Are you a bit tired of walking to explore
God’s Own Country? If yes, let us try
out something different and less tiring.
How about a backwater cruise, enjoying
the comforst of a luxurious houseboat?
You can hire one from Alappuzha.
Feel free and relaxed as your eyes,
first lazily and then passionately enjoy
the bewitching Vembanad Lake, the largest
backwater stretch in Kerala.Let us steer
towards Kumarakom, one of the prime
tourist attractions of Kerala. En route,
Vembanad Lake offers you sights of
backwater village life and a lot of
backwater activities. The green shores
throbbing with vigour and pure beauty
will never tire you. The soft sunlight
lends the calm water a new enchantment
as the palms on both shores welcome
you with a gentle whisper in the wind.
Your mind will assure you that this
scene will remain within you, to
relieve you during all your busiest hours.
Once you enter Q S T and
R Block Kayal, it is an added
enchantment. It is situated at Kuttanad,
popularly known as the rice bowl of Kerala.
Cruise leisurely through the canals,
which are fringed by palm groves and
paddy fields.
On reaching Kumarakom, you enter
another world of wonders. This small
backwater village, which is a cluster
of islands, has a life of its own, with
a slow, serene rhythm. The sights,
sounds and fragrances will simply
captivate you.
After staying back at Kumarakom for
a bit and relaxing, you may proceed
to Vaikom. It is time again to enjoy
the placidity of the Vembanad Lake,
in all its splendor. On the way,
you will find a small island, Pathiramanal,
seemingly afloat in the middle of the
backwater. Have a brief stop and
your guide can share with you many
interesting myths surrounding this region.
On resuming your journey, the
next halt point for you is Thanneermukkom,
a village known for its Salt Water
Barrier, popularly known as Thenneermukkom
Bund. It is the largest mud regulator in
India. Travelling through this region
and savoring some delicious Kerala
snacks is a simply marvelous experience.
Your next backwater destination -
Vaikom offers you many interesting
sights and lifestyles. You may find
here the specimens of Kerala's grand
tradition. A famous temple dedicated to
Lord Shiva is the prime attraction of
this town. The refreshing greenery here
is another add-on for you.
From Vaikom, after recharging with a
delicious Kerala meal, you may proceed
to Kumbalangi. We travel via
Thykkattussery, a small village
surrounded by coconut groves
and paddy fields, enchanting constituents
of backwater life. The first sight that
welcomes you to Kumbalangi is that
of majestic Chinese fishing nets lining
the sides of the backwaters.
Pokkali cultivation, a traditional
indigenous method of cultivation
in which the practice of taking a
paddy crop is followed by prawn
filtration, is a unique farming practice
at Kumbalangi.
Once through the breezy backwaters
of Kumbalangi, it is time for us to
proceed to Fort Kochi, known for
its share of Chinese fishing nets
and many historic sites. The place
is worth a walk, if you would like
to. However, the sights from on board
are also fascinating.
Bidding adieu to Fort Kochi, let us
steer towards the Bolghatty Island,
our final destination. En route to
the Bolghatty Island, you would pass
by the panoramic view of the mainland
of Ernakulam city, its skyline and the
shipyard on the eastern side. Once
in Bolghatty, it is time for us to
unwind. Loosen yourself to the
soothing cool breeze and the reassuring
touch of serene sunlight.
Sweet is the memory of the last few
hours that is sure to haunt you fondly
for all the years to come. Disagree?
Try the trip and you certainly won't
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