Alleppey, or Alappuzha, was once one of the best-known ports along the Malabar Coast. It has a large system of canals and is the principle departure point for cruises into Kerala's famous backwaters – a series of scenic lagoons fed by a network of rivers. Exploring the backwaters in a traditional Kettuvallum is the ultimate Kerala experience. The scenic countryside around Kuttanad is at the heart of the backwaters, a wealth of paddy crops and rich farming lands.