Kerala Backwaters
Kerala has an extensive network of backwaters, streams, and sea inlets, all fed by many rivers coming down from the Western Ghats. There are many regular ferries, one of the longest being from Alleppey to Kollam (Quillon) taking 8 hours.
A stay on a houseboat is one of the unique parts of any holiday in Kerala. These are well equipped, with kitchens, dining facilities, and air-conditioned bedrooms. The main starting point is Alleppey. North of Alleppey the huge Vembanad Lake stretches a further 50 km towards Cochin, having several bird sanctuaries on the shore and islands.
The backwaters have several hotels and resorts. These include simple hotels only reached by boat, where it is possible to participate in a life which has been unchanged for thousands of years (except for the air conditioning and Internet!). Luxury resorts on the other hand offer every modern convenience. Ayurvedic treatment is available to suit all requirements, and the environment is particularly conducive to relaxation.
