Kerala has been blessed with a bounty of natural beauty that includes fathomless stretches of pristine sunny beaches, vibrant forest covers, milky waterfalls and tranquil backwaters meandering through lush greenery. It’s no wonder then that Kerala is also known as ‘God’s Own Country’ and is a favourite international tourist destination.
There are a number of popular serene backwaters destinations in Kerala with the one originating in Kollam being famous for its unparalleled beauty. These backwaters meander off from the immense Ashtamudi Lake that has a surface area of over 61kms and is home to an amazingly unique ecosystem with numerous flora and fauna.
The best way to enjoy these scenic backwater channels and soak in nature’s bounty of tranquil lakes, lagoons, and meandering canals is with a one-of-a-kind backwaters cruise in a traditional houseboat. These houseboats are made entirely of wood and come fully-furnished with aesthetically-designed bedrooms and bathrooms just like any classy hotel. You can opt for a day trip or choose an overnight cruise and sleep under the stars and wake up to a glorious dawn and watch the sunbeams playing through the surrounding dense coconut grooves. You could even go exploring to some of the numerous islands dotting the Ashtamudi Lake and get a glimpse of rustic village life in its natural setting.
The tranquil backwaters of Kollam are a spellbinding network of lakes, rivers, inlets, and canals woven together by nature to offer you a once-in-a-lifetime experience. A backwaters cruise here is one of the most romantic ways to create unforgettable memories and shouldn’t be missed.
Kollam is an ancient port city nestled on the banks of the Ashtamudi Lake and offers you mesmerizing views and experiences. To accommodate the increasing tourist footfall in this area, numerous resorts and hotels have come up in the city. The Raviz Resorts & Spa located on the scenic banks of the Ashtamudi Lake is one of the best retreats here and offers you a welcome break from busy lifestyles that take you closer to nature at its best. It is strategically designed to offer magnificent views of the lake from every room. What’s more, this classy hotel also offers you its own fully-decked out houseboat stays where they can arrange hassle-free cruises of your choice through the backwaters.
Getting to Kollam is very easy too as there are good highways connecting to the city. Trivandrum airport is nearby and is a breezy 71km-drive away. The nearest railway connection is around 5km away, thus making Kollam very accessible.