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 linked by canals, both manmade and natural, fed by 38 rivers, and extending virtually half the 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.

Kerala has over 900 km of interconnected waterways, rivers, lakes and inlets that make up the Kerala backwaters. In the midst of this beautiful landscape there are a number of towns and cities, which are the starting and end points of backwater cruises.National Waterway No. 3 from Kollam to Kottapuram, covers a distance of 205 km and runs almost parallel to the coast line of southern Kerala facilitating both cargo movement and backwater tourism.

The backwaters have a unique ecosystem - freshwater from the rivers meets the seawater from the Arabian Sea. In certain areas, such as the Vembanad Kayal, where a barrage has been built near Kumarakom, salt water from the sea is prevented from entering the deep inside, keeping the fresh water intact. Such fresh water is extensively used for irrigation purposes.

Vembanad Kayal is the largest of the lakes, covering an area of 200 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. Vembanad is India’s longest lake.

Ashtamudi

Ashtamudi Lake (Ashtamudi Kayal) is a freshwater lake in the Kollam District of Kerala, India. Ashtamudi means 'eight branches' (Ashta = 'eight'; mudi = 'branch') in the local language of Malayalam. This name is indicative of the lake's topography, a lake with multiple branches.
Ashtamudi Wetland was included in the list of wetlands of international importance, as defined by the Ramsar Convention for the conservation and sustainable utilization of wetlands.
District                             :  Kollam .
Nearest railway station : Kollam town ( 5 km ).
Nearest Airport              : Thiruvananthapuram International Airport ( 70 Km ).

Alappuzha

Alapuzha (also known as Alleppey ) is the hub for backwater tourism in Kerala. House boats locally called "kettuvallam" are available on hire on a daily basis as well as for longer duration to take visitors on the old waterways. These house boats in general have 2 bed rooms and attached bath rooms. Some of the boats have the bedrooms fitted with airconditioners. A routine trip includes food cooked on board in the traditional Kuttanad style. The leisurly cruises show a microcosm of life on the water side with breath taking views of the water, land, birds and human habitations.
District                             :  Alappuzha .
Nearest railway station : Alappuzha ( 6 km ) .
Nearest Airport              : Cochin International Airport ( 68 Km ).

Akkulam

Akkulam is a tourist village in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala state, south India. It is about 10 km from Thiruvananthapuram town. It is a well known for the picnic and backwater destination Akkulam Lake, an extension of Veli Lake, where it joins with the sea. Akkulam is home to the southern air command of India.
District                             :  Thiruvananthapuram .
Nearest railway station : Thiruvananthapuram ( 10 Km) .
Nearest Airport              : Thiruvananthapuram International Airport ( 7 Km ).

Kumarakom

Kumarakom is a tourist village in Kottayam district, Kerala, India . It is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake in Kerala.The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Kayal, and is part of the Kuttanad region. Kumarakom is enthrallingly beautiful. The blue backwaters of Vembanad Kayal and the amazing shades of green of the vegetation, combines with the quietness of the place to make it an idyllic holiday destination. Many of the resorts also offer ayurvedic treatment. While Kuttanad is ideal for a house boat cruise, the resorts are the main charm in Kumarakonam. One can also take a boat trip in Kumaramonam It is located 15 km west of Kottayam. The bird sanctuary and the drift wood museum are added attractions.
District                             :  Kottayam .
Nearest railway station : Kottayam ( 15 Km) .
Nearest Airport              : Cochin International Airport ( 65 Km ).

Kuttanad

Kuttanadu in Kerala, India is the lowest region of India, with 500 square kilometres of the region below sea level. Its elevation ranges from 0.6 m above to 2.2 metres below sea level. Most of the area is covered with water throughout the year. Kuttanadu is one of the few places in the world where farming is carried out below sea level. The region has a population of 1.8 million and comes under the Alappuzha district.
Four major Kerala rivers, the Pampa, Meenachil, the Achankovil and the Manimala flow into Kuttanadu.
District                             :  Alappuzha .
Nearest railway station : Alappuzha ( 6 Km) .
Nearest Airport              : Cochin International Airport ( 70 Km ).

Pathiramanal

Pathiramanal is a small island located on the border of Kottayam - Alapuzha Districts in Kerala, India. The name 'Pathiramanal' means 'Sands of night'. The island is located in the Vembanad Lake. The island is an easily reachable location in the Kumarakom - Muhamma water route. It takes around 40 minutes from Kumarakom to reach Pathiramanal from Kumarakom. The journey through backwaters of Kottayam District is a marvellous experience. The scenic beauty of both sides of the lake as well as that of the island is mind blowing. it is home to many rare varieties of migratory birds from different parts of the world.
District                             :  Alappuzha .
Nearest railway station : Kottayam ( 15 Km) .
Nearest Airport              : Cochin International Airport ( 69 Km ).

Sasthamkotta

Sathamkotta is famous for the largest freshwater lake in the state. No engined boat is allowed to sail in the lake, manually propelled boats are permitted. Sasthamkotta is connected to Kollam city by both railway and road. It takes 30 minutes from Kollam to Sasthamkotta by train and around 1 1/2 hrs by road. One railway station and KSRTC operating station are ther st Sasthamkotta. This is the capital of Kunnathoor taluk.
District                             :  Kollam .
Nearest railway station : Sasthamkotta ( 4 Km) .
Nearest Airport              : Thiruvananthapuram International Airport ( 73 Km ).