Kerala State in southern India is known for its charming, emerald green backwaters. The scenic backwaters of Kerala is a network of serene stretches of lagoons and lakes lying parallel to the coast of the Arabian Sea and includes canals and rivers as well. The labyrinth waterways formed by Kerala backwaters is somewhat similar to American bayous. Kerala was included in the list of “50 Destinations of a Lifetime,” in a special collector’s issue of The National Geographic Traveler, which cited backwater tourism in Alappuzha and houseboat cruising as Kerala’s prime attractions.
The interlinked bodies of waterways create a charming eco-system. Many unique species of aquatic life including water birds, turtles, crabs, frogs and the like dwell in the backwater region. The surroundings of the backwaters are full of scenic sites of lush paddy fields, coconut trees, plants, and bushes. Needless to say, Kerala, ‘God’s own Country’, is one of the most enchanting holiday destinations in India.