Kerala is a land of rivers and long stretches of serpentine backwaters. Forty one west flowing and 3 east-flowing rivers along with its tributaries are the lifeline of evergreen Kerala. Stunningly delightful, the calm backwaters of Kerala are a soothing effect on ones senses. Essentially inland lakes connected by a network of canals this enclosure of watercourses is renowned the world over for its mind-blowing greenery. Annually, multitudes of tourists are rejuvenated on their travel to this land of interconnected waterways, inlets, lakes and riverine estuaries. The serenity and natural beauty in the brackish backwaters of Kerala have established it among the leading tourist jaunts in India. Cruising on the Kettuvallams or the houseboats is a heavenly pleasure, with the sound of water rippling alongside your houseboat as you drift past the swaying palms, green countryside, and emerald paddy field. A stay onboard a houseboat at night grasping the shinning beauty of the moonlit backwaters is a joy of infinite splendor. Similarly, observing the scenic landscape while sitting on Kettuvallams deck during the day is blissfully divine. The trained cooks prepare food on board the houseboat. You can halt at different destinations to explore its fascinations, before returning to your houseboat and the sail back into the tranquil appeal of the backwaters. Kollam is virtually the gateway to the fascinating backwater life of Kerala. Alappuzha backwaters have a vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers crisscrossing it. Renowned world over for its scenic beauty, leisurely life at Kumarakom Backwaters will revitalize you for the hectic life outside. Kumarakom Backwaters is an extraordinarily beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves along with waterways and canals filled with white lilies. Soothing sound of water ripples alongside your houseboat, as you drift on Kerala backwaters. Religious and festive events in Kerala include the Snake Boat races held in the backwaters near Alappuzha every year. Festival of the rowers skill is exhibited in the thrilling races between giant snakes boats amidst colourful decorations, music and great excitement. Kochi which consists of a cluster of islands is the apt place to start backwater cruise. Kappil, Kozhikode, Thiruvallam, Valapattanam and Valiyaparamba are also major backwater destinations in Kerala.

2. 1. ALAPPUZHA Known as Venice of the East A singularity of this district is the region called Kuttanad Rice bowl of Kerala www.easykerala.comwww.infokerala.in

3. 2. KAPPIL 53 km from Thiruvananthapuram 8 km north of Varkala Background of the Sea www.easykerala.comwww.infokerala.in

4. 3. KOCHI The Queen of the Arabian Sea. A clump of islands like Bolgatty, Vypeen, Gundu, Vallarpadam etc. www.easykerala.comwww.infokerala.in

5. 4. KOLLAM 71 km from Thiruvananthapuram The enchanting Ashtamudi Lake Covers over 30% of this lovely district www.easykerala.comwww.infokerala.in

6. 5. KOZHIKODE Kadalundi, with its beautiful bird sanctuary is a charming site. The venue of the KorapuzhaJalolsavam www.easykerala.comwww.infokerala.in

7. 6. KUMARAKOM 16 km from Kottayam This tiny unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests www.easykerala.comwww.infokerala.in

8. 7. THIRUVALLAM 10 km from Thiruvananthapuram Sapphire like backwater stretched on the way to Kovalam www.easykerala.comwww.infokerala.in

9. 8. VALAPATTANAM 7 km from Kannur Houseboats cruises are available from Valapattanam Jetty in Payyambalam www.easykerala.comwww.infokerala.in

10. 9. VALIYAPARAMBA 30 km from Bekal Fed by Four rivers and dotted with numerous little islands www.easykerala.comwww.infokerala.in

11. P C Chambers, AshirbhavanLane Kacheripady, Kochi - 18 +91 484 2391023, 4051532 mail@infokerala.in www.infokerala.inwww.easykerala.com