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Saturday, June 8, 2013

Kerala Backwaters

Location : Kerala, South India
Best time to Visit : Throughout the Year
Made of : A network of lakes, lagoons and 44 rivers

About the Backwaters
Kerala is often sobriquet God's Own Country and that's not for nothing as it is home to some of the most exotic locales on the planet replete with breathtaking natural beauty and amazing features. One such tourist magnet is the captivating beauty of the backwaters. Imagine yourself in a houseboat replete with all the luxury facilities that enhance your experience of feasting your eyes on the enchanting surroundings. Gently sway past lush fields and sandy beaches lined with palm trees as you witness a world that is totally unlike what you would have seen before. 


The backwaters are a network of lakes, lagoons, estuaries and over 44 lakes surrounding the coast of Kerala. The backwaters spread to thousands of kilometers with over 900 of that being navigable, serving as important trade routes for traders and navigators since centuries. The backwaters stretch almost to the entire length of the state from Cochin in the north to Kollamin the south. Kettuvallom, a traditional type of houseboat is a popular means of navigating the waters while modern constructions meant for tourists are replete with the most modern amenities such as rooms with attached bath, a living room, platform etc. An interesting thing about the boats is that these are constructed without using even a single nail. 

Do Not Miss
The backwaters are believed to have been formed in 1866 AD when floods from the neighbouring sea engulfed the area. The backwaters since then became an important means connecting the scattered areas and are still the only means of local transport. Several cities in Kerala offer exciting backwater cruise options. Lake Vembanand is the largest of them measuring around 83 km in length. Ashtamudi Lake and the backwaters of Allapuzha, also known as the 'Venice of the East' are other popular backwater destinations in Kerala. 

Other Attractions in Kerala
Kerala Beaches
The beaches of Kerala can compete with the best in the world, especially when talking of a laid back and relaxed atmosphere. The beach resorts are fine heavens of peace and tranquility that take you into another completely different world of easiness. Witness the breathtaking natural beauty, take a gentle stroll or just stretch your legs and sip on a cool coconut water drink.


Ayurveda Resorts
Ayurveda is the ancient art of wellness, practiced in India since the ancient times. The art has lived on through the times and exercised with absolute dedication at Kerala, perhaps more so than anywhere else on the planet. Numerous ayurveda resorts all over the state offer special ayurveda holiday packages for the tourists. Experience the rejuvenating and revitalising effects of Ayurveda at Kerala. 

Stay At
From heritage hotels to tree houses, you can experience it all at Kerala. Some of the best accommodation options at Kerala include Golden Water Retreat (Heritage hotel at Kumarakom), Hotel Taj Malabar (Deluxe hotel at Kochi), Coconut Lagoon (Ayurveda resort at Kumarakom), B-Six Holiday Resort (Tree houses at Munnar) and The South Park Hotel at Thiruvananthapuram. 

Getting There
By Air : Kerala is well connected to other cities in India and the world through its three airports at Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode and Cochin, with the one at Thiruvananthapuram also being an international airport receives flights from overseas as Colombo, Maldives, Dubai, Sharjah, Bahrain, Singapore etc. Domestic flights are available to and from major Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai etc. 

By Rail : Railway stations are located at nearly all the big and small cities of Kerala connecting it to other major cities in and outside the state. Trains are also available to and from destinations as New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata. 

By Road : An extensive network of well built roads criss cross the entire state connecting it with the rest of the country. Major national highways passing through the state are NH 47, 17 and 49. 

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