The Kerala backwaters are a chain of brackish lagoons and lakes lying parallel to the Arabian Sea coast (known as the Malabar Coast) of Kerala state in southern India. The network includes five large lakes linked by canals, both man made 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 islands across the mouths of the many rivers flowing down from the Western Ghats range. The Kerala Backwaters are a network of interconnected canals, rivers, lakes and inlets, a labyrinthine system formed by more than 900 km of waterways, and sometimes compared to the American Bayou. In the midst of this landscape there are a number of towns and cities, which serve as the starting and end points of backwater cruises. National Waterway 3 from Kollam to Kottapuram, covers a distance of 205 km and runs almost parallel to the coast line of southern Kerala facilitating both cargo movement and backwater tourism. The important rivers from north to south are the Valapattanam river (110 km.), Chaliar (69 km.), Kadalundipuzha (130 km.), Bharathapuzha (209 km.), Chalakudy river (130 km.), Periyar (244 km), Pamba (176 km), Achancoil (128 km.) and Kalladayar (121 km.). Other than these, there are 35 more small rivers and rivulets flowing down from the Ghats. Most of these rivers are navigable up to the midland region, in country crafts. Vembanad is the largest of the lakes, covering an area of 2033 km². The lake has a large network of canals that meander through the region of Kuttanad. The backwaters have a unique ecosystem: freshwater from the rivers meets the seawater from the Arabian Sea. A barrage has been built near Thanneermukkom, so salt water from the sea is prevented from entering the deep inside, keeping the fresh water intact. Such fresh water is extensively used for irrigation purposes.

Backwaters

The backwaters of Alleppey is the perfect place for recreation after a hard month's work. A perfect getaway from the busy city life, the backwaters have houseboats at your disposal foryou to rewind and relax as a part of your perfect vacation. Alappuza is perhaps one of the best places in Kerala for a backwater holiday. The wuaint and calm waters add to the charm of the place. Imagine drifting slowing on the backwaters of Kerala as you sip your fresh coffee and enjoy the beauty of God's Own Country. The enchancing houseboats just add that extra flavour to your trip!

Alappuzha beach

Alappuzha is referred to as the Venice of the East which has always enjoyed an important place in the maritime history of Kerala. Presently it is famous for its boat races, backwater holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry. Alappuzha beach is a popular picnic spot. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is over 137 years old. Entertainment facilities at the Vijaya Beach Park add to the attraction of the beach. There is also an old lighthouse nearby which plays a fascinating sight to the visitors from far and wide.
Alappuzha is referred to as the Venice of the East which has always enjoyed an important place in the maritime history of Kerala. Presently it is famous for its boat races, backwater holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry. Alappuzha beach is a popular picnic spot. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is over 137 years old. Entertainment facilities at the Vijaya Beach Park add to the attraction of the beach. There is also an old lighthouse nearby which plays a fascinating sight to the visitors from far and wide.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

An ideal place for bird??s lovers, this bird sanctuary spreads over an expanse of 14 acres. It serves as a home to several rare species of homing and migratory birds.
Commonly sighted birds are kingfisher, paradise fly-catchers and egrets. Boat safaris are a common way to traverse the sanctuary.

Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race

This snake boat race festival is an annual event held here on the second Saturday of every August. Supposedly when Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru came to see the event, he got so involved in the competition that he jumped in one of the boats which later won the race. Since then, the event has been called Nehru Trophy Snake Boat race. The men rowing the boats and cheer leaders motivating them is a site to witness. The winners get a trophy in the form of a silver snake boat on a wooden pedestal.

Vembanad

Vembanad Lake is the longest lake in India. The lake is known by different names in different places. Taking a house boat on the lake could be a fun experience.

Kuttanad

Kuttanadu is a region covering the Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta and Kottayam Districts, in the state of Kerala, India, well known for its vast paddy fields and geographical peculiarities. The region has the lowest altitude in India, and is one of the few places in the world where farming is carried around 1.2 to 3.0 metre below sea level. Kuttanadu is historically important in the ancient history of South India and is the major rice producer in the state. Farmers of Kuttinad famous for Biosaline Farming. FAO has declared the Kuttanad Farming System as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems. Four of Kerala's major rivers, the Pamba, Meenachil, Achankovil and Manimala flow into the region.

Bay Island Driftwood Museum

Founded by Raji Punnoose, a school-teacher in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Bay Island Driftwood Museum is famous for its innovative modern art techniques deployed to design various kinds of root and tree-trunk sculptures.
Other sculptures made of driftwood comprising of twisted tree trunks, stumps, roots etc. are also on display here. She had developed this collection shaped in the form of birds, animals, reptiles, amphibians and fishes during her teaching days. The interesting and expansive techniques of curation have helped the museum to be listed in the Limca Books of Records.

Pallippuram

One of the islands located in the Vembanad Lake, Pallipuram is a small village known for its white sand. It is just your kind of place, if you are looking for a very offbeat location within the Alappuzha district.

Krishnapuram Palace

Krishnapuram Palace, located at a distance of 47 km from Alleppey, is one of the famous palaces of Kayamkulam. Built during the reign of a Travancore King, Marthanda Varma.Famed for its mural paintings and architecture, the major attraction of this palace is that it houses one of the biggest mural paintings in entire Kerala. Known as the Gajendra Moksha, this mural painting has an area of around 53 sq.ft.
The Hill Palace is situated on the top of a small hill surrounded by terraced garden with fountains, ponds and lawns. The Hill Palace is a Palace Complex. The oldest building in it is the one constructed around 1850 AD a single storeyed Ettukettu, built in the traditional style with an adjacent pond, temple and urappura. All the other buildings are a combination of traditional and western Architecture. The latest building in the complex was constructed in western style. in 1950s and this three storeyed building houses the office.

• Assorted Cheeses and crackers
• Jumbo shrimp with Bloody Mary Cocktail Sauce
• Artichoke Heart Dip with Garlic Crostini
• Vegetable Crudite
• 'Bone Appetite' Baby Back Ribs
• Honey Ginger Glazed Chicken
• Weeping Maui Onion Tartlets
• Dark triple chocolate Brownies
• White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies
• Fresh Kona Coffee