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.

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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.

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.

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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.