Kerala Backwater Destinations – Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam
A tour aboard a traditional houseboat at the stretch of the lake lets you admire the lush surroundings, coconut palm trees and is a treat to your eyes.
The 8 arms or channels of the Ashtamudi Lake are what gave it its name. It is the entrance to the famous backwaters of Kerala and the houseboat rides here are extremely famous. The Kollam to Alappuzha route is considered among the best in the backwaters. Cruises here give you a deeper look at the heart and spirit of the backwaters. Let the local oarsmen take you on a special journey to rediscover your soul. The lush greenery and exotic biodiversity shall enchant you forever.
You will Soak-in the beauty of the lush surroundings by opting for Ashtamudi Backwaters tour. Get close and personal to the scenery of Kollam while cruising on the placid waters of Ashtamudi Lake. This water stretch is one of the most popular and also the biggest freshwater lake of Kerala. A tour aboard a traditional houseboat at the stretch of the lake lets you admire the lush surroundings, coconut palm trees and treat your eyes to the picturesque beauty of the place.
Kappad Beach Kerala- the historic beach where Vasco-da-Gama landed!
Locally known as Kappadavu, Kappad beach is one of the main attractions of Kozhikode. A lush, serene beach shaded by inland palm trees, it has golden sands.
Things to do in Kappad Beach
Tourists can partake in a number of activities on Kappad beach. Enjoying a boat ride to the placid backwaters is one of such interesting activities. If you love swimming, you will love being here. Enjoy different kinds of beach games such as volleyball, with your loved ones. Indulge in leisure walk here.
Another highlight here is a houseboat cruise on the waters of Kapapd River, sailing down to the backwaters for some peaceful moments. Indulge in shopping, sunbathing, and sightseeing. The shops and stalls near the beach sell garments and other interesting knick-knacks. Do not forget to get your hands on special wafer-thin Banana chips. The beach shacks here serve sumptuous vegetarian and seafood delicacies.
Sightseeing in and around Kappad Beach
Kappad beach is an ideal getaway for honeymooning couples, family vacationers and water sports lovers. There are a number of places in and around the beach that are worth visiting:
Kappad Backwaters – The backwaters of Kappad are a labyrinth of canals, lakes and lagoons with placid waters and immense natural beauty. Opt for a houseboat ride here, along with a cruise down the river Kallai and Elathur Channel for some wonderful views.
Pookot Lake – Located just half a km away from the main city, Pookot is a freshwater lake, surrounded by the thick trees, making the views green and soothing.
Short rides at Kappad – The beach is enveloped by a peaceful village where the fishermen of the region have their houses. Enjoy a ride to this village to interact with the locals, to enjoy the sight of white lotus floating in ponds and their daily lifestyle. The village also has 800-yr old Hindu temple.
Thusharagiri Water Falls – Around 50 km away from Kozhikode, Thusharagiri waterfalls is a popular attraction of the region. A wonderful picnic spot, the surroundings are blessed with greenery.
Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary – Equally amid locals and tourists, Kadalundi bird sanctuary is home to both resident as well as migratory birds. The sanctuary is just km away from Kappad. Sand piper, whimbrels, gulls, and terns are some of the avifauna species that can be spotted here.
Enjoy Backwater Tours in Kerala with Chithari Backwaters
Popular for its backwaters, this place is a visited by hordes of tourists. Chithari Beach is immensely beautiful with wide sandy shores lined by lush trees.
Chithari is a picturesque place located 5 km from Kasargod, the land of Mosques, Churches, and temples. It is placed in the north of Kerala. The place is among the most beautiful in the state with beaches, hills, backwaters, and forts. Chithari is famous for a tiny tropical island, a wide sandy beach, and the emerald lagoon.
Popular for its backwaters, this place is a visited by hordes of tourists. Chithari Beach is immensely beautiful with wide sandy shores lined by lush trees. It is unbelievably immaculate, making you feel as if you have entered an enchanted land. If you are in for some peaceful time away from urbanization and crowds swarming beaches, this place will satisfy you. It is yet to be fully explored so there won’t be too many tourists.
The beach is known for the historical fort placed at its borders, called Bekal fort. Although it is now ruined, it is still the perfect place for some calm moments in nature’s arms. You can reach the island via boats and you might even find boatmen sitting there ready to escort you towards the island. The area is being endorsed as part of the Bekal Tourism Project. It will soon become one of the hottest tourist spots.
Cruises from Chithari
Valiyaparamba and Chandragiri are the major cruise alternatives in the state and both can be reached from this place, thus making it a frequently visited backwater area.
The Chandragiri backwater cruises begin near Chandragiri Bridge.
Prime Attractions
Kappil Beach
It is at a distance of 2kms from the Bekal Fort. Kodi Cliff close by offers panoramic glimpses of the picturesque Arabian Sea, 2 km from Pulikunnam Temple.
Tejaswini-Valiyaparamba Backwaters
These are only 20 km away from the Bekal fort. They are among the most picture-perfect backwaters in the state. This backwater stretch is contributed by 4 rivers and spotted with many small islands. The popular location offers magical boat cruises.
Kanwatheratha Beach
Three kilometers away from Manjeeswaram, what makes this beach so appealing is the formation of the sea that resembles a giant swimming pool.
