Kerala Backwater Tours

Kerala, a state in southern India, is well-renowned for its backwater system – a network of interconnected canals, lagoons, rivers, lakes and inlets that run inland from the coast and which is spread over an extensive 900 km. 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. Traditionally, the backwaters are used by local people for transport, fishing, and agriculture. Annual snake boat races, held along the backwaters, also provide a great source of entertainment for the locals and tourists alike. The lagoons and lakes is a lasting source of livelihood for the indigenous people and a popular tourist attraction for the state.

Boat-Backwater-Kerala

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. Fed by the rivers, the backwaters are almost free of salty seawater. In certain areas, such as the Vembanad Kayal, artificial barrage has been built to prevent salt water from the sea from entering the deep inside, keeping the fresh water intact.

Passing thru stream

Many unique species of aquatic life thrive in these water 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.

Beautiful View of Boats on River

Houseboats called kettuvallams are one of the prominent tourist attractions in Kerala. More than 2000 kettuvallams ply the backwaters. The kettuvallams were traditionally used as grain barges, to transport the rice harvested in the fertile fields alongside the backwaters. At some point in time the boats were used as living quarters by the royalty. 

Chalet on River

Converted to accommodate tourists, the houseboats have become floating cottages having a sleeping area, toilets, a dining area and a sit out on the deck. Some ketuvallams are motorised but generally proceed at a slow speed for smooth travel.

Boat on Jalkumbi

Boat Riding Thru

Boat Rush

Boat Taking Rest

Chalet on a Boat

Cottage by the River

Looking around

Quite River

Things To Do in Wayanad, Kerala

If you’re visiting Wayanad, Kerala, then planning an itinerary is tough. There are so many things to do and see.

The Thamarassery Ghat

A hair-raising drive down the Kozhikode-Bangalore highway takes one towards Lakkidi, the gateway to Wayanad. As your car winds its way up the Thamarassery Ghat, crane your neck to have a peek at a tree bound by a large chain around its trunk.

Wayanad Hill View

Legend has it that a tribal person from Wayanad showed a British engineer, who was searching for a path to build a road running through Wayanad), the Thamarassery Ghat as an easy way to reach Mysore from Kozhikode. Eager to take credit for it, the engineer killed the helper and buried his body under a nearby tree. Soon after these roads were built, several people met with horrendous accidents at the Thamarassery Ghat – all attributed to a wanton spirit haunting that stretch of road. Before long, an exorcist was summoned and fettered the victim’s spirit onto that nearby tree. Today, one knows it as the famous Chain Tree.

The Tea Plantations of Vythiri

The British opened up Vythiri for the cultivation of tea in 1889. You can meander through the sprawling tea plantations that are ensconced atop the rolling hills of Vythiri. You’ll usually comes across a bunch of women nipping of ‘two leaves and a bud’ with their nimble hands and tossing them over their shoulders into baskets slung along their backs.

Edakkal Caves

The primordial Edakkal Caves are cradled in the Ambukuthi hills near Ambalavayal. The Edakkal Caves are basically two rock formations purportedly formed by a large split in a mammoth rock. Legend has it that they were caused by arrows fired by Luv and Kush, the sons of Rama, legendary hero of Ramayana. Like the world-renowned Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Maharashtra, the Edakkal Caves were stumbled upon by an Englishman (in 1890) while on shikar. Over the years, the Edakkal Caves have drawn the attention of archaeologists from around the world. The latter say that the engravings found inside the Edakkal Caves (Neolithic etchings such as these are to be found only at few places in Africa) shed light on the existence of a Stone Age civilization in Wayanad. The Edakkal Caves are sure to leave one spell-bound.

Soojipara WaterFalls near Edakkal caves

Meenmutty Falls 

A picturesque drive down the Chundale-Udagamandalam road takes one towards Neelimala. An easy 30 minute upward climb takes you atop Neelimala. No sooner are you atop, you begin to hear the roar of a cascading fall. The Meenmutty Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in Kerala, has to be really seen from atop Neelimala to fathom its utter beauty.

Chembra Peak

At 2100 meters above sea level, it happens to be the loftiest peak in Wayanad. The Chembra Peak that seems to imperiously gaze upon the countryside can be seen from almost all parts of Wayanad. For those who have a head for heights the Chembra Peak makes for exhilarating trekking.

Muthanga Game Sanctuary

Lurking in the woods

Muthanga forms an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, one of the bio-diversity hotspots of the world. Safari is the thing to do here. You may come across herds of elephants, barking deer, sloth bear, nilgiri langur and the odd tiger lurking in the woods…

Kuruvadweep

About 15 kilometers from the town of Mananthavady lies this picturesque 950-acre group of uninhabited islets bound the River Kabini.

