Here is a guide on how to visit the backwaters in Kerala:

1. Choose your mode of transportation

The best way to experience the backwaters is by taking a houseboat cruise. Houseboats are traditional Kerala vessels that have been converted into comfortable floating accommodations. They range in size from small two-bedroom boats to large multi-bedroom boats with all the amenities of a luxury hotel.

Another option is to take a shikara ride. Shikaras are small gondolas that are rowed by hand. They are a good option for those who want a more intimate experience of the backwaters.

2. Book your houseboat or shikara

If you are planning to take a houseboat cruise, it is important to book your boat in advance, especially if you are traveling during peak season. You can book your boat through a travel agent or directly with a houseboat company.

If you opt to rent a shikara boat for a minimum of 5 hours or longer, the hourly rate for up to 5 people is 800 rupees. The shikara cost will fluctuate depending on whether you go for 2 hours or 3 hours. The rates will start at $1,000 per hour on weekends and holidays.

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3. Decide on your itinerary

Most houseboat cruises last for 24 hours or 48 hours. You can choose to cruise through different parts of the backwaters, such as Alleppey, Kumarakom, and Kollam.If you are taking a shikara ride, you can decide on your own itinerary with the shikara operator.

4. Pack your bags

When packing for your backwaters trip, be sure to pack light, comfortable clothing. You may also want to pack a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

If you are taking a houseboat cruise, you will not need to pack any food or drinks, as everything is provided on board. However, if you are taking a shikara ride, you may want to pack some snacks and drinks.

5. Enjoy the ride!

Once you are on board your houseboat or shikara, sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery. The backwaters are a beautiful and peaceful place, and there is no better way to experience them than by boat.

Here are some additional tips for visiting the backwaters in Kerala:

• The best time to visit the backwaters is during the winter months (October to March), when the weather is mild and sunny.
• If you are on a tight budget, you can choose to stay in a homestay instead of a houseboat. Homestays are a great way to experience the local culture and cuisine.
• Be sure to try some of the local dishes, such as appam, stew, and fish curry.
• If you are interested in wildlife, you may be able to see birds, such as herons, kingfishers, and egrets, as well as animals, such as snakes and crocodiles, while cruising through the backwaters.
• Be sure to take a dip in the water! The backwaters are a great place to swim, canoe, and kayak.

With its stunning scenery, delicious food, and friendly people, Kerala is the perfect place to relax and unwind. A visit to the backwaters is a must-do for any traveler to Kerala.

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What to do in Kerala

There are many things to do in Kerala, depending on your interests. Here are a few suggestions:

• Visit the backwaters: The backwaters of Kerala are a network of canals, lakes, and rivers that are home to a variety of wildlife. You can take a boat cruise through the backwaters and enjoy the scenery, or visit one of the many villages along the way.
• Trek in the Western Ghats: The Western Ghats are a mountain range that runs along the west coast of India. Kerala is home to a number of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in the Western Ghats, where you can go trekking and see a variety of animals, including elephants, tigers, and leopards.
• Visit a hill station: Kerala is home to a number of hill stations, such as Munnar, Wayanad, and Vagamon. These hill stations offer a cooler climate and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
• Get an Ayurveda treatment: Ayurveda is a traditional Indian system of medicine that focuses on holistic healing. Kerala is a popular destination for Ayurveda treatments, and there are many resorts and spas that offer a variety of treatments.

When to visit Kerala

The best time to visit Kerala is during the winter months (October to March), when the weather is mild and sunny. However, Kerala can be visited year-round, although the summers can be hot and humid.

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How to get to Kerala

The nearest international airport to Kerala is Trivandrum International Airport (TRV). There are also a number of domestic airports in Kerala, such as Kochi International Airport (COK) and Kannur International Airport (CNN).

Where to stay in Kerala

There are a variety of accommodation options available in Kerala, depending on your budget and preferences. You can choose to stay in a budget hotel, a guesthouse, a homestay, or a resort.

