The state Kerala is known God's Own Country for all the right reasons. Cruising aboard the houseboats, sailing past lush fields, hamlets, and wooded lands will convince you this might be the most beautiful place on earth.
But where exactly you should visit to witness the best of Kerala's backwaters?! Well, you can find your answer in this post. Right from popular tourist destinations to the little-known paradises of Kerala are listed in this blog!
1. Kumarakom
Kumarakom is renowned for its bird sanctuary. The backwaters of Kumarakom are surrounded by white lilies, paddy fields and mangrove forests. The tiny hamlets by the canals puts on a show, flaunting Kerala's local heritage. The lush surrounding of this paradise make it one of the best places to visit in Kerala for someone longing for peace amidst nature's lap. If you're visiting Kerala for Ayurvedic treatments and therapies, make sure Kumarakom tops the list.
2. Alleppey
When we talk about Kerala Backwaters, Alleppey is always in the mention and is often a highlight in Kerala tour packages. Also known as Venice of the East, Alleppey boasts a massive network of inland canals. Tourists from around the world come over to this city, to cruise and spend their nights onboard the traditional houseboats called Kettuvallams.
This is where you'll come across magnificent beaches where you can relax and indulge in different water activities. Alleppey is a significant destination for people taking the Kerala backwaters tours, as they either start or end here.
3. Kollam
Kollam is counted among the oldest ports on the Malabar Coast. Beautified by one of Kerala's most beautiful lakes, Ashtamudi, Kollam is famed for its ever-flourishing cashew industry. The city is made prettier with floating water lilies and chirps of beautiful birds.
Often the tourists take the 8-hour long backwater tour from Kollam to Alleppey. The traditional houseboats aboard which the travelers cruise, often come with local chef who cook delicious South Indian cuisine for you to savor while cruising.
4. Kasaragod
A lesser-known destination in the Kerala backwaters, Kasaragod is an ideal escape for those who want to unwind amidst nature, far away from tourist crowd. This is where you'll come across the real heritage of Kerala. The locals are friendly and would love to show you around.
The Oyster Opera is a lovely place where you can get to know more about oyster farming. The landscape of Kasaragod is adorned with Western Ghats, babbling Chandragiri River, beaches, forts, and temples.
5. Kuttanad
The lowest place in India, Kuttanad is located below average sea level. It is also known as Rice Bowl of Kerala. With that being said, it is apparent that agriculture is the main source of income for locals living here. So, on your visit to Kuttanad, expect to come across spanning fields of cassava, yam, and banana. The lush paddy fields of this place act as a magnet for colorful birds, which indeed is a highlight for nature and bird lovers.
So, the listed ones were among the best places in Kerala to visit if you're looking for an amazing backwaters experience. Hope this list helped you to pick the best option whether you wanted famous spots or offbeat locales.