Vembanad Lake - Kumarakom
Kerala
is known for its Panoramic backwater stretches, lush green paddy fields,
highlands and beaches. 
The
major backwater stretch is in Kottayam district, where a network of rivers and canals empty into the
great expanse of water called the Vembanad lake. Located at Kumarakom 16
km from Kottayam town, the Vembanad lake, an enchanting picnic spot and a
fast developing backwater tourism destination, provides boating, fishing
and sight seeing experiences that are truly exhilarating. The Kumarakom
Tourist Village offers houseboat cruises and holiday packages.
The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake,is an ornithologist's paradise and a favourite haunt of migratory birds like the Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal. A cruise along the Vembanad lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary.
With the Arabian sea on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers criss crossing it, Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty. Referred to as the Venice of the East by travellers from across the world, this backwater country is also home to diverse animal and bird life. By virtue of its proximity to the sea, the town has always enjoyed a unique place in the maritime history of Kerala. Today Alappuzha has grown in importance as a backwater tourist centre, attracting several thousands of foreign tourists each year. Alappuzha is also 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 rice bowl of Kerala, Kuttanad is perhaps the only place in the world where farming is done below sea level.
Pathiramanal (11/2 hours by motor boat/30 min. by speedboat from Alappuzha): According to mythology a young brahmin dived into the Vembanad Lake to perform his evening ablutions and the water made way for land to rise from below, thus creating the enchanting island of Pathiramanal (sands of midnight). This little island 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.
Boat
races
Alappuzha Nehru Trophy Boat Race at Punnamada (2nd Saturday of August)
Alappuzha Tourism Boat Race (9th January) Pulinkunnu Rajiv Gandhi Boat
Race (last Saturday of August) Champakulam Moolam Boat Race (Moolam day of
Midhunam - July) Payippad Jalotsavam (4th Onam day - August/September)
Neerettupuram Boat Race (Onam - August/September).
Located 71 km to the north of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam is another coastal district of Kerala. One of the oldest ports on the Malabar coast, Kollam was once the port of international spice trade. 30% of this historic town is covered by the renowned Ashtamudi Lake making it the gateway to the magnificent backwaters of Kerala. The eight hour trip between Kollam and Alappuzha is the longest backwater cruise in Kerala. The district which is the centre of the country's cashew trading and processing industry also has some interesting historic remnants and a number of temples built in the traditional ornate architectural style. Just 23 km from Kollam, Alumkadavu is half way on the route to Alappuzha from Kollam. This quiet little backwater village in Karunagapally town is famed for its boat building yard. It is here that the gigantic kettuvallams (cargo crafts of rural Kerala) were built. Today the kettuvallams which were long replaced by modern means of transport, have been converted into houseboats.
Veli Tourist Village - Thiruvananthapuram
Located
8 km from Thiruvananthapuram city, the Veli Tourist Village is bordered by
the Veli lagoon and the Arabian sea. The lagoon here is separated from the
sea by a narrow sand bar. Facilities at the village include watersports in
the lagoon and an 18 acre waterfront park with a floating bridge that
connects the village to the beach. Ph: 500785 (Open 10:00 am to 5:00 pm)
Boat
rentals: * Safari boat: Rs. 10/- per head * Speed boat: Rs. 120/- per
person * Pedal boat: 4 seater - Rs. 50/- for half an hour; 2 seater - Rs.
40/- for half an hour.
Thiruvallam - Thiruvananthapuram
This serene backwater stretch, enroute to Kovalam, is famous for its canoe rides.
Akkulam Boat Club - Thiruvananthapuram
A
very popular picnic spot with boating facilities on the lake and a
children's park with a swimming pool. Ph: 443043, (Open 10:00 am to 5:00
pm)
Boat
rentals: * Safari boat: Rs.15 per head * Speed boat: Rs.150 for four
persons Entrance: * Children's park: Adults: Rs. 2; Children: Re. 1 *
Swimming pool: Adults: Rs.15; Children: Rs.10
Bolghatty Island - Ernakulam/Kochi
This
island is famous for its palace of the same name. The Bolghatty Palace was
built in 1744 by the Dutch and later taken over by the British. Today it
is a hotel run by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation, with a small
golf course and special honeymoon cottages.
Willingdon Island - Ernakulam/Kochi
Named
after Lord Willingdon, a British Viceroy to India, this man-made island is
surrounded by beautiful backwaters. The island is the site of the city's
best hotels, customs and trading centres, the port trust and the
headquarters of the southern naval command.
Once the capital of the powerful Zamorins, a prominent trade and commerce centre and the land of the Malabar Mahotsavam, Kozhikode was the most important region of Malabar in the days gone by. Today, ancient monuments, lush green countrysides, serene beaches, historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries, rivers, hills, a unique culture and a warm, friendly ambience make this district a much sought after destination. Unexplored, unspoiled, the backwaters of Kozhikode hold great promises of enchanting holiday options. Elathur, the Canolly Canal and the Kallai river are favourite haunts for boating. Kadalundi, with its beautiful bird sanctuary is a charming site. Korapuzha, the venue of the Korapuzha Jalotsavam is fast becoming a popular water sport destination.
The northern most district of Kerala, Kasaragod is situated on the sea coast bordered by hilly Kodagu and Mangalore districts of Karnataka in the east and north. Fishing is a prime source of livelihood along with the coir and handloom industries. With its unique natural and cultural attractions Kasaragod is known as the land of gods, forts, rivers, hills and beautiful beaches. The Bekal Fort, which stands on a 35 acre headland that runs into the Arabiansea, is the largest and best preserved fort in the State. 30 km from Bekal, Valiyaparamba is perhaps the most scenic backwater stretch in Kerala. Fed by four rivers and dotted with numerous little islands, Valiyaparamba is fast turning into a much favoured backwater resort that offers enchanting boat cruises.
Chandragiri - Kasaragod
Situated on the Chandragiri river, south east of Kasaragod town, this town is known for its large 17th century fort built by Sivappa Naik of Bedanore. The Chandragiri fort, one of a chain of forts built by the same ruler, offers a breathtaking view of the river and the Arabian sea. It is a vantage point to watch the sunset. Boat trips to nearby islands and palm groves. Boarding point: Chandragiri bridge.