Food and drink in Kerala

Kerala is known for its delicious food, which is made with fresh, local ingredients. Some of the popular dishes in Kerala include appam (a pancake made with fermented rice flour and coconut milk), stew (a curry made with coconut milk and vegetables), and fish curry.

Kerala is a beautiful and diverse state with something to offer everyone. With its lush green landscapes, backwaters, hill stations, and rich culture, Kerala is a truly unforgettable travel destination.

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The 15-year-old teen of nearby Panavalli in the district of Alappuzha contracted primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, which is caused by a brain-eating amoeba.

On Friday, state Health Minister Veena George reported the death of an teen in Kerala’s Alappuzha district from a rare brain infection caused by free-living amoeba living in contaminated water.Since 2016, George stated that five additional cases had been reported in the state. “All infected patients had died,” she said, adding that the fatality rate was one hundred percent.

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The disease’s primary symptoms are fever, headache, vomiting, and convulsions. George stated that the amoeba is located in still water. Doctors stated that the amoeba enters the body through the nostrils; therefore, bathing in contaminated water should be avoided.

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He stated that investments in connectivity expand the purview of services, reduce distance, and connect diverse cultures without regard to caste, creed, or socioeconomic standing.

Modi stated that the meetings and events of the G20 intergovernmental forum held in Kerala had increased the state’s global visibility.

This year, India is hosting global leaders and meetings throughout the country, having assumed the forum’s presidency in December.

Modi previously inaugurated Kerala’s first semi-high-speed train, the Thiruvananthapuram-Kasaragod Vande Bharat Express, the country’s first water-integrated metro system in Kochi, and a Digital Science Park.

He stated that these initiatives will enhance the state’s growth and connectivity. Modi extolled the people of the state, stating that their diligence and politeness give them a distinct identity. He discussed the level of education and awareness in Kerala. “…the people of Kerala are able to comprehend the global context, and they can appreciate how India is regarded as a hotbed of development in these troubled times…”

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Modi stated that India’s progress is being recognized internationally. He stated that the world’s confidence in India is due to a decisive central government. Modi stated that the government makes swift and decisive decisions for the welfare of the nation’s citizens. He added that unprecedented investments have been made to improve and strengthen the infrastructure.

Modi also mentioned investments made in augmenting the skills of young people and his government’s commitment to easing the burdens of living and conducting business.

“Our administration prioritizes cooperative federalism. It views the development of the states as the formula for the nation’s development. If Kerala develops, national development will accelerate. We are laboring with a spirit of service, he said.

He stated that his government’s outreach to the Indian diaspora contributed to India’s rising prominence. Modi added that this has benefited Keralites abroad as well. The Indian diaspora has benefitted tremendously from India’s rising power.

In the past nine years, Modi stated, connectivity and infrastructure projects have been carried out with unprecedented pace and scope. “…it is proposed to spend more than 10 lakh crore on infrastructure in this year’s budget as well. The public transportation and logistics industries are undergoing a comprehensive transformation. We are approaching the golden period of the Indian railways.”

Since 2014, the average rail budget has increased fivefold, according to Modi. He mentioned the evolution of Kerala’s railways over the past nine years. Modi stated that work has begun on the redevelopment of three main railway stations in Kerala in an effort to transform the state into a multimodal transportation hub.

Modi stated, “Vande Bharat Express is the embodiment of India’s aspirations.” He added that the transformed rail network has enabled the operation of such semi-high-speed trains.

He stated that Vande Bharat railroads connect culturally, spiritually, and touristically significant locations.

Modi discussed the environmental advantages of modern trains. “Work has begun to prepare the Thiruvananthapuram-Shoranur corridor for semi-high-speed trains. After completion, semi-high-speed trains will be able to operate between Thiruvananthapuram and Mangaluru.

Modi stated that the water metro is a made-in-India initiative that will provide residents of Kochi’s islets with modern and affordable transportation options. In addition, it will provide intermodal connectivity between the bus terminal and the metro system, as stated by the speaker. “…it will benefit rural tourism in the state in addition to reducing traffic congestion in the city.”

