The most spectacular site for a tourist to Kerala is the vast green expense of the backwaters. And a memorable experience is a houseboat holiday on these backwaters. The most amazing aspect of these backwaters are Kettuvalloms (traditional house boats), which are an improvisation on the large country barges of yesteryears. Almost on the verge of decay, these houseboats have been resorted through their promotion as a unique holiday concept. 


The Vembanad Lake, flowing through the three districts of Alappuzha, Cochin and Kottayam, is the largest backwater stretch of Kerala. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary at Kottayam is an added attraction of the Vembanad Lake. 


The longest and probably the most breathtaking backwater journey is between Allapuzha and Kollam. While the former is referred to as the ‘Venice of the East’, Kollam is Kerala’s largest producer of cashew nuts.

Another distinct experience of the trail is Kuttanad, the rice bowl of Kerala, where the water level is higher than that of land. Also along the journey is Alumkadavu, the village where Kettuvalloms are made. The eight-hour journey gives a first hand experience of the lifestyle of the backwater people.