Kerala backwaters are an endless sensual feast. Overnighting in a houseboat that floats its way quietly through the palm fringed waterways that sample some of the most beautiful locale on earth, is best defined - 'sheer exotica'. And that too when your houseboat recalls of the star cruises replete with all amenities like one or two rooms with the bath joint, an opened living room, a platform and a crew of three being composed of a cook, a oarsman and a guide. The services of Dormitory are also available for tourists. Don't miss the sight of little marine fish swimming all around your houseboat and the Chinese fishing nets, which are believed to have been introduced into Kerala by the traders from Kublai Khan's court.


What are the backwaters? Technically, the network of channels, lakes, lagoons and estuaries of over 44 rivers emptying in the Arab sea, make up the backwaters of Kerala. Over 900 km of these backwaters are navigable and have served as transportation routes for the localites. The network basically stretches from Cochin - the northern gateway, to Kollam (or Quilon) - the backwaters' southernmost end. The localites sail in traditional houseboats or Kettuvalloms, about 80 ft long and constructed by attaching wooden boards and cords made in thimble coir (coconut) without employing a single nail.
The best cruises The lake Vembanad is the central and the largest stretch of Backwaters in Kerala measuring 83 kilometers length, and crosses three zones before reaching the sea with the port of Kochi. The lake Ashtamudi, literally eight arms signifying the eight mudis or canals that veins a major portion of Kollam district, is the second largest stretch and is considered the gateway to the backwaters. However, the most picturesque stretch is around Alappuzha, nick-named 'The Venice of the East' because of its famed palm-fringed canal network, the intricate byways and narrow streams that allow travelers to ferry across. The snake boat races add to the visual erotica.


The making of the backwaters These lagoons and the lake Kayamkulam were formed in 1866 A.D, when the large flood enveloped the top of the old ports. These backwaters then became routes between the interior ground and the sea. Fishermen find the backwaters spread their nets and go back home loaded with fresh marine fish. Other than being the apple-pie of Kerala tourism, the backwaters connect villages together and are still the only means of local transport.

What not to miss

• After you are done with romancing the backwaters, you should treat yourself to an weekend at one of tree house Resorts - wooden lodges roosted high up on trees in the forests of Kerala. Some enticing and innovative bytes that will leave your mouth watering are innovative cane basket lift which are balanced by a counterweight of water and farm fresh organically grown fruits and vegetables in your cuisine.
• For those interested in trying their hand in fishing, angling rods are provided on request. Nature trails and peek-a-boo with the wildlife in the neighboring area are other options you should check out.
• Ashore Vembanad lie the top-notch resorts of Kumarakom and nearby Bird Sanctuary where migratory birds from lands as faraway as Siberia come between November and March.
• The Alleppey backwaters come alive with the war cry of the boat racers during the Nehru Trophy Boat Race, with 130 ft long snake boats having 100 rowers, 4 helmsmen and 25 cheerleaders each. Held on the second Saturday of August on the Punnamada backwaters, this is a favorite venue of globe-trotters and photographers.