Modi stated that the water metro will serve as a paradigm for the rest of the nation. In addition, he emphasized the significance of digital connectivity.

Modi arrived in Kerala on Monday for a two-day visit, during which he spoke at a youth conclave and met with Christian leaders in Kochi.

In his address to the youth conclave in Kochi on Monday, Modi stated that Kerala will soon join Goa and the northeastern states in accepting the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as he called for change in the state. Modi blamed the Left Democratic Front, headed by the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI(M), and the United Democratic Front, led by the opposition Congress, for retarding the development of the state.

The BJP returned to power in Goa, which has a Christian population of 25.10%, last year. It shares authority with regional parties in the northeastern Christian-majority states of Meghalaya and Nagaland.

Modi’s meeting with the president of the Syro-Malabar church, Cardinal George Alancherry, and eight other Christian leaders in Kerala on Monday occurred in the context of BJP efforts to reach out to the state’s Christians, who make up 18.38% of the population, compared to Hindus (54.73%) and Muslims (26.53%).

In the 2021 Kerala assembly elections, the BJP lost its single seat. Outreach to the Christian community is viewed as a crucial component of the BJP’s efforts to penetrate the state.

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Water Metro is a novel urban mass transit system that offers the same travel experience and convenience as conventional metro. It is very beneficial in urban areas such as Kochi.

“The water metro project in Chennai is a one-of-a-kind endeavor that will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister. This is a game-changing transportation system because Kochi is encircled by numerous islands, ten of which are extremely important and densely populated, the managing director of Kochi Metro Rail Limited told ANI prior to PM Modi’s visit to Loknath Behera.

“Those who rely on main land will receive a sustainable, reliable, and luxurious transportation system at a very reasonable cost,” he added.

According to government officials, the Modi administration has avoided a one-size-fits-all approach to providing infrastructure and connectivity. This strategy is exemplified by the expansion of metro connectivity in the country.

During his visit to Kerala, Prime Minister Modi will lay the foundation stone and inaugurate multiple initiatives totaling more than Rs 3200 crore.

PM Modi will also dedicate the rail electrification of the Dindigul-Palani-Palakkad section, in addition to the Kochi Water Metro.

During the event, PM Modi will also inaugurate a number of rail projects, including the redevelopment of Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and Varkala Sivagiri railway stations; the comprehensive development of the Thiruvananthapuram region, including Nemon and Kochuveli; and the increase in sectional speed along the Thiruvananthapuram-Shoranur section.

The Prime Minister, who arrived in Kerala on April 24 for a two-day visit, conducted a massive roadshow in Kochi on April 25.

PM Modi strolled the streets of Kochi while dressed in traditional Kerala attire. People lined the road on both sides and applauded for the Prime Minister. They also showered him with flower blossoms. PM Modi was also seen shaking people’s palms. After more than 15 minutes of walking, security personnel escorted him to an SUV.

On Tuesday, he will inaugurate the first Vande Bharat Express between Thiruvananthapuram and Kasargod in Kerala at Thiruvananthapuram Central Station.

The train will travel through eleven districts, including Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Pathanamthitta, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasargod, according to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

Additionally, PM Modi will lay the cornerstone for the Digital Science Park in Thiruvananthapuram.

Digital Science Park is envisioned by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) as a critical research facility for the development of digital products and services by industry and business units in collaboration with academia.

As a Science Park of the third generation, the Digital Science Park will contain shared facilities to support the development of products utilizing Industry 4.0 technologies such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, cyber security, and smart materials, according to a PMO statement.

Also read thisVande Bharat, Digital Park, PM’s Big Kerala Outreach Before 2024

The advanced fundamental infrastructure will support high-level applied research by industries and the co-development of products with universities. The initial investment for Phase-1 of the project is approximately 200 billion rupees, while the total project cost is approximately 1,515 billion rupees.

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Prime Minister Modi was observed waiving to people on both sides of the 2-kilometer route from the INS Garuda naval air station to the location of a youth conclave. After 5 p.m., PM Modi landed at the naval air station.

