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Alappuzha "Venice of the East", figures prominently on the tourist trail as one of the major centers for backwater boat trips, served by ferries to Kollam and Kottayam in particular. One of the best-known ports along the coast of Malabar, it is often referred to as the 'Venice of the East'. Alappuzha 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 while on a backwater ride. Sailing along in a 'Kettuvallom' through the enchanting backwaters of Alappuzha 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 sights one can never forget. One can glimpse Chinese fishing nets, flocks of ducks swimming around the banks and tiny birds flying across the sky. It is as close as one can get to feel the vibrant life in the countryside of God's own country. 

Alappuzha is famous for the snakeboat Races held here every year around the time of the Onam festival. The giant snakeboats called Chundanvalloms, race against each other for the prestigious Nehru Trophy. Prime Minster Jawaharlal Nehru donated the trophy after he received an unforgettable reception along the waterways of Alappuzha. Teams of rowers seated on the long snakeboats with their curving prows battle it out for the honor of winning the Nehru Trophy. Crowds throng the edge of the waterways where the race is held. Many tourists come to Alappuzha to see this exciting event. Alappuzha wears a carnival atmosphere during the boat races held at the Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha. You can see the exhilarating snakeboat races of Alappuzha on Kerala tours with Kerala backwater.

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QST and R BLOCK Kayal: 

Extensive areas of land have been reclaimed from the backwaters and are protected by dikes built around. A leisurely cruise along the canals that surround these kayals is a memorable experience. Situated in Kuttanad popularly known as the rice bowl of Kerala, QST & R Block Kayals (backwaters) remind the visitor of the famous dikes of Holland. A striking example of the indigenous agricultural engineering know-how, here cultivation and habitation are made possible at four to ten feet below the sea level. For this purpose extensive land has been reclaimed from the backwaters and is protected by dikes built around it. A leisurely cruise along the canals here is a memorable experience. 

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Pathiramanal: 

Located about 14 kilometers from Alappuzha. This little island lies between Thaneermukkam and Kumarakom. Legend states that a young Brahmin dived into the Lake Vembanad to perform his evening ablutions and the water made way for land to rise from below, thus creating this enchanting island of Pathiramanal (Sands of Midnight). This little island is a favourite haunt for hundreds of migratory birds from different parts of the world. It is accessible only by boat. 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 Thaneermukkam and Kumarakom, and is accessible only by boat. It takes 1½ hour by motorboat 30 min, by speedboat from Alappuzha. 

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Kuttanad:

This is the one of the places in the world where land is cultivated1.5 -2 meters below sea level. Inland waterways that flow above the land level are an amazing feature of this land. Kuttanad is the heart of the backwaters of Kerala. This beautiful countryside with its waterways also has a rich crop of banana, Cassava and yam. It bears strong resemblance to Holland in terms of geographical features.

Three rivers, namely Pampa, Manimala and Achankovil, crisscross the length and breadth of Kuttanad. Until a few years back, water was the main mode of transportation, though today buses and trains ply in the region.

However, so unique is the landscape that a boat trip is irresistible, not only for tourists but natives as well. Kuttanad, known as the 'rice bowl of Kerala' because of her wealth of paddy crops, is the very heart of the backwaters.

Kuttanad is a backwater paradise and an ideal destination for a backwater cruise in Kerala. Its innumerable streams, channels, waterways and lakes make it possible to drift along in a houseboat and enjoy the scenic view of the Kerala countryside. Your Kerala Backwater tours of Kuttanad are sure to leave you with unforgettable memories. Your houseboat will be trailed by flocks of ducks, coir workers processing coir look up from their tasks and wave as you pass by, otters and water birds can be seen on the edges of the waterways, and the sound of rippling water is a soothing lullaby as you sail along on a houseboat through the backwaters of Kuttanad. Gather a host of unforgettable memories while on tours in Kuttanad.

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Kumarakom 

Kumarakom is a beautiful backwater destination. Located on the picturesque Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom has to be seen to be believed. Kumarakom consists of a cluster of islands which have been converted into a number of tourist resorts. Popular with the discerning luxury tourist, Kumarakom is a must visit on your Kerala tours. 

Kumarakom is enthrallingly beautiful. The blue backwaters and the surface of Vembanad Lake reflect the azure sky. The amazing shades of green of the vegetation that include mangroves, coconut palms, and paddy fields cover the verdant countryside. Channels and waterways wind their way through this green paradise. Water lilies and lotuses bloom in the water and birds from the bird sanctuary on Vembanad Lake call as they fly across the clear tropical sky. 
While in Kumarakom you can enjoy the attractions of your tourist resort, have an ayurvedic massage, try fishing or bird watching and have a relaxing holiday while on Kerala tours. The birds you can see at the Vembanad Sanctuary in Kumarakom include, terns, gulls, herons, lapwings, kingfishers, stilts and Brahmin Kites. If you're a nature lover you're sure to be enchanted by the natural beauty of Kumarakom.


