The Backwaters is one of the major tourist destinations of Kerala, being unique to the state.
Backwaters in Kerala is a network of 900 kilometers of canals both manmade and natural, 38 rivers and 5 big lakes extending from one end of Kerala to the other. It is basically a natural phenomenon, as major rivers and streams that flows within Kerala drain themselves into backwater regions, resulting in the creation of several small land strips, lagoons, islands and deltas etc., which opens into the sea at few areas. Thus backwaters are one of the largest fresh-water sources and rich in marine habitat as well as it adds to the natural beauty. While hill resorts and beaches can be found in other parts of India, the backwaters are unique to Kerala.
The most beautiful and accessible part of the backwaters is the Vembanad backwater stretch. Vembanadu Lake is the longest lake in South Asia and has a rich bio-diversity. The north Vembanadu Lake opens into the sea at Cochin Harbor, the southern part of the lake is world-renowned for its natural beauty and large expanse of water. At Kuttanad farming is done on islands below sea-level and sea water is prevented by using mud bars and lagoon strips. Mostly rice is grown here, and when watering is needed, the farmers open up canals that allow water from the lake to flod the fields. The farmers live on these islands and are fishermen as well as farmers. Each night at sunset they go out in small boats to fish and return the next morning with their catch. The islands are not connected to the main land so all transportation is by boat.
Many visitors to the backwaters stay on houseboats, but there are also several resorts dotting the backwaters, some of which are five star luxury resorts, while others are converted ancestral homes where you can stay with the family and have a feel of the local culture and cuisine.
A cruise aboard a traditional rice barge is a wonderfully relaxing way to explore the watery paradise of the Kerala Backwaters. These giant 25 meters long crafts are converted into luxurious, furnished houseboats with one or two en-suite bedrooms, dining area and deck, crewed by a captain and one or two further crew who cater your needs while you cruise along watching life along the riverbanks. You can combine a river cruise with stops for sightseeing in temples, towns, villages and national parks. Usually such a cruise will last overnight, where the houseboat is anchored at a beauty spot for the night, and continues the next morning. Some cruises last for several days. The houseboats are not allowed to sail after sunset, mainly due to the fishing boats that go out on the lake at this time to return the next morning. Recently some houseboat operators have started innovative programs to engage guests, by providing them fishing in the backwaters and allowing guests to make a catch and eat it according to the local style of cooking.
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