Thousands of police officers were deployed to guarantee the safety of the prime minister throughout the entire area. After strolling for over 15 minutes, his security personnel led him to a following SUV.

Later, while addressing “Yuvam 2023,” PM Modi discussed the significant infrastructure changes brought about by the Central government in Kerala.

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“While previous governments engaged in corruption in every sector, the BJP administration is providing opportunities for youth in every sector. Through vocal for local, we are promoting the use of local products, and we have provided opportunities for youth in space and defense. We have increased domestic manufacturing and exports,” he said.

India, formerly a member of the “Fragile 5”, is now the “fastest growing economy” You’re all responsible for this. I therefore entrust the youth of this nation with this responsibility,” he continued. The BJP anticipates that the youth program will transform the political landscape in Kerala.

The Prime Minister’s decision to walk during the roadshow in Kerala — just days after receiving a letter containing a suicide bomber threat — is viewed as a vote of confidence in a state where his party hopes to make significant inroads before the general election next year.

The BJP has been aggressively focused on Kerala over the past few months, announcing numerous infrastructure projects and courting the state’s Christian and Muslim communities, which have sway over a significant number of seats.

The Prime Minister is expected to meet with eight bishops from the state’s numerous Christian denominations this evening. In three weeks, this would be his second interaction with the community.

The meeting follows the “Sneha Yatra” outreach initiative of the BJP, during which party leaders visited Christian and Muslim homes during Easter and Eid.

Its outreach campaign received a recent boost when a senior bishop of the influential Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Thalassery Archbishop Mar Joseph Pamplany, stated that if the Centre promised to increase the rate of rubber procurement to 300 per kilogram, the party might gain an MP from the state.

On Vishu, the new year’s day of Kerala, on April 14, BJP leaders in Kerala sponsored a breakfast for bishops and other church leaders.

Over the next two days, Prime Minister Modi will participate in a number of events, including the launch of the Vande Bharat Express.

He will set the foundation for the nation’s first Digital Science Park on Tuesday. The Rs 1,500 crore project will be a multidisciplinary cluster-based interactive innovation zone with a focus on digital technologies. It is anticipated to be completed within two years.

In the most recent state assembly election, the BJP received 12,4% of the vote but failed to gain a single seat.

The BJP views the weakening of the Kerala Congress, the traditional Christian party in Kerala, as a political opportunity. Former UDF Pathanamthitta chair Victor Thomas joined the BJP yesterday after leaving the Kerala Congress.

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The New York Times has released a list of some of the most beautiful places in the world to visit in 2023. From Tromso, Norway, where you can see the northern lights, to Auckland, New Zealand, a busy city, the newspaper has put together an interactive article about the best places to go in the New Year for adventure, natural beauty, and culture.

Vietnam, Japan, Bhutan, and India were some of the Asian places on the list.

Kerala is the only Indian state on the New York Times list of "52 places to go in 2023".

Dedicated to all Indian celebrities and Bhakts who created a mass social media outrage over the accidental death of an Elephant in Kerala. pic.twitter.com/9y7rFJZfRl

— Advaid അദ്വൈത് (@Advaidism) January 14, 2023

The list told people who were going to Vietnam to take a “dangerous and exciting” bike ride through the Ha Giang highlands. Visit the beautiful town of Morioka and the best place for street food on Kyushu island. In Bhutan, walk the 250-mile Trans Bhutan Trail.

From India, the list highlighted Kerala, which is known for its backwaters and beaches and has won several awards for being a good place for tourists.

It said that people should go to Kumarakom to see its canals, learn how to climb a palm tree, and make ropes out of coconut fibre. In the article, the temple dances in Maravanthuruthu were also talked about.

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Kerala won three international tourism awards in 2022: the Global Vision Award 2022 for experiential and environmentally friendly tourism, the Global award at the World Travel Market in London for water conservation and water security, and top honours at the Indian Sub-Continent Awards for getting rid of plastic waste, conserving water, and bringing tourism back after a pandemic.

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