
Kerala, known as God’s Own Country, is a stunning state in southern India. Any top Kerala tour contains a visit to the serene backwaters. This state is firstly famous for its serene landscapes, rich cultural aspects, and lush greenery.
Among its many tourist spots, Kerala’s backwaters stand out as a unique and stunning experience. That has further drawn tourists from around the world. Here’s why you should put its charming backwaters at the top of your list.
1: What are the Kerala Backwaters?
The Kerala backwaters tour from Trivandrum are a network of brackish lagoons, lakes, rivers, and canals. That stretch parallel to the Arabian Sea coast. These waterways connect five large lakes and countless smaller bodies of water. That firstly creates a unique and complex eco system. Spanning over 900 km, the backwaters have been the lifeline for local people for years. It meanwhile supports a rich cultural aspect and a way of life. That further remains linked to nature.
The main spots include Alleppey, Kumarakom, Kollam, Kasaragod, and Kottayam. Each of them further offers its own unique aspect of these water bodies. That lies amidst the lush paddy fields, swaying palms, and stunning regions.
2: The Beauty of Houseboat Cruises
One of the best ways to explore Kerala backwaters is by cruising on a local houseboat. That is locally known as a kettuvallam. Mainly used for transporting rice and spices, these houseboats have been turned into floating hotels.
They gets complete with bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and often even open air upper decks. Further, the experience of gently gliding through the backwaters in a houseboat is enjoyable. That meanwhile offers tourists a rare chance to soak in the peace of the nearby.
The houseboats come in various types. That ranges from budget to lavish, allowing you to design your experience. For instance, a day cruise lets you experience the backwaters briefly.
On other hand, an overnight stay immerses you in the natural beauty and peace. As the boat moves through the water, you’ll see palm fringed shores and fishing regions. Meanwhile, you come across the ancient temples, and people going about their daily lives. All these things further give a living snapshot of Kerala’s cultural charm.
3: The Rich Ecosystem and Wildlife
Kerala’s backwaters are not only scenic; but they also teem with bio diversity. The brackish waters support various eco systems. That ranges from lush paddy fields to dense mangroves.
They meanwhile attract a wealth of wildlife on your top Kerala tour. Bird watchers will be happy to spot species for example kingfishers, egrets, herons, and cormorants. Vembanad Lake, one of the largest lakes in state, is mainly famous for bird watching. Mainly at the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, where foreign birds come in droves.
In addition to birds, the backwaters are home to many marine species. That further include fish, crabs, and prawns. Some areas are famous for small islands with dense vegetation.
There, you may spot otters and other small mammals during top Kerala tour of yours. Tourists can explore the backwaters. It meanwhile allows tourists to connect with nature in an ideal way. That provide a window into Kerala’s diverse eco system.
4: Cultural and Traditional Immersion
A journey through Kerala’s backwaters isn’t just about nature. It is further about immersing yourself in the local culture and customs. The small regions filling the waterways showcase a unique way of life.
That has evolved over years and years. You’ll see fishermen casting nets, women weaving coconut leaves, and families working in rice paddies. That further give insight into a lifestyle rooted in simplicity and bonding with the land.
Many houseboat operators offer stops at ancient Kerala regions. There, you can witness local art forms, for example Kathakali dance or Kalaripayattu (a martial art). You may also get the chance to savor famous Kerala dishes.
One of them is for example Kerala sadhya (a veg feast served on a banana leaf). You may meanwhile try freshly caught seafood. These things give tourists a deeper knowledge of Kerala’s rich culture. Above all, it is a chance to support local people.
5: Ayurvedic Healing and Wellness
Kerala is famous as the birthplace of Ayurveda. It is one of the world’s oldest whole wellness healing systems. Many resorts along the backwaters offer Ayurvedic treatments.
That range further from massages to detox programs, designed to revive the body and mind. The peace of the backwaters offers the perfect setting for resting and healing. They meanwhile makes it an ideal place to experience Ayurveda in its real form.
Imagine starting your day firstly with a serene backwater cruise. After that, enjoy an Ayurvedic massage and yoga session amidst the soothing sounds of nature.
There is a unique blend of natural beauty, ease, and healing. That has made Kerala’s backwaters a famous wellness spot.
6: Spectacular Sunsets and Sunrises
The Kerala backwaters offer some of the most stunning sunrises and sunsets you’ll ever see. Imagine the sky awash with hues of pink, orange, and gold.
That further reflects off the tranquil waters as you sip on a cup of local tea. These moments are a photographer’s dream. Above all, they provide picture perfect moments of your time in Kerala.
For many tourists, sunrise and sunset cruises are among the highlights of a backwater experience. Early mornings are quiet, with mist rising over the water and birds starting their day.
While the evenings bring a special glow as the sun dips below the horizon. These experiences further leave tourists feeling deeply bonded to the natural world. Here, they can meanwhile create moments that last a lifetime.
7: Sustainable and Eco friendly Tourism
The Kerala backwaters are a prime example of viable tourism done right. Kerala’s govt has taken steps to protect the climate while promoting responsible tourism methods.
Many houseboats are laced with solar panels, bio toilets, and waste treatment systems. That further reduce their impact on the climate.
Further, stay at eco resorts or local home stays along these water bodies. That not only reduce the climate footprint but also offers tourists with an ideal experience.
By choosing viable options, tourists can help preserve the backwaters for future years. Meanwhile, tourists can support local people.
8: Planning Your Trip to Kerala’s Backwaters
The best time to visit Kerala’s backwaters is during cooler, drier months. That remains from October to March. This period offers pleasant weather and the chance to enjoy outdoor sports.
That too without the discomfort of the summer heat or monsoon rains. However, the monsoon season from June to September has its own charm. During that, the landscape turns highly lush and green. That further creates a surreal experience for those who don’t mind a bit of rain.
Alleppey, also known as the Venice of the East. It is often known as the backwater capital of Kerala.
That further makes it a famous starting point for houseboat cruises. Kumarakom is one more ideal option, mainly for bird lovers. If you prefer a quieter, less tourist crowd, try going to backwaters in Kollam or Kasaragod.
Conclusion
The Kerala backwaters offer an experience unlike any other. There, you can float on tranquil waters among the stunning scenery. Tourists going on top Kerala tour can connect with a rich culture during it.
Meanwhile, they can immerse yourself in a unique eco system. Whether you are seeking ease, thrill, or cultural charm. In short, the backwaters provide some thing for each tourist.
Kerala’s is working to save its natural beauty and promote viable tourism. It firstly ensures that the backwaters will continue to attract tourists for years to come.
If you are looking for a destination that meanwhile combines nature, wellness, and culture. Then Kerala’s backwaters are a must add to your travel list.