Kerala, ‘God’s own land’, as people usually refer it, is gifted with lovely beaches, beautiful hill stations, tranquil backwaters, lush greenery, and rich and varied wildlife.I am fortunate enough that I visited the state recently, here I’m sharing my personal experience with you people.
Last May I managed two week off time from my busy schedule and set off for Kerala. After reaching Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, I inquired about the tourist attractions of the state that include backwaters, beaches, hill stations, wildlife sanctuaries etc.
During my stay in Kerala I came across a number of natural wonders and the backwaters were special. Kerala is bestowed with a number of alluring backwaters namely Alappuuzha Backwaters, Kuttanad backwaters, Kottayam Backwaters, Kollam Backwaters, Kamarakom Backwaters, Malapuram Backwaters, Kozhikode Backwaters, Kassarkod Backwaters, Trivandrum Backwaters etc.
Alappuzha Backwaters :
First, I reached the Alappuzha district, where the backwaters are really beautiul. Washed by the Arabian Sea, interlocked by a number of canals and bridges, Alappuzha also has some conspicuous attractions e.g Krishnapuram Temple, Ambalapuzha Temple (consecrated to Lord Vishnu), St.Andrew's Church, Mullackal Temple(consecrated to Goddess Rajarajeswari) etc.
Kottayam Backwaters :
My next destination was the Kottayam backwater. This place is popularly known as "the land of lakes, latex and letters". I found the entire place is inters
persed with a network of canals and lakes. Kottayam is also known for its toddy tappers. The beautiful Vembanand Lake and its associated backwaters are just marvellous in one word. Apart from that, the historic churches and temples of Kottayam that I visited were St Mary's church, St Joseph's monastery, famous Ettumanoor Shiva Temple and the Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple. I found each of them is adorned with utmost delicacy.
Kochi Backwaters :
Kochi, the ‘Queen of Arabian Sea’, is a cluster of islands on the vast expanse of the Vembanad Lake. Some of the picturesque islands are Bolghatty, Vypeen, Gundu, and Vallarpadam. Kochi houses one of the finest natural harbor of India too. The panoramic view of Dutch palace, located on the Bolghatty island along with a fine golf course is really breathtaking. Inside the palace, I found a huge collection of mural paintings that depicts some notable scenes from the Hindu epics-- Mahabharata and Ramayana. The Chinese Fishing Nets found here are the only ones of its kind in India.
Kozhikode Backwaters :
The unexplored backwaters of Kozhikode was my last destination. I found this place unique as it holds great promises of enchanting holiday options. Here, I enjoyed the boating at Elathur, the Canolly Canal and the Kallai river. I also visited beautiful bird sanctuary that provided me an enticing charm. My mind had realised a spiritual bliss while I visited the legendary16th century Ettumanoor Temple (dedicated to Lord Shiva).
Boat ride across the backwaters :
Last May I managed two week off time from my busy schedule and set off for Kerala. After reaching Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, I inquired about the tourist attractions of the state that include backwaters, beaches, hill stations, wildlife sanctuaries etc.
During my stay in Kerala I came across a number of natural wonders and the backwaters were special. Kerala is bestowed with a number of alluring backwaters namely Alappuuzha Backwaters, Kuttanad backwaters, Kottayam Backwaters, Kollam Backwaters, Kamarakom Backwaters, Malapuram Backwaters, Kozhikode Backwaters, Kassarkod Backwaters, Trivandrum Backwaters etc.
Alappuzha Backwaters :
First, I reached the Alappuzha district, where the backwaters are really beautiul. Washed by the Arabian Sea, interlocked by a number of canals and bridges, Alappuzha also has some conspicuous attractions e.g Krishnapuram Temple, Ambalapuzha Temple (consecrated to Lord Vishnu), St.Andrew's Church, Mullackal Temple(consecrated to Goddess Rajarajeswari) etc.
Kottayam Backwaters :
My next destination was the Kottayam backwater. This place is popularly known as "the land of lakes, latex and letters". I found the entire place is inters
persed with a network of canals and lakes. Kottayam is also known for its toddy tappers. The beautiful Vembanand Lake and its associated backwaters are just marvellous in one word. Apart from that, the historic churches and temples of Kottayam that I visited were St Mary's church, St Joseph's monastery, famous Ettumanoor Shiva Temple and the Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple. I found each of them is adorned with utmost delicacy.Kochi Backwaters :
Kochi, the ‘Queen of Arabian Sea’, is a cluster of islands on the vast expanse of the Vembanad Lake. Some of the picturesque islands are Bolghatty, Vypeen, Gundu, and Vallarpadam. Kochi houses one of the finest natural harbor of India too. The panoramic view of Dutch palace, located on the Bolghatty island along with a fine golf course is really breathtaking. Inside the palace, I found a huge collection of mural paintings that depicts some notable scenes from the Hindu epics-- Mahabharata and Ramayana. The Chinese Fishing Nets found here are the only ones of its kind in India.
Kozhikode Backwaters :
The unexplored backwaters of Kozhikode was my last destination. I found this place unique as it holds great promises of enchanting holiday options. Here, I enjoyed the boating at Elathur, the Canolly Canal and the Kallai river. I also visited beautiful bird sanctuary that provided me an enticing charm. My mind had realised a spiritual bliss while I visited the legendary16th century Ettumanoor Temple (dedicated to Lord Shiva).
Boat ride across the backwaters :
As I had a short vacation, so I got only few days to explore the b
ackwaters of Kerala. Boat ride across the Kerala Backwaters enhanced my excitement several time. Besides, the soothing sound of water rippling alongside my ‘Ketuvallom’ or houseboat just took me to a world of serenity and natural beauty. It seemed to me nothing less than a paradise where land, sea and sky, come together in a union of elements. Still I dream about the pleasant houseboat ride in backwaters amidst the green countryside, swaying palm trees, and emerald rice fields. 
