Kerala throws more surprises at you than any other land. The small, green slip of a State in the down South of India, languishes with her feet in the Arabian Sea and head resting on the lush pillows of Western Ghats hills, can present you a multi-faceted personality. She assumes a sunny and warm look on a clear day, a bewitching smile on Moony night, an awesome look instilling fear in dark night or rainy day. But, seen from the vast expanse of the backwaters when the sliver of moon plays hide and seek with clouds, she looks a stunningly beautiful bride, smiling coyly at you.

Interconnected waterways, rivers, lakes and inlets make up the Kerala backwaters that stretch to 900-1500 kilometers, though not all are easily navigable. When cruising on a safe houseboat steered by experienced oarsmen a visitor gets lost in pleasant world, singing a Wordsworthian ode to Nature’s captivating ways. “Even the atheist gets divine feelings,” wrote a German traveler after experiencing the bewitching face of moonlit Kerala backwater cruise. Small wonder, Kerala backwaters proved the favorite haunt of honeymooners from inland and abroad.

The Kerala backwaters are a network of brackish lagoons and lakes lying parallel to the Arabian Sea coast that stretches between 900 km to 1500 km though not all are easily navigable. Formed by the to-and-fro motion of sea waves and shore currents, backwaters offer the best tourism option to visitors any time of the year.

Alappuzha ( Alleppey) Backwaters Traveling on a luxurious houseboat in the backwaters of Alappuzha, you would truly be transported to a different world. Alappuzha-Kollam waterway is the easiest and smoothest for backwater cruise. Floating on sometimes narrow canals, some other times on wide expanse of water along the palm-fringed waterway or across vast paddyfields  in the backdrop of long strings of hamlets make you feel wonderful. Today, comfortable houseboats offer yoga and Ayurveda therapy in the boats or the numerous resthouses along the waterway. Kumarakom in Kerala is a beautiful backwater destination. Located on the picturesque Vembanad Lake Kumarakom has to be seen to be believed. Kumarakom consists of a cluster of islands which have been converted into a number of tourist resorts. Popular with the discerning luxury tourist, Kumarakom is a must visit on your Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater.

Kumarakom Backwaters  Kumarakom is enthralling. It opens the amazing vista of seamless water-sheets and sea beyond. The advantage of Kumarakom is it not only affords you the enchanting backwater cruise but gives you a peek into the bird sanctuary nearby. Numerous winged guests from far and wide of the Globe fly in to hatch in their summer resorts. The blue backwaters and the surface of Vembanad Lake, the largest backwater body of Kerala, reflect the azure sky, making you romantic and loving. Variety of vegetation comprising mangroves, coconut palms, and paddy fields cover the verdant countryside. Channels and waterways wind their way through this green paradise. Patches of  blooming water lilies and lotuses invite you to a dalliance. Get a nourishing healthy food and an Ayurveda massage and you will be brimming with joy and wellbeing.

Kollam (Quilon)  Backwaters Formerly Ducth Quilon, Kollam on the southern Kerala, is gateway to Kerala backwaters. The backwater cruise from Kollam will take you across the Ashthamundi River, which evoked many a Nature poets to pen odes to this rippling river. Villages along the cruise still sport olden houses and occasional palm-thatched huts. Watch local fishermen netting fish in their dangerously swaying puny canoes.    Houseboats, big and small, are aplenty. If you insist you might get a fishing canoe to get in and feel the difference. And, you could, if you wish, take a dip in the shallow side of the backwaters or swim around. But the Ashtamudi Lake reveals her lethal charm on moonlit nights. A trip in a boat watching the dark canvas above and resplendent water below is something you and your lover will never forget.   Boat trip is extremely cheap, and facilities for ethnic food, drink and Ayurveda massage are arranged.

Kuttanad backwaters Kuttanad Backwaters was once vast undulating paddy fields called the rice bowl of Kerala.Today, much resorts have taken over but it still retains major chunk of canalas and backwaters that afford you boat travel. The scenic countryside of Kuttanad Backwaters is breathtaking especially in Monsoon stretching from June-September.   Kuttanad is wedged between the sea and the hills. Kuttanad is an amazing labyrinth of shimmering waterways composed of lakes, canals, rivers and rivulets. Lined with dense tropical greenery, it offers a glimpse into the rural Kerala life-styles. The view changes from narrow canals and dense vegetation to open vistas and dazzling green paddy fields. Delicious seafood and facilities for herbal massage, yoga amply  available. Those who love tranquillity of waters must get in to Kuttanad.

Cochin (Kochi) Backwaters  Have a date with Nature. Come to Kochi (Cochin), hailed as one of the world’s best natural harbor. Cochin backwaters infuse a new life and energy into you. The best way to explore the backwaters is on houseboats. There are all kinds of houseboats suiting every pocket: from midget to massive, two-storied boats equipped with all ultra modern facilities. In lighter vein they are called Botel. Lie comfortably on the couch and begin a love affair with Nature. There are also humbler varieties that help budget traveler.  Houses precariously perched on the embankments, palms and trees making a green canopy along, numerous birds circling around or flying to the destination only they know—all this will infuse a calm in you that takes over the mind and body. This is also a lens man’s paradise as it offers countless opportunities to click on Nature’s varied moods.

Kozhikode (Calicut) Backwaters . Visitor to enjoy Kozhikode backwaters get to see the lovely beach that look like a painter’s vision of perfect beach, row on boat or canoe along the Kallai River and Canoli canal.  Sail to the Kadalundi bird sanctuary locateda a score or more kilometers on an island on the Kozhikode backwaters and see exotic bird species in their natural habitat. Also worth the while will be a short sail in the Pookot fresh water Lake on your Kerala Backwater Tours.

Thiruvallam Backwaters in Thiruvananthapuram  Lovely Thiruvallam lies at a point where the serene waters of the River Karmana and River Killi meet. Enjoy the shadow-play of sunrays and lustrous Thiruvallam backwaters; A kaleidoscope of colors under the warm sun, Thiruvallam backwater body gives you a serene boating. Part of the package is a tour to the Akkulam Boat Club and the Veli Tourist Village nearby.