Named as one of the ten paradises of the world Kerala is famous for its beautiful backwaters.
Wedged between the Western Ghats on the East and the Arabian Sea on the West, the narrow strip of land known as Kerala is a destination of a lifetime.The timeless beauty of the palm fringed beaches of Kovalam and Varkala, the majesty of the undulating hills of Munnar and Vagamon, the serenity of the pristine backwaters of Kumarakom & Kuttanad and the enchanting woods and forests of Thekkady and Silent Valley will have you bowled over.That such a small terrain can hold diverse geographical features and cultures is a wonder in itself.
Kerala's history is closely linked with its commerce, which until recent times revolved around its spice trade. Celebrated as the Spice Coast of India, ancient Kerala played host to travellers and traders from across the world including the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, French and the British. Almost all of them have left their imprint on this land in some form or the other - architecture, cuisine, literature.
Kerala is a place gifted with a number of manmade as well as natural wonders. The place is full of lovely beaches, alluring hill stations, strikingly beautiful backwaters and a number of historical and architectural wonders. Out of all these, Kerala's most stunning feature is the backwaters, which are rare and fascinating. Kerala backwaters are a source of water for harvesting as well as are major tourist attractions. The rippling backwaters alone attract a number of domestic and foreign tourists, to Kerala. The backwaters in Kerala are interesting phenomena. The backwaters hold a diverse ecosystem, which includes lagoons, lakes, canals, estuaries and deltas of several rivers that ultimately meet the Arabian Sea.
While the whole India is rich in natural heritage, the backwaters are found exclusively in Kerala. These backwaters are the perfect combination of scenic beauty and tranquil realms. Houseboats are the major transport to travel through backwaters. Traveling on a traditional houseboat is the best way to absorb the beauty of Kerala backwaters, as you pass through numerous lush green villages and small towns. There are a number of places from where houseboats and backwater tours are operational.
