Kerala Backwaters
The Kerala Backwaters are a chain of brackish lagoons and lakes lying parallel to the Arabian Sea coast (known as the Malabar Coast) of Kerala state in southern India. 
The network includes five large lakes (including Ashtamudi Kayal and Vembanad Kayal) linked by 1500 km of canals, both manmade and natural, fed by 38 rivers, and extending virtually the entire length of Kerala state. The backwaters were formed by the action of waves and shore currents creating low barrier islands across the mouths of the many rivers flowing down from the Western Ghats range.
Vembanad lake is the largest of the lakes, covering an area of 200 sq km, and bordered by Alappuzha (Alleppey), Kottayam, and Ernakulam districts. The port of Kochi (Cochin) is located at the lake's outlet to the Arabian Sea. Alleppey, "Venice of the East" has a large network of canals that meander through the town. The Vallam Kali (the Snake Boat Race) held every year in August is a major attraction.
Ashtamudi Lake is located in Kollam District, and the town of Kollam (Quilon) lies at its outlet.
Alleppey backwaters
With the Arabian sea on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers crisscrossing it, Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty. Referred to as the Venice of the East by travelers from across the world, this backwater country is also home ot diverse animal and bird life. Alappuzha is also famous for its boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry. A singular characteristic of this land is the region called Kuttanad.
A round about tour, in which you board the boat at Alleppey and disembark at Alleppey after having spent the night in the tranquility of the Backwaters.
The 
cruise takes you through the clear waters of the prominent Punnamada Lake – the venue of the legendary Nehru Trophy snake boat race. You can visit the 400 year old Champakkulam church, one of the 7 churches established by St. Thomas. The Chavara Bhavan, located 6 km from Alleppey, is another interesting place to visit. The ancestral home of the Blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara, the Chavara Bhavan houses the legendary 250 year old beacon of light – preserved intact in its original and primitive form.
Kuttanad
Kuttanad, known as the rice bowl of Kerala because of her wealth of paddy crops, is the very heart of the backwater. The scenic countryside here is a rich crop of bananas, yams and cassava.
Kumarakom backwaters
The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands in the Vembanad Lake in Kerala, a state in India. Geographically, it is located at 9d35' North and 76d26' East.
Kumarakom is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. It is a note
d bird sanctuary where many migratory birds visit. The Vembanad Lake is habitat for many marine species and it teems with 'Karimeen' (Pearl Spotted Fish ), shrimp (chemmeen in local language)and prawns. The bird sanctuary which spans 14 acres (57,000 m²), came into existence following preservation efforts from the government. It is a major tourist attraction now.
With mangrove forests and coconut trees decorating the canals and the banks of the water ways, Kumarakom resembles a paradise. With Christianity being the predominant religion, the area is dotted with beautiful churches.
Located 10 km from Kottayam and on the Vembanad Lake,
Kumarakom is a little village and offers Ayurvedic Massages, Meditation, Yoga, Boating and Fishing facilities. The Pathiramanal Island, near Kumarakom has a mythological significance to it. It is believed that the Island was formed when a young Brahmin dived into the Vembanad lake to perform his evening ablutions. Legend says that due to this water gave way for land to rise and thus this Island was formed.
Akulam Boat Club
Located 71 km to the north of Thiruvananthapuram, this historic coastline district known for its marine and cashew industries was one of the oldest ports on the Malabar coast and a major international trading point in day gone by.
The district also has some interesting historic remnants and a number of temples built in the traditional ornate architectural style. 30% of this historic town is covered by the renowned Ashtamudi Lake, making it the gateway to the magnificent backwaters of Kerala. The eight hour trip between Kollam and Alappuzha is the longest backwater cruise in Kerala. The District Tourism Promotion Council here offers a wide range of backwater tours and cruises.
Veli Tourist Village
The Veli Tourist Village (8 km from Thiruvananthapuram city) is sandwiched between the Veli Lagoon and the Arabian Sea. The lagoon here is separated from the sea by a narrow sand bar. Facilities at the village include water sports in the lagoon and 18 acre waterfront park with a floating bridge that connects the village to the beach. Besides water sports, am 18 acre waterfront park with floating bridge connects the village to the Shankhumukham beach and also there is a children's park around the floating bridge.
