Backwaters of Kerala : Top 3
Compare the top 3 and pick the best suitable backwater destination
Kochi Backwaters
Chinese Fishing nets in the Kochi Backwaters.
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stuaries, lagoons, lakes and a network of interconnecting canals make the bulk of its backwater tourism. Kerala has plenty of backwater tourism hotspots, however some backwater destinations are immensely popular.
Kuttanad Backwater
Well, Kuttanad is the traditional name for a vast low lying region in southern Kerala.
Kuttanad saddles Alappuzha (Alleppey) and Kottayam districts.
The very geographical peculiarities makes this region unique and a major tourist attraction. Boasted as the 'Rice Bowl of Kerala' for obvious reasons, this is one of the few places on earth where farming is done at vast stretch of land lying below the sea level!
The hallmark of Kuttanad is labyrinth of shimmering waterways crisscrossing the lakes, rivers and rivulets and canals lined with thick coconut groves and unending rice paddy fields.
While at Kuttanad region, never miss to take a local canoe ride through one of the zillion narrow canals fringed with the tropical vegetation.
Get to Alleppey or Kottayam, these are your gateway towns to the heartland of Kuttanad.
Kumarakom Backwater
The sprawling Vembanad Lake and the many waterways connecting to it makes the heart of Kumarakom backwater tourism. The once marshy land fringing the Vembanad Lake is now teaming with a plethora of actions : farming, fishing , tourisms to name a few, and of course the bird life.
There are any number of resorts and tourism driven hotels located around this otherwise laid back village in Kottayam district. You'll see the likes of the upscale Tajs and Zuris rubbing shoulder with many local players.
Take a backwater cruise, check-into a houseboat, some of the local curries or slimly relax at a waterfront resort, that's what the actions for you at Kumarakom.
Get to Kottayam or Ernakulam and travel by road to Kumarakom.
Ashtamudi Backwater
The very name (8 branches) explains the topological complexity of this backwater system. Ashtamudi covers almost 30% of the Kollam district. Rather, the towns and villages of this district is located on the fringes of this backwaters. Kollam (Quilon) town is boasted as the gateway to to the southern backwaters of Kerala.
Take the 8 hours Kollam to Alleppey backwater cruise, one of the longest boat services in India.
On the fringes you can see the Chinese fishing nets, traditional coir making, tile factories and a lot of traditional kerala lifestyle.
So, that's about the top Backwater locations in Kerala. You may be also interested in exploring the backwaters on a shoestring budget.
Major Kerala Backwaters . See Backwaters of Kerala : Top 3
Kerala backwaters map showing the locations of Lake, Kayamkulam backwaters, Thottapally Lake, Kuttanad Backwaters, Vembanadu Backwaters, Enamavu backwater, Chettuva Backwater, Ponnani Backwaters, Kavvayi Backwaters, Valiyaparamba Backwaters, Padanna Backwaters, Padanna Backwaters, Thiruvallam backwaters,Aakkulam Lake,Kadinamkulam backwaters,Edava-Nadayara Backwaters,Paravur Backwaters, Ashtamudi Backwaters, Vattakayal
Ashtamudi Backwaters in Kollam
Railway line crosses the palm fringed Ashtamudi backwaters near Kollam (Quilon)
Major Kerala Backwaters . See Backwaters of Kerala : Top 3
Backwaters Map of Kerala
Kerala backwaters map showing the locations of Lake, Kayamkulam backwaters, Thottapally Lake, Kuttanad Backwaters, Vembanadu Backwaters, Enamavu backwater, Chettuva Backwater, Ponnani Backwaters, Kavvayi Backwaters, Valiyaparamba Backwaters, Padanna Backwaters, Padanna Backwaters, Thiruvallam backwaters,Aakkulam Lake,Kadinamkulam backwaters,Edava-Nadayara Backwaters,Paravur Backwaters, Ashtamudi Backwaters, Vattakayal