Kerala has its two distinctive attracting features, one is its exotic beaches and the other one is its serene backwaters. Kerala Backwaters are a network of interconnected canals, rivers, lakes and inlets, a labyrinthine system created by more than 900 km of waterways.

The backwaters of Kerala have a unique ecosystem where fresh water of rivers meets the seawater from the Arabian Sea. There are several backwater destinations in Kerala. Alleppey, Kochi, Kuttanad, Kollam, Kozhikode, Thiruvallam, Kumarakom, and Trivandrum are some of the most visited backwater destinations in Kerala forming Kerala backwater tourism.

Best time to visit Kerala Backwater

Kerala Backwaters which is synonymous with Kerala is a scenic network of lakes, rivers,lagoons and canals that is parallel to the Arabian Sea coast and runs inland in the coast of Kerala, from Cochin to Kollam (Quilon) and Best Time to visit Kerala Backwaters will be based on what kind of cruise you want to enjoy on your holiday. Here is the table of the best time to visit Kerala Backwater.

 

 

It's the activities of Kerala backwaters that attract most of the tourists. Kettuvallams or Kerala houseboats allow them to actually stay in the midst of backwaters by way of a house boat, thereby lending something extraordinary to one's trip. Not only this, these backwaters make venues for world famous boat races of Kerala. It is during the time of Onam that thousands of travelers plan their tour to the Kerala Backwaters just to enjoy the festivity of renowned water festivals.

The major backwater stretch is in Kottayam district surrounded by lush green paddy fields, highlands and beaches, where a network of rivers and canals empty into the great expanse of water called the Vembanad Lake which is India's largest lake. The Vembanad Lake at Kumarakom which is 16 km away from Kottayam town has emerged as a captivating tourist attraction due to its fast developing backwater tourism that provides exhilarating experience of boating, fishing and sightseeing.

Kochi, known as Queen of the Arabian Sea is a port city in the state. It is famous for its backwaters, beaches, islands, natural harbor, historical monuments and colonial houses. It has a bunch of islands, has many historic buildings, scenic backwaters, and many more things, making it one of the most popular Kerala backwater destinations.

 

Alleppey also referred as 'Venice of the East' is one of the best-known ports along the coast of Malabar having peculiar geographical features. Sailing along in a houseboat 'Kettuvallam' through the enchanting backwaters of Alleppey, one can have a close look at the village life on shore. Palm fringed narrow canals, vast paddy fields with the glimpse of Chinese fishing nets, flocks of ducks swimming around the banks and tiny birds flying across the sky takes you to the vibrant life of God's own country.

Kollam, an important center of the cashew nut processing and trading industry is also a beautiful destination of the Kerala backwaters. While taking the Kerala backwater ride, one can view some important historical buildings and temples depicting the rich heritage of south India. The Backwaters around Kollam beautifully extend from the Ashtamudi Lake that covers around 30% of Kollam town.

Kuttanad, Rice bowl of Kerala is surrounded by lavish green fields that are beneath the sea level, and are barricaded from the neighboring backwaters. This is a place which is must visited by those who desire to feel the real beauty of Kerala backwaters.

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 Palm trees, shrubs, various leafy plants and bushes grow that provides lush green hue to the surrounding landscape. Kerala backwaters form the backbone of Kerala Tourism.