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» Backwaters of Kerala
Backwaters
of Kerala
900km
of tranquility
It's an intricate network of innumerable lagoons,
lakes, canals, estuaries and the deltas of forty-four rivers that drain into
the Arabian Sea. Over 900 km of this labyrinthine waterworld is navigable.
The largest backwater stretch in Kerala is the
Vembanad lake which
flows through three districts and opens out into the sea at the Kochi port.
The Ashtamudi Lake (literally, having eight arms), which covers
a major portion of Kollam district in the south, is the second largest and
is considered the gateway to the backwaters.
The
Ketturvallom Showcasing a unique heritage
The kettuvalloms
(houseboats) of Kerala are giant country crafts, measuring up to 80 feet
in length. It took great skill and meticulousness to construct these giants
by tying huge planks of jack wood together, without the use of a single
nail.
Today, these goods carriers have been adapted to make the
most exciting tourism product in India, the luxurious furnished houseboat. A
kettuvallom usually has one or two bath attached bedrooms, an open lounge,
deck, kitchenette and a crew comprising oarsmen, a cook and guide.
Thiruvananthapuram BackwatersThe
southernmost district of the State, Thiruvananthapuram is bounded by the
wooded highlands of the Western Ghats on the east and northeast, and the
Arabian Sea on the west.
A long shoreline, with secluded,
internationally renowned beaches, historic monuments, backwater stretches
and a rich cultural heritage give this district some of the most enchanting
picnic spots.
The main backwater areas of Thiruvananthapuram are
Thiruvallam and Veli.
Thiruvallam Backwaters
Thiruvallam:
(6 km formThiruvananthapuram city): This serene backwater stretch,
enroute to Kovalam, is famous for its canoe rides.
Thiruvallam
is the meeting point of two rives- Killi and Karamana. A temple dedicated to
Parashurama, the legendary founder of Kerala, is located here.
Veli tourist Village: (8 km from thiruvananthapuram city): The
Veli Tourist Village is sandwiched between the Veli Lagoon and the Arabian
Sea. The lagoon here is separated from the sea by a narrow sand bar.
Facilities at the village include water sports in the lagoon and 18
acre waterfront park with a floating bridge that connects the village to the
beach.
Akulam Boat Club: (8 km from
Thiruvandanthapuram city): This is a very popular picnic spot with boating
facilities on the lake and a children's park with a swimming pool.
Kollam BackwatersLocated 71
km to the north of Thiruvananthapuram, this historic coastline district
known for its marine and cashew ind
ustries
was one of the oldest ports on the Malabar coast and a major international
trading point in day gone by.
The district also has some
interesting historic remnants and a number of temples built in the
traditional ornate architectural style.
30% of this historic
town is covered by the renowned
Ashtamudi Lake, making it the
gateway to the magnificent backwaters of Kerala. The eight hour trip between
Kollam and Alappuzha is the longest backwater cruise in Kerala. The District
Tourism Promotion Council here offers a wide range of backwater tours and
cruises.
Alumkadavu (23 km from Kollam town):
Along the vast expanse of the Kayamkulam lake is the pictures little village
of Alumakadavu. This village is the home of the skilled artisans who crafted
the enormous Kettuvalloms in yester years.
Alleppey Backwaters With the
Arabian sea on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water
rivers crisscrossing it, Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty.
Referred to as the Venice of the East by travelers from across
the world, this backwater country is also home ot diverse animal and bird
life.
By virtue of its proximity to the sea, the town has always enjoyed a unique
place in the maritime history of Kerala.
Today, Alappauzha has
grown in importance as a backwater tourist centre, attracting several
thousands of foreign tourists each year.
Alappuzha is also
famous for its boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and
coir industry. A singular characteristic of this land is the region called
Kuttanad.
Kuttanad: Kuttanad, known as the rice
bowl of Kerala because of her wealth of paddy crops, is the very heart of
the backwater. The scenic countryside here is a rich crop of bananas, yams
and cassava.
