Land and water share an extraordinary kinship in Kerala. The land which is believed to have sprung forth from the sea, continues to bask in tender life giving care of the waters that lap gently on its coast, cascade down its hills and valleys and rests calmly in exotic backwaters and lagoons.

There is a different Kerala along these backwaters, throbbing with its own unique culture. It can be an incredibly different experience just floating on these waters in a country craft and absorbing this unusual representation of Kerala life.

Kerala is a land of rivers and backwaters. Forty-four - 41 west flowing and 3 east flowing - cut across Kerala with their innumerable tributaries and branches. The backwaters include lakes and ocean inlets which stretch irregularly along the coast. The biggest backwater is the Vembanad Lake, which opens out into the Arabian Sea at Cochin Port.