BACKWATERS IN KERALA | LIST OF BACKWATERS IN KERALA | TOP 10 BACKWATERS

The backwaters of Kerala sinuous inland natural lakes networked by canals stretch to over 900 km. Boat trips across these traditional Boats (known as kettuvallom - traditional country crafts over 60 ft. in length) have been converted into luxury houseboats for these cruises. 

Thiruvallam : (6 km from Thiruvananthapuram) This serene backwater stretch, en route to Kovalam, is famous for its 2000-year-old temple on the banks of the River Karamana, canoe rides, kayaking and cruises in traditional houseboats. 

Veli : (8 km from Thiruvananthapuram The backwaters of veli is a popular place for boating. Sandwiched between the Veli lagoon and the Arabian sea is the Veli Tourist Village. Facilities at the village include water sports and an 18-acre waterfront park with a floating bridge connecting the beach. Open 08.00 am to  06.00 pm.
Phone: 0471-2500785 

Akkulam : (10 km from Thiruvananthapuram) on the banks of the tranquil backwaters of Akkulam is a popular tourist village with various leisure options including boating, a children's park with a swimming pool and a musical dancing fountain. Open 1000 1700 hrs. Ph: 0471-2443043 

Kappil : (53 km from Thiruvananthapuram) A confluence of the sea, river and the backwater, this secluded, picturesque spot is worth the visit. The Priyadarshini Boat Club here offers boating facilities. Ph: 0470-2662323 

Kollam : (71 km to the north of Thiruvananthapuram) One of the oldest ports in the State, Kollam is where the magnificent network of waterways begins. From the famed Ashtamudi Lake, known as the gateway to the begins. backwaters, system of interlinked canals and lakes winds all the way to the north. The eight-hour trip from here to Alappuzha is the longest backwater cruise in Kerala. 

Alumkadavu : (23 km from Kollam Along the vast expanse of the Kayamkulam Lake is little village of Alumkadavu. This hamlet by the the picturesque backwaters is home to skilled artisans who craft the enormous kettuvalloms Alappuzha: Referred to as the Venice of the East, this backwater country with its vast network of lakes lagoons and freshwater rivers is immensely beautiful. Venue for the world-renowned snake boat races, Alappuzha is also famous for its marine products and coir industry 

Kuttanad : known as the Rice Bowl of Kerala because of its wealth of paddy crops, Kuttanad in Alappuzha, is the very heart of the backwaters. This is one of the few places in the world where farming is done below sea level. 

Pathiramanal : (11/2 hours by motorboat/30 min. by speedboat from Alappuzha) The enchanting island of Pathiramanal (sands of midnight) on the backwaters is a favourite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world. The island lies between Thaneermukkom and Kumarakom, and is accessible only by boat. 

Kumarakom : (10 km from Kottayam) Nestled among lush paddy fields, highlands and extensive rubber plantations popular and most beautiful backwater stretches of Kerala. An exotic picnic spot, Kumarakom provides boating, fishing and sightseeing experiences that are truly exhilarating. An exclusive attraction here is the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, which is an ornithologist's paradise. 

Kochi : A cluster of islands on the vast expanse of the Vembanad Lake, Kochi, one of the finest natural harbours in the world, is more popular as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. Half the fun of visiting Kochi is going about in the local ferries. A conducted cruise through the winding waterways will take you to several quaint spots including the picturesque islands of Bolgatty Vypeen, Gundu and Vallarpadam 

Kozhikode : Unexplored and unspoilt, the backwaters of Kozhikode offer delightful holiday options. Elathur, the Canoli Canal and the Kallai River are favourite places for boating. Kadalundi, with its beautiful bird sanctuary and Korapuzha, the venue of the Korapuzha Jalotsavam (water fiesta) are popular tourist destinations.

Valiyaparamba : (30 km from Bekal Fort.)This is perhaps the most scenic backwater stretch in Kerala. Fed by four rivers and dotted with numerous little islands, you can explore the backwaters in a houseboat from Kottappuram in Nileswaram to Kannur through Valiyaparamba Backwaters

Kottappuram : (5 km southwest of Nileswaram) One of the oldest coir factories in Malabar is situated amongst the placid backwaters Kottappuram. The longest walking bridge in Kerala is also in Kottappuram.