God's
Own Country, Kerala is famous for its backwaters, which have played a major
role in the Kerala Tourism industry. Kerala Backwaters consist of a network
of lakes, canals, lagoons and estuaries of 44 rivers falling in the Arab
sea. The backwaters of Kerala stretch over 900 kms and form a specially
attractive and economically valuable feature of the state. Kerala Backwaters
were once the trade route of the state, the boats used to carry coconut,
rubber, rice and spices through these waterways. Even today, the Kerala
Backwaters connect remote villages and islands with the main areas of the
state. Houseboats are the principal mode of transport on Kerala Backwaters.
As you float on a houseboat, the beauty of the serene backwaters and the
green countryside will enchant you. In addition the soothing sound of water
rippling alongside your houseboat provide a unforgettable experience
Alapuzzha Backwaters
Alapuzzha earlier known as Alleppey is the most popular backwater
destination of Kerala. There are several waterways and canal which make the
region fair and fertile. Alapuzzha is an ideal beginning point for Kerala
Backwaters tour. The cruise through winding canals and backwaters to
Kottayam is above the world experience. Apart from a backwater destination,
Alapuzzha is a major centre for coir and carpet industries. Alapuzzha is
also famous for its Snake Boat races usually held in the month of August
every year.
Kumarakom Backwaters
Kumarakom is situated 13 kms away from Kottayam, on the eastern bank of
Vembanad Lake. The thirst-quenching rivulets and canals channelled between
wild flora and water lilies make Kumarakom an ideal place for backwater
cruises. The breathtaking beauty of mangroove forests, the green paddy
fields and the vast expanse of coconut grooves welcome to every nature
loving tourist. The Vembanad Lake and the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary are two
major attractions of Kumarakom. The resorts at Kumarakom offer comfortable
stay alongwith plenty of leisure options like ayurvedic message, yoga,
meditation, boating, fishing, angling and swimming.
Kochi Backwaters
Kochi or Cochin is popularly called as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea."
Boasts of a natural harbour, Kochi is one of India's most interesting
cities. Kochi is amongst the famous backwater rotues of Kerala, as many
backwater cruises begin or end in the town. A journey through Kochi
backwaters will enchant and refresh you. From time immemorial, Arabs,
Chinese, Dutch and Portuguese sea farers followed the sea route to Kochi and
left their impressions here. In Kochi you can see the oldest church of India
and many ancient temples. Major attractions of Kochi are Fort Cochin, Dutch
Palace, the Jewish Synagogue and St. Francis Church. Other attractions are
the Willington Island, Vypeen Island and the Bolghatty Island.
Kollam Backwaters
Kollam
stands on the banks of the Ashtamudi Lake at a distance of 71 kms from
Trivandrum. The old port city of Kollam is now the centre of Cashew nut
processing and trading industry. Kollam offers a unique mean of seeing
Kerala Backwaters through the nine hour boat ride from here to Alleppey. The
boat cruise spends the day chugging through the lakes and canals and stop at
water bound villages on the way. The trip provides a unforgettable
experience as you will see Chinese fishing nets, churches, houses, farms and
a range of scenery and human activity. Kollam is also rich in ancient
monuments, historic temples and rock cut caves.
Trivandrum Backwaters
Trivandrum or Thiruvanathapuram is the capital of the state of Kerala. The
beautiful seaside city, built on seven hills has a lot to offer to the
various eyes of the tourists. Thiruvananthapuram means the abode of the
sacred Serpent Anantha on which Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the Hindu
trinity, rests. Some of the major attractions of Trivandrum are the
Kanakakunnu Palace, the Napier Museum, the Natural History museum and the
Sri Chitra Art Gallery.
Kerala Backwater Holiday Package
Duration: 4 Nights / 5 Days
Destinations Covered: Cochin
> Kumarakom
> Alleppey
> Cochin
Day 01: Arrive Cochin
Meeting and assistance on arrival by our representative and transfer to the Hotel. The commericial capital and most cosmopolitan city of Kerala is Cochin (Kochi), is also known as Queen of Arabian Sea. It is one of the finest natural harbours of the world, this was once a major center of commerce and trade with British, Arabs, Chinese, Portuguees, Dutch etc. Afternoon you will be taken for a city tour of Cochin, which covers Jew Synagogue, Dutch Palace, St.Francis Church, Chinese fishing net etc. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 02: Cochin - Kumarakom by surface (90 kms/56Miles)
After breakfast drive to Kumarakom and check-in at the hotel , Kumarakom is the loveliest village in Kerala blessed with natures rare gifts is on the eastern side of vast Vembanad Lake. Kumarakom provides boating, fishing and sightseeing experiences that are too exhilarating. An exclusive attraction of this much sought after backwater resort is Kumarakom bird sanctuary. Rest of the day free at Hotel. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 03: Kumarakom
Early morning visit of Bird Sanctuary by walk. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is an ornithologist's paradise and favourite haunt of migratory birds like the Siberian Stork, egret, darter, heron and teal. A cruise along the Vambanad lake is the best way to view the bird life. Rest of the day you are free at Hotel. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 04: Kumarakom - Alleppey by surface (176 kms/110)
After breakfast drive to Alleppey and check-in at the House Boat. Referred to as the Venice of the East by travelers from across the world, this backwater country is also home to diverse animal and bird life. By virtue of its proximity to the sea, the town has always enjoyed a unique place in the maritime history of Kerala. Alappuzha has grown in importance as a backwaters tourist each year, attracting several thousand of tourist. Alappuzha is also famous for its boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches., marine products and coir industry. Rest of the day you will be in House Boat. Overnight at House Boat.
Day 05: Alleppey - Cochin by surface (63 kms/39Miles)
In time transfer to Cochin Airport/Railway station to connect flight/train for onward destination.
