Stretching more than nine kilometers, in Kerala one finds interlinked watercourses, lakes, rivers, and sea inlets, which are in one word known as backwaters. A multiple of towns and cities have developed in the core of this wonderful landscape. The journey of Backwater cruise in Kerala starts and also ends here. These Kerala backwater destinations comprises of towns of historical significance. Some modern towns and picturesque holiday spots also are an integral part of the Kerala backwaters. Due to its scenic appeal, myriads of tourists and nature lovers from foreign locales make visit to these places. The Kerala Backwater destinations are as follows:
Cochin is one of the significant Kerala Backwater destinations. Also spelt as Kochi, it consists of islands. It is a port city of historical importance. Popularly known as "the Queen of the Arabian Sea," it is also reputed for its natural harbor. From Cochin itself, many backwater cruises start their journey. Also one can see numerous historical buildings, which has enabled Cochin to become the ideal stopover for tourists. Alappuzha: It is one of the Kerala Backwater destinations. Due to beautiful waterways and canals it is popularly known as Venice of the East. It is also popularly called Alleppey. Every year Nehru Trophy Snake Boat race is feted during the Onam festival. In this competition group of rowers use huge snake boats, which are locally called `Chundanvalloms`.

Kasargod: In the northern part of Kerala, Kasargod is a town whose special attraction is the Valiyaparamba tract of backwaters. It has beautiful lush green passage along the coast of Kerala. Going to this place on Kerala backwater cruises is a treat for the tourists. Kollam: Kollam is the name of a primitive seaport on the banks of the lake Ashtamudi. It has its location more than seventy kms from Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala. The Backwater cruise starts from Kollam and reaches its destination of Alappuzha. This long eight hours of journey enables one to enjoy nature`s bounty alongside kerala`s backwaters. Kollam is called the "Gateway to Kerala`s Backwaters."

Kottayam: Kottayam also has earned the reputation of being one of Kerala Backwaters Destinations. The scenic backwaters along the seacoast fascinate a tourist. In the Kottayam district, crops like rubber are produced in the plantations. While touring Kerala a tourist also can see the scenery of backwaters and green plantations.

Kozhikode: Kozhikode of North Kerala is a significant port. In the earlier times people used to call it Calicut. Interestingly a special type of checked clothes made up of cotton is called Cacilo . It got its name from Calicut. Experts say that it is one of the important Kerala Backwaters Destinations. A story is popular about this region. It is said that the famous explorer Vasco da Gama had landed at Kappad beach of Kerala in the year 1498. The beach lies at a distance of sixteen kms from Kozhikode.

Kumarakom: Lying in the wonderful locale of Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is bliss on Earth. The offerings like the bird sanctuary, the scenic beauty and the tourist resorts along the backwaters mesmerize one. Kumarakom is one of the Kerala Backwater destinations.

Kuttanad: Kuttanad is thronged with luxuriant paddy fields. It is called "Ricebowl of Kerala". Another special attribute of Kuttanad is that the fields are found under the sea level. Also the earthen `bunds` blocked off Kuttanad from the backwaters in the surrounding areas.

Thiruvallam: Located 6 Km from Thiruvananthapuram, Thiruvallam is one of the scenic Kerala backwater destinations. Placed almost six kms from Thiruvananthapuram it has its location at conflux of 2 rivers, namely the Karamana and the Killi. Veli Lagoon also lies in proximity.

Thiruvananthapuram: Touring Kerala destinations begins from Thiruvananthapuram . It is the capital city of Kerala and was earlier called Trivandrum. Places of interests are the exquisite museums, Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The spectacular Kovalam Beach also enhances the tourist quotient.