Kumarakom Backwaters; a paradise of enchanting beauty

Kumarakom on the banks of the famous Vembanad Lake in south India is a paradise of enchanting beauty. With its majestic streams and canals, Kumarakom weaves an intrinsic and enchanting beauty.

A cluster of small islands on the Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is part of the enchanting Kuttanad region. A paradise of emerald green paddy fields, mangrove forests and coconut groves, Kumarakom is a real heaven in Kerala.

While on a Kumarakom backwater trip, you can have peace and quite. Far away from the bustling city life, you can breathe in fresh air and rejuvenate your spirits.

Get into a houseboat and have a mesmerising trip on the Vembanad Lake. Wade through the calm waters of Vembanad Lake and imbibe the spirit of beauty. Go for an overnight cruise and watch the beauty of the moon clad green waters.

The Vembanad Lake is also a paradise of rare migratory birds. There is also a bird sanctuary here and one can come across herons, waterfowls, cuckoos, ducks and many more birds. The Siberian stork is a regular visitor here.

The enchanting streams, green paddy fields, swaying coconut palms all make Kumarakom Backwater an unforgettable experience.

Kochi Backwaters: have a charming experience

Kochi, the queen of Arabian Sea, is a miraculous backwater destination. Consisting of a group of islands, Kochi offers one of the best backwater experiences. Wade through the islands of Bolgatty, Vyppin, Gundu and Vallarpadam and imbibe the beauty.

Kochi backwater tour, endowed with tranquil and serene natural landscapes is really charming. Watch the green lawns sloping down to the water’s edge and watch the gigantic Chinese fishing nets that dot the beautiful green waters.

The tiny brooks, tranquil lagoons, exquisite islands and swinging coconut palms make Kochi one of the best holiday destinations. Get on to a Kettuvalam (house Boat) and wade through the calm waters and take home he beauty that you cannot experience anywhere else.

While on your Kochi backwater trip, you can also visit the various islands. Bolghatty Island offers a spectacular panoramic view of the backwaters. The Wellington island is also charming. If you want to visit a fishing village, take a ride to fort Kochi. The Mattancherry Palace and the St Francis Church are other places that could be included in your Kochi Backwater tour.

Kollam Backwaters: gateway to Kerala backwaters

Located on the banks of the Ashtamudi Lake, Kollam is known as the gateway to the exceeding beautiful backwaters of Kerala.

With its maze of lakes, rivers and lagoons, Kollam is a popular travel destination. You can explore real beauty of backwaters in Traditional Kettuvallams (house boats) here.

If you want to enjoy the glories of a backwater tour, you have to definitely take the 8 hour boat trip from Kollam to Alappuzha. The longest backwater cruise in Kerala, the Kollam --Alappuzha trip on a Kettuvallam offers the greatest delight. Wade through the lakes, canals and water-bound villages. You can also pass through "Cheenavala" or Chinese fishing nets, which are a great attraction along the backwaters.

While on your Kettuvallam cruise, you can pass through Alumkadavu village, which is 23 kilometers from Kollam. Alumkadavu is known for its boat building yard. It is here where the gigantic Kettuvallams were built.

How to reach

Air: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is the nearest airport, about 70 km away.
Rail: Well connected with all major railway stations of the country
Road: Excellent road network links Kollam to all major towns and cities in Kerala.

Kottayam backwaters; see nature in its true colours

Lofty Western Ghats on the east, Vembanad lake and paddy fields of Kuttanad on the west, Kottayam is a land of unique characteristics. A panoramic stretch of green backwaters, lush paddy fields, extensive rubber plantation and highlands all make your Kottayam backwater tour an experience in itself.

Sail past vast stretches of rubber plantations, where you can see tappers in action. Explore the fascinating blue waters while cruising along the backwaters of Kottayam. Get into a Kettuvallam (houseboat) and relish the special tropical dishes and the tropical toddy, which is a specialty of Kottayam.

Watch the hillocks sending its shadows on to the blue waters and watch the sunrays dancing on the vastness of Kottayam backwaters.

The Chandragiri Cruise is one that you should not miss while on your Kottayam backwater trip. Wade through the canals and rivers to the nearby islands and palm groves where you can see nature in its true colours.

Another view of the magnificent Vivekananda Rock Memorial and the Statue of Saint Thiruvalluvar.

Located at the southern most tip of the Indian peninsula, where the three seas -- Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean -- meets is Kanyakumari, a place known for its charming sunrises and sunsets. Out in the sea lies, about 400 meters away lies the magnificent Vivekananda Rock Memorial. Adjoining the Vivekananda rock lies a Statue of Saint Thiruvalluvar, the author of philosophical work 'Thirukkural', a treatise in Tamil on the Indian way of life.The Vivekananda rock temple is dedicated to one of the greatest spiritual philosophers of India, Swami Vivekananda. It is said that Swami Vivekananda meditated here before setting out on one of the most crucial religious campaigns in India in 1892. It is a popular tourist attraction.The Statue of Thiruvalluvar is 133 feet high including the pedestal, signifying the 133 chapters of the 'Thirukkural'.

