Splendid coastline and serene network of 44 rivers together form the unique aspects of this green state. Life and almost all the tourism aspects seem to be centered on the picturesque waterways in Kerala. Of all the charming Kerala tours, a long trip to the wonderful backwaters of Kerala is highly frequented. Tourists from all over the world prefer this trip and explore various hill stations, spice plantations, bird sanctuaries, backwaters and attractions like Padmanabha Swami Temple, Shri Chitra Art Gallery, St. Francis’ Church, Dutch Palace, Chinese Fishing Nets and Kathakali Dance Show etc.
Backwater tour in Kerala usually starts with Trivandrum – the capital city of Kerala. After exploring the most ancient and rich Hindu temples here, one can head towards Kovalam by a houseboat. This activity takes you to the vast Vembanad Lake and lets you enjoy the true pleasure of spending holidays on waters. These luxurious houseboats or Kettuvalloms takes you to Thothapali & Kumarakom. It is the best way to have a closer look at the daily life of the villagers living along the backwaters.
There is a lot to explore in Kumarakom including lakes, canals, paddy fields and most importantly – Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Darters (snake birds), night herons, egrets, Siberian storks, golden backed woodpecker, crow pheasant, white-breasted water hen, tree pie etc. are some of the highly spotted colorful birds in Kumarakom. Wildlife enthusiasts can next move to the dense greens of Periyar. South India’s most popular Wildlife Sanctuary – Periyar is set amidst aromatic spice plantations. Therefore, it offers thrilling jungle safaris for the wildlife freaks and relaxing nature walks for the peace lovers. Periyar is a place to cruise on the lake and click tigers, leopards, elephants, bison (gaur), antelopes, sambhar, wild boar, money and a wide variety of birds as well.
Munnar – a popular hill stations in Kerala – lets you enjoy tranquil peace and world’s highest tea estates over hundreds of kilometers. Eravikulam National Park in Munnar is an ideal place to spot Nilgiri Tahr. Otherwise you can spend your day at leisure. Lastly, we can head towards Cochin – the popular historical sea trade centre of south India. This is the ideal place to explore Jewish synagogue, Portuguese churches, architecture, mosques, temples and Chinese fishing nets. Moreover, one can enjoy the live performance of popular classical dance ‘Kathakali’ while enjoying delicious south Indian dishes in the evening.