Kumarakom is situated 15 km from Kottayam on the Vembanad lake is best described as a picturesque clean village like most places in Kerala. The enchanting backwater destination of Kumarakom is a small village in Kottayam. Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake in Kerala. The bird sanctuary here spread across 14 acres of any ornithologist's paradise. This enchanting backwater destination offers visitors many leisure options. From wandering into the depths of its wildlife sanctuary to cruising down the back waters and fishing, Kumarakom is perfect for a lazy and laid back holiday. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands, as hundreds of swaying verdant coconut palms lining the rivers lean to brush the tops of your heads. Kumarakom is an example of nature at her best in the fragrant flowers, the riot of multi coloured birds, the surrounding greenery and the clear waters.

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The Bird Sanctuary: 

A water-bird sanctuary lies at the edge of the grounds of an old estate where a profusion of all kinds of birds can be observed. Domestic birds such as cuckoo, wild duck, egrets, darters, herons, teal, and water fowl can be seen in abundance here, as much as can the Siberian storks which migrate to this area each year. Thekkady, a major wildlife center lies 114 km from here, and Sabarimala, a Hindu pilgrim center is 134 km from Kottayam. The nearest airport is the Kochi International Airport, which is about 76 kms from Kottayam town. Kottayam is the nearest railhead to Kumarakom, about 16 km away and provides a link to all major cities in Kerala and India with numerous trains plying its route daily. The nearest bus terminal, is also at Kottayam. We offer complete travel and tour packages to the beautiful backwaters of Kumarakom that are inclusive of hotel booking, air booking services as well as cab and car hire services for the entire duration of your stay there. Our Kumarakom tour packages are irresistible and cost effective travel options that offer you the holiday of your lifetime. Kumarakom is located on the Southern coast of India enjoys a well-balanced tropical climate. The lowest and highest temperatures recorded are 16.10 C and 37.80 C. There is always a cool, fresh breeze, which makes even the warmest weather readily agreeable. The South West monsoon is from early June to early August. The peak tourist season is from November to March. 


A boat ride into the countryside can offer a close look at the life in the villages. There are fishermen in their small boats looking for fish while the women, neck-deep in water, search for the shy but tasty Karimeen fish with their feet. Or you could stay awake at night when fishermen glide over the dark waters with a flaming torch in their left hand and a net in their right. The fish, attracted by the light, are scooped up in the net.

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Kottayam 

Kottayam is a beautiful Kerala backwater destination. This historic town is also famous for many churches and temples and for its role in the history of Kerala. The beautiful Vembanand Lake and its associated backwaters border Kottayam district on the West. There are hill ranges to the East and the Ernakulam district to the North. Kottayam is located in an area of great natural beauty and you're sure to be enchanted by the scenery around.


The name Kottayam is derived from Kotta and Akam and means the inside of a fort. Kottayam has a long history. The local rulers of Munjanad and Thekkumkur used Kottayam as their headquarters. Maharaja Marthanda Varma of Travancore defeated the local rulers and annexed Kottayam. With its fertile fields and transport links through the backwaters, Kottayam was a lucrative prize. You can see the ruins of the old palace and fort of the local rulers of Kottayam on your backwater tour.

Kottayam is an important center of Christianity in Kerala. There are many famous churches in Kottayam including the St Mary's church and the St Joseph's monastery. Some of the famous temples in Kottayam are the Ettumanoor Shiva Temple known for its paintings and sculptures and the Thirunakkara Mahadeva temple.

Kottayam was the first town in Kerala to achieve 100% literacy among the adult population. Because of the many rubber plantations in Kottayam and the beautiful Vembanad Lake, Kottayam is known as the "Land of Letters, Latex and Lakes." 

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Kollam (Quilon) 

Located 71 km to the north of Thiruvananthapuram, this historic coastline district known for its marine and cashew industries was one of the oldest ports on the Malabar coast and a major international trading point in days gone by. 

The district also has some interesting historic remnants and a number of temples built in the traditional ornate architectural style. Around 30% of this historic town is covered by the renowned Ashtamudi Lake, making it the gateway to the magnificent backwaters of Kerala. 

The long 8 hrs boat trip from Kollam to Alappuzha is the best and most comprehensive introduction to the delights of Kerala's backwaters as one passes through lakes, canals water-bound villages. The famous "Cheenavala" or Chinese fishing nets can also be seen along the backwaters.

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Alumkadavu 

If you are fascinated by a Kettuvallom cruise on the backwaters, then you must pay a visit to Alumkadavu. The little place in the town of Karunagapally just 23 km from Kollam is where it all begins. Hub of the Kettuvallom building industry, Karunagapally has hundreds of artisans who can be seen busy at work putting together a traditional houseboat like it has been done for hundreds of years. 


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