The Kerala backwaters are a chain of brackish lagoons and lakes lying parallel to the Arabian Sea coast (known as the Malabar Coast) of Kerala state in southern India. The network includes five large lakes linked by canals, both manmade and natural, fed by 38 rivers, and extending virtually half the length of Kerala state. The backwaters were formed by the action of waves and shore currents creating low barrier islands across the mouths of the many rivers flowing down from the Western Ghats range.

Kerala has over 900 km of interconnected waterways, rivers, lakes and inlets that make up the Kerala backwaters. In the midst of this beautiful landscape there are a number of towns and cities, which are the starting and end points of backwater cruises.]National Waterway No. 3 from Kollam to Kottapuram.

The backwaters have a unique ecosystem - freshwater from the rivers meets the seawater from the Arabian Sea. In certain areas, such as the Vembanad Kayal, where a barrage has been built near Kumarakom, salt water from the sea is prevented from entering the deep inside, keeping the fresh water intact. Such fresh water is extensively used for irrigation purposes

Many unique species of aquatic life including crabs, frogs and mudskippers, water birds such as terns, kingfishers, darters and cormorants, and animals such as otters and turtles live in and alongside the backwaters. Palm trees, pandanus shrubs, various leafy plants and bushes grow alongside the backwaters, providing a green hue to the surrounding landscape.

Hear the soothing sound of water rippling alongside your houseboat, as you drift on a Kerala backwaters. Feel completely relaxed as you enter a world of serenity and natural beauty in Kerala. See the green countryside, swaying palm trees, emerald rice fields and children waving from the banks of the backwaters of Kerala, India, as you sail on traditional Ketuvalloms or houseboats, on a Kerala backwater. Be transported to a paradise where land, sea and sky, come together in a union of elements. As you float on a Kerala backwater, the beauty of the serene waterways and quaint inlets and creeks along the coast of Kerala will enchant you. Experience an unforgettable journey, along the tranquil backwaters of Kerala, India, with Kerala Backwater.

Alappuzha Backwaters: The backwaters at Alappuzha or Alleppey with water birds, flowers and greenery along their banks are a stunning sight. A backwater cruise on the Punnamada Kayal takes you along canals covered with mauve hyacinths past scenic islands offering sublime views of coconut and paddy fields, Chinese fishing nets and toddy tappers at work.

Kozhikode Backwaters: Be at the Kozhikode backwaters to explore the un-spoilt greens, to hear the chirping of the water birds, and take a boat cruise to discover a spectacular water world. You can sail along the Kallai River and Canoli canal or languor on the Kozhikode beaches.

Kumarakom Backwaters: The enchanting boat races, houseboat cruise, canoeing and fishing are some of the main attractions of Kumarakom. The huge houseboats, traditionally known as Kettuvallams, are replete with living rooms, toilets, kitchen, and balcony for angling.

Thiruvallam Backwaters: This tranquil backwater stretch, en-route to Kovalam, is renowned for its canoe rides. You can float along on a houseboat past local fishing villages viewing water birds, exotic flowers and vegetation

Kochi Backwaters: A string of picturesque and lovely islands, lagoons, small rivulets and swaying coconut palm trees make Kochi a perfect backwaters destination. A conducted cruise on the local ferries through the winding waterways to several quaint spots is the main tourist attraction of Kochi.

Kovallam Backwaters: The Ashthamudi Lake, covering 30% of the Kollam town, is the gateway to the magnificent backwaters of Kerala. The eight hour trip between Kollam and Alappuzha is the longest backwater cruise in the state as one passes through lakes, canals, water-bound villages, and the famous Chinese fishing nets. Kasargod Backwaters

Kottayam Backwaters : Kottayam is being known for a large number of canals, streams, and lakes going through it. The famous Vembanad Lake makes Kottayam Backwaters a famous tourist destination, drawing attention of several tourists year after year.