KERALA BACKWATERS
A unique water world
Backwaters in Kerala are a chain of lakes, rivers and lagoons lying parallel to the Arabian Sea in the west. There are 41 rivers in Kerala that flow westwards from the mountain ranges in the east, known as Western Ghats ( UNESCO Heritage sites) which is one among the biodiversity hot spots of the world. These east flowing rivers contribute to the network of backwaters in Kerala that form a unique ecosystem ranging from Fresh water, brackish to saline in nature. It is also home for diverse species of aquatic life both flora and fauna.
This is also a wintering destination for migratory water birds starting from the month of November through February. Oriental darter, cormorants, teals, egrets, storks, kingfishers, terns, gulls are some of the common water birds one will spot while taking a cruise along these backwaters. The banks of the lakes and lagoons are lined with lush green vegetation that contributes to the greenery of the landscape.
Vembanad backwaters
Vembanad lake is the second largest lake in India, covering an area of 120 km².Places like Alappuzha (Alleppey), Kumarakom and the city of Cochin are by the banks of this famed lake. The lake is also declared as a RAMSAR site under the United Nation convention on Wetlands. Alleppey and Kumarakom is situated at the Southern part of the lake and Cochin is located at the portion where this lakes empties into Arabian Sea.
Alleppey portion which is the western bank of the lake, has vast paddy growing areas known locally by the name “Kuttanad”. This region was once called as the rice bowl of Kerala. The low lying portion of Kuttanad area has a unique farming practice, where rice is grown 1 to 1.5 meters below mean sea level. One could experience this difference in level of paddy land with the sea level, while we move around in the houseboat. This area has narrow canals intertwining the paddy field which is the specialty of Alleppey backwaters. Alleppey is also known as “Venice of the East” due to the network of canals.
Kumarakom village is towards the eastern bank of Vembanad Lake and is popular tourism destination when one consider for a lake side stay. It's water front is dotted with resorts and hotels and some of the leading names in hospitality industry of the country have its properties here.
Houseboat Tariff
Cruise & Overnight stay
DELUXE TYPE House Boat Tariff:
Low Season - 1 October 2021 to 31 May 2022
Cruise Route - Alleppey to Alleppey
High Season - 1 December 2021 to 31 January 2022
Cruise Route -Alleppey - Alleppey
* Peak season rates of INR 1000 per person is applicable for the period from 21th December 2021 to 5th January 2022