Possadi Gumpe
It is at a distance of 15kms from Bekal. It is ideal for picnics, with its location being on a little hill 1060 feet above the sea level.
Kanhangad/Hosdurg: Popular for its forts constructed by Somashekkara Nayak, this is a must-see location. Another famous landmark here, the Nithyananda ashram, is an internationally acclaimed spiritual center. It is only 15kms from Bekal’s south.
Cheruvathur
Remains of a Dutch Fort which was constructed in the 1700s can be viewed on the Veeramal Hills.
Kottancherry
It is 30kms from Chithari. Placed near the Cauvery this tranquil area is a favorite among nature lovers and environmentalists. The nearby region of Konnakkad is the ideal place for trekking, with the rainforest and leafy surroundings found there.
Tulur Vanam
This is also called Kekulom, or the eastern place. It is located 4 km in Panathur’s east. The temple found here sanctifies Bhagavathi and Kshetrapalan. The annual festival that lasts 8 days starting from Sivarathri, welcomes huge crowds from across the district and from Coorg.
Pandiyan Kallu
It’s a rock rising out of the sea around 2 km away from Trikkannad Temple. It is the perfect spot for swimmers. If we go by the legends, the ship of a Pandiya King who assaulted the temple was transformed into a rock.
Nileswaram
It is the artistic center of Kasaragod. It was Nileswar Rajas’ seat. The place is also popular for its plenty of temple, shrines, festivals and most of all the Kavil Bhavan Yoga and Cultural Center that offers renewal therapy along with naturopathy treatments such as herbal baths and mud baths.
Bekal Fort
The fort is 14kms away from Kasargod’s south. This place is 3 centuries old and is among the biggest and most preserved forts of the state. This prominent circular formation rises 130 feet above sea level. It is placed on a 35-acre cape which runs into the Arabian Sea. A beach called Bekal Beach is a km away. It offers fascinating glimpses of this fort and also has lots of facilities for relaxation and recreation.
Kerala Backwater Destinations: Alappuzha – Kochi Cruise
Cruise leisurely through the canals in Kuttanad, popularly known as the Rice Bowl of Kerala, which is fringed by palm groves and paddy fields.
Are you a tired of exploring God’s Own Country on foot? How about enjoying the comforts of a luxurious backwater cruise? You can hire a houseboat in Alappuzha, also known as the ‘Venice of the East’. Cruise leisurely through the canals in Kuttanad, popularly known as the Rice Bowl of Kerala, which is fringed by palm groves and paddy fields.
From Kumarakom, one of the prime tourist attractions of Kerala to Vaikom, you witness a veritable world of wonders. Here this cluster of islands, has a life of its own, with its own slow, serene rhythm. The sights, sounds, and fragrances will simply surround and captivate you.
En route to Vaikom, the Vembanad Lake offers you sights of the rustic backwater village life. Your eyes will never tire of feasting on the green shores on both sides, throbbing with vigor and pure natural beauty. The soft sunlit water enchants you as the palm trees on both shores beckon you with gentle whispers in the wind. You know in your soul that this magnificent sight will remain with you for the rest of your life.
Then comes, Pathiramanal, seemingly afloat in the middle of the backwaters has many interesting myths surrounding this region. Next is Thanneermukkom, a village known for its Salt Water Barrier, popularly known as Thanneermukkom Bund. It is the largest mud regulator in India. Travelling through this region and savoring some delicious Kerala snacks is a marvelous experience.
Then to Kumbalangi via Thykkattussery, a small village surrounded by coconut groves and paddy fields, enchanting components of the backwater life. The first sight that welcomes you to Kumbalangi is that of the majestic Chinese fishing nets lining the sides of the backwaters. Pokkali cultivation, a traditional indigenous method of cultivation in which the practice of harvesting paddy is followed by prawn filtration, is a unique farming practice followed in Kumbalangi.
Having journeyed through the breezy backwaters of Kumbalangi, the cruise proceeds to Fort Kochi, known for its share of Chinese fishing nets and numerous historic sites. The place is worth exploring on foot if one is up for it. However, the sights from on board the houseboat are also fascinating. Bidding adieu to Fort Kochi, let us steer towards the Bolghatty Island.
The panoramic view of the mainland of Ernakulam city, its skyline and the shipyard on the eastern side makes you unwind. Lose yourself to the soothing breeze and the reassuring touch of sunlight.
The memory of this cruise will definitely be etched in your mind and will surely tug at your heartstrings and stir your soul for all the years to come.
Kerala Sightseeing – Kerala Sightseeing Tour Packages.
Kerala Destinations, not to be missed scenic locations & natural beauty!
Kerala, famous for hills, backwaters, beaches, waterfalls, wildlife, ayurvedic treatments and delicately spiced, taste-bud-tingling cuisine.
Kerala has an endless list of tourist destinations that will interest any traveler. Renowned for its scenic locations and natural beauty, Kerala is sure to enchant any nature lover with its hills, backwaters, beaches, waterfalls, and wildlife. The state also has a rich heritage and thriving culture one can explore by visiting the various forts, palaces, museums, monuments and pilgrim centers. Both natural and manmade brilliance await you at every turn.
Wedged between the Western Ghats on the East and the Arabian Sea on the West, the narrow strip of land known as Kerala is truly a destination of a lifetime.
