Kerala: The Best Backwater Destinations in India

Think of God’s Own Country, Kerala, and the associations are immediate – coconut trees, lush green cover and the backwaters. If you are into photography, there can’t be a better destination than Kerala’s backwater circuit to get going. The most popular backwater destinations in Kerala include Vembanad, Kollam, Ashtamudi, Alleppey, Kumarakom, and Fort Kochi, among others. Here are some backwater tours you could explore:

Vembanad wonder

This stretch covers the regions of Kottayam, Alappuzha and Ernakulam. The Vembanad Lake is located in the heart of the backwaters and thousands of tourists throng this stretch. Explore the backwaters by hiring the traditional boats called kettuvalloms. There are motorboat, speedboat and pontoon boat options. You can feast your eyes on the coconut trees swaying in the wind, and freshwater canals, apart from stretches of paddy fields. Kumarakom, which has now become a prominent place on the tourism map, is on the banks of Vembanad.

Vembanad Lake (Photo Courtesy: http://indiabiodiversity.org)

Kollam calling

The mouth of the backwaters is the Ashtamudi Lake, which covers one-third of Kollam. Kollam or Quilon is a historic city that is situated on the one of the lake’s banks. There are many boat cruises operated from there. Don’t miss the famed cruise from Kollam to Alappuzha, which is fantastic eight-hour tour that takes you through lakes, villages, canals, and gives you an understanding of life in the backwaters. Also, you can spot the cluster of eight islands called the Munroe Island.

Ashtamudi Lake Kollam (Photo Courtesy: http://shopperhub.in)

Colours of Kasargod

This region in Kerala’s northern part is also a great backwaters destination. The region is one of the most scenic in all of Kerala, thanks to the Western Ghats on one side and the sea on the other. You can explore Valiyaparamba, the stretch of backwaters close to Kasargod. There is also the Bekal Fort in the vicinity, adding to the charm of the backwaters. 

Bekal Fort (Photo Courtesy: http://www.kerala.com)

The backwaters experience

• Many houseboats allow you to engage in activities such as fishing.
• If you are a foodie, and a seafood lover at that, try out the Karimeen fry or the Varal roast.
• The backwaters offer an excellent opportunity to understand rural lifestyles, and the livelihoods of communities in the region. Many communities are traditionally into coir making or prawn farming.
• If you are in Kerala around the time of autumn or during Onam, you can enjoy a boat race or two. They are a treat to watch, the snake boats also called Chundan Vallam.
• If you like birding, the backwaters are ideal to spot or watch birds such as kingfishers or darters. 

 

Houseboats in Kerala (Photo Courtesy: http://www.keralatours.com)

Kerala gives a lot of impetus to tourism, and there is never any dearth of accommodation if you are on a visit to the state. It is a great idea to opt for one of the luxury cruises in Kerala, as they give you an opportunity to unwind and detoxify your mind and body. The best time to visit the state is between September and March, so plan your backwater cruise accordingly.

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Kollam: Where Tradition Meets Modernity

Located on the Ashtamudi Lake is the coastal city of Kollam or Quilon. Covering an area of 58 square kilometers, it is one of the largest cities in Kerala with a population of 349,000. Having been an ancient trading town, Kollam is a commercial, industrial and business hub with a flourishing trading port. It has diverse geographical features such as backwaters, lakes, forests, mountains, rivers and plains. It is around 70 kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram and is convenient to access.

The Beautiful and picturesque Ashtamudi Lake, Kollam (photo courtesy: flycatcherstours.com)

Being colonised by more than one European power and ruled by several Indian dynasties, Kollam is a melting pot of cultures. It has sustained as a metropolitan city but has often juggled between tradition and modernisation. It is one of the leading centers of education in the country. Notable poets, authors and thinkers from different parts of India have added to the richness of cultural diversity. Although, most literary transactions are in Malayalam, other South Indian languages like Tamil, Kannada and English are also used.

The Grand Pooram Festival (photo courtesy: wikipedia)

Thankasseri or the Kollam Port is the second largest port in Kerala. The functionality of the port goes as far back in history as the glorious Venad kingdom in 825 AD. Kollam is now known for its cashew nut processing and coir manufacturing. It is also a major tourist destination owing to its beautiful landscapes and picturesque lakes. The backwaters of Kollam are home to a large variety of flora and fauna.

Kollam Pooram is a popular festival celebrated in the city, attracting thousands of tourists from all over the country. It was initiated with Asramam Sri Krishnaswamy Temple, an iconic landmark among places of Hindu worship. Other temples in the city include, Thamarakulam Mahaganapathy temple, Puthiyakkavu Devi Temple, Kottarakulam Mahaganapathy temple and Mulamkadakom Devi temple.

Kollam Beach (Photo courtesy: lonelyplanet.com)

Unspoilt beauty of Kollam Beach (Photo courtesy: luxoindia)

Religious diversity is one of the highlights of the city. A number of churches and mosques are found scattered over the landscape of an urbanized yet cultural city. Some of the popular mosques are Juma-'Ath Palli at Kollurvila, Kottukadu Juma Masjid Chavara, Juma-'Ath Palli at Thattamala and Ochira Juma Masjid. Kadeesa Syrian Orthodox Church, St. Casmir Church Mathilil, St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Church and Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church are some of the famous churches which are frequently visited. 

  It is almost always hot and humid in Kollam with heavy showers in the months between June and October. Summers are hot and winters are moderately pleasant. December to March is the best time to visit for sightseeing. One can reach Kollam through Thiruvananthapuram flights from Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Bangalore. The international airport at Thiruvananthapuram is less than 2 hours away from Kollam, making it easily accessible. 

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