Join the snake boat race
Snake boat races have always been a part of the tradition of Kerala and most of the races have been held for years. Vallamkali, as it is commonly known, begins during the harvest festival of Onam. The most famous among the boat races is the Nehru Trophy Boat Race, named after Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, who was so impressed with the race that he donated a silver trophy.
Rejuvenate with Ayurveda
The ancient regimens of Ayurveda, the 5000-year-old system of holistic healing, are practised to perfection in Kerala. Many of the backwater resorts have certified Ayurveda centres, while some of the houseboats offer treatment procedures on board.
Step back in time
Kerala has churches dating from the time of St. Thomas - the apostle who arrived here in 52 AD, temples that sport the Dravidian gopuram and Kerala architecture as well as the oldest mosque and synagogue in the country. Many of these are located along the backwaters.
Go bird watching
The backwaters are alive with a variety of birds. Watch Egrets, Herons and Kingfishers sunning themselves or swooping in to catch a fish. Kumarakom and Kadalundi are favourite haunts of migratory birds like the Siberian Storks, Teals, Darters etc.