Kerala backwaters

A backwater in the Kollam region, c. 1913

Houseboat on Vembanad lake

A houseboat at Biyyam backwater, Ponnani, Malappuram

Kettuvallam (Kerala houseboats) in the backwaters are one of the prominent tourist attractions in Kerala. More than 2,000 of these ply the waterways.[8] The Kerala government has classified the tourist houseboats as platinum, gold, and silver.

The Kettuvallam were traditionally used as grain barges, to transport the rice harvested in the fertile fields alongside the backwaters. Thatched roof covers over wooden hulls, 100 ft (30 m) in length, providing protected from the elements. At some point in time, the boats were used as living quarters by the royalty. Converted to accommodate tourists, the houseboats have become floating cottages having a sleeping area, with western-style toilets, a dining area and a sit out on the deck. Most tourists spend the night on a houseboat. Food is cooked on board by the accompanying staff—mostly having a flavour of Kerala. The houseboats are of various patterns and can be hired as per the size of the family or visiting group. The living-dining room is usually open on at least three sides providing a grand view of the surroundings, including other boats, throughout the day when it is on the move. It is brought to a standstill at times of taking food and at night. After sunset, the boat crew provide burning coils to drive away mosquitoes. Ketuvallam are motorised but generally proceed at a slow speed for smooth travel. All Ketuvallam have a generator and most bedrooms are air-conditioned. At times, as per the demand of customers, electricity is switched off and lanterns are provided to create a rural setting[6][7]

A launch wades through water hyacinth in a canal in Alappuzha district

Beypore, located 10 km (6.2 mi) south of Kozhikode at the mouth of the Chaliyar River, is a famous fishing harbour, port and boatbuilding centre. Beypore has a 1,500-year tradition of boatbuilding. The skills of the local shipwrights and boatbuilders have widely sought after.

An Uru built at Beypore, Calicut, which is situated on the mouth of the River Chaliyar

Regular ferry services connect most locations on both banks of the backwaters.[6] The Kerala State Water Transport Department operates ferries for passengers as well as tourists. It is the cheapest mode of transport through the backwaters.

Resort at Kumarakom

Ashtamudi lake, which was a sleepy destination for years, has been transformed into a busy tourist destination with plush resorts around the Lake and the backwaters.[6]

The unregulated proliferation of motorised houseboats in the lakes and backwaters has raised concerns regarding the adverse impact of pollution from diesel engines and outboard motors on the fragile ecosystem.

A houseboat - Scene from Nedumudi, Kuttanad

Houseboat on the lake

Important in the ancient history of South India, Kuttanadu is a region spanning the Alappuzha and Kottayam districts; it is well known for its vast paddy fields and geographical peculiarities. The region is the lowest lying of any in India and is one of the few places in the world where farming is carried around 1.2 to 3.0 metres (4 to 10 ft) below sea level. Four of Kerala's major rivers—the Pamba, Meenachil, Achankovil, and Manimala—flow into the region, and it is well known for its boat races.

Vembanad Lake, the largest lake in Kerala is at the heart of Backwater tourism, with hundreds of kettuvallams plying it and with numerous resorts on its banks. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is located on the east coast of the lake.

The major occupation in Kuttanadu is farming, with rice the most important agricultural product; it is the major rice producer in the state. This activity gives the area its moniker of "The Rice Bowl of Kerala". Large farming areas near Vembanad Lake were reclaimed from the lake. In 2013, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations formally declared the below-sea-level farming system in Kuttanad as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS).[11]

A houseboat - Scene from Trevally, Kollam

Kollam (earlier known as Quilon) was one of the leading trade centres of the ancient world, eulogised by travellers such as Ibn Battuta and Marco Polo. It is also the starting point of the backwater waterways. The Ashtamudi Kayal, known as the gateway to the backwaters, covers about 30 per cent of Kollam.[6] Sasthamcotta Kayal, the large freshwater lake is 28.5  km from Kollam city.

