1. Alappuzha - Canal Cruise
If you are cherishing the idea of spending some good time amidst
the sights and sounds of the hydrosphere, then step into a country boat
and wind through the labyrinth of canals in Alappuzha. While cruising through these canals, one would come across the many interesting aspects of day-to-day life on land and water.
A wide range of cruise options are available here - from small country boats to luxury houseboats and small speedboats to big passenger motorboats. Small boats are preferred for cruise through the canals.
The canal networks linked to the Vembanad Lake offer an inspiring and interesting experience. Enjoy the sights of vast stretches of paddy fields, coconut lagoons and pied King Fishers hurtling down to catch the fish. You would also come across small islands, locals engaged in fishing activities on country boats, children b You could also drop in at villages on the banks to check out the techniques and procedures of coir making. It's also a chance to try out the ethnic cuisine from local eateries. Tapioca and fish delicacies and coconut toddy, the natural beverage extracted from coconut trees, are the highlights of backwater cuisine.
If you are in Kerala, don't miss a cruise through the canals of Alappuzha. Boats can be hired from the jetty, close to the KSRTC bus station.
Nearest airport: Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 85 km
A wide range of cruise options are available here - from small country boats to luxury houseboats and small speedboats to big passenger motorboats. Small boats are preferred for cruise through the canals.
The canal networks linked to the Vembanad Lake offer an inspiring and interesting experience. Enjoy the sights of vast stretches of paddy fields, coconut lagoons and pied King Fishers hurtling down to catch the fish. You would also come across small islands, locals engaged in fishing activities on country boats, children b You could also drop in at villages on the banks to check out the techniques and procedures of coir making. It's also a chance to try out the ethnic cuisine from local eateries. Tapioca and fish delicacies and coconut toddy, the natural beverage extracted from coconut trees, are the highlights of backwater cuisine.
If you are in Kerala, don't miss a cruise through the canals of Alappuzha. Boats can be hired from the jetty, close to the KSRTC bus station.
Getting there
Nearest railway station: Nearest railway station: Alappuzha, a few kilometres away.Nearest airport: Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 85 km
2. Alappuzha - Kochi cruise
Are you a bit tired of walking to explore God's Own Country? How
about a backwater cruise, enjoying the comfort of a luxurious houseboat?
You can hire one from Alappuzha. Feel free and relaxed as your eyes,
first lazily and then passionately enjoy the bewitching Vembanad Lake,
the largest backwater stretch in Kerala.
Let us steer towards Kumarakom, one of the prime tourist attractions of Kerala. En route, Vembanad Lake offers you sights of backwater village life and a lot of backwater activities. The green shores throbbing with vigour and pure beauty will never tire you. The soft sunlight lends the calm water a new enchantment as the palms on both shores welcome you with a gentle whisper in the wind. Your mind will assure you that this scene will remain within you, to relieve you during all your busiest hours.
Once you enter Q S T and R Block Kayal, it is an added enchantment. It is situated at Kuttanad, popularly known as the rice bowl of Kerala. Cruise leisurely through the canals, which are fringed by palm groves and paddy fields.
On reaching Kumarakom, you enter another world of wonders. This small backwater village, which is a cluster of islands, has a life of its own, with a slow, serene rhythm. The sights, sounds and fragrances will simply captivate you.
After staying back at Kumarakom for a bit and relaxing, you may proceed to Vaikom. It is time again to enjoy the placidity of the Vembanad Lake, in all its splendor. On the way, you will find a small island, Pathiramanal, seemingly afloat in the middle of the backwater. Have a brief stop and your guide can share with you many interesting myths surrounding this region.
On resuming your journey, the next halt point for you is Thanneermukkom, a village known for its Salt Water Barrier, popularly known as Thanneermukkom Bund. It is the largest mud regulator in India. Travelling through this region and savoring some delicious Kerala snacks is a simply marvelous experience.
Your next backwater destination - Vaikom offers you many interesting sights and lifestyles. You may find here the specimens of Kerala's grand tradition. A famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is the prime attraction of this town. The refreshing greenery here is another add-on for you.
From Vaikom, after recharging with a delicious Kerala meal, you may proceed to Kumbalangi. We travel via Thykkattussery, a small village surrounded by coconut groves and paddy fields, enchanting constituents of backwater life. The first sight that welcomes you to Kumbalangi is that of majestic Chinese fishing nets lining the sides of the backwaters. Pokkali cultivation, a traditional indigenous method of cultivation in which the practice of taking a paddy crop is followed by prawn filtration, is a unique farming practice at Kumbalangi.