This one of the places in the world where
farming
is done below sea level. Inland waterways which flow above land level is
an amazing feature of this unique land.
Pathiramanal
(1 ½ hours by motor boat/30 min. by speed boat from alappuzha):
According to mythology a young Brahmin dived into the Vemabanad Lake to
perform his evening ablutions and the water made way for land to rise from
below, thus creating the enchanting island of Pathiramanal (sands of
midnight).
This little island on the backwater is a favorite
haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different part of the world.
The island lies between Thaneermukkom and Kumarakom, and is accessible only
by boat.
Kottayam BackwatersBordered
by the lofty Western Ghats on the east, the Vembanad lake and the paddy
fields of Kuttanad on the west, Kottayam is land of unique characteristic.
Panoramic backwater stretches, lush paddy fields, highlands,
extensive rubber plantations and a totally literate people have given this
district the title: the land of letters, latex and lakes.
Kumarakom Backwaters (10 km
from Kottayam): A voyage north of Alappuzha takes you to the rich green,
sleepy little village of Kumarakom on the Vembanad lake.
An
enchanting picnic spot and a fast developing backwater tourism destination,
Kumarakom provides boating, fishing and sightseeing experiences that are
truly exhilarating.
An exclusive attraction of this much sought
after backwater resort is the
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.
The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is an ornithologist's paradise and a
fabourite haunt of migratory birds like the Siberian stork, egret, darter,
heron and teal.
A cruise along the Vembanad lake is the best way
to view the bird life.
Cochin (Ernakulam, Kochi) Backwaters
More popular as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Kochi is a cluster of islands
on the vast expanse of the Vembanad Lake.
Some of these
picturesque islands are Bolgatty, Vypeen, Gundu and Vallarpadam. The lake
opens out into the Ar
abian
Sea here to form one of the finest natural harbours in the world.
It is this natural advantage that has made Lochi a fascinating blend
of the cultures and influences of explorers and traders who visited this
wealthy land.
The Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and Gritish
have all left their mark here.
The Jewish synagogue, the Dutch
palace, the Chinese Fishing nets, and other remnants of European and Asian
architecture merge smoothly into the traditional fabric of the seaport city.
Half the fun of visiting Kochi is moving around on the local
several quaint spots.
Boat cruises from Kochi harbor to
Willingdon Island, Mattancherry Place, the Jewish Synagogue, Fort Kochi and
Bolgatty Island.
Sunset cruise. 3 hour backwater village cruises
which include visits to coir villages and coconut plantations.
Kozhikode Backwaters Once the
capital of the powerful zamorins, a prominent trade and commerce center and
the land of the Malaba
r
Mahotsavam, Kozhikode was the most important region of Malabar in the days
gone by. Today, ancient monuments, lush green countrysides, serene beaches,
historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries, rivers, hills, a unique culture and a
warm, friendly ambience make this district a much sought after destination.
Unexplored, unspoiled, the backwaters of Kozhikode hold great promises
of enchanting holiday options.
Elathur, the Canolly Canal and the
Kallai river are favourite haunts for boating.
Kadalundi,
with its beautiful bird sanctuary is a charming site.
Korapuzha, the
venue of the Korapuzha Jalotsavam is fast becoming a popular water sport
destination.
Kasaragod BackwatersThe
northernmost district of Kerala, Kasaragod is situated on the seacoast with
the Western Ghats on its east and northern borders.
Backwater
trips on the Chandragiri river at Valiyaparamba are fascinating experiences.
Chandragiri : (4 ksm from Kasaragod town): Situated on the
Chandragiri river, southeast of Kasaragod town, this town is known for the
large 17th century Chandragiri fort, one of a chain of forts.
It
offers a breathtaking view of the river and the Arabian sea. It is a vantage
point watch the sunset.
Chandragiri Cruises: Boat trips to
nearby islands and plam groves are available. Boarding point: Chandragiri
bridge.
