Take a boat trip on the meandering backwaters of Kumarakom and watch out for the varied life forms dwelling in every nook and corner. The backwaters are a safe haven for rare migratory birds that come here every year. There is a bird sanctuary also near the backwaters that spreads over an area of 14 acres. The backwaters are a treat for an avid bird watcher as there are a number of birds that add life to the backwaters. One can find egrets, herons, cuckoos, waterfowls, ducks, etc and many more birds over here. The Siberian stork is a regular visitor and come to the backwaters in huge flocks, fascinating and enchanting all visitors.

Kumarakom backwaters are best enjoyed when explored in a houseboat. These houseboats are equipped with all modern facilities that include on boards cooked meal, sun deck, carpeted floors, bedrooms with attached bath and everything else that you can think of. You can also avail the boating and fishing facilities that are provided at the Kumarakom backwaters. An overnight cruise on the calm and quiet backwaters, painted silver by the moon is a divine experience.

Backwater at Kuttanad

The Vembanad Lake the rivers Pampa, Achencoil, Manimala, the myriad streams flowing through Kuttanad in addition to the lush vegetation provide an amazing sight to this destination.

It is also famous for its thrilling water sports like the Snake boat race generally held in the months of July, August and September.

The region is well known for its rich avian population. Flocks of parrots hovering in the paddy fields, is a common sight.

The canals and waterways also provide an alternate mode of transport, and you will see many rural folk calmly and quietly gliding along the canals in their canoes from one place to the other. Kuttanad gives you the real picture of farmer’s life and throws light about their way of living and culture.

If you sail on the backwater cruise in Kuttanad, you can hit upon lush paddy field which dances to the tune of the wind. All the way you can spot white cranes traveling with you in air. Sometimes, you will find king fishers making a dive for catching a fish. Number of Siberian migratory birds will be searching for their destination point.

Punnamada Kayal

On backwater cruise in a country boat  on Punnamada Lake, you can feel true essence of backwater cruise providing awe-inspiring sights of paddy fields and stretches of coconut palm groves. It is surrounded by coconut and areca nut trees and lush vegetations. You can have a glimpse of  the rural village life like , toddy tapping, fisher men’s hamlet, fishermen catching fish for their livelihood, coir making,  farmers working in paddy field etc.  You can taste the delicious mouthwatering items fresh fish varieties like Karimeen pollichathu.

Definitely, you will be bowled over by the beauty of the Punnamada.

Akkulam

Akkulam is 10 km from Thiruvanathapuram ( Trivandrum ). Akkulam is a popular tourist village that offers various leisure options like boating in the lake, a children’s park with a swimming pool and a dancing musical fountain. Open 1000 – 1700 hrs.

Many Kerala Backwater cruises begin or end in Alappuzha, an ideal getaway for backwater tourism. Alleppey has the peculiar geographical feature of having the water in level with the land.

With water birds and flowers and greenery along their banks are a beautiful and refreshing sight. It is an ideal breeding ground for various fish species like Karimeen, Chemeen, etc.

Embark on backwater tour and you have wonderful opportunity to explore the scenic charm of nature, astounding beauty of the paddy field, rustic village, exotic resorts and many other exquisite attractions.

The Nehru Trophy Boat Race in the Punnamda Lake, held every year, which in fact is the most competitive and thrilling of the boat races in Kerala. A backwater cruise on the Punnamada Kayal takes you along canals past scenic islands offers sublime views .

Pathiramanal is yet another tourist attraction in Alleppey backwater cruise. It is a little island which is a favorite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different part of the world.

House boats of various styles are available at the Kottappuram boat jetty just 2 km from Nileshwar high way junction. Cruise here in the Kettuvalloms and enjoy the pristine beauty with the Ezhimala hills forming the ideal backdrop.

A boat ride ideally from Kottappuram – Kotti would enable a visitor to see and enjoy the many inspiring sights of Kavvayi Kayal in Kannur. These areas blessed with immense ecological wealth being a natural green house of various plants and a breeding house of varieties of plants.

The main highlight of this spot on the shores of the vast and enchanting Vemband Lake is the widely acclaimed bird sanctuary spread over 14 acres. It is a favorite haunt of migratory birds like the Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal. The Vemband Lake is also a habitat for many marine species and teems with Karimeen (Pearl spot) and prawns.

Major economic activities are agriculture, fishing and tourism. With expanses of mangrove forest, paddy fields and coconut groves, this rich agricultural environment is mainly irrigated using interspersed waterways and canals of Meenachal River.

Opportunities for tourist activities are endless. Taking a boat trip around the islands in the early morning or in the evening is the best way to watch the birds and the ideal period is between June-August. The migratory birds arrive during November-February. The country cuisine, rich with sea and backwater fish, is simply irresistible, especially when accompanied by the local coconut toddy.

The Kerala Resorts offer comfortable accommodation and exclusive leisure options like ayurvedic massages, yoga and meditation, boating, fishing and swimming apart from houseboat stays. The adventurous could indulge in water sports such as para-sailing and water skiing.

The best way to reach Kumarakom is by boat. Reach Quilon or Kollam, just an hour away from Thiruvananthapuram and take the regular ferry service through the backwater to Alleppey from where Kumarakom is close by.

Kumarakom is 45 minutes from Kochi and 75 km away from Cochin International Airport. It is located 14 km away from Kottayam and is easily accessible by road and rail.