( CNN ) -- In the backwaters of India 's southern state of Kerala , traditional village life goes on much as it has for the last 50 years . The occasional satellite dish , motorized houseboat or construction of a new guesthouse are the only nods to increased outside interest in this seemingly endless string of interconnected waterways , paddy fields and coconut groves that stretches down the Malabar Coast . Ferrymen still carry villagers on tiny canoes , as women in vivid saris wash clothes on stone steps near the river . Exuberant children in bright school whites run along the banks , shouting cheerful hellos to any new faces . Regularly hailed as one of the top 10 things to see in India , the backwaters offer a chance to witness another side of a country often known for its frenetic pace of life . The main spots to embark on a backwaters adventure are the cities or towns of Alappuzha , Kochi , Kollam and Kumarakom . Here are three great ways to experience them . Kumarakom Lake Resort . Kumarakom Lake Resort offers a rare opportunity for those who want to enjoy the beauty of the backwaters while enjoying five-star service and luxury . The UK 's heir to the throne Prince Charles recently celebrated his 65th birthday at the resort with wife Camilla . Built on the edge of Vembanad Lake , the resort is a stunning union of nature and historic architecture . An array of birds hops around the perfectly manicured lawns while river otters swim in canals that snake through the property . Bridges connect different parts of the resort , mirroring the links between villages across the backwaters . Most of the property has been constructed using elements from Kerala 's historic stately homes , such as ornate doors and elaborate roof structures . The three dining areas offer a good range of food options made with top quality ingredients . As the resort is on the banks of the backwaters ' main lake , those wanting to see the smaller canals and waterways should take a boat trip , which the hotel can organize . Kumarakom Lake Resort , Kottayam 686 566 , Kerala , India ; +91 481 252 4900 ; rooms from Rs 17,500 ( $ 289 ) plus tax . Traditional houseboat ( kettuvallam ) For centuries , Kerala 's remote backwater communities used kettuvallam boats to transport rice from the paddy fields to market towns . Today these beautiful craft made of bamboo , rattan , coir and wood are a favorite with tourists . Usually measuring about 80 feet ( 24 meters ) in length , Kerala 's houseboats have been refashioned into stylishly furnished floating cottages . Depending on budget , options include houseboats with two floors , balconies , living rooms and even four or five bedrooms . The lure of the tourist dollar has brought in some ventures that do little to benefit the local community , while others guzzle fuel and dump untreated waste . Options such as Spice Coast Cruises run on solar power and are fueled by vegetable oil , and Goodearth , essentially run by a cooperative of villages , is ethically and ecologically sound . It 's possible to spend an afternoon to a week on a backwaters houseboat , though two-day trips are the most popular . This allows travelers to lounge on deck as they cruise past a patchwork of pastel-colored houses , churches and temples . Most companies arrange for stops at villages selling local crafts and wares . River regulations require boats to dock overnight but it 's still nice to stop in a secluded spot , gaze at the stars and listen to the sizzle of freshly caught fish roasting on the grill . The main rivers are like a watery highway , so the journey wo n't always be peaceful . The days of being only the houseboat on the water are long gone and cruisers can expect municipal passenger boats to motor past . But the journey also provides the chance to see duck farmers herd their flock along the river and lone fishermen in tiny boats laden with the day 's catch . Emerald Isle Heritage Villa . Located in Nedumudi , about 12 kilometers from Alappuzha , this traditional Keralan house is the ancestral home of owner Vinod Job and his brother Vijo . Together they put together a remarkable experience that weaves together their own rich family history and village life . Upon arrival , guests are picked up from the far side of the river by a traditional canoe , known as a vallam , and transported to the idyllic 150-year-old property . There are a few sleeping options but The Cottage and The Granary are most charming and come with stylish outdoor bathrooms . Emerald Isle has its own paddy fields and coconut groves , and the food is almost all locally grown . Dinner is served in a communal space and is a showcase of traditional dishes such as karimeen pollichathu and neimeen curry . Visitors can rent bikes , explore on foot or take trips in a traditional vallum . The guesthouse can also arrange kayaking and fishing trips . There are dozens of little canals connected by ramshackle footbridges , while local shacks sell everything from candy and soft drinks to Toddy , a popular local alcoholic drink . Away from the action , Emerald Isle offers lazy afternoons in a hammock , Ayurvedic massages and beauty treatments . Emerald Isle Heritage Villa , Kanjooparambil-Manimalathara , Alleppey 688 511 , Kerala , India ; +91 477 270 3899 ; rooms from Rs 5,700 ( $ 94 ) plus tax .
The Kerala backwaters are made up of lakes , canals and rivers that stretch down the coast . It is a very beautiful place to live in but it has its own problems as well. Homestay Emerald Isle Heritage Villa is a riverside heritage house with its own farm .