Kochi, Dec 1 (IANS) Tour operator Kerala Voyages Tuesday launched travel packages centred on the state's backwaters which have been recently rated as the world's 23rd best destination by National Geographic.

The tour company said it has launched three special packages -- a village backwater cruise in Poothotta, a village exploration tour in Kumbalanghi (both in Ernakulam district) and a houseboat ride in Alleppey.

Travel magazine National Geographic Traveller in its latest issue has selected the placid backwaters of Kerala as one of the 133 'World's Greatest Places'.

All three programmes provide the tourists an exclusive opportunity to experience the serene and pristine backwater life in Kerala villages, the tour operator said.

'We have taken extra care on cleanliness and hygiene and preserving the environment is always a top priority,' Kerala Voyages managing director George Scaria said.

'We use the best category house boats and eco-friendly resorts to promote these programmes. An online chat facility is also there on our website to enable travellers to talk to our experts and plan the tour with the best possible options,' he added.