as they soak coconut fiber in pools, beat them and wind the strands on long spindles stretched between an endless lines of coconut trees.

Kumarakom Backwaters
Just 12km from Kottayam, this unique backwater destination situated on the banks of the Vembanad lake is considered the gateway to the backwaters of Kuttanad. The Kumarakom bird sanctuary is a favourite haunt of migratory birds from across the world which makes it a renowed bird watching center. Kumarakom is also a centre for houseboat cruises. Accomodation in Kumarakom

Kerala Houseboat Cruise- Alleppey- Kumarakom- Kerala

M.V. Vrinda Luxury Cruise(Oberoi Group)- 4 Nights And 5 Days Itinerary (Includes 2 nights in Cochin and 2 nights on the Cruise.)

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