Kerala Backwaters Cruise, Alappuzha, Kerala, India

The Kerala backwaters are a network of brackish lagoons and canals lying parallel to the Arabian Sea of the Malabar coast of Kerala state in south-western India.

It also includes interconnected lakes, rivers, and inlets, a labyrinthine system formed by more than 900 km (560 mi) of waterways, and sometimes compared to bayous.

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.

Kettuvallam (Kerala houseboats) in the backwaters are one of the prominent tourist attractions in Kerala. More than 2,000 of these ply the waterways.

Sailing to the houseboat
Getting on a small boat that will take us to the Kettuvallam (Kerala houseboat).

Arriving at the houseboat

Sailing on the houseboat

Kettuvallam (Kerala houseboats)
The Kettuvallam were traditionally used as grain barges, to transport the rice harvested in the fertile fields alongside the backwaters.

Thatched roof covers over wooden hulls, 30 m (100 ft) in length, providing protected from the elements.
At some point in time, the boats were used as living quarters by the royalty.
Converted to accommodate tourists, the houseboats have become floating cottages having a sleeping area, with western-style toilets, a dining area and a sit out on the deck.
Most tourists spend the night on a houseboat.
Food is cooked on board by the accompanying staff—mostly having a flavour of Kerala.
The houseboats are of various patterns and can be hired as per the size of the family or visiting group.
The living-dining room is usually open on at least three sides providing a grand view of the surroundings, including other boats, throughout the day when it is on the move.
It is brought to a standstill at times of taking food and at night.
After sunset, the boat crew provide burning coils to drive away mosquitoes.
Ketuvallam are motorised but generally proceed at a slow speed for smooth travel.
All Ketuvallam have a generator and most bedrooms are air-conditioned.
At times, as per the demand of customers, electricity is switched off and lanterns are provided to create a rural setting.

Crows take advantage of the houseboat's ride

The backwaters have a unique ecosystem: freshwater from the rivers meets the seawater from the Arabian Sea.
Many unique species of aquatic life including crabs, frogs and mudskippers, water birds such as terns, kingfishers, darters 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.