Freshwater from the rivers meets the seawater from the Arabian Sea is the unique eco system that backwaters have. With hundreds of House Boats plied on it and numerous resorts on its banks Alleppey Lake is at the heart of Kerala Backwaters tourism. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race is conducted in a portion of the lake every year. A cruise by a motor boat, or a canoe, or a shikkara there are many ways to explore the backwaters. The kettuvallams (Kerala houseboats) in the backwaters are another important attraction for tourists in Alleppey. Houseboats are the floating cottages having a sleeping area, with western-style toilets, a dining area and a sit out on the deck with on board cooked food and accompanying staff. You can enjoy either a day tour or can enjoy an overnight hoseboat stay which will take you through the vast beauty of backwaters.
