Backwaters

Backwaters refers to the network of waterways stretching from Kollam in the south to Cochin in the north and includes lakes, lagoons, rivers, canals and channels. This is a beautiful area where you can visit small villages and enjoy the countryside and birdlife – either from a backwater resort or from the decks of a houseboat. Many of the resorts are on the banks of the vast Vembanad Lake. This region of the backwaters, called ‘Kuttanad’, is known as the rice bowl of Kerala and is one of the most beautiful and interesting areas.

Backwaters – East Bank

Kumarakom is a small village on the eastern bank of Vembanad Lake. There is a bird sanctuary located in this area.

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Backwaters – West Bank

The West Bank is a spit of land sandwiched between Vembanad Lake and the Arabian Sea. Villages in this area include Muhamma, Cherthala and Eramalloor.

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Backwaters – Kuttanad

Kuttanad (or Kuttanadu) is the area of backwaters south of Vembanad Lake with four of Kerala’s major rivers flowing into it and is known as the rice bowl of Kerala. It is one of the most beautiful and interesting areas. Kuttanad has the lowest altitude in India and is one of the few places in the world where farming is carried out below sea level.