Begin your life together with an unforgettable journey to a green paradise, when you enjoy a honeymoon in Kerala Backwaters. Imagine you and your loved one relaxing on a houseboat and floating along a tranquil Kerala Backwater. Feel as if you're the only people in the world as you travel through the placid waterways. Hear no voices other than the murmur of rippling water, the whisper of the wind rustling among the palm fronds and the sound of birds calling as they fly across an azure sky. Lie back and count the stars in the velvet sky of the tropical night, as you anchor on the banks of a Kerala backwater.

Wake up and see breath-takingly beautiful countryside on your honeymoon in Kerala Backwaters. The fertile green land, abundant sparkling water and clear blue sky come together in harmony, in the mesmerizing scenery of Kerala Backwaters. Visit the beautiful destinations of Kumarakom, Vembanad, Kuttanad and Cochin, when you travel with Kerala Backwater. Lie back on your houseboat and trail your fingers through the warm ripples of the backwaters, where the river and the sea combine. Take a boat cruise in Cochin harbor and see the sun sink below the horizon, as the Chinese fishing nets form delicately beautiful silhouettes on the backdrop of the vermilion sky, on your honeymoon in Kerala Backwaters.

Be amazed by the natural beauty of the landscape around you in Kerala backwaters. Verdant paddy fields shine with an emerald glow in the early morning sunshine. Bright new banana leaves and palm fronds sway in the breeze, children laugh and wave as you pass by on your houseboat, and the lives of the local people, in the villages along the Kerala backwaters, continue in a timeless flow of the river of life.

Flow along with the backwaters of Kerala and experience a journey like no other, when you enjoy a honeymoon in Kerala Backwaters. Build a lifetime of memories of your journey together, through a Garden of Eden in God's Own Country. Let Kerala Backwater take you on Kerala tours and offer you an unforgettable honeymoon in Kerala backwaters.

Travel on Backwater Cruises in Kerala with Kerala Backwater and experience a delightful journey to a land where earth, sea and sky come together in harmony.

The backwaters of Kerala are a series of interconnected waterways, lakes, inlets and riverine estuaries that form an intermeshed network along the coast of Kerala, India. The local people of the Kerala backwaters, travel on these waters and carry out their traditional occupations, such as farming and fishing on its fertile banks. The scenic beauty of the backwaters has also led to its being developed as a tourist destination in recent times. You can travel on backwater cruises in Kerala, on Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater.

Backwater cruises in Kerala are carried out on large converted traditional boats. These boats called "Kettuvalloms" were traditionally used as grain barges, to transport the rice harvested in the fertile fields alongside the Kerala Backwaters. Converted to accommodate tourists, the houseboats have a sleeping area, with toilets, as a dining area and a sit out on the deck. You can rest at ease on a houseboat at night and observe the beautiful countryside while sitting on the deck during the day. Food is cooked on board the houseboat by the accompanying staff. On Backwater cruises in Kerala with Kerala Backwater, you can have a relaxing time seeing the birds and aquatic life along the banks of the Kerala backwaters. See the local people in villages along the banks of Kerala backwaters carry out their daily routine of farming and fishing as you pass by on Backwater cruises in Kerala. Smile at friendly local children as they wave to you as you float along on your houseboat on Backwater cruises in Kerala.

Some of the best destinations for backwater cruises in Kerala are between the Kerala backwater destinations of Cochin now called Kochi, Alappuzha, Kasargod, Kollam, Kottayam, Kozhikode, Kumarakom, Kuttanad, Thiruvallam, Thiruvananathapuram. You can stop at each destination and explore its attractions, before returning to your houseboat for a ride back into the serene ambience of the backwaters of Kerala, while on backwater cruises in Kerala, with Kerala Backwater.

Ayurveda is an age-old system of healing that has been practice in India for centuries. Ayurveda means "the Science of Life" and is practiced widely in Kerala. Ayurveda is a holistic system of healing which treats the body and mind and brings about complete rejuvenation. You can discover a younger and more refreshed you, after Kerala Ayurveda tours with Kerala Backwater.

