7Alleppey, Kerala, India
This picturesque place is sometimes called the “Venice of the East.” Its approximately 933 mile-long network of numerous canals, freshwater rivers, lakes, and lagoons are just a portion the great Kerala backwaters.
There’s also the popular Vembanad Lake. It’s the largest in the state with a total surface area of roughly 1,263 square miles. Those who have been there said that you should rent a speedboat or houseboat to traverse the various canals of the city. They praise the experience and note it is more interesting than taking the usual tourist tours.
Aveiro, Portugal, is quite more beautiful than many on the list
I all 10, no mention of Germany and it’s many rivers that traverse close to castles. I’ve heard the views are fantastic. Had hoped it would have been included herein, but also, I suppose it did not rate high enough on your scale of the ‘best’. Too bad.
Yea, I liked it, but it doesn’t have a very big canal network. But I certainly beats Birmingham in terms of beauty.
Yanagawa Japan is reknowm for its canals. Yanagawa is popular with Japanese tourists because of its 470 km of wide canals. Yanagawa riverboats, called “donkobune”, are used to take tourists around the city. In 1987 a video documentary was created by Studio Ghibli about these canals and their restoration. Yanagawa is the birthplace of Kitahara Hakushu, a Meiji era poet and writer of children’s songs. An annual three-day festival is held every November in Yanagawa complete with poetry readings, fireworks, music, and a great number of evening boat rides.
Yes, it is a popular place with Japanese tourists. It’s a noteworthy locale and undoubtedly would have made the list had the list been longer. Thanks for your support and your comment!