As traveling is currently off the table due to the pandemic situation, it is a good idea to utilize this time in mulling over the travel goals to achieve as soon as the lockdowns are lifted. How about a floating accommodation amid lush green imageries? No, you don’t need to think of a foreign destination for it. Such phenomenal travel concept is very much present in our own country- houseboat accommodations. The houseboats are major tourist attractions in places like Srinagar, Kerala, Assam etc. Unlike Dal lake’s houseboats, which are anchored at the shore, Kerala houseboats float amid picturesque scenes on both sides of the backwater. So, keep your bagpacks ready to float on backwater destinations in Kerala.
Alleppey is regarded as Venice of the East.
1. Alleppey Backwater
This is one of the most popular backwater destinations in Kerala, located in the southern part of India. The houseboats are called Kettuvallams in Malayalam which literally means tying the country boats. As the name suggests, these houseboats start floating from one point of the backwater in the morning and reach to the ending point by the evening. Then these Kettuvallams are tied on the edge by the coxswain where the tourists go for site scene around the nearby places. Alleppey is regarded as Venice of the East. There are different packages that are offered by the tour operators, such as traditional Ayurveda spa of Kerala, combo travel trips via houseboats, houseboat parties for over twenty people at once etc. And how can we forget to mention the mouthwatering traditional Kerala food, served while onboard? The fresh pineapples taste as heaven and the Kerala fish curry becomes the reason why you would choose this destination again and again.
Kollam is a coastal district and is popularly known as ancient port town of Kerala. It is also famous globally for cashew industry.
2. Kollam Backwater
This is one of the outstanding choices when it comes to choosing backwater destinations in Kerala. There are some extraordinary elements about this route in the Malabar coast. When you travel here on the boat, you will spot historical sights and ancient ruins from a distance, and next to you will be lush vegetation of the paddy fields. Kollam is a coastal district and is popularly known as ancient port town of Kerala. It is also famous globally for cashew industry. The backwater, that widens from Ashtmundi Lake, is perfect for a luxurious houseboat ride. You can spot ducks, migratory birds, floating pink lilies and lotus flowers while being on the houseboat. Not to forget the sumptuous food that the cooks prepare on the houseboat. The famous tourist attractions of Kollam are Chinese fishing nets, Portuguese Fort and the lighthouse at Thangasseri etc. The eight hours cruise trip feels even more beautiful during the monsoon.
The best time to explore this wonderland is during Onam festival when the canoe competition is held.
3. Kumarakom Backwater
This wonderful place is located near the Kottayam city in Kerala, where rivers and canals fall into Vembanad Lake, the largest lake in Kerala. This enchanting backwater destination offers exhilarating experience of activities like fishing, sight scenes and understanding marine life. On your way you can spot coconut groves, mangrove forests and green hills. You can do lots of interesting activities here, for example yoga, meditation, swimming etc. The best time to explore this wonderland is during Onam festival when the canoe competition is held. Kumarakom style Karimeen fry is the specialty cuisine which you must try while floating on the exotic water body.
This enchanting backwater destination offers exhilarating experience of activities like fishing, sight scenes and understanding marine life.
