All along the coast of Kerala is an intricate network of innumerable Lagoons, Lakes, Canals, Estuaries and the Deltas of over forty rivers that drain into the Arabian Sea after criss-crossing the land several times at different places.

As a tourist, while you can find hill stations at all parts of the country, the dense, lush Backwaters of the state along the 600km long coastline of dazzling beaches unique to Kerala. These Backwaters are both the basis of a distinct lifestyle and fascinating sights. The boats cross shallow, palm-fringed lakes and travel along narrow shady canals, where Coir, Copra, and Cashews are loaded into the boats.

The largest backwater stretch in Kerala is the Vembanad Lake, which flows through three districts and opens out into the sea at the Kochi port. The Ashtamudi Lake (literally, having eight arms), which covers a major portion of Kollam district in the south, is the second largest and is considered the gateway to the Backwaters. Each district of Kerala is marked by the presence of the inviting Backwaters, which form a prominent part of the panoramic landscape of Kerala.