New Delhi (India), June 11: India is a country rich in variety, with sun-kissed beaches and towering Himalayan peaks, as well as energetic, dynamic cities and tranquil towns that seem to have stood the test of time. The quiet backwaters of Kerala provide an invigorating sanctuary unmatched by any other place on Earth for travelers who have made an Air India booking and are looking for a peaceful getaway during their Indian adventure.
The 900 kilometers of backwaters in Kerala's lush coastal lowlands are made up of a complex system of rivers, canals, lakes, and inlets that create peaceful waterways. This unusual ecosystem, which is a huge network of interconnecting rivers that crisscross Kerala, produces a serene aquatic scene that is filled with lush foliage and marine life.
The Quintessential Backwaters Experience
By traveling through these lazy lakes and winding canals lined with palm trees in a thatched-roof kettuvallam (houseboat), you may completely lose yourself in an environment of charming towns, a wide variety of birds, and day-to-day life along the banks that haven't changed in many years. As the landscape unfolds at a dreamy speed, drifting along in a kettuvallam seems like taking a step back in time and offers a view into traditional life.
Real jewels are buried among lesser-known towns and obscure lagoons, although well-known tourist spots like Alleppey and Kumarakom provide a taste of the classic backwaters experience with their opulent houseboats and resorts.
Hidden Backwater Havens
There are hidden lagoons and backwater villages all around Kerala that provide a glimpse into a more traditional way of life and a chance to get away from the worries of the outside world.
One such peaceful haven is Kuttanad, which is often called the "Rice Bowl of Kerala." This picturesque farming area is situated a startling 0.6 to 2.2 meters below sea level, surrounded by high banks, and drained by a complex network of canals. It attracts tourists to see the amazing scene of farmers cultivating rice and vegetables in verdant fields recovered from the backwaters by wading through shimmering paddies. Past the lush fields, a calm system of canals meanders through little communities where people live in harmony with the quiet sounds of the water.
Pristine Backwater Landscapes
Take yourself to the unspoiled Valiyaparamba backwaters in the Kasaragod area, close to the town of Bekal, if you really want to go off the beaten path. This verdant, comparatively undiscovered backwater area provides a tranquil getaway into a world of sparkling lagoons surrounded by coconut palms, with wading birds and passing boats as the only sounds. These seldom-visited backwaters have a natural scenery that is essentially unspoiled.
Near Trivandrum, the state capital, Thiruvallam offers yet another undiscovered backwater treasure and peaceful haven. Situated at the confluence of the Killi and Karamana rivers, Thiruvallam is a lesser-known tourist destination. It has serene canals surrounded by leafy meadows, swaying palms, and ancient villages.
Luxury on the Waters
Naturally, seeing the backwaters wouldn't be complete without doing it from a kettuvallam. Experience the utmost in peaceful living aboard a movable villa furnished with sleeping rooms, a lounge, a kitchenette, and a staff to minister to your needs on these classic thatched houseboats. Take a short cruise or a multi-day trip through the backwaters; either way, a kettuvallam offers the ideal vantage point to take in the rhythms of life on the water. There is nothing like waking up to foggy lake views from your bedroom, then spending days dreamily drifting past towns and seeing village life as it unfolds along the palm-fringed canals.
Immersive Cultural Experiences
The backwaters provide more than simply a tranquil getaway; they also provide worthwhile chances to immerse oneself in the customs and culture of the area. Experiencing traditional fishing techniques such as operating and repairing large Chinese-style lift nets, as well as cashew processing and coir-making from coconut fiber, may be seen by visiting the surrounding communities.
This dreamy part of Kerala provides a genuine respite from the strains of the outside world with its palm-fringed canals glittering in the tropical sun, little footbridge-connected settlements, and life lived in tune with the slow pace of the waterways. Thus, for those looking for a peaceful tour among India's beauties, the backwaters provide a singular opportunity to encounter the timeless while indulging your soul.