The Backwaters in Kerala are a chain of brackish lagoons and lakes lying parallel to the Arabian Sea coast of Kerala.. The network includes five large lakes linked by 1500 km of 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 Island across the mouths of the many rivers flowing down from the Western Ghats range Over 900 Km. The Kerala backwaters are navigable and have been used for centuries by the local people for transportation.

You can travel on these waterways on a traditional houseboat and enjoy the scenic beauty of the enchanting backwaters of Alappuzha. Palm fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields and the neat tiny hamlets lined up along either sides of the canals are sights one can never forget.

Vembanad Lake is the largest of the lakes, covering an area of 200 sq km, and bordered by Alappuzha (Alleppey), Kottayam, and Ernakulam districts figures prominently on the tourist trail as one of the major centers for backwater boat trips, The port of Kochi (Cochin) is located at the lake's outlet to the Arabian Sea. Alleppey," Venice of The East” has a large network of canals that meander through the town. The Vallam Kali (the Snake Boat Race) held every year in August is a major attraction. Ashtamudi Lake is located in Kollam District, and the town of Kollam (Quilon) lies at its outlet.

Alleppey," Venice of The East” has a large network of canals that meander through the town. TheVallam Kali (the Snake Boat Race) held every year in August is a major attraction. VallamKali literally means boat game or race in Malayalam. It is the traditional boat race in Kerala. Vallam Kali  literally means boat game or race in Malayalam. It is the traditional boat race in Kerala. It is mainly conducted during the season of the harvest festival Onam in Autumn. Vallam Kali include races of many kinds of traditional boats of Kerala. The race of Chundan Vallan or Snake Boat is the major attraction. Hence Vallam Kali is also known in English as Snake Boat Race and a major tourist attraction. Other types of boats which do participate in various events in the race are Churulan Vallam, Iruttukuthy Vallam, Kochu Vallam etc.

The experience of sailing lazily on a vast stretch of labyrinthine water world in a Kettuvallam  (houseboat) through the enchanting backwaters sitting on the deck of the huge traditional houseboat of Kerala winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields and the neat tiny hamlets lined up along either sides of the canals is simply a ravishing experience.

Kuttanad backwater is also known as the “Rice Bowl of Kerala” because of the rich harvest of rice in the area made possible by the distinguished climate supportive of the rice plantations and of course the farming below sea level. The fisher folk and people who live along the backwaters have a unique relationship with the backwaters. The backwaters in Kerala are the source of the local people's livelihood. The fish caught from its waters, the paddy, coconut and other crops harvested along its banks, the boats they build and use to transport