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Sail and Sway in the Backwaters of Kerala

By Akshatha Vinayak

Backwaters act as a silver lining to Kerala! Backwater canals give 'Venice feel' for some regions of Kerala. Boats sailing in the canals right next to the towns is an exciting to sight to watch . The ecosystem of backwaters has a distinctive impact on the visitors. The scenery, photogenic locations, boating, houseboats and fishing in the backwaters are always fun. Backwater tourism in Kerala is one of the best in India, thus a tour around the mystic lagoons is a must! Read along to traverse around the famous backwaters of Kerala.

Charming Backwaters of Kerala

Vembanad Lake
Photo Courtesy: Ashwin Kumar

Vembanad Lake

Punnamada Lake in Kuttanad; Kochi Lake in Kochi! Sprawling across three districts, Vembanad Lake is the heart of backwater tourism in Kerala. It is also the longest lake in Kerala and India. It is the extravagant location for boat races in Kerala; the prestigious Nehru Trophy Boat Race happens in Punnamada Lake. It is in the same Vembanad Lake, the Willingdon Island was formed and now it is Kochi Port. Such a lake must be one of the best destinations in Kerala!

Charming Backwaters of Kerala

Vembanad Lake
Photo Courtesy: Lian Chang

How To Reach Vembanad Lake

The best way to reach Vembanad Lake is to go to Kumarakom or Alleppey.

Click: How To Reach Alleppey

Click: How to Reach Kumarakom

Charming Backwaters of Kerala

Ashtamudi Lake
Photo Courtesy: mertxe iturrioz

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Ashtamudi Lake

Ashtamudi is a delight of Kollam! The eight-coned structure of this lake is known for backwater tourism in Kerala. Second only to Vembanad Lake, the backwaters of Ashtamudi is charismatic tourist place. This 'Gateway to Backwaters of Kerala' is a Ramsar Wetland Conservation Site. This lake with abundant avifauna also attracts many bird lovers and photographers.

Charming Backwaters of Kerala

Ashtamudi Lake
Photo Courtesy: jay8085

How to Reach Astamudi Lake

Ashtamudi Lake is in the heart of Kollam. It is well-connected with other major places in Kerala.

Click: How to Reach Kollam

Charming Backwaters of Kerala

Kayamkulam Lake
Photo Courtesy: Mahesh Mahajan

Kayamkulam Lake

The brackish lagoon of Kayamkulam is spread across Panmana and Karthikapally. It is also the venue for Kayamkulam Boat Race. A legend says that Raja Marthanda Varma destroyed the barrier to the sea and let the saline water to the fields. Thus Kayamkulam Lake became a brackish lagoon. Kayamkulam Barrage separates the Arabian Sea from the lake!

Charming Backwaters of Kerala

Kayamkulam
Photo Courtesy: lakshya2005

How to Reach Kayamkulam

Kayamkulam is around 43km from Kollam and 107km from Ernakulam. This town is well-connected through road transport and railways. Tourists can take state transport from other major cities to reach Kayamkulam.

Charming Backwaters of Kerala

Sasthamkotta Lake
Photo Courtesy: Arunelectra

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Sasathamkotta Lake

Sasathamkotta Lake has a special importance as it provides drinking water to Kerala. The lake is named after Sastha Temple on the banks of the lake in Kollam. It is the largest freshwater lake which also supports fishing. Sasathamkotta Lake is yet another beautiful backwaters of Kerala that supports many lives. The lake is also a home to a number of birds and aquatic life.

Charming Backwaters of Kerala

Sasthamkotta
Photo Courtesy: Umasankarindia

How to Reach Sasthamkotta Lake

Sasthamkotta Lake is 28km from Kollam. It is a village at Kunathoor and is accessible through road and rail transport.

Don't miss out on a houseboat ride in any of these backwaters. The horizons of water, bordering coconut groves, houseboats, fishing nets and the bustle of people on the banks will remain stashed in your memories for ever. Backwaters are the best way to experience 'God's Own Country'!

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