In the Ayurveda philosophy all living organisms are made up of five elements. These are called Panchamahabhutas and are earth, water, fire, air and vacuum. When these five elements are in harmony, a body is in a state of good health. When the harmony of these elements is disturbed the body is in a state of negative health and requires the intervention of Ayurvedic therapy. Massage is the most common form of Ayurvedic therapy. Essential oils and extracts of healing herbs are used in the formulation of various oils. The application of these oils to the body by the trained hands of a Kerala Ayurveda masseur can provide relief to the patient from stress and various physical ailments such as sprains, spondylitis, back injuries and joint and muscle injuries. Experience the healing powers of Ayurveda on Kerala Tours with Kerala Backwater.

Some of the various Ayurveda therapies are Abhyanga, Dhara, Elakizhi, Nasyam, Pizhichil, Njavarakizhi, and Udhwardhanam. These are various ways of applying ayurvedic medications and remedies to the body of the patient. Ayurveda is gaining popularity worldwide as a holistic and natural form o treatment and as an effective alternate form of healing. Ayurveda can also be used to effectively treat lifestyle condtions such as stress and chronic fatigue syndrome. You can try the time-tested methods of Ayurveda on Kerala Tours with Kerala Backwater.

There are many ayurvedic resorts in Kerala including the famous Kottakal Kerala Arya Vaidya Shala and the Somateertham Ayurvedic Resort. Most hotels and spas in Kerala offer Ayurvedic therapies and Ayurvedic masseurs offer their healing touch along the beaches of Kerala. You can experience the rejuvenating effects of Ayurveda on Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater.

Your holiday in the kaleidoscopic Kerala will be bewitching with the balmy beaches and the breathtakingly beautiful backwaters. Though it will be the private boat trip along the backwaters that will make the tour complete. The ‘kettuvallams’ or the traditional houseboats offer the best possible accommodation. The slow yet steady sail along shallow, palm-fringed lakes and narrow canals is mesmerizing. As it is the strong yet smooth sailing houseboats form one of the most abiding images of Kerala.

The stitched boats of Kerala are the moving masterpieces of the majestic country crafts that may measure up to 80 feet in length. Usually the traditional houseboats are 60 to 70 feet high and 13 feet wide in the middle. These ‘kettuvallams’ are made up of eco-friendly materials like the bamboo poles, coconut fiber, ropes, bamboo mats, carpets etc. The entire structure is strong enough to carry a truckload of material and withstand the enormous waves in the sea. In case the houseboats are maintained well, they last for generations.

Earlier these houseboats were used as the means of transport through the backwaters for men and material today they have become major tourist attractions. After your tour to God’s Own Country even you will find the houseboats the true luxury on water. The simple looking houseboats are no less than the star categorized hotels. There are fleets of houseboats that offer most of the modern comforts and conveniences.

These houseboats are fully furnished and well appointed with the option of single, double or triple bedrooms. Usually the structure also has ample space for toilets, kitchen, private balcony and the sun decks. For the budget tours the houseboats offer dormitories. The experience of the backwaters is heightened with the use of the traditional lanterns for lightening. The houseboat usually offers a small or two sitting rooms comfort for two members of the crew and the chef.

The members of the crew comprise of the oarsmen and/or the guide. Many-a-times the houseboats are powered by a small engine. When onboard you may savor the traditional delicacies of Kerala. The cuisine is captivating owing to the local specialties in the menu. The food is generally fresh as the material is purchased on the way. The sights, sounds and smells add to make the backwater trip unforgettable. The colorful culture and customs, canopies of coconuts will always catch your eye.

When these dazzling and delightful dwellings are afloat a whole rainbow of lives and styles seem to pass by. At spots shoals of ducks seem to greet you. the magic of the moonlight, The magic of the mystical backwaters will sweep you off your feet and the joy ride on the houseboat will add to the enchanting experience.