Banasura Sagar

About 25 kilometers from Kalpetta lies this breathtaking lake. One could go on a bout of speed boating at this lake that’s set against the backdrop of the Banasura Mountain.

Pakshipathalam

Located in the Brahmagiri hills at Thirunelli, this place is a birdwatchers delight.

Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary ,Kerala

And finally

There is a resort at the foot of the Edakkal Caves called Edakkal Hermitage. They have a cosy restaurant in a cavern (a natural cave which is part of the Edakkal Caves chain) where at night, dinner is served inside the cave, which is lit by hundreds of candles. It is the only natural cave restaurant in India.

Things To Do in Munnar

Munnar in Kerala is one of the India’s untouched hill stations.

It’s an easily-accessible traveller destination, yet it is also uncorrupted by commercialisation.

The region’s delightfully soothing landscapes have only recently become popular. Yet they have quickly captured the hearts of visitors.

Here are nine things to do in Munnar that will make you fall in love with the place:

1. Watch the waterfalls

Whether you’re on your way to Munnar or right in the heart of it, you’ll come across beautiful waterfalls gushing down with fury. The famous Cheeyapara and Vallara Falls look like they belong in a wild rainforest. But Munnar’s glistening Attukal Waterfall is the favourite of the locals. These falls are seen at their most majestic during the monsoons.

Cheeyapara and Vallara Water Falls

2. Splash around on the lake

At Munnar’s Mattupatty Dam you can go boating across an enormous lake. Rowing boats, motor boats and even speed boats are available for hire. The Kundala Dam and Kundala Lake are also popular for more languid boating, especially among honeymooners. Here, boats styled after Kashmiri shikaras (similar to Venice’s gondolas) can be taken for a cruise.

Munnar Lake

3. Get the best view of the mountains

Munnar’s mountains can be seen at their grandest from Top Station, a dedicated viewpoint at 1,880m above sea level. From here, the hills are truly alive. And the clouds are at your feet. This area is also popular for spotting the rare blue flower, Neelakurunji, which blooms only once every twelve years. The Nilgiris (Blue Mountains) around Munnar derive their name from these flowers, which in full bloom turn the hillside into a spellbinding blanket of blue.

Tea Gardens

4. Fawn over Munnar’s fauna

15 kms from Munnar is Eravikulam National Park. The sanctuary is home to endangered species like the Nilgiri Tahr, striped squirrel, Nilgiri Marten, elephants, sambhars and even tigers and leopards. To avoid overcrowding and preserve the park’s environment, tours are organised by the park’s management in mini-buses. They also arrange treks and hikes through the park’s “tourism area.” Note that during the monsoons the park is closed.

Mountain Goat

5. Enjoy the freshest tea you’ve ever tasted

At a glance, Munnar’s landscapes look like giant emerald-green waves, cascading towards the horizon. This beautiful sight is the formed by unending spans of lush green tea estates, which produce regular flavours like masala, ginger and lemon, but also exotic creations like chocolate tea. Whatever flavour you opt for, they will all share one common trait: delightful freshness.

Green Tea

6. Try the finest spices

Idduki district produces the world’s finest cardamom. It’s famous for its spices and coir products, believed to be the best quality in the world. The spices are sold straight from the plantations, in shops all over Munnar. They make excellent presents for cooks and those with a discerning palate.

Spices from Munnar

7. Cook what you grow

Most families in Munnar cook using the finest local ingredients, often grown in their own fields. Most recipes are deceptively simple and require the same principles of preparation. Culinary knowledge is one the most prestigious souvenirs you can take away from Munnar.

Local food Munnar

8. Unleash your creativity

From endangered wildlife to untouched landscapes, Munnar is a photographer’s delight. For years, Munnar has attracted artists from all over, serving as a muse to writers, photographers, poets and more. Its beauty was recently seen on the big screen in the movie Nishabd, where Munnar is home to a reclusive photographer. You’ll feel inspired too, so be prepared to create.

Rangoli in Munnar

9. Walk the landscape

Munnar is overflowing with enchanting landscapes that are irresistible to anyone that enjoys walking. Tea estates are usually off limits for trekkers, but exceptions can be easily found – take advice from your host if you are staying in a Munnar homestay. Plantation walks are a lovely way to see the region’s flora and fauna. The Shola forest, near the Mattupatty Dam, is also a great place for a long walk.

Landscape of Munnar