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KERALA BACKWATERS
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The Kerala backwaters are a chain of brackish lagoons and lakes lying parallel to the
Arabian Sea coast (known as the Malabar Coast) of Kerala state in southern India. The
network includes five large lakes linked by canals, both manmade and natural, fed by 38
rivers, and extending virtually half the length of Kerala state. The backwaters were
formed by the action of waves and shore currents creating low barrier islands across |
the mouths of the many rivers flowing down from the Western Ghats range.Kerala has over 900 km of interconnected waterways, rivers, lakes and inlets that make up
the Kerala backwaters. In the midst of this beautiful landscape there are a number of towns
and cities, which are the starting and end points of backwater cruises.[1]National Waterway
No. 3 from Kollam to Kottapuram, covers a distance of 205 km and runs almost parallel to the
coast line of southern Kerala facilitating both cargo movement and backwater tourism.
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The backwaters have a unique ecosystem - freshwater from the rivers meets the seawater from
the Arabian Sea. In certain areas, such as the Vembanad Kayal, where a barrage has been
built near Kumarakom, salt water from the sea is prevented from entering the deep inside,
keeping the fresh water intact. Such fresh water is extensively used for irrigation
purposes.
Water birds, migratory birds, mangrove shores and the renowned bird sanctuary form |
their niche. The resorts nearby offer comfortable accommodation and exclusive leisure options like an Ayurvedic massage, yoga, meditation, boating, fishing and swimming.The adventurous could indulge in water sports such as windsailing and waterskiing. You could even take a canoe out into the quite lakes and armed with a fishing rod, catch your own supper. Make sure you do not miss out on Karimeen and fresh toddy, the favourite fresh water food and the local wine. The local spring season emerges from August and coincides with the harvest festival of Onam, blooms the tourist and the local
people.
Many unique species of aquatic life including crabs, frogs and mudskippers, water birds such
as terns, kingfishers, darters and cormorants, and animals such as otters and turtles live
in and alongside the backwaters. Palm trees, pandanus shrubs, various leafy plants and
bushes grow alongside the backwaters, providing a green hue to the surrounding landscape.
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Backwater regions of Kerala |
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Alappuzha |
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With the Kuttanad region and the Vembanad Kayal nearby, Alappuzha (earlier known as Alleppy)
attracts tourists throughout the year. The criss-crossing canals in the area evoke
comparisons with Venice, but the differences are also substantial. Each has an identity of
its own. Amongst the notable sights is the palm covered Pathiramanal Island in Vembanad
Kayal, one hour by boat from Alappuzha.The place is famous for the snake boat races and
also has a number of historic colonial buildings and a beautiful beach.
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different parts of the world. According to mythology a young Brahmin dived into the Vembanad Lake to perform his evening ablutions and the water madeway for the land to rise from below. The island can be accessed only by boat. A cruise along the Vembanad Lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary. |
| Kuttanad |
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The Kuttanad region is a vast area of partly reclaimed land, covered with bright green paddy
fields, separated by dikes. The level of water is a few feet higher than the level of the
surrounding land.It is an amazing labyrinth of shimmering waterways composed of lakes,
canals, rivers and rivulets. Lined with dense tropical greenery, it offers a glimpse into
rural life-styles of Kerala. Kuttanad is a backwater paradise and an ideal destination
for a backwater cruise in Kerala. It is possible to drift along in a houseboat and enjoy the
scenic view of the Kerala countryside.
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| Kumarakom |
The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Kayal, and is part
of the Kuttanad region.[19]Kumarakom is enthrallingly beautiful. The blue backwaters of
Vembanad Kayal and the amazing shades of green of the vegetation, combines with the
quietness of the place to make it an idyllic holiday destination. Many of the resorts also
offer ayurvedic treatment.[20]While Kuttanad is ideal for a house boat cruise, the resorts
are the main charm in Kumarakonam. One can also take a boat
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trip in Kumaramonam It is located 15 km west of Kottayam. The bird sanctuary and the drift wood museum are added attractions.
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| Kochi |
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Kochi (Cochin) - Queen of the Arabian Sea: Kochi is group of islands on Lake Vembanad, which opens out into the Arabian Sea. Some of the islands are Bolgatty, Vyppin, Gundu and Vallarpadam. Half the fun of visiting Kochi is moving around on the local ferries. A conducted cruise through the winding waterways will take you to several quaint spots. The main tourist attraction of Kochi is visiting these islands on the local ferries.
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The lake opens out into the Arabian Sea here to form one of the finest natural harbors in the world. It is this natural advantage that has made Kochi a fascinating blend of the cultures and influences of the explorers and traders who visited this wealthy land. Kochi is well known for one of the finest natural harbors in the world. The ancestral rulers of cochin with their cosmopolitan outlook, traded goods as well as knowledge with visitors from far off lands and latter Chinese, Arabs, Dutch, British and Portuguese followed the sea route to cochin.
The Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and the British 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.
Then there is the captivating Cochin (Kochi) with the charming combination of the picture perfect islands like Bolgatty, Vyppin, Gundu and Vallarpadam. The reminisces of the Chinese, Arabian, Portuguese and the Dutch travelers and traders are omnipresent in Cochin. The variant village cruises to the coconut plantations and the coir villages should not be missed. The peace and the warmth make the vivacious destination come true to its title of being the queen of the Arabian Sea. The sweet memories of the rustic life and the gorgeous greens of Cochin will carry on to refresh you time and again much after the end of the holiday too.
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| Kollam |
Kollam (earlier known as Quilon) was one of the leading trade centres of the ancient world,
eulogised by travellers such as Ibn Battuta and Marco Polo. It is also the starting point of
the backwater waterways. The Ashtamudi Kayal, known as the gateway to the backwaters, covers
about 30 per cent of Kollam.The 8 hours boat ride from Kollam to Alappuzha is the longest cruise in Kerala and is delightful ride with lotuses and water lilies all around.]The historic Thangasseri Fort is near Kollam, which is situated 71 km north of Thiruvananathapuram.
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