The traditional houseboats attract travelers equally from India and abroad. There are several price options for you to take your pick from. There are over 250 houseboats that ply in the backwaters. For tourists the charges may be settled for anything between 500 and 6000 Indian rupees for a day. The entire experience on the backwaters is enchanting. You must opt for the fabulous ride on the houseboat and explore the fascinating beauty of the backwaters of Kerala.

The glistening Thiruvallam backwaters make for a delightful tour for holiday makers. Thiruvallam is ideally located near Thiruvananthapuram. Thiruvallam backwaters make for mesmerizing and scintillating canoe rides. Thiruvallam backwaters embrace the two rivers of Killi and Karamana. Tourists can experience breathtaking views of onshore activities while on Thiruvallam backwaters cruises. You can also indulge in water sports while on a tour to the Thiruvallam backwaters. You can also run to the beach from the floating bridge in the waterfront park. The short village tours on traditional boats make for a memorable experience.

Major Attractions of Thiruvallam backwaters:

Temples: A temple dedicated to Parasurama, the legendary founder of Kerala is located here. Devotees throng the holy edifice to offer prayers to the Lord.

Canoe Rides: Tourists enjoy canoe rides and capture breathtaking views of the country life on Thiruvallam backwaters tours.

Veli Tourist Village: It is a popular picnic spot amongst tourists on backwater tours to Thiruvallam. The lagoon here is separated from the sea by a narrow sand bar. You can indulge in water sports. The village is linked to the beach by an amazing floating village.

Akulam Boat Club: It offers exhilarating boat rides on Akulam Lake and park for children.

Other Tourist Attractions:

• Capture scenes of exotic flowers, birds and dense vegetation while on a backwater tour
• Experience ultimate pleasure with amazing sights of local fishing villages.

Thiruvananthapuram, previously known as Trivandrum, is the capital of Kerala, India. This beautiful city is located near beautiful beaches and serene backwaters and has several historic temples and museums, making it a great place to begin Kerala Tours with Kerala Backwater.

The name Thiruvananthapuram means the abode of Anantha the Snake God. In Hindu mythology Anantha is the serpent on which Vishnu, the Preserver in the Hindu pantheon, rests. Thiruvananthapuram city is built on seven hills. Its notable landmarks include the Sree Padmananbhaswamy Temple, which is believed to be 2000 years old.

The museum attached to the temple has a number of paintings by the renowned painter from Kerala, Raja Ravi Verma. Thiruvananthapuram was previously the capital of the founder of Travancore state Raja Marthanda Varma. The modern capital of Kerala retains its historic heritage in the form of temples, old monuments and palaces of the kings of Travancore. You can tour the historic and modern attractions of Thriruvananthapuram on Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater.

Some of the modern attractions of Thiruvananthapuram include the Kanakakunnu Palace. The residence of the erstwhile rulers of Travancore, Kerala, the palace is now a venue for cultural events. The Napier Museum, the Natural History museum and the Sri Chitra Art Gallery are all worth visiting in Thiruvananthapuram.

Thiruvananthapuram is near the Thiruvallam backwaters and the beautiful Kovalam Beach. So whether its Kerala backwaters or Kerala beaches that you wish to see, you can make a choice after arriving at Thiruvananthapuram. Tour the beautiful destinations around Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, with Kerala Backwater.

Other tourist destinations in Kerala that are easily accessible from Thiruvananthapuram are Ponmudi, a beautiful hill station, Varkala a scenic beach and if you travel around 90 Km to Tamil Nadu you will reach Kanyakumari, the southern most point of India. Tour the attractions of Kerala, South India with Kerala tours from Kerala Backwater.

Kuttanad is a favorite Kerala backwater destination on Kerala backwater tours. Kuttanad is also known as the "Rice Bowl of Kerala" and is characterized by its green landscape. Travel to Kuttanad and see the scenic beauty of this Kerala backwater destination on Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater.

