A tropical paradise of unique wetland with canal, rivers, lagoons and lake of Backwater Heavens in Kerala, stretches over 900 km alongside the Malabar coastline.
Backwater Heavens In Kerala
Backwaters of Kerala is such a famous phenomena that every Indian wish to experience once and also for me. It was a dream came true when we landed Alleppey for the first time in Kerala. Alleppey is most popular for backwater and house boats.
Backwaters of Kerala is a network of water way through many types of boats, canoe and cruises also. The canals and creeks of water way surrounded with coconut grooves, palms and numerous lovely trees that shadowed on the calm water to create the magical ambience of nature.
Nestled in the southwestern coast of India, Kerala’s backwaters offer a tranquil escape along the Arabian Sea, creating a unique ecosystem teeming with wildlife and lush greenery. Let’s embark on an unforgettable journey through Backwater Heavens In Kerala, top destinations, explore nearby tourist spots also.
Also Read 8 Famous Forests In Kerala
1. Alleppey Is The Kingdom Of Backwater Heavens In Kerala
Alleppey is known as ‘Alappuzha’ is often called ‘Venice of East’ is the kingdom of Backwater Heavens In Kerala. The lush green flora and curtains of lovely coconut trees shadowed on the backwater of lake mesmerize you when slowly glide in a house boat in Alleppey.
The famous town renowned for serene backwaters, lush landscapes, and intricate network of canals which offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness and tranquil experiences creating the most popular and a must visit for nature lovers.
Alleppey recently facing little exhausted due to over crowd and things are became congested due plenty of house boats, and other water vehicles. Due to pressure and money, traditional Kettuvallams, converted into luxurious floating cottages, offer a unique way to explore backwater heavens in luxurious way.
House boat in Alleppey truly fascinating for enjoying palm fringe water sailing with spectacular natural beauty of Vembanad and Punnamada Lake, Near by small villages also can be explored to be witnessed local traditions and cultural way of life beside backwaters. People here pretty much friendly and simple.
Recommended a night stay in house boat, for a heavenly experience to spend a night on boat and if it is full moon just out of the world, glittering moonlight overwhelming your senses, for enjoying an unforgettable memory with love ones. Also enjoy sun rise on next morning from the house boat.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Alleppey is from October to February when the weather is pleasant and ideal for houseboat cruises and exploring the outdoors.
Places To Visit
Alappuzha Beach, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Marari Beach, Pathiramanal Island and Mullakkal Rajeshwari Temple.
How To Reach
The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, about 75 kilometers away from Alleppey. Nearest Rail Station Alleppey, well connected from major cities of Kerala.
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2. Kumarakom is Natural Wonder Among Best Backwater Heavens In Kerala
Nestled on the banks of Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is a heaven for bird watchers and nature lovers among backwater heavens in Kerala. . Famous for its tranquil backwaters, lush landscapes, and vibrant birdlife which offers an enchanting blend of natural beauty with cultural vibe of Kerala.
Kumarakom backwaters offer a serene escape in the lap of nature, with lush greenery, tranquil waters, along with thousands of chirping birds boasts in Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Gliding through the serene backwaters on a houseboat offers a glimpse of the rich biodiversity of the bird sanctuary.
Formed by the famous Vembanad Lake, Backwater of Kumarakom nestles about 17 km from Kottayam district in Kerala. The Vembanad lake famous for the largest fresh water lake in Kerala and picturesque natural beauty of the lake. Kettuvallam house boats are also found in this backwater heavens in Kerala.
House boats are available for day trips and night trips both. One night stay is a must to enjoy backwater wonder at it’s fullest. The journey for night stay starts from mid day with fresh local meals. Sailing through the canals of near by villages, watching villagers doing fishing and their daily perks in the day.
At the evening watching birds in Vembanad Lake with stunning sunset and snacks. The Boat sail on the lake through whole night with low light and tourist can enjoy an outstanding ever lasting memorable trip that cherish for long in life.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Kumarakom is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and perfect for outdoor activities and houseboat cruises.
Places To Visit
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Aruvikkuzhi water fall, Kumarakom Beach, Pathiramanal Island, Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple, Bay Island Drift Wood Museaum.
How to reach
The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, approximately 85 kilometers and nearest railway station is Kottayam, about 14 kilometers from Kumarakom. Buses and cars are available from there.
3. Kollam is Heritage Among Backwater Heavens In Kerala
Kollam is also known as ‘Quilon’ and southern gateway among backwater heavens in Kerala. Located at the 60 km away from Trivandrum, Kollam is one of the most beautiful backwater destination in Kerala. It is the Kollam backwater which attract tourist most from every corner of the world.
The second largest lake in Kerala, is Astamudi lake which is the main center of the Kollam Backwater. The canals of backwater stretches through villages, spice plantation and lush green palm fringe shores with tranquil serenity. Canoe rides are more attractive to enter narrower creeks between village.
