Kumarakom is a backwater tourism destination, where one can boat, fish and just watch the Kerala countryside. Kumarakom on the Vembanad Lake is fascinating. Interspersed with lush green mangrove forests, paddy fields that stretch out far into the horizon and rows and rows of coconut palms that criss-cross the backwater canals, the little village of Kumarakom is in reality a group of small islands. A boat ride into the countryside can offer a close look at the life in the villages. There are fishermen in their small boats looking for fish while the women, neck-deep in water, search for the shy but tasty Karimeen fish with their feet. Or you could stay awake at night when fishermen glide over the dark waters with a flaming torch in their left hand and a net in their right. The fish, attracted by the light, are scooped up in the net. One can cruise down the Kumarakom backwaters in houseboats, which have a living room, a bedroom, a bath and a private sit-out for passengers. A number of these houseboats are joined together to become boat trains to facilitate larger groups of visitors.       [top]

Veli Aakulam Lagoon is at the confluence of the Veli Lake and the Arabian Sea. The lagoon can be explored at leisure with pedalboats and paddleboats.It is situated at a short distance from Thiruvananthapuram. Even speedboats are available on hire. The Veli Tourist Village nearby offers picnic facilities to tourists.Here you can enjoy all kinds of water sports and dine at the floating restaurant.The place also provides the facility of an amusement park. The east end of the lake is flanked by two scenic hillocks.       [top]

Pathiramanal or mid night sand is a small bewitching island in the Vembanad Lake. It is a haven of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the land. This island lies between Thannirmukkam and Kumarakom and is accessible by boat only. This little island is surrounded by the Vembanad Lake, stretching from Alappuzha to Kochi and the Kayamkulam Lake. Sprucing up the beauty of the region are these quaint reservoirs named Nattakom and Panachikad Reservoirs and are set amidst a green carpet. This thriving landscape makes it pleasing for the migratory birds to have a little fun every summer. The green island thus forms an ideal place for a break in the journey while on a backwater cruise. The mainland Alappuzha has a vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers criss-crossing it and is a district of immense natural beauty. A boat ride from Kodoorar in Panachikad to Kumarakom is a great way to relax and enjoy nature's bounties. Facilities here range from Ayurvedic massages to boating, fishing and swimming. Tourists come here in search of tropical scenery and a change from the din of city life. Legends attribute a divine origin to the island. It is said that this enchanting island of Pathiramanal (sands of midnight) was formed when the waters of the Vembanad Lake parted as a devout young Brahmin dived in to perform his evening ablutions.       [top]

Alappuzha woos the visitor with its lovely lakes, lagoons and the fresh water rivers. Known as the 'Venice of the East' for its similarity to the Italian city, Alappuzha's passion play with water has made it the hub of houseboats and beaches. But the little town has a lot more. It has marine products the coir industry, rice, bananas, yams and cassava. Alappuzha or Alleppey is, perhaps, the most exotic of the backwater destinations of the state. With the Arabian Sea on one side, and the large number of canals and bridges, Alappuzha is famous for its annual Nehru Trophy boat race, held during the festival of Onam in August. There are other festivals in the small town like the one at the Mullakal temple in December, which is famous for the performances of some of India's finest temple musicians       [top]

With its own dream-like serenity, this natural fresh water lake surrounded by meadows and trees on all sides is a haven for peace-loving travellers. It is located half way from Calicut half an hour ahead of Kalpetta       [top]

Sasthamcottah is an attractive village situated about 19 kms. from Kollam town. It is a beauty spot, a health resort and a centre of pilgrimage. The extensive fresh water lake here, is said to be the biggest of its kind in Kerala. Water supply to the Kollam town is met by purifying the water from this lake. Buses are freqently operated to Sasthamcottah, which can truely be called as Queen of Lakes. Sasthamcottah has found a place on the eco-tourism map of Kerala. The Forest department will adopt and develop the village in to an eco-tourism destination. A major scheme for the purpose is being prepared by the forest department. The eco-tourism office at Sasthamcottah was today inaugurated by the water Resources Minister, Thiruvanchoor Radakrishnan. The Minster said that efforts to protect the Sasthamcottah fresh water lake would be implemented through the full support of the people.      [top]

The Ashtamudi Lake, so named because of its eight 'arms' or channels is the gateway to the backwaters. Located in Kollam district, Ashtamudi is famed for its panoramic for its magnificent views. There are coconut groves and palm trees all along the banks of the lake and the monotony is broken by the quiet town of Kollam. The Kollam Boat Club provides boats to cruise on the lake. You can also go on a backwater cruise starting at Kollam and ending the journey at Alappuzha. Beside the coconut palms, all along the waterline one can see the famous Chinese Vala or the Chinese fishing nets.       [top]

A man-made island created from the material dredged while deeping Kochi Port. Situated between the main land Emakulam and the old town Mattancherry and separated by the backwaters. Willingdon Island is an important part of Kochi. The Govt. of India Tourist Office, the Southern Naval Command Headquarters, the Seaport, Naval Airport, Railway terminus, Customs House, Kochi Port Office etc are all located in this island.       [top]

Named after Lord Willingdon, a former British Viceroy of India, this island is situated across the backwaters from the mainland Ernakulam. The Bolghatty palace here, was built by the Dutch in 1745 and later taken over by the British. Today it is a hotel run by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation, with a small golf course and special honeymoon cottages. Now some 'honeymoon' cottages have been constructed at the water's edge on the palace grounds. There is a ferry from Ernakulam to Bolghatty      [top]

It is one of the most densely populated islands in the world, situated south west across the backwaters of Ernakulam. The Portuguese Azhikotta (Pallipuram) fort, claiming to be the oldest European Fort in India built around 1503 is situated here. There is a light house at Ochanthuruthu in Vypeen open from 3pm to 5am on all days.       [top]