Kuttanad is crisscrossed with waterways that run alongside fields of cassava, banana and yam, as well as emerald green fields of paddy. A unique feature of Kuttanad is that many of these fields are below sea level. The fields are surrounded by earthen bunds and crops are grown on the low-lying ground. This is similar to the polder regions of the Netherlands where land is reclaimed from the sea and crops are grown. You can see the amazing below-sea level fields of Kuttanad, while on Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater.

Kuttanad is a backwater paradise and an ideal destination for a backwater cruise in Kerala. Its innumerable streams, channels, waterways and lakes make it possible to drift along in a houseboat and enjoy the scenic view of the Kerala countryside. Have a memorable holiday while on Kerala tours in Kuttanad with Kerala Backwater.

Your Kerala Backwater tours of Kuttanad are sure to leave you with unforgettable memories. Your houseboat will be trailed by flocks of ducks, coir workers processing coir look up from their tasks and wave as you pass by, otters and water birds can be seen on the edges of the waterways, and the sound of rippling water is a soothing lullaby as you sail along on a houseboat through the backwaters of Kuttanad. Gather a host of unforgettable memories while on Kerala tours in Kuttanad with Kerala Backwater.

Kumarakom in Kerala is a beautiful backwater destination. Located on the picturesque Vembanad Lake Kumarakom has to be seen to be believed. Kumarakom consists of a cluster of islands which have been converted into a number of tourist resorts. Popular with the discerning luxury tourist, Kumarakom is a must visit on your Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater.

Kumarakom is enthrallingly beautiful. The blue backwaters and the surface of Vembanad Lake reflect the azure sky. The amazing shades of green of the vegetation that include mangroves, coconut palms, and paddy fields cover the verdant countryside. Channels and waterways wind their way through this green paradise. Water lilies and lotuses bloom in the water and birds from the bird sanctuary on Vembanad Lake call as they fly across the clear tropical sky. Kumarakom is an idyllic holiday destination that you must visit on Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater.

While in Kumarakom you can enjoy the attractions of your tourist resort, have an ayurvedic massage, try fishing or bird watching and have a relaxing holiday while on Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater. The birds you can see at the Vembanad Sanctuary in Kumarakom include, terns, gulls, herons, lapwings, kingfishers, stilts and Brahminy Kites. If you're a nature lover you're sure to be enchanted by the natural beauty of Kumarakom.

Kumarakom is located 15 Km from Kottayam and about 75 Km from Cochin, which is the nearest airport. Kumarakom is accessible by road and rail till Kottayam. Taking the boat cruise to Kumarakom is the ideal way to travel to Kumarakom. See the beautiful scenery and laze on a houseboat as you drift along the backwaters of Kumarakom, while on Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater.

Kozhikode, previously known as Calicut, is an important and scenic town in North Kerala. The name Kozhikode is derived from the Malayalam word for the crowing of a cock. The area around Kozhikode was ruled by local rulers called Zamorins who traded with merchants from Arabia. In 1498 the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama landed at Kappad Beach, near Kozhikode. After the British grew to become the dominant trading power, Kozhikode, renamed Calicut, became an important British trading outpost. A locally made variety of checked cloth called Calico (from Calicut) was a popular item of export. You can tour the attractions of Kozhikode on Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater.

Kozhikode is known for its historic buildings, beautiful green countryside, beautiful beach, hospitality and cosmopolitan culture. Kozhikode has several institutions of higher learning including a National Institute of Technology and an Indian Institute of Management. You can see the sights of Kozhikode on Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater.

Some of the sights worth seeing in and around Kozhikode are:

Kozhikode Beach: Famous for the spectacular sunset views seen the seashore here, from Kozhikode Beach has two piers and a lighthouse that offer stunning views of the seashore and the Arabian Sea.

Pazhassirajah Museum: Located 5 km from Kozhikode, the museum houses a collection of ancient coins, bronze sculptures, paintings and murals and temple models.

Art Gallery: The Art Gallery located next to the Pazhassirajah Museum has a collections of paintings by the renowned painter from Kerala Raja Ravi Varma and his brother Raja Raja Varma.

