Kuttanadu
Kuttanadu is the one rare places in the world where farming is done below sea level (1.5 -2 meters below sea level). Inland waterways that flow above the land level is an amazing feature of this land. Kuttanad lies in heart of the backwaters of Kerala. This beautiful countryside with its waterways also is rich in crops like rice, banana, Cassava and yam.
Alleppey Or Alappuzha
Formerly known as Alleppey, this town and the district have a number of tourist attractions, of which the famous Nehru Trophy Boat Race is the most important one. It was one of the busy seaports of Kerala in the past centuries, when small ships used to arrive at the seaport to transport commodities like pepper, dry ginger, pepper, coir and coir products made with the fibre of coconut husks, copra or the dried kernel of coconuts, etc. Its commercial importance was so great that this seaport town came to be called the "Venice of the East".
Ashtamudi Lake
The Ashtamudi Lake (literally, having eight arms), which covers a major portion of Kollam district in the south, is the second largest and is considered the gateway to the backwaters.
Kumarakom
Kumarakom on Lake Vembanad , with its unparalleled boating, fishing and sightseeing facilities, makes a picturesque holiday spot in the backwaters of Kerala. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary which houses exotic birds and plants is a beautiful green spot.
Kottayam
Closeby are the backwaters of Kottayam. Amidst paddy fields, rubber plantations and the highlands is the charming town of Kottayam . Kottayam is popularly known as the land of lakes and latex. The entire population of Kottayam is literate and that makes it the land of letters too. Besides, Kottayam has a rich cultivation of cash crops.
Kollam
The town Kollam on the Ashtamudi Lake is renowned for being the gateway to the beautiful backwaters of Kerala.The tourists have the option of going for a backwater tour or cruise that commences from Kollam. The backwater tour from Kollam to Alappuzha happens to be the longest cruise in Kerala.This town Kollam is famous for its cashew crop.
Cochin (Ernakulam, Kochi)
Located on the coast of the Arabian Sea, Ernakulam district is a cluster of islands networked by lagoons and backwaters. Kochi (Cochin), one of the finest natural harbours in the world, was once a major centre of commerce and trade with the Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and the British.
Thiruvananthapuram
The capital city of the kaleidoscopic Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram is a major tourist destination. Thiruvananthapuram is a major centre for tourism, politics and industry. The soothing shoreline, beautiful beaches and the backwater stretches make Thiruvananthapuram one of the most frequently visited backwater holiday destinations for the tourists in Kerala.
Thiruvallam
The stunningly beautiful and serene stretch of the Thiruvallam backwaters is temptingly close to Thiruvananthapuram. The backwater destination of Thiruvallam makes a great one-day tour. The renowned canoe rides make Thiruvallam popular with the tourists.
Kasaragod
On the seacoast, the backwater destination of Kasaragod offers mesmerizing trips to the enchanting Chandragiri and the vivacious Valiayaparamba. Situated on the Chandragiri river, the former is renowned for its chain of forts. The latter provides breathtaking views of the backwaters.
Chandragiri
Situated 4 km southeast from Kasaragod town on the Chandragiri river,this place is known for its large 17th century fort built by Sivappa Naik of Bedanore. The Chandragiri fort, one among a chain of forts built by the same ruler, offers a breathtaking view of the river and the Arabian sea.
Valiyaparamba
Situated 30 km from Bekal fort,this is perhaps the most scenic backwater stretch in Kerala .It is fed by four rivers and dotted with numerous little islands.
Kozhikode
Once the capital of the Zamorins, a prominent trade and commerce centre and the land of the Malabar Mahotsav, Kozhikode was the most important region of Malabar in the days gone by.
Alumkadavu
Alumkadavu 23 km from Kollam, is half way on the route to Alleppey from Kollam. This village is the place where entire clans used to construct the Kettuvallams - the traditional houseboats of Kerala.
Pathiramanal
According to mythology, a young brahmin dived into Vembanad lake to perform his evening ablutions and water is said to have made way for land to rise from below, thus creating the enchanting island of Pathiramanal (sand of midnight). This little island on the backwaters, situated 14 km from Alappuzha, 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 by boat.
Vembanadu Lake
Vembanadu Lake is the largest water body in Kerala’s lowlands, stretching 60 km long and 16 km across at the widest areas. The famous, labyrinthine backwaters display their grandeur here. Along its shore, poets and painters have drawn inspiration from ancient times. Resorts and hotels followed in their wake as tourism increased.
