| Backwaters & Beaches |
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| Nothing in this world can
parallel a cruise through the placid backwaters of God's Own Country,
where the blue expanse of the sky merge with the green of the water to
create a unique and magical world. Fringing the banks are the palms and
picture-perfect villages.
The best way to encounter the fascinating lifestyle and soak in the serenity of backwaters is to hire a houseboat and embark on a two days trip from Kollam, the gateway of backwaters to Alappuzha, the Venice of the East. |
| Alumkadavu Halfway enroute to Alappuzha from Kollam is the quite little backwater village of Alumkadavu, famed for its boat building yard. It was here the gigantic "Kettuvallam"s for carrying goods were made. When the modern means of transport took over the place of Kettuvallam, the bright entrepreneurs converted it into present day houseboats with all amenities. |
| Kuttanad
The very heart of backwaters, surviving the occasional traffic blocks caused by squadrons of duck. Glimpses of village life at close quarters fill you with awe and the tranquil cruise the the backwaters makes you calm and restful. |
| Pathiramanal For nature lovers, a trip on boat to this little island abot 14 kms from Alappuzha town will be rewarding. This island is a favourite haunt of hundreds of rere migratory birds from different parts of the world. |
| Vembanad
Lake The largest lake in Kerala, located about 16 kms from Kottayam town. Cruise along the Vembanad lake to observe and experience the Kumarakom bird sanctuary, located on its banks, which is an ornithologist's paradise. |
| Valiyaparamb About 30km from Bekal Fort is Valiyaparamb, the most scenic backwater stretch in Kerala. Fed by four rivers and dotted with numerous little islands is fast becoming a favourite backwater resort. |
| Thiruvananthapuram The capital city is also not without its cruising options with the Veli Tourist Village and Aakkulam Boat Club. About 6 km from the city is Thiruvallom, a serene backwater stretch enroute to Kollam. It is the meeting place of two rivers Killi and Karamana. |
| Long stretch of cost, lined with sandy beaches, rocky promontories and coconut trees form the quintessence of Kera.la. Most of India's finest beaches are in Kerala, virtually extending upto 900 Kilometers. |
| Kovalam A hippy idyll now transformed into a business beach with tourists coming from everywhere in the world enticed by its charm and its popularity among the sun-worshipping travellers. Kovalam consists of three palm fringed beaches - The Lighthouse Beach, Hawah Beach and the Kovalam Beach. |
| Sanghmugham Beach Located just 6 kms from Thiruvananthapuram, a favourite place for sunset watchers.. Adjoining it is the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport and the Veli Tourist Village . |
| Varkkala Has quiet, secluded stretch of sand to be seen and a great myth to be heard.The Papanasam beach in Varkala is known for its mineral springs and rocky cliffs. |
| Thangassery Beach Just 6 kms away from the Kollam town, is seaside villagege of historical importance with ruins of an old Portuguese fort and churches built in the 18th century. The lighthouse here is open to public. |
| Ernakulam On the coast of the Arabian Sea is a cluster of islands. Cochin, the commercial capital of the State is other wise called the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea'. Boardering the Vypis isalnd is the Cherayi beach, where dolphins occasionally make visit. |
| Kappad Moving towards north from Ernakulam, we reach, Kappad near Kozhikod, where Vasco da Gama landed in 1498 AD. |
| Bekal Kasaragod, on the northern most tip of Kerala is Kasaragod, situated in the sea coast. Kasaragod is famous for its gods, rivers, hills and beautiful beaches. Bekal fort, one of the best preserved forts in Karala, looking into the sea is really a hauting sight. |