Astamudi lake stretches 16 km, which is 30% of Kollam town. The name Astamudi derives from it’s eight channels or branches which called in local language is ‘Asta’ means 8 and ‘Mudi’ means branch. All channels converge in to Neendakara Estuary to escape in Arabian sea.
The Kallada river which is major contributor of Astamudi lake, formed by confluence of three rivers are Kulathupuzha, Chenduruni and Kalthuruthy, all are originated from Western Ghat. Munroe Island is one of the major attraction of Kollam among backwater heavens in Kerala.
To enjoying the beauty of Kollam backwaters is on traditional Kerala houseboats that are also known as ‘Kettuvallams’ which designed with the comfort of modern amenities and luxurious style. Sipping in fresh coconut waters and gliding among the tranquil nature is truly mind blowing.
We always prefer Kerala tourism center office to book houseboats and others tour related facilities because that are much more cheaper than other private options.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Kollam is from October to February when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities and backwater cruises.
Places To Visit
Munroe Island, Kollam Beach, Thangassery Fort, Thangassery Light house, Thenmala Ecotourism, Palaruvi Waterfalls, Jatayu Earth Center,
How To Reach
The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport, about 70 kilometers and Kollam Junction is a major railway station. From there buses and cars available to Kollam.
4. Kuttanad Backwater is Enchanting Among Best Backwater Heavens In Kerala
Nestled in the heart of Kerala, Kuttanad offers a serene escape into nature’s lap among backwater heavens in Kerala. Covering the areas of Alappuzha, Kottayam and Pathanamthitta districts, Kuttanad is also known as ‘Rice Bowl Of Kerala’ due to rice farming is the major occupation here.
The interesting fact is that Kuttanad located at 2.2 m under the sea level and it is the lowest point of India which is famous for under sea level Paddy cultivation in the world. Due to lowest point of India tourist can enjoy the country side view from the view point backwater trip.
Kuttanad is also important for Bio Saline Farming and FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) declared this farming style as globally Important Agricultural Heritage System in 2013. Stretches in 500 sq. km, Kuttanad waterways consist of lakes, canals, rivers and many rivulets.
Kuttanad in Alappuzha is famous for backwater which encompasses with 4 rivers Pamba, Meenachil, Achankovil and Manomala among backwater heavens in Kerala. Kettuvallam, the traditional house boats are also ideal for an enchanting trip on serene backwater along with long stretched Paddy field.
When the houseboats sailing through the Paddy fields and near by villages along side of backwaters, an mindful experience of the local lifestyle and the biodiversity of the region, gives an extra closer touch, including a view of migratory birds, water lilies, and coconut groves dotted through the edges.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Kuttanad is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities and backwater cruises.
Places To Visit
Champakulam church, Karumadikuttan Archeological site, Alleppey.
How To Reach
nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, about 85 kilometers and nearest railway stations are in Alleppey and Changanassery, both of which are well-connected to major cities.
5. Thiruvallam is Majestic Among Best Backwater Heavens In Kerala
Thruvallam is famous for spiritual ambience and unmatched beauty of backwater heavens in Keara. The place is also famous for the only temple of Hindu God Lord Parashurama, located near Karamana river, who is believed to be the creator of Kerala and devotees perform rituals for honor of their ancestors.
Located just 6km from Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, popular for it’s majestic backwater heavens. Killi and Karamana are the two rivers converge at Thiruvallam to offers its spectators breathtaking views. Canoe ride also one of the popular way to explore the backwater heavens in Kerala.
Gliding through backwater in a houseboat and passing along the lush paddy fields, fishing village and beautiful countryside, where life continues in a 100 yrs backward, away from modernization but peaceful rhythm, amidst chirping of birds, blooming lotus flowers with soothing sound of water splashing.
Veli Tourist Village is another exotic place, where veli lake meets the Arabian Sea, offers plenty of adventurous water activities. Veli Lagoon is also popular for water front park, floating bridge and Akulam lake where tourist can enjoy the scenic beauty of the lake among backwater heavens in Kerala.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Thiruvallam is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities and backwater cruises.
Places To Visit
Lord Parashurama Temple, Veli Tourist Village, Akkulum Lake, Kovalam Beach, Trivandrum city, Neyyar Dam and Wildlife Sanctuary.
How to Reach
The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport, approximately 7 kilometers and The nearest railway station is Trivandrum Central which is well connected from major cities.
Conclusion
Kerala’s backwaters are a treasure trove of natural beauty, cultural richness, and tranquil moments. Whether you’re gliding through the serene waters on a houseboat or exploring quaint villages, every moment spent here is sure to be cherished for long in your memory. So pack your bags, for a memorable lovely journey among backwater heavens in Kerala.