Beypore: Located 10 km to the south of Kozhikode on the mouth of the Chaliyar River, Beypore is a famous fishing harbor, port and boat building center. Boats have been built at Beypore for over 1500 years and the skill of the local shipwrights and boat builders are sought after by boat builders worldwide. You can see boats being built at Beypore shipyards, while on Kozhikode on Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater.

Kappad Beach: Located 16 km from Kozhikode is historic Kappad Beach where Vasco da Gama stepped onto Indian soil on the 27th May 1498. There is a monument on the beach that commemorates this landmark event.

Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary: Located 25 km from Kozhikode this Bird Sanctuary is on an estuary where many thousands of water birds can be seen. Birds seen here include herons, gulls, terns and sandpipers. The winter and spring months from November to April are the best time to see birds in Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary near Kozhikode while on Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater.

Kottayam is a beautiful Kerala backwater destination. This historic town is also famous for many churches and temples and for its role in the history of Kerala. The beautiful Vembanand Lake and its associated backwaters border Kottayam district on the West. There are hill ranges to the East and the Ernakulam district to the North. Kottayam is located in an area of great natural beauty and you're sure to be enchanted by the scenery around Kottayam on Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater.

The name Kottayam is derived from Kotta and Akam and means the inside of a fort. Kottayam has a long history. The local rulers of Munjanad and Thekkumkur used Kottayam as their headquarters. Maharaja Marthanda Varma of Travancore defeated the local rulers and annexed Kottayam. With its fertile fields and transport links through the backwaters, Kottayam was a lucrative prize. You can see the ruins of the old palace and fort of the local rulers of Kottayam on Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater.

Kottayam is an important center of Christianity in Kerala. There are many famous churches in Kottayam including the St Mary's church and the St Joseph's monastery. Some of the famous temples in Kottayam are the Ettumanoor Shiva Temple known for its paintings and sculptures and the Thirunakkara Mahadeva temple. You can see the historic churches and temples of Kottayam on Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater.

Kottayam was the first town in Kerala to achieve 100% literacy among the adult population. Because of the many rubber plantations in Kottayam and the beautiful Vembanad Lake, Kottayam is known as the "Land of Letters, Latex and Lakes." You can tour the many attractions of Kottayam on Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater.

Kasargod backwaters make for delightful experience for tourists thronging Kerala. Kasargod in North Kerala offers immense opportunities for backwater trips. The Kasargod Backwater s offer two most thrilling backwater cruises, along Chandragiri and Valiyaparamba. Houseboat cruises are offered at the Kasargod backwaters . Kasargod backwaters embrace four ravishing rivers. Kasargod Backwaters is home to exotic birds and renowned for its scenic surroundings, paddy fields and coir processing.

Major Attractions of Kasargod Backwaters:

You can also experience the scintillating rice barge cruises at Chandragiri and Valiyaparamba.

Chandragiri:

It is located 4 kilometers of the southeast of Kasargod town. Kasargod Backwaters offer zealous houseboat cruises in and around the green coastal stretches of the beautiful town of Chandragiri. You can enjoy the sight of palm groves while on a boat ride. You can catch a glimpse of the amazing fort at Chandragiri, built in the 17th century. The fort offers spectacular sunset views over the sea near Kasargod, Kerala, India. The backwater cruises start from the Chandragiri Bridge.

Valiyaparamba: It is an extension of backwaters near Kasargod. The island of Valiyaparamba is a tranquil island washed by four rivers. The place is an ecological treasure trove. Capture scenes of the exotic water birds singing raucous notes along the backwaters and the dense vegetation as you cruise along on your houseboat. It is fast turning into a preferred backwater resort among tourists.

Also near Kasargod are the scenic Bekal Beach and the historic Bekal Fort. You can enjoy a holiday on the backwaters and beaches around Kasargod in north Kerala, on Kerala Backwater tours of Kasargod, Kerala.