Islands are the eye-catching factors as well as the beauty of Lake Ashtamudi, Kollam. Most of these islands are potential tourism spots in the state. The Indian Railways also planning to develop one of the islands in Kollam for a tourism project.[12] There are big as well as small islands which are inhabited and uninhabited by human beings. There are more than 15 islands in Ashtamudi Lake. The important islands in Kollam are:[13]

Aerial view of Ashtamudi backwaters

• Munroe Island
• Chavara Thekkumbhagom
• Perungalam
• St. Sebastian Island
• San Thome Island
• Pezhumthuruth
• Kakkathuruth
• Pattamthuruth
• Paliyanthuruthu (Palliyamthuruthu)
• Neettum thuruth
• Puthenthuruth
• Poothuruth
• Pannaykkathuruth
• Veluthuruth
• Neeleswaram thuruth

Estuary at Paravur Thekkumbhagam

Paravur Estuaries lie near to the south-western coast of Kollam.[14] The place is world-famous for its natural beauties, backwater locations, white-sand beaches and concentration of temples in every square kilometer.[15] The peninsula of Paravur is one of the most visited in Kollam district. Both north and south tips of Paravur town have both peninsula and estuary. Pozhikara is north and Thekkumbhagam is south of Paravur.[14][16] One more estuary mouth in Pozhikara, which is very close to Pozhikara Devi Temple, which has breached in 2014 under the supervision of Water Resources Department (WRD), after a long gap of 14 years.[17]

Munroethuruth or Munroe Island is a place surrounded by Kallada River, Ashtamudi Lake and Sasthamkotta Lake in Kollam district, Munroe Island is a cluster of eight tiny islands, Blessed with a number of criss-cross canals and zigzag water channels, this Island plays a host to many migratory birds from various countries around the world. You can watch birds such as Kingfisher, Woodpecker, Egret, Bee-eater, Crow pheasant, and Paddy Birds. There is yet another rare chance to see the traditional Indian spice plants such as Pepper, Nutmeg and Cloves. ()

The first community tourism programme in the State will start functioning from the MunroeThuruthu islands. Coir making is a home industry to almost all the village living people. It is very interesting to watch the coir making by the village ladies with the help of weaving Wheels. They make the coir ropes by hand. In addition to this, on the way, you can see the process of extracting coconut oil from the "copra" [dried coconut]. Among the routine traditional engagements, duck, poultry farm and prawn breeding are common in all houses.

Vellayani Lake

It is one of the freshwater lakes in Kerala.[5] It is located in the city of Thiruvananthapuram, which is also Kerala's administrative headquarters.[5] It is located nearer to Kovalam beach.

Thiruvallam backwaters are just 6  km from Thiruvananthapuram, the state capital. Known for its canoe rides, Thiruvallam is becoming increasingly popular with tourists. Two rivers, the Killi and the Karamana, come together at Thiruvallam. Not far from Thiruvallam is the Veli Lagoon, where there are facilities for water sports, a waterfront park and a floating bridge. The Akkulam Boat club, which offers boating cruises on Akkulam Lake and a park for children, is also a popular tourist attraction near Thiruvallam.

Nelumbo nucifera in Pookode Lake

Wayanad is home to one of the state's freshwater lakes - Pookode Lake.[5] It is also one of the 7 inland navigation backwaters in Kerala.[5] Panamaram, the rivulet which ultimately becomes Kabani River, originates from the Pookode lake.[18] It is spread across an area of 8.5 hectares and with a maximum depth of 6.5 metres.[19]

Kavvayi backwater is a stunningly beautiful backwater destination tucked away near Payyannur in the district of Kannur. Kavvayi Backwaters form the biggest wetland in north Kerala. With its five rivers, the Kavvayi River, and its tributaries- Kankol, Vannathichal, Kuppithodu, and Kuniyan – flows together to form the Kavvayi kayal. Adorned with many small islands, a relaxing boat ride in these waters is the best way to enjoy the mesmerizing greenery of the surroundings.

Kasargod in north Kerala is a backwater destination, known for rice cultivation, coir processing and lovely landscape, it has the sea to the west and the Western Ghats to the north and east. Cruise options are Chandragiri and Valiyaparamba near Kavvayi Backwater. Chandragiri has situated 4  km to the southeast of Kasargod town and takes tourists to the historic Chandragiri fort. Valiyaparamba is a scenic backwater stretch near Kasargod. Four rivers flow into the backwaters near Kasargod and there are many small islands along these backwater stretches, where birds can be seen.

Kozhikode (also known as Calicut) has backwaters which are largely unexplored by tourist hordes. Elathur, the Canoly Canal and the Kallayi River are favourite haunts for boating and cruising. Korapuzha, the venue of the Korapuzha Jalotsavam, is a popular water sports destination.

The coastal region of Malappuram contains the backwaters like Biyyam, Manoor, Veliyankode, Kodinhi, etc. Biyyam backwater which lies south of Bharathappuzha river (which is also the second longest river of Kerala) is the largest among them. Biyyam backwater and Conolly Canal together empties into Arabian Sea near Puthuponnani promontory.