Kerala has 900 km of tranquil backwaters, which adds to the scenic beauty of the state. Besides facilitating inland water navigation, the backwaters provide an ideal venue for nature tourism and eco tourism. The charming backwater resources are accompanied by more than 500 km of coastline, with beach tourism facilities at several places. The network of interconnected lakes, lagoons, river estuaries and canals in the coastal plains provide an extensive tropical terrain for sightseeing and cruising amidst green and blue surroundings.
From Southern Kerala up to northern border of the state, there are several lakes. Besides regular boat services, special boats and houseboats offer rides and cruises. There are several popular destinations along the backwaters-especially in southern Kerala, in and around the port cities of Kochi, Alappuzha, Kollam and Kottayam. These coastal cities are linked by the lakes and canals forming the west coast waterway.
The backwater tourism industry with houseboats and motorboats developed in southern and central Kerala region, because there are more and bigger lakes in those areas, compared to northern Kerala (Malabar).
one of the most popular hill stations in India is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Located at 1600 m above sea level, this was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes, trekking and holiday facilities make Munnar a unique experience.
The pride of Kerela and a testimony to nature's splendor and human innovation, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on the banks of the Periyar lake - an artificial lake, at Thekkady. Here the high ranges of the Western Ghats are clothed in dense evergreen, moist deciduous forests and savannah grass lands.Below this thick green canopy roam herds of elephants, sambars, tigers, gaurs.
Wayanad lies at an altitude varying from 700 - 2100 metres above the sea level. The district has the highest number of tribal settlements in Kerala. The sanctuary is very rich in flora and fauna. The management lays emphasis on scientific conservation with due consideration for the general lifestyle of the tribals and others who live in and around the forest region.
Alappuzha is famous for its boat races, houseboats, coir products, fish and lakes. Alappuzha remains prominent on the tourist trial of Kerela as one of the major centers for backwater boat trips.
The Kovalam beach situated 16 Km. south of Trivandrum city, is one of the best beaches in India. It's a must see destination of India. On account of it's natural location, it affords facilities for safe sea bath.
The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and this small water world is part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres is a favorite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise.
The Capital city of Kerala. The wooded highlands on the Western Ghats in the eastern and northeastern borders give Thiruvananthapuram some of the most enchanting picnic spots. A long shoreline, with internationally renowned beaches, historic monuments, backwater stretches and a rich cultural heritage make it a much sought after tourist destination.
The eventful history of this city began when a major flood in AD 1341 threw open the estuary at Kochi, till then a land locked region, turning it into one of the finest natural harbours in the world. Kochi thus became a haven for seafaring visitors from all over the world and became the first European township in India when the Portuguese settled here in the 15th century.
This lovely beach near Kochi, bordering Vypeen island which is a major centre for commerce, is ideal for swimming. Dolphins are occasionally seen here. A typical Kerala village with paddy fields and coconut groves nearby is an added attraction of this beach