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Allepy Backwaters, India. Photo by Amal Paul –

Top 10 interesting facts about the Backwaters India 

Backwaters are a peaceful and picturesque palm-lined network of lagoons, lakes, rivers, and canals that run inland from the coast of Kerala from  Kochi(Cochin)  in India. The main entry point, situated between Kochi and Kollam, is Alleppey (Alappuzha). At the heart of the backwaters is vast Vembanad Lake.

The backwaters have a unique ecosystem of freshwater from the rivers that meets the seawater from the Arabian sea. A barrage has been built near Thannermukkom so saltwater from the sea.

It prevents from entering the deep inside, keeping the fresh water intact. Such a type of freshwater is extensively used for irrigation purposes.

Many unique species of aquatic life such as frogs, crabs and mudskippers. Water like terns, darter, kingfishers 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.

Some of  the interesting facts about the backwater in India include

1. The Kakkathuruthu Island in Vembanad lake

This is a tiny, little-known island that rose to fame. It was featured on National Geographic due to its outstanding sunset spot in 2016. The island was used as an inhabitant by the crows. Later it became home to 350 or so families.

The island is a short rowboat ride from the Kodumpuram ferry point near Eramalloor Junction on the mainland. It’s eco-friendly since  Kayla island retreat is the only place to stay there, with just four rustic waterfront cottages. which rates start from $110 per night.

2. Experience the rice boat ride

The rice boats are traditional wooden crafts. They were originally used to transport rice along Kerala’s lush green backwater. The boats have found a new lease of life quietly in exploring timeless scenes of palms and paddies, temples and villages.

Boats have either one or two fan-cooled bedrooms with attached shower rooms. The sides are open allowing the breeze to flow freely. Your private crew steer the boat, cook lavish local meals and keep you in tea and cold drinks.

When drifting along the backwaters you are able to see the local villagers fishing and washing clothes in the canals, while the small boys swim alongside the boats  Birdlife is plentiful: stork and egret are often spotted. Even a day on a rice boat is a unique and unforgettable experience.

3. Visit the Periyar wildlife sanctuary in Thekkady

Backwaters female tiger 2021. Photo by Kandukuru –

This is one of the top wildlife sanctuaries in  Kerala, especially for wildlife enthusiasts. The sanctuary is located  82 km from Munnar, 143 km from Kochi, and 211 km from Trivandrum. It is one of the must include places in  Kerala tour packages.

It was established in the year 1950.  The sanctuary has an artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar River which adds to the charm of the park.

Some of the top tourist places in Kerala include  Thekkady is famous for Asian Elephants, Tigers, Gaurs, Sambars, Lion-tailed Macaques, Nilgiri Langurs, and Wild Boars, Spotted Deer, Nilgiri Tahr, etc. It is the only sanctuary in India where you can watch wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake.

The main attraction of the sanctuary is a group of wild elephants that come to play in the lake.

Thekkady also offers elephant rides, jeep safari, boating in the lake, tiger trails, and forest treks. Murikkady, Chellar Kovil, Anakkara, Mangala Devi Temple, Suruli Falls, and Pullumedu are popular places to visit as part of Thekkady packages.

4. The backwaters contain 5main large lakes that are joined through canals

The Kerala Backwater mainly consists of a chain of lagoons and lakes and is included in almost all Kerala tour packages you will ever see. The five lakes that join the black water include the Alleppey lake, Kumarakom, Thekkady and srisailami.

It also contains 38 rivers fed into them. The water is brackish in nature as the freshwater of the lakes and river get mixed with water from the Arabian sea. They do possess different types of floras and faunas and are unique to the place.

5. Get to experience the food on a backwater cruise with any top-rate restaurant in the world

Kerala fish curry, Photo by Seena –

When you are visiting the backwater one is to enjoy the delicious Keralan food which is freshly cooked on board the boat. Therefore making the tour to be more enjoyable.

The houseboats are featured with a live kitchen and the service of experienced chefs. They serve food onboard.

The mainly offered cuisine includes the traditional Kerala food along with local backwater flavors like karimeen pokkichatuu, Tapioca and fish curry, prawns, shrimp, and so on. It also has some high-end houseboats that offer international cuisines and mini-bars. 

6. Get to experience and watch the boat races in the backwaters

backwaters boat races. Photo by Shige Kuldeep –

The boat is mostly held during the festival seasons. This attracts a large number of tourists to the regions of backwater in Kerala.

Boat races are occasions with great excitement ad entertainment with thousand gathered on the banks as they watch and cheer. Most races are usually held in Alleppey and Kollam regions.

7. Experience the traditional way of life in Padanna Backwaters

It is of the very few backwaters that have the charm of its originality. The Padanna backwater is still ignited the traditional way. It has not been touched by modernization.

The place also offers a tour of oyster farms which is a rare sight. Also while you are at Padanna backwaters one can choose to sunbathe at the Valiyapamba beach.

8.  See the epic Thiruvallam Backwaters that stretches

While on the route of Kovalam most of the travellers come across serene backwater that stretches it and takes their breath away. Since it is sheer beauty. The Thiruvallam backwater is known for its water-based activities like canoe rides, kayaking and cruises in Kettuvalloms.

9. Visit the Kuttanad ”the rice bowl of Kerala

Backwaters farms. Photo by Shige –

It lies in the heart of the backwaters in the Alappuzha district. The place is known for the wealth of paddy crops. That is how it got its nickname. The area is serviced by 4 major rivers: Pampa, Meenachil, Achankovil and Manimala. 

The Alappuzha – Changanassery of Kuttanad is also famous for its scenic view of this locale. one may see darter birds flying around as they are known to be around the area surrounding the backwaters.

10. Backwater kayaking at Alleppey

kayaking in Backwater, Kerala. Photo by Tripjodi –  

When touring backwater India, one gets an opportunity in kayaking through the canals, rivers, lakes and lagoons. The waterways act as a means of transport in the remote village of Kerala.

Also, offer a chance to be able to interact with the local community and learn about their livelihood and lifestyle.