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| Abha and Punit Narayan and their daughters, Megha and Mita, travelled from Allahabad to see the famous backwaters of Kerala. They wanted to spend as much time cruising in the waters, and experience the typical rural life of Kerala which was so different from North India.
Coastal Kerala is a land of lakes, lagoons, canals and rivers. The lush green atmosphere is created by paddy fields, coconut and spice plantations, and village farms. The people use boats rather than buses and cycles for their day to day travel. As you sail past, you will see them at their various occupations fishing, washing coir, drying spices and cashew, planting paddy, and even high up on the coconut trees, tapping the famous Kerala toddy |
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| Backwaters |
| Kollam (Quilon) |
A bustling centre of the coconut and cashew trade, Kollam or Quilon, is also the southern starting point for backwater cruises. Two of the major cruise operators are the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) and the Alleppey Tourism Development Cooprative (ATDC). A host of other private operators offer packages of different budgets and durations.
ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES
Boat ride to Alappuzha this
is the most popular cruise and can be done in 8 hours, or even spread
out over-night living in the houseboat. You can hire a traditional rice
barge that has been converted into a boat with living quarters and see
life go by as you cruise past the vast Ashtamundi Lake.
Sasthamkotta Lake this is Kerala's largest fresh water lake and is a beautiful picnic spot 29 km away from Kollam
Palaruvi Waterfalls This one of southern India's most scenic waterfalls and surrounded by dense forests. It is 69 km away from Kollam.
Krishnapuram Palace This palace converted into a museum is packed with antiques, paintings and sculptures.
Ethnic resorts
among the best attractions of Kollam is living in one of the
atmospheric resorts. Almost all are made in a traditional architecture,
and have ayurvedic spas and access to natural ponds and rivers. |
| Alappuzha (Alleppey) |
Situated on the banks of the huge Vembanad lake, this is the most developed centre for backwater tourism. It probably has more canals than roads and is known as the Venice of India. The annual Nehru Cup Snake Boat Race is an exciting event held in August. The entire region is known as Kuttanad and sums up the backwater experience in the best possible way.
ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES
Backwater Cruises
You will get the biggest choice of boat cruises from here, whether it
is a traditional rice barge (kettuvallam), small fishing boat or
motorised speed boat. Choose the trip according to the duration of time
that you want to spend.
Pathiramanal Island is a birdwatcher's delight, attracting thousands of waterbirds from all over the world. You can take a boat trip to the island.
Alappuzha Beach is a serene beach with a 150 year-old pier that leads right into the sea.
Krishna Temple, Ambalappuzha 15 km from the town, this is an important centre of pilgrimage in South India. |
| Kumarakom |
Originally a cluster of villages on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is now home to exclusive, super-deluxe resorts which give you the Kerala backwater experience in ultra luxury. However, great emphasis has been placed by most hotels on traditional architecture, aesthetic surroundings, and an eco-friendly ambience, making your stay all the more special.
ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES
Luxury boat rides
The highlight of Kumarakom is the luxury facilities you will have
private jetties with your resort and comfortable boats likened to floating villas complete with bedrooms, kitchenettes and butler service.
Mix of 5-star facilities and outdoor pleasures
Every resort in Kumarakom has its private leisure facilities such as a
swimming pool, spa and gourmet restaurants. At the same time you will
be in the midst of wilderness, surrounded by greenery and natural
waterways.
Ayurvedic treatments all the resorts here have ayurvedic spas where you can pamper yourself. |
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Experience Kerala (Theme holidays in Kerala) |
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How to Reach - Kerala Destinations |
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| Articles and Blogs | | National Geographic Traveler - Kerala, also known as Gods Own Country is a place to simply sit back and enjoy. The name means "land of coconuts," and the palms shade nearly the entire state from the tropical sun. | | Kerala Blog - Blog about Kerala - Kerala Blog on People, Culture, Traditions, Music, Video, Links, News, Articles, Tourism, Places etc., | | Official Websites | | Kerala Tourism - Kerala Tourism Government portal - Official website of Dept. of Tourism, covers Places of Interest in Kerala, Culture in Kerala etc., | | Kerala Government - Kerala Government portal covering diverse topics including health, tourism, culture, climate, Tenders and e-Governance. | | Other Useful Links | | Kerala Photographs - Stock Photography of Kerala: Find thousands of Photographs about People, Culture, Traditions, Music, Tourism, Places, Beaches etc., | | Bekal Resorts - Bekal Resorts is being developed as as an international standard Beach Tourist Destination. The Government is ensuring that Bekal retains its natural vegetation and pristine charm. | | Weather- Weather forecast for Kerala with a fast, easy to use interface. Includes weather maps, graphics and radar images. |
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