All green: Green paddy fields stretching to the horizon is a splendid experience in Kerala

landscape

A beauty in itself: a backwater with its serene palm trees on the shores.

Kuttanad: a mesmerising houseboat experience

Kuttanad, surrounded by lush green vegetation, green waters and swaying palms is a must visit spot in Kerala. Kuttanad is a backwater paradise in the God’s Own Country, which gives you splendid memories. The backwater cruise in Kuttanad is an unforgettable experience.

Once wading through the backwaters in the houseboats, you cannot miss the glorious green paddy fields and also the swaying palms. It is really a mesmerising experience that you can take home.

There are hundreds of houseboat providers in Kuttanad and there will be no difficulty for you. The rates are also affordable. You can even enjoy a delicious typical Kerala food in the houseboats.

Fishing

Preparing to launch the catamaran: A scene from Vizhinjam, a fishing beach in Kerala.

Splash through the waters of Alappuzha

Alappuzha, known as the Venice of the East, situated in the southern state of Kerala, is one of the splendid backwater spots in India. The serene and placid waters lined with swaying coconut trees are a treat to the eyes. One cannot miss the peace and serenity that enlivens here. Feel the great experience and so when here in Kerala, do not miss Alappuzha backwaters.

Lying by the Arabian sea, sail in a Kettuvallam (Houseboat) to imbibe the beauty of a country side. Here in Alappuzha, the water is in level with the land, which gives you the advantage to have a closer look at the swaying paddy fields and the village life. Wade through the palm-fringed canals, which sway around paddy fields and tiny hamlets.

You will also come across Chinese fishing nets and ducks wading through the green waters. Well, a backwater cruise in the traditional Kettuvallam in the Punnamada Kayal is an experience that you will not forget in lifetime.

Alappuzha backwaters is also famous for the Snake Boat Races that are held in the month of September/October. Watching the giant snake boats, known as Chundanvalloms, splashing through the blue waters is really splendid.

Reaching Alleppey Backwaters

Air:
Nearest airport is Nedumbassery International Airport, which is about 90 kilometers away.

Rail/Train:
Alleppey railway station is an hour's drive from the backwaters.

Road:
Easily accessible by road as Alappuzha is well connected by roads.

Napier

Napier Museum, a 19th century structure, built in the Indo-Saracenic style is a charm of Thiruvananthapuram. The museum houses rare collection of archaeological and historic artifacts, ancient ornaments, bronze idols and ivory carvings.The Napier Museum building itself reveals and showcases the rich cultural heritage of Kerala.

Tiger Play: A performer painted in the form of a tiger is a common sight during the festival of Onam, a harvest festival in the state of Kerala in India. This performance is called as Puli Kali ( Puli means Tiger and Kali means play in the regional Malayalam language).

back beauty

kovalam

A beautiful Evening in Kovalam, one of the best beaches in Kerala.

Kerala backwaters; an enchanting experience

Kerala is a land of amazing backwaters. Nature is at its best in Kerala with its green hills, cascading rivers, beautiful paddy fields and golden beaches. Kerala, which is truly called as the God’s, is a land of greens. The glorious sunset, waxing moonlight, dancing paddy fields, swinging palms and calm green waters gives a splendid experience of a backwater holiday.

Backwaters of Kerala are unique in its nature with lagoons, deltas, lakes and rivers. The backwaters are also connected by a network of canals, which makes it so thrilling. Kollam, Alapuzha, Kumarakom, Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikkode are the places where you can enjoy your backwater holidays.

Kerala has become the most attractive backwater tourist spot in India, with thousands of tourists from various parts of the world enjoying the real splendour of the backwaters.

Well, the best way to enjoy the backwaters is to take a cruise on a Kettuvallam (house boat). You can have luxurious ride on a houseboat and enjoy the green paddy fields and lovely palm fringed banks. It is really an enchanting experience in the Kettuvallams.

A pleasant evening

Serene Kovalam

Its Kovalam, one of the marvellous beaches in India. Palm-fringed bays, boundless blue waters of Arabian Sea, golden sands and rocky promontories makes Kovalam a beach paradise.

Kathakali

Come on dear, lets go; A Kathakali artist helping his colleague to get up.
Kathakali, a classical Indian dance originated in the state of Kerala during the 16th century AD, is noted for its attractive make up of characters, their elaborate costumes, detailed gestures and well-defined body movements presented in tune with the playback music and percussion.

Mesmerising beaches; dash to God’s Own Country

Kerala, the 'God's Own Country', is one of the most beautiful places with mesmerizing beaches, pristine backwaters, lush greenery and beautiful hill stations. Kerala is one of the major tourist destinations in the world. Once in Kerala, you will be enchanted with the beauty that you feel to visit again and again. Kerala is truly the God’s Own Country.

The sun and the golden sand blend at the Kerala beaches. Just relax in the golden sands or stretch out in the shades of palm trees or drink tender coconut. Once here in the Kerala beaches, you feel completely rejuvenated. ...read more here...http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1352591/mesmerising_beaches_dash_to_gods_own.html