The coastal regions of Kerala have a network of waterways, inlets, estuaries, lakes and natural canals connecting coastal towns. This interlinked body of waterways is known as the
[i], over 900 km of which is navigable. Traveling in traditional houseboats along these backwaters to enjoy the scenic landscape is a wonderful experience and extremely popular among foreign visitors. The leisurely cruise along the famous backwaters of Kerala gives one a first hand experience of the village life style in the state and its rustic activities like coir-making and prawn farming. You cannot miss the breathtaking view of the water, land, birds and human habitation on the water side, coexisting peacefully. The hub of backwater tourism in Kerala, Alleppey or Alappuzha means land between the seas where a network of rivers flows into it. If you are in Alleppey, perhaps your main reason to be there is to cruise through the backwaters in Kerala. Backwater by definition means “a part of a river not reached by the current, where the water is stagnant”, and Kerala showcases a great deal of its picturesque backwaters in Alleppey. The houseboat rides along these backwaters can prove exhilarating to the tourists as they take you through Kottayam, Alleppey, Quilon, Kumarakom and Kuttanad area.
Kumarakom is situated 13 Kms away from Kottayam is a sleepy little village on Vembanad Lake in Kerala. It offers wide variety of flora, exotic sightseeing, boating and fishing experience. The bird sanctuary spread across 14 acres is safe home for many migratory birds like Siberian stork, wild duck etc. They live with other birds in flocks such as darters, herons; egret, waterfowls and cuckoos are fascinating sight for the visitors. The beautiful paradise stocked with mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut trees comprises with water ways and canals adorned with white lilies enchants the tourist from world over. The land is famous for it’s painstakingly hand craft each exquisite piece still made in a traditional way. Vembanad Lake is home to several types of marine life exclusively the Chemeen (Prawns), the Konju (Tiger Prawns) and Karimeen.