Bekal Beach:

Bekal beach, near the Kasargod backwaters is one of the fascinating sites on a backwater sojourn. The tranquil atmosphere and vast expanses of sun kissed beaches make for an unspoilt beach experience at the Bekal Beach. The Bekal beach is fringed by swaying palms. The Bekal Beach is located near Bekal Fort . This fort takes unfolds historic moments from the past. This mammoth structure encompasses 35 acres of land and occupies a prime position in the history of Kerala. The Bekal Fort offers spectacular views of the green palms, the white sand, the azure waters and the swirling waves.

You can also unwind at the Pallikere and the Kappil beach at Kasargod while on Kasargod Backwater tours.

Kollam is located at a distance of 71 kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala.

Kollam was an erstwhile centre of trade on the Malabar Coast in ancient times. Kollam Backwaters tours echo the true spirit of Kerala in recent times. Kollam backwaters are renowned for verdant fishes, coconuts and cashew nuts. Kollam is located on the banks of the Ashtamudi Lake that is the gateway to the glistening Kerala backwaters. The Lake embracing eight streams covers a major portion of Kollam. Kollam Backwaters cruises make for a delightful experience. You can capture amazing sights of canals, blooming water lilies, the raucous songs of birds from the banks and the unpretentious village life, while you take the longest backwater tour in Kerala from Kollam to Alappuzha backwaters.

The temples and buildings of Kollam are embellished with a traditional charm and elegance. Tourists can marvel at the remnants of traditional architecture with decorative detail.

The famous "Cheenavala" or Chinese fishing nets can also be seen along the backwaters.

Major Attractions of Kollam Backwaters:

The major tourist attractions of Kollam Backwaters are Sasthamkotta fresh water lake, Thirumullavaram beach, Subramanya temple, Rameshwara temple and other historic sites.

Sasthamkotta fresh water lake:

Sasthamkotta is situated on the banks of Kallada River, 26 kilometers from the Kollam city. The holy temple with Lord Shasta's deity is located here. The destination is renowned for the picturesque Sasthamkotta fresh water lake. The exotic lake is wrapped in scenic beauty with hills on three sides. The holy temple of Dharmasastha dedicated to Lord Ayappa is located here . This fresh water lake supplies drinking water to the entire district.

Thirumullavaram beach:

Thirumullavaram beach is located in the heart of the city and makes a major tourist spot on a tour to the Kollam backwaters. You can take a dip into the azure waters or bask in the sun kissed beaches. You can languorously sip coconut water and revive your spirits. You can see the Nyarazhacha Paara (Sunday Rock), on a low tide. You can visit the Mahavishnu Temple, believed to have been blessed by Parasurama, the legendary creator of Kerala.

Subramanya temple:

The Subramanya temple is located at Mayanad, 10 kilometers south of the Kollam town. Mayanad is renowned for temples and shrines. Subramanya temple is most important of the nine temples located here. Thangasseri is a seaside village located five kms away from the town has retained the traits of Portuguese forts and churches.

Rameshwara temple:

The temple echoes a Pandyan influence and is decorated with Tamil inscriptions between the 12th and 16th centuries. The Vyala monster sculptures make you feel that the creatures in the temple are living beings.

Ashtamudi Lake

Kollam is located on the banks of the Ashtamudi Lake which has eight streams opening into the Kerala backwaters. It is a major attraction for tourists on a tour to Kollam backwaters .

Thangassery Light house

It is a towering144 ft. Light house, built in 1902. You can see this on a tour to the Kollam backwaters .

Ananda Valleeswaram Temple

This holy temple is a major attraction among tourists on a holiday on the Kollam backwaters.

