Backwaters of Kerala
A magical cruise through emerald waters.
The dominant colours are the deep green of paddy fields and palm groves, the azure blue of the sky and the golden shimmer of the sun on the ripples of the waterways.
Kerala is said to have sprung from the ocean. All along its coast, these exotic backwaters, canals, lagoons and inlets create an intricate maze that stretches for 1900 km across the land.
Begin your journey at Alappuzha, floating slowly past coconut palms dipping down towards the water and serene villages, as the moving landscape creates a living portrait of Kerala's rural life. Other country crafts will go by, some carrying a load of fresh bananas or coir, others filled with people travelling to nearby villages. At Kumarakam, a 14-acre bird sanctuary, that is accessible from Alappuzha, by the vividly beautiful Vembanad Lake, see the nesting storks and a variety of water fowl.
Some of the most unforgettable scenery is on another waterway from Alappuzha that leads up to the ancient port of Kollam, winding up the Pampa river to the island hamlet of Chempakkulam and then into the Karumadi canal. Here stands the statue of Karumadi Kuttan, believed to be of the Buddha, beside the ruins of an ancient Buddhist settlement.
In the rain-drenched months of August and September, the backwaters come riotously alive to the spectacular water regatta - the Snake Boat Races. The Chundan Vallams - sleek 30 metre long boats with prows shaped like snake's hoods and manned by over a hundred rowers, streak across the water to the reverberating roar of spectators. As a colourful pageant of elephants, dancers and musicians perform in celebration. Another exciting Snake Boat Race is held during the Great Elephant March in January.
The luxurious way to enjoy the backwaters of Kerala is on one of the luxury cruises operated by
A magical cruise through emerald waters.
The dominant colours are the deep green of paddy fields and palm groves, the azure blue of the sky and the golden shimmer of the sun on the ripples of the waterways.
Kerala is said to have sprung from the ocean. All along its coast, these exotic backwaters, canals, lagoons and inlets create an intricate maze that stretches for 1900 km across the land.
Begin your journey at Alappuzha, floating slowly past coconut palms dipping down towards the water and serene villages, as the moving landscape creates a living portrait of Kerala's rural life. Other country crafts will go by, some carrying a load of fresh bananas or coir, others filled with people travelling to nearby villages. At Kumarakam, a 14-acre bird sanctuary, that is accessible from Alappuzha, by the vividly beautiful Vembanad Lake, see the nesting storks and a variety of water fowl.
Some of the most unforgettable scenery is on another waterway from Alappuzha that leads up to the ancient port of Kollam, winding up the Pampa river to the island hamlet of Chempakkulam and then into the Karumadi canal. Here stands the statue of Karumadi Kuttan, believed to be of the Buddha, beside the ruins of an ancient Buddhist settlement.
In the rain-drenched months of August and September, the backwaters come riotously alive to the spectacular water regatta - the Snake Boat Races. The Chundan Vallams - sleek 30 metre long boats with prows shaped like snake's hoods and manned by over a hundred rowers, streak across the water to the reverberating roar of spectators. As a colourful pageant of elephants, dancers and musicians perform in celebration. Another exciting Snake Boat Race is held during the Great Elephant March in January.
The luxurious way to enjoy the backwaters of Kerala is on one of the luxury cruises operated by
Welcome to Dream Holiday India
Kerala Tourism. Elegantly furnished and completely equipped to handle anything from a conference to a holiday cruise.
If you are looking for a relaxing, idyllic holiday in a picturesque setting, the palm trees and sun dipped waterways of Kerala wait for you.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
HOW TO GET THERE
There are airports at Thiravananthapuram, Kochi and Calicut. With international flights to Thiruvananthapuram as well, the state's major towns and cities are well connected by train and road.
WHERE TO STAY
In Thiruvananthapuram-Chaithram Hotel. Hotel Highland. Hotel Pankaj. Hotel Luciya Continental.
CUISINE
Kerala's cuisine is deliciously spiced with pepper, turmeric, cardamom and tempered with coconut milk. Try the fresh sea food, hot toddy-flavoured pancakes, pineapples and bananas.
SHOPPING
Handcrafted wood work, bell metal lamps, cotton fabrics, bags and woven coir mats.
FESTIVALS
The harvest festival of Onam is a time of song, dance and feasting. The Pooram festival at Trichur in April/May is a spectacle of caparisoned elephants, a torchlight procession and fireworks.
If you are looking for a relaxing, idyllic holiday in a picturesque setting, the palm trees and sun dipped waterways of Kerala wait for you.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
HOW TO GET THERE
There are airports at Thiravananthapuram, Kochi and Calicut. With international flights to Thiruvananthapuram as well, the state's major towns and cities are well connected by train and road.
WHERE TO STAY
In Thiruvananthapuram-Chaithram Hotel. Hotel Highland. Hotel Pankaj. Hotel Luciya Continental.
CUISINE
Kerala's cuisine is deliciously spiced with pepper, turmeric, cardamom and tempered with coconut milk. Try the fresh sea food, hot toddy-flavoured pancakes, pineapples and bananas.
SHOPPING
Handcrafted wood work, bell metal lamps, cotton fabrics, bags and woven coir mats.
FESTIVALS
The harvest festival of Onam is a time of song, dance and feasting. The Pooram festival at Trichur in April/May is a spectacle of caparisoned elephants, a torchlight procession and fireworks.
| Climate : | Summer: (Mar. to Jun.) | Warm |
| Monsoon : (Aug. to Sep.) | Warm | |
| Winter : (Oct. to Feb.) | Mildy warm and pleasant | |
| Clothing: | Throughout the year - Cottons |
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» Backwaters Of Kerala
» Island Holidays
» The Lure Of The Jungle
» Leh, Lahaul, Spiti & Kinnaur
» Dharamsala and Macleodganj
» The Golden Triangle
» The Desert Adventure
» The Heart of Heritage
» The Buddhist Circut
» The Great Pilgrimage
» Goa
» Mamallapuram
» The golden temple of Amritsar
» Backwaters Of Kerala
» Island Holidays
» The Lure Of The Jungle
» Leh, Lahaul, Spiti & Kinnaur