The backwaters of Kerala are a body of connected lagoons, canals, inlets, and rivers.  The backwaters lie parallel to the Arabian Sea. It serves as a national waterway too. The serenity of the backwaters continues to attract travelers from far as well as near. The ecosystems existing in this part is quite interesting to observe. The livelihood of the people living in the villages surrounded by the backwaters is also worth watching.

Here’s a list of activities you can do while traveling in the backwaters of Kerala:

(1) Take a cruise on a canoe or houseboat through the backwaters

To observe the life around the backwaters, the best way is to take a cruise on a canoe or a houseboat. As the boat would advance through the waters, the sound of rippling waters and twittering of birds will calm your mind. You would fall in love with the palm groves, the coconut groves, the small villages upon the small islands and the greenery all around. If you are traveling on a non-mechanised boat you can also easily observe the aquatic life thriving in the backwaters.

(2) Spot Birds

The backwaters are home for a wide variety of migratory birds as well as local birds. The birding enthusiasts can spot a lot of birds while cruising through the backwaters. You can watch birds catching fishes, or feeding their young ones, nesting or searching for their food.

(3) Watch local fishing activities

The main livelihood of the people living in the backwaters is fishing. They use different techniques to catch fishes daily. There are hundreds of years old Chinese fishing nets whose unique way of functioning can be observed. Apart from Chinese nets, people also catch fishes using rods and baits while sailing the boats.

(4) Observe the daily activities of the villagers

The villagers resort to various indigenous occupations apart from fishing like coir making, creating handicrafts like pottery and straw mats using wild pineapple leaves. The unhurried pace of the life of the villagers here is something worth observing. Their daily chores, hard work, and humility can create a deep insight into the purpose of life on your mind.

(5) Try the local cuisine

The local cuisine of Kerala is something worth trying for. The food items prepared here are extremely flavourful and delicious. While on the houseboat, you can get fresh food onboard prepared by local cooks. These items have an authentic taste. You will simply love the wide varieties of vegetarian food items and non-vegetarian food items. The dishes worth trying are KarimeenPollichathu, Kerala Sadhya, Appam and Meat preparations.