Backwater Structure of Kerala

An inevitable component of a Kerala Tourism is a cruise through its serene backwaters. The serene backwaters and lagoons, the imposing houseboats and the nostalgic trip down nature’s waterways is an experience that is unique to Kerala. No trip to Kerala will be complete without a houseboat cruise.

And not surprisingly, the entrepreneurs among the people here have introduced a spruced up version of the "Kettuvallam" with all the modern trappings of luxury. These "houseboats", around 200 in all, are a world apart and unique to this region. These regal houseboats run by private tour operators do not come cheap, but the experience will leave one with a true sense of the wonder that is Kerala.

You could enjoy the cruise through a maze of rivers, lakes and lagoons. The journey normally begins at Alappuzha, because of its large network of canals. The journey winds through the small canals out into the Vembanad Lake. The sights are truly out of this world. The last part of the trip is through the Kayamkulam Lake and then to the Ashtamudi Lake in all its pristine glory. Or you could go the other way around and go to Kochi, the commercial Capital of Kerala. This trip is also through myriad lagoons, rivers and lakes.