Kerala Backwaters
Typical to Kerala, the backwaters of India have loads of natural beauty and features 41 rivers of Kerala that flow towards the West. According to one of the popular legends, the warrior sage Parashurama reclaimed the land of Kerala from sea with the power of his characteristic battle-axe. A land of canals and lagoons, lakes and rivers, which Kerala backwaters have now become a part of the lives of its people and a kaleidoscope for the visitors to see the rural and real life in the heart of Kerala. The tough and labor-intensive jobs of boat building, prawn cultivation and coir manufacture are a part of the daily livelihood of Keralites. Alapuzha is often the starting-point of the boat cruise through these backwaters as one reaches the land of Kuttanad, also known as the rice bowl of Kerala because of its paddy fields. Kumarakom has a spectacular lagoon to behold and coconut trees have become icons of Kerala tourism industry.
There are bird sanctuaries to see along the shores and the village life has the attraction of simplicity and old-age world. There are bungalows that have now been converted into heritage hotels and ride of local houseboats called 'Kettuvallams' is indispensable. Kollam's lagoons, rivers and lakes are delightful and Kayamkulam and Ashtamudi Lakes are some of the most visited tourist spots here. Kochi or Cochin has traditional  snake boat races with 130-feet long Chundan boats as its stars that add further value to its backwaters. The most prominent among these races are Nehru Trophy Boat Race and Aranmula Boat Race. Veli in the southern part of Kerala and Madayara, Peravur, Ashtamudi and Chetuva in its northern part are other favores tourist destinations. Take the journey to the hearts of lagoons, lakes, canals, estuaries and deltas of Kerala in the houseboats or indulge in the water sports on the gentle waters of these backwaters. Take a visit to the land of swaying palm trees and blue waters and skies, which is aptly named as 'God's own country'.
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