BACKWATERS

About the kerala Backwaters
The backwaters act as a vital waterway for the transportation of goods. For People live in some parts backwaters are the only link between isolated villages and crowded towns. In Kerala, the total expanse of backwater stretches over 1500 kms, with a network of 44 rivers, lagoons and lakes from north to south. Allappuzha which forms the main part of this network has the peculiar geographical feature of having the water in level with the land. This gives the advantage of getting a closer look at the village life on shore in Kerala while on a backwater ride.
A glide in a "Kettuvallam" (Houseboat) through the enchanting backwaters of Allappuzha is sure to rob your heart. Palm fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields and the neat tiny hamlets lined up along either sides of the canals are panoramic sights in Kerala one can never forget. The Chinese fishing nets, the reminiscent of Kerala's past trade links, are also found on the way. Flocks of ducks swimming around the banks and tiny birds flying across the sky remains as enduring pictures reflecting the charm of this unique land, thats Kerala. The sparkling water and the caressing cool wind is a temptation too strong to resist in Kerala. Country boats of various types crisscross the path with passengers from all walks of Kerala's rural life ranging from milkman and newspaper boy to local politicians, priests and wedding parties. It is a unique experience as this is as close as one can get to feel the vibrant life in the countryside of god's own country Kerala.

Allappuzha is one of the most important tourist centers in the state Kerala, with a large network of inland canals earning it the sobriquet "Venice of the east". These large network of canals provide Allappuzha its lifeline. Allappuzha was one of the busiest centers of trade in Kerala in the past with one of the best known ports along the malabar coast. Even today it retains its charm as the centre for Coir carpet industries and prawn farming. Allappuzha is the ideal headquarters for backwater tourism as well as for visits to the lovely church filled town of Kottayam, and the town of Aranmula, famous for its historic Aranmula Snake Boat Race which is an annual event of Kerala. KUMARAKOM is another backwater tourist center in Kerala state, The slender coconut palms standing here, there and everywhere, its never ending paddy fields, meandering lagoons and backwaters, mangroves nesting birds of a hundred varieties can peacefully calm and invigorate your mind with renewed inspiration for your vocation and life. That is the pristine beauty of Kumarakom, the part of Kerala. When nature is all you need to recuperate, Kumarakom is undoubtedly the most invigorating, fascinating paradise in God's own country, Kerala. Kumarakom the charming emerald peninsula jutting into the ever-effervescent Vembanad Lake takes you into the heart of the scenic lake where you'll come across plenty of traditional country crafts, boats and canoes which are famous in Kerala. The fresh water of the lake runs into the mainland making a labyrinth of lagoons, brooks, canals and waterways. Water birds, migratory birds, mangrove shores and the renowned bird sanctuary form their niche.