Once through the breezy backwaters of Kumbalangi, it is time for us to proceed to Fort Kochi, known for its share of Chinese fishing nets and many historic sites. The place is worth a walk, if you would like to. However, the sights from on board are also fascinating.
Bidding adieu to Fort Kochi, let us steer towards the Bolghatty Island, our final destination. En route to the Bolghatty Island, you would pass by the panoramic view of the mainland of Ernakulam city, its skyline and the shipyard on the eastern side. Once in Bolghatty, it is time for us to unwind. Loosen yourself to the soothing cool breeze and the reassuring touch of serene sunlight.
Sweet is the memory of the last few hours that is sure to haunt you fondly for all the years to come. Disagree? Try the trip and you certainly won't.
For conducted tours and backwater cruises in Alappuzha,
Contact the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC):
Ph: +91 477 2253308, 2251796
Email: info@dtpcalappuzha.com
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 85 km from Alappuzha Town
3. Alumkadavu, Kollam
Let us steer towards Kumarakom, one of the prime tourist attractions of Kerala. En route, Vembanad Lake offers you sights of backwater village life and a lot of backwater activities. The green shores throbbing with vigour and pure beauty will never tire you. The soft sunlight lends the calm water a new enchantment as the palms on both shores welcome you with a gentle whisper in the wind. Your mind will assure you that this scene will remain within you, to relieve you during all your busiest hours.
Once you enter Q S T and R Block Kayal, it is an added enchantment. It is situated at Kuttanad, popularly known as the rice bowl of Kerala. Cruise leisurely through the canals, which are fringed by palm groves and paddy fields.
On reaching Kumarakom, you enter another world of wonders. This small backwater village, which is a cluster of islands, has a life of its own, with a slow, serene rhythm. The sights, sounds and fragrances will simply captivate you.
After staying back at Kumarakom for a bit and relaxing, you may proceed to Vaikom. It is time again to enjoy the placidity of the Vembanad Lake, in all its splendor. On the way, you will find a small island, Pathiramanal, seemingly afloat in the middle of the backwater. Have a brief stop and your guide can share with you many interesting myths surrounding this region.
On resuming your journey, the next halt point for you is Thanneermukkom, a village known for its Salt Water Barrier, popularly known as Thanneermukkom Bund. It is the largest mud regulator in India. Travelling through this region and savoring some delicious Kerala snacks is a simply marvelous experience.
Your next backwater destination - Vaikom offers you many interesting sights and lifestyles. You may find here the specimens of Kerala's grand tradition. A famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is the prime attraction of this town. The refreshing greenery here is another add-on for you.
From Vaikom, after recharging with a delicious Kerala meal, you may proceed to Kumbalangi. We travel via Thykkattussery, a small village surrounded by coconut groves and paddy fields, enchanting constituents of backwater life. The first sight that welcomes you to Kumbalangi is that of majestic Chinese fishing nets lining the sides of the backwaters. Pokkali cultivation, a traditional indigenous method of cultivation in which the practice of taking a paddy crop is followed by prawn filtration, is a unique farming practice at Kumbalangi.
Once through the breezy backwaters of Kumbalangi, it is time for us to proceed to Fort Kochi, known for its share of Chinese fishing nets and many historic sites. The place is worth a walk, if you would like to. However, the sights from on board are also fascinating.
Bidding adieu to Fort Kochi, let us steer towards the Bolghatty Island, our final destination. En route to the Bolghatty Island, you would pass by the panoramic view of the mainland of Ernakulam city, its skyline and the shipyard on the eastern side. Once in Bolghatty, it is time for us to unwind. Loosen yourself to the soothing cool breeze and the reassuring touch of serene sunlight.
Sweet is the memory of the last few hours that is sure to haunt you fondly for all the years to come. Disagree? Try the trip and you certainly won't.
For conducted tours and backwater cruises in Alappuzha,
Contact the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC):
Ph: +91 477 2253308, 2251796
Email: info@dtpcalappuzha.com
Getting there
Nearest railway station: AlappuzhaNearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 85 km from Alappuzha Town
3. Alumkadavu, Kollam
Alumkadavu is where the first houseboats in India were built.
Located north of Kollam district, the waft of coir and wood is always in
the air of this village. And the reason: It is a major centre for the
construction of kettuvalloms
(traditional rice barges) which are later modified into houseboats for travellers.
The houseboats eventually take shape at the hands of skilled
craftsmen of the village, who make sue of local and eco-friendly
materials like wood, bamboo poles and coconut fibre.
Alumkadavu is also a coir manufacturing centre, making Kollam famous for its coir products.
Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport, about 95 km away.
Getting there
Nearest railway station: Karunagappally railway station, about 5 km away.Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport, about 95 km away.
4. Backwater stretches of Ashtamudi
So called because of its 8 arms or channels, Ashtamudi Lake is the
gateway to the backwaters. This 16 km long lake is the second largest in
Kerala, finding its way into the sea through the Neendakara estuary.
The District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) Kollam provides boat rides
as well as houseboat cruises. The trip between Kollam and Alappuzha is
one of the most popular and longest backwater cruises in Kerala. The
eight-hour journey will give you an intimate experience of the famed
waterways. Catch a glimpse of one of the many splendours of Ashtamudi
backwaters. As the boatman gently dips his paddle, without disturbing
the prevailing calm, the ripples spread out gently in the shimmering
golden hue of the sun.
Contact details of DTPC Kollam:
Ph: +91 474 2745625, 2750170
Website: http://www.dtpckollam.com
Getting there
Nearest railway station: Kollam Junction, about 2 kmNearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport, about 70 km
5. Chithari - a small tropical island
Green and beautiful, a little effaced by the historic Bekal Fort and beach, Chithari is still a virgin destination. The island is accessible only by boat, often wooden canoes that belong to the locals. A part of the Bekal Tourism Project, this backwater area has all it takes to become a mega tourist destination. Chithari is located 7 km from Kanhangad.
Getting there
Nearest railway station: Kanhangad, about 5 kmNearest airport: Mangalore, about 50 km and Calicut International Airport, about 200 km
6. Kumarakom
The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and is part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teals, waterfowls, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian Stork visit here in flocks and are a fascinate the visitors.
An enchanting backwater destination, Kumarakom offers visitors many other leisure options. Boating and fishing facilities are available at the Taj Garden Retreat, a sprawling old bungalow-turned-resort.
Waterscapes, the backwater resort of the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation has independent cottages built on stilts, set amidst coconut groves and panoramic view of the backwaters. Holiday packages involving houseboats, traditional Kettuvalloms (rice barges) offer great experiences.
Getting there
Nearest railway station: Kottayam, about 13 kmNearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 94 km
7. Marine Drive - A popular hangout in Kochi
Marine Drive in Kochi, is a popular hangout and this scenic stretch offers a spectacular view of the backwaters and the Kochi Harbour.
Shopping malls, cinema halls, restaurants, cafés and supermarkets line the drive. The Rainbow Bridge and the International Tourism Boat Jetty Complex are other attractions here.
Getting there
Nearest railway station: Ernakulam, about 3 kmNearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 29 km
8. Mannanam in Kottayam
Besides being associated with the Blessed Father Kuriakose Elias Chavara, Mannanam is the seat of the first seminary of the Malabar Church (1833), the first Catholic Sanskrit School in Kerala (1846), the first private printing press, CMS Press started by Rev. Benjamin Bailey (1846), and the first daily newspaper in Malayalam, the Deepika (1887).
The Chavara Art Museum at Mannnam preserves a brilliant repertory of church history.
Cruise tours in Mannanam
District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) Kottayam provides an enchanting boat journey through the Pennar Canal to the picturesque backwater districts of Alappuzha and Ernakulam. Accommodation for tourists are available at the Mannanam DTPC Tourist Home.For details contact, District Information Officer:- +91 481 2562558
Getting there
Nearest railway station: Kottayam, about 11 kmNearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 83 km
9. Munroe Island
Located 27 km from Kollam, is Munroe Island. Formed by the backwaters of Ashtamudi Lake and Kallada River, this island is named after Colonel Munroe, the British Resident of erstwhile Travancore State. He is credited with having integrated several backwater regions by digging canals. The discovery of stone age tools and megaliths stand testimony to the antiquity of this islet which shelters a quaint little village.
DTPC offers unique country craft cruise at Munroe Island in this typical backwater Island village of Kerala, which provides at true life of Kerala.
Trip operates Two times a day
Morning Cruise from 0900 hrs
Afternoon Cruise from 1400 hrs
Tariff:- Rs.500/- per person
Contact details:-
DTPC Kollam
Ph: +91 474 2745625, 2750170
Getting there
Nearest railway station: Munroe Island, about 3 kmNearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport, about 84 km
10. Valiyaparamba backwaters, Kasaragod
Located 30 km from Bekal, Valiyaparamba in Kasaragod district of Kerala, is perhaps the most scenic backwater stretch in the state. 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.
Getting there
Nearest railway station: Payyanur, about 9 km awayNearest airport: Calicut International Airport, about 175 km away
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