Other Tourist Attractions:

• Houseboat cruises on the backwaters
• The longest backwater cruise from Kollam to Alappuzha backwaters is a journey worth embarking upon.
• You can visit the Munroe island formed by the backwaters of Ashtamudi and Kallada River
• Capture the scenes of simple village life on a backwater tour
• You can catch a glimpse of the daily chores of the village folk- young children splashing in the water, women washing clothes and fishermen wrapping up their fishing nets on the wooden boats

From time immemorial Kochi was famous for its pepper, cardamom and ginger. The Portuguese, Dutch and the British tried hard to control the region's spice trade. Kochi occupies a prime position on the secular map of India. Known as the queen of the Arabian Sea it is one of the finest natural harbors of the world. Kochi Backwaters offers spectacular views of lush greenery slanting towards the backwaters. Kochi Backwaters against the setting sun is a picturesque scene. Boat Rides are a major tourist attraction at Kochi Backwaters . Tourists can gaze amazingly at onshore country life while taking an exotic boat ride on the backwaters. Houseboats sail past each other with magnificent views of the country life. You can enjoy boat rides from Kochi backwaters to Willingdon Island, Mattancherry Place, the Jewish Synagogue, Fort Kochi and Bolgatty Island.

Major Attractions of Kochi Backwaters:

Bolghatty Island : Built by the Dutch and later inhabited by the British is today run by Kerala Tourism Development and offers spectacular views of the backwaters.

Willington Island: Named after the British Viceroy Lord Willington this spectacular island is situated in the backwaters. The headquarters of the naval command, port trust, trading centers are located here.

Fort Kochi: A fishing village transformed into a lucrative centre of trade. The architecture emanates European charm and elegance.

Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace) � Built in 1555 this exotic architecture in the backwaters was built by foreigners on lines of Hindu art and architecture.

St Francis Church � An exemplary wooden architecture, this church was built in 1503. It houses the cenotaph of Vasco De Gama.

The Jewish synagogue, the Dutch palace, the Chinese Fishing nets, and features of European and Asian architecture blend into the tradition of the city.

Other Attractions at the backwaters are spectacular sunset views, three hour backwater village tours which include tours to coir villages and coconut plantations.

Alappuzha backwaters in Kerala are home to exotic birds and flanked by lush greenery and beautiful flowers. Alappuzha formerly known as Alleppey is fringed by water bodies and canals and is popularly known as the �Venice of the east.� Alappuzha backwaters in Kerala offers delightful boat rides and therefore features as a favorite hot spot among tourists. Alappuzha has an unusual feature of the water being in level with the land. This distinguished feature allows tourists to gaze amazingly at onshore country life while taking an exotic boat ride on the backwaters. Alappuzha backwaters in Kerala is known for underwater marine life, houseboat cruises and warmth. The equable climate of Alappuzha backwaters in Kerala makes it an ideal destination for spending a quiet holiday. Watch the shadow of the swaying palms on the gleaming backwaters. It is definitely an unmatched experience.

Major Attractions of Alappuzha Backwaters in Kerala:

Boat races:

The Nehru Boat race at the backwaters animates the otherwise quiet and serene atmosphere. Snake boat races are held every year around the time of Onam. Gallant boats called Chundanvalloms compete for the Nehru trophy. Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru had presented this trophy as a token of his reciprocity of the warm reception he received here. Spectators gather to witness the exciting event. Alappuzha bears a cheerful look during the boat races at Punnamada lake in Alappuzha.

Water Sports:

Tourists can participate in water sports on the sun kissed beaches of Alappuzha like surfing or parasailing or taking a dip into the azure waters. You can also play a game of beach volleyball.

Other Tourist Attractions:

Kuttanad known as the rice bowl of Kerala is at the heart of the backwaters. The scenic countryside with its glistening waterways is fringed by banana trees.

Krishnapuram Palace - The 18th century Krishnapuram Palace built during the reign of the Travancore monarch, Marthanda Varma exemplifies typical traits of Kerala architecture-gabled roofs, dormer windows, narrow corridors.

Ambalappuzha (Pilgrim Center) - The Sri Krishna Temple at Ambalapuzha, 14 kms from Alleppey boasts of tupical temple architecture of Kerala.

Pathiramanal - This liitle islet in the Backwaters, 14 kilometers from Alappuzha is home to exotic migratory birds from across the world.