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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.
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Kollam(Quilon),
Alappuzha(Alleppey) and Kottayam are the principal backwater
towns. And if you are visiting the state in the late August/
early september during ten-days Onam harvest festival, you can
watch the spectacle of the backwaters.
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 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
Also known as the Venice of the East, Alappuzha is famous
for its boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products
and coir industry. A singular characteristic of this land is
the region called Kuttanad. The Granary of Kerala, Kuttanad
is perhaps the only place in the world were farming is done
below sea level.
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.)
Suggested kerala Tours :
Cochin - Thekkady - Kumarakom - Cochin (6 Days Package)
Cochin - Thekkady - Kumarakom - Cochin ( 7 Days Package)
Cochin - Thekkady - Kumarakom - Varkala - (7 Days Package)
Cochin - Kumarakom - Thekkady - Madurai - (7 Days Package)
Best of KTDC
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