Kerala is one of the most popular holiday destinations in India, attracting thousands of visitors each year from across the country and the world. And it is easy to see why – this part of the country is abundant in natural beauty, interesting places to see and things to do and offers everything that a visitor needs to have a wonderful time.
Whether you are traveling alone or with family or friends, there are Kerala packages with great offers to make sure that you have the ultimate experience during your stay. When you are in Kerala, one of the things you should not miss, come what may, is the backwaters – they are the perfect place to stay and experience Kerala.
Why You Should Visit the Backwaters of Kerala
Kerala has many backwaters that are perfect places for you to enjoy nature’s splendour. You can make your visit to these backwaters a day trip and go on boat rides or stay in one of the houseboats where you can listen to the lagoon rippling and enjoy the lush greenery all around you. If these things are not enough to tempt you, here are a few compelling reasons that will make you visit the backwaters of Kerala. Read on and find out why this destination is known as God’s Own Country:
See Kerala’s Real Beauty:
To get an up-close and personal glimpse of the real beauty of Kerala, you must visit the backwaters. These palm-fringed canals are known for being some of the most scenic places in the state. Surrounded by natural beauty, these canals are the perfect backdrop for honeymoons as well as family or group vacations. The backwaters are where you get to see and feel the beauty of the state and why it continues to be one of the most popular holiday destinations in the country.
Choose from Many:
There are more than just a few backwaters that you can visit during your stay in Kerala. In fact, you will have a pretty difficult time trying to decide which ones to visit while you are here. Some of the best backwaters to visit are Kumarakom, Alleppey, Kasargod, Kozhikode, Ashtamudi, Kochi, Kollam, Kuttanad and Cherai Island. There are quite a few others, so you may want to do a little research before deciding on which ones to visit. Each one of these backwaters has its own charm and will leave you awe-inspired for sure.
Go On Leisurely Boat Rides:
If you are in the mood to enjoy some peace and immerse yourself in the serenity that only nature can offer, you should visit the backwaters and go on a soothing boat ride. This is a great way to clear your head and get away from the hustle-bustle of the towns and cities you have been touring. Going on a day-cruise through the winding waterways is also an excellent way to see parts of Kerala that you cannot see when you travel by road. Kerala tours of the backwaters are also a superb chance to see various species of colourful birds, freshwater fishes and a myriad of blooming flowers you do not see elsewhere.
Stay in Houseboats:
One of the things that Kerala’s backwaters are known for is the stay in houseboats. If you want to have a unique stay, you should opt to stay in a houseboat instead of the usual hotel. Many of the houseboats offer all the luxuries that hotels do, so you can be sure that you will have a comfortable stay. You can listen to the rippling of the lagoons and see the majestic beauty of nature all around you day and night. Staying in a houseboat on the backwaters allows you to see and hear what goes on in the environment around you. Needless to say, this is bound to be an unforgettable experience.
Visit the Edayilakadu Island:
If you opt to visit Kavvayi Backwaters at Payyanur, you have the opportunity to see some of the unique and interesting things in Kerala. Of course, you can explore the diverse scenery that surrounds the backwaters, but there is much more you can do. You can attend temple festivals and theyyams to get a memorable cultural experience. This is also where you can visit the Edayilakadu Island, which is a unique place where you can find a forest that is dedicated for worshipping holy snakes – this is an experience that you cannot have in any other place, only in Kerala!
Enjoy the Attractions in Kochi:
If Kochi Backwaters is one of the names you choose to visit, you are guaranteed to have an amazing time. You can see the night lights of the city against the backdrop of the backwaters from the famous Marine Drive here. You can take a break from your escape to nature and spend some quality time in Kochi. There are cafes and shopping complexes. You could also spend some time lazing around the Marine walk-away. While you are here, you should also visit other popular attractions like the China Net Bridge and the Rainbow Bridge.
Visit Plantations in Kasargod:
Padanna Backwaters in Kasargod is one of the most tranquil backwaters in Kerala. The state’s first-of-its-kind village, the Padanna village is the center for the primary occupation here which is oyster harvesting. You can also explore mussel farms and get a taste of the cuisine prepared with fresh mussels harvested from the farms. Padanna Backwaters also gives you the unique opportunity to visit a manmade forest called Kareem’s forest which is home to many plantations that grow cashew, various spices, aracanut, and coconut.
Visiting the backwaters of Kerala offers you the chance to experience and enjoy nature in all its brilliance. But there is more to these canals as well – they give you a glimpse of village life and an opportunity to visit interesting places like plantations, oyster and mussel farms, popular tourist attractions and much more. Of course, nothing compares to the day and night cruises you can go on while you are visiting the backwaters. As you can see, you really cannot have a complete Kerala experience without visiting the lovely backwaters of this amazing destination.