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 Thiruvallam
– This place
is famous for its canoe rides with serene backwater.
Aruvikkara Dam – On the banks of Karamana River, which offers a picturesque
picnic spot. The stream nearby is full of fish that fearlessly come
close to the shore to be fed by the visitors.
Sasthamkotta – This vast fresh water lake surrounded by hills on three
sides is the largest of its kind in Kerala. The Sastha Temple is
an important pilgrim centre. Accommodations are available at the
PWD Rest House.
Kuttanad – Kuttanad called “The Rice Bowl of Kerala”, because of her
wealth of paddy crops is at the very heart of the backwaters. The
scenic countryside of Kuttanad with its shimmering waterways also
has a rich crop of banana, cassava and yam. This is perhaps the
only region in the world where farming is done 1.5 to 2meter below
sea level. Inland waterways, which flow above land level, are an
amazing feature of this region.
Pathiramanal – This little island on the backwaters is supposed to
have risen from below when a young Brahmin dived into the Vembanad
Lake to perform his evening ablutions. This island is a favourite
haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of
the world. This island is accessible only by boat.
Q.S.T. and R Block Kayals – These regions are wonders of the indigenous
agricultural engineering know-how of Kerala and remind the visitors
of the famous dikes of Holland. Extensive areas of land have been
reclaimed from the backwaters and are protected by dikes built all
around. Here cultivation and habitation are made possible four to
ten feet below sea level. A leisurely cruise along the canals that
surround these Kayals is a memorable experience.
The Vembanad Lake,
Kumarakom –
The Vembanad Lake where the rivers and canals of Kottayam empties
provides an enchanting picnic spot and a fast developing backwater
destination, which provides fishing, boating and sightseeing experiences.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary – This bird sanctuary located on the banks
of the Vembanad Lake is a favourite place of migratory birds like
the Siberian Stork, Egret, Darter, Heron and Teal. A cruise along
the lake is the best way to see the sanctuary.
Idukki Arch Dam – This is the world’s second and Asia’s first arch
dam, constructed across the Kuravan and Kurathi hills. 550 ft high
and 650 ft wide, the dam lies close to the Cheruthoni barrage.
Devikulam – This idyllic hill station with its velvet lawns, exotic
flora & fauna and the cool mountain air offers a rare experience
to visitors. The Sita Devi Lake with its mineral waters and picturesque
surroundings is a good picnic spot. The lake is also ideal for trout
fishing.
Bolghatty
Island – This Island is famous for its palace ‘The Bolghatty
Palace’ which was built in 1774 by the Dutch and later taken over
by the British. Today it is a hotel run by the Kerala Tourism Development
Corporation with a small golf course and special honeymoon cottages.
 Willingdon
Island – Named after the British Viceroy of India, Lord Willington,
this man made island is the site of the city’s best hotels, customs
and trading centres, the port trust and the Headquarters of the
Southern Naval Command. Beautiful backwaters surround the island.
Bhoothathankettu – A picturesque haven situated in a vast virgin forest,
this popular picnic spot lies close to the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
at Thattekkadu. Two of the main irrigation projects of Ernakulam
District – the Periyar Valley Irrigation Project and the Idamalayar
Irrigation Project are also located nearby. Trekking through the
enchanting wilderness to the old Bhoothathankettu holds promises
of excitement to adventure lovers.
Malampuzha Garden - This famous picnic spot, which comprises
of a dam and beautifully landscaped gardens, which consists of lust
green lawns, well laid out flowerbeds, cool pools, fountains and
pathways and Rock garden. The rose garden has over a hundred varieties
of roses and an aerial ropeway across the garden. The dams and gardens
are illuminated on National holidays, weekends and also on request
for a fee. Boating and fishing facilities are available at the reservoir.
A well maintained swimming pool, a fresh water aquarium, a snake
park; children's park and a telescope tower present a unique experience.
Road train trips are conducted in the garden. The passenger ropeway
is the first of its kind in South India.
Pothundy - Situated on the way to Nelliampathy, the Pothundy Reservoir
Complex is a charming location for picnics and half - day trips.
Dhoni - It takes a three-hour trek from the base of the Dhoni hills,
to reach this reserve forest area with its small, beautiful waterfall.
Siruvani - The reservoir at Siruvani was built for Tamil Nadu by the
Kerala Government to meet the drinking water requirements of
Coimbatore. The gateways on the either side of the road across the
dam are typical of the Kerala and Tamil architectural styles. Siruvani
is also home to certain tribes like the Mudugars and Irulars.
Thenar - It is believed that the waters of the natural spring, located
in front of the old Sree Rama Temple here is as sacred as the waters
of the Ganges.
Biyyan Kayal - This placid green fringed waterway has water sports
facility.
Beypore - Located at the mouth of the Chaliyar River, Beypore was
one of the prominent ports and fishing harbours of ancient Kerala.
Ancient Beypore was much sought after by merchants from Western
Asia, for its ship building industry. The boat-building yard here
is famous for the construction of the 'Uru' or country craft.
Peruvannamuzhi - The Peruvannamuzhi dam site set amid hills is a beautiful
picnic spot. The reservoir here provides facilities for speedboat
and rowboat cruises. Uninhabited islands, the bird sanctuary and
a crocodile farm add to the charm of the place.
The backwaters of Kozhikode - Unexplored, unspoiled; the backwaters
of Kozhikode hold great promises of enchanting holiday options.
Elathur, the Canoli Canal and the Kallai River are favourite haunts
for boating. Kadalundi, with its beautiful bird sanctuary is a charming
site. Korapuzha, the venue of the Korapuzha Jalotsavam is fast becoming
a popular water sport destination.
Kuruvadweep - This is an ideal picnic spot, uninhabited island bound
by the Kabani River. Home to rare species of birds, orchids and
herbs.
 Pookot
Lake - This perennial fresh water lake, nestled among wooded
hills, is the only one of its kind in Kerala. Boating, a children's'
park, a handicrafts & species emporium and a fresh water aquarium
are among the tourist facilities available here.
Bekal Hole Aqua Park - This unique Aqua Park provides water sport
facilities like pedal boats and water cycles.
Valiyaparambha - Fed by four rivers and dotted with numerous little
islands Valiyaparambha is perhaps the most scenic backwater stretch
in Kerala.
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