The backwaters in Kerala were formed by waves and rivers creating low islands across river mouths. They consist of a network of lakes and canals fed by 38 rivers, extending along half of Kerala. Major lakes include Vembanadu, Ashtamudi, Punnamada, and Valiyaparamba. Houseboats are a prominent tourist attraction, allowing visitors to cruise along various routes. Famous boat races like the Nehru Trophy Race also take place on the backwaters. Ferry services connect locations along the backwaters.

1. Backwater Tourism
in Kerala
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Backwater tourism in Kerala,© Naseel
Ibrahim

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Backwater tourism in Kerala,© Naseel
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3. KERALA
State formed 1 Nov1956
Capital city Tiruvananthapuram
Other major cities Kochi, Kozhikode, Kollam and Thrissur
Districts 14
Boundary West: Arabian Sea, East: Tamilnad & Karnataka
North: Karnataka and South: Tamilanad
Government
• Body Government of Kerala
• Governor P. Sathasivam
• Chief Minister
Tourism minister
Oommen Chandy (INC)
KP Anil Kumar
Area
• Total 38,863 km2(15,005 sq mi)
Population (2011)
• Total 33,387,677
• Rank 13th
• Density 860/km2 (2,200/sq mi)
Demonym Keralite, Malayali
Literacy 93.91%(1st)(2011 - Estimate)
Official languages Malayalam, English
Website kerala.gov.in09/03/2015 3
Backwater tourism in Kerala,© Naseel
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4. The backwaters were formed by the action of
waves and shore currents creating low barrier
islands across the mouths of the many rivers.
The Kerala backwaters are a chain
of brackish lagoons and lakes lying parallel to
the Arabian Sea.
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.
Backwaters
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Backwater tourism in Kerala,© Naseel
Ibrahim

5. Vembanadu
Which is the is the longest lake in India and largest in
Kerala, covering an area of 200 km², and bordered
by Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam districts. The
notable sight is the palm covered Pathiramanal Island.
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Backwater tourism in Kerala,© Naseel
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6. Ashtamudi
The Ashtamudi Kayal, known as the gateway
to the backwaters, covers about 30 % of
Kollam. The 8 hours boat ride from Kollam to
Alappuzha is the longest cruise in Kerala and
is delightful ride with lotuses and water lilies
all around. Now, newly started a major snake
boat race in Kayamkulam basis.
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Backwater tourism in Kerala,© Naseel
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7. Punnamada
Punnamada backwater flows through
the Kuttanad region in Alappuzha
district. The celebrated Nehru Trophy
Boat Race is conducted in a portion of
this lake.
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Backwater tourism in Kerala,© Naseel
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8. Valiyaparamba
Valiyaparamba is a scenic backwater stretch
near Kasargod. Which open doors to
Chandragiri river and Chandragiri fort. Four
rivers flow into this backwater. On its bank
different snakes and birds can be seen.
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Backwater tourism in Kerala,© Naseel
Ibrahim

9. Thiruvallam
Thiruvallam backwaters in
Thiruvananthapuram, known for its canoe
rides. Two rivers, the Killi and
the Karamana come together at Thiruvallam.
Not far from Thiruvallam is the Veli Lagoon,
where there are facilities for water sports, a
waterfront park and a floating bridge.
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Backwater tourism in Kerala,© Naseel
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10. Houseboat
The kettuvallams (Kerala
houseboats) in the backwaters are
one of the prominent tourist
attractions in Kerala. Kettu means
knot in the local parlance and
Vallam is boat. More than 2000
kettuvallams ply the
backwaters, 1200 of them in
Alappuzha.
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Backwater tourism in Kerala,© Naseel
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11. Houseboat Route
1. Kollam-Puvar
2. Kollam- Alappuzha
3. Alappuzha- Vayalar
4. Alappuzha- Vayalar- Kuttanad
5. Alappuzha-kottayam
6. Kottayam- Periyar
7. Kottayam- Kumarakam -Kuttanad
8. Kottayam – Kumarakom
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Backwater tourism in Kerala,© Naseel
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12. Boat Races
Chundan vallams or snake boats are narrow boats
over 100 feet (30 m) long, with a raised prow that
stands 10 feet (3.0 m) above water and resembles the
hood of a snake. Traditionally these were used by local
rulers to transport soldiers during waterfront wars.
Now, it has spawned a new sport – the Boat race.
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Backwater tourism in Kerala,© Naseel
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13. Boat Races in Backwaters
1. Jawaharlal Nehru Trophy Boat Race
(1952), The Punnamada Backwater.
2. Champakulam Moolam Boat Race,
3. Indira Gandhi Boat Race,
4. Aranmula Uthrattadi Vallamkali,
5. Payippad Jalotsavam, and
6. Kumarakom Boat Race
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Backwater tourism in Kerala,© Naseel
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14. Ferry Services
Regular ferry services connect most locations
on both banks of the backwaters and rivers.
The Kerala State Water Transport Department
operates ferries for passengers as well as
tourists.
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Backwater tourism in Kerala,© Naseel
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15. Kuttanadu
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Backwater tourism in Kerala,© Naseel
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16. Kumarakam
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Backwater tourism in Kerala,© Naseel
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17. Fort Kochi
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Backwater tourism in Kerala,© Naseel
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18. Sea Plane
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Backwater tourism in Kerala,© Naseel
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19. Luxury Cruise
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Backwater tourism in Kerala,© Naseel
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20. MOHAMMED NASEEL NP
naseelnp@gmail.com,
+917736518546,
+919179405186
International Business,
2014-2016 Batch,
IITTM, Gwalior
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Backwater tourism in Kerala,© Naseel
Ibrahim