Belaboring on the beauty of Munnar and Backwaters would be a tautology, no matter how it is done, interestingly or otherwise. I would rather refrain.
Today, I am in mood for writing something of some utility, for those who might plan to make a trip to the backwaters. In popular imagination, Kerala backwaters are synonymous with this huge lake called Vembanad Kayal, the largest backwaters lake in Kerala, though very few people know the name of the lake as such. This lake has Alapuzha and Kumarakom on its periphery, which are two most popular points hosting houseboat jetty. Most of the tour operators offer packages starting from either of the two, latter being costlier owing to swanky resorts mushrooming on its side, and ending usually at the same point.
They are quite popular options, and reasonably good too. On the flip side, one might be subject to traffic jams and noise of honking, especially in peak season. The other issue being the size of these houseboats, which are too big to sail into smaller canals, around which a unique backwaters civilization prospers.
There are alternatives though, thankfully.
One could opt for smaller boats to explore the innards of backwaters. Still better would be to try another lake, like Ashtamudi, from Kollam. Unlike Vembanad, Ashtamudi is a salk water lake, but less crowded, and probably cheaper too. But the best option would be a cruise from Alapuzha/Kumarakom to Kollam, or vice versa.
This was my second trip to kerala, first being this. Many more should follow.
