Backwaters

The backwaters of Kerala

Countless lakes, lagoons, canals and the deltas of forty four rivers make up the 900 kms backwater network of Kerala. The largest backwater body, the Vembanad Lake flows through Alappuzha and Kottayam and opens out into the Arabian sea at Kochi.

HOUSE BOAT/KETTUVALLAM The houseboats(Kettuvallams) of Kerala are giant country crafts, measuring upto 80 feet in length. Once, they ruled the backwaters, poled along by one or two men, heavily loaded with rice, coconut and other commodities. But, in recent times, the Kettuvallams have been replaced by modern modes of transport. It takes great skill and meticulousness to construct these giants by tying huge planks of jack wood together. Not a single nail is used in their making!

Backwater destinations :

Thiruvallam : This serene backwater stretch, enroute to Kovalam, is famous for its canoe rides. It is the meeting point of two rivers.

Veli : This 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. The facilities at the Tourist Village here include water sports in the lagoon .

Alumkadavu : This picturesque little village is situated 23 kms. From Kollam and is the home of the skilled artisans who crafted the enormous Kettuvalloms in olden days and now famous for its houseboat holidays.

Alleppey (Alappuzha) : Known as the Venice of the East, Alleppey has become an important backwater tourist centre . It is also famous for its boat races and house boat holidays, beaches, Marine products and coir industry. A singular characteristic of this land is the region called Kuttanad, a land of lush paddy fields.

Kumarakom : It is a rich green village and a fast developing backwater tourism destination. Besides the serene ambience the place with its water body attracts a host of birds. Kumarakom is a part of Kuttanad which is a wonder land lying below the sea level comprising of a number of Islands in the backwaters. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, an ornithologist's paradise, is a favourite haunt of migratory birds like the Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal.

Cochin (Kochi) : Known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Kochi(Cochin) is a cluster of islands on the vast expanse of the Vembanad Lake which opens out into the Arabian Sea here to form one of the finest natural harbours in the World. It is a port city with a rich past and a bustling present. It has been the business hub of the region from the very early days. The Chinese, Jews, Arabs and Europeans came here to trade and their influence on Cochin and its people is still evident.

Calicut (Kozhikode) : Once the capital of the powerful Zamorins and a prominent trade and commerce centre, Calicut was the most important region of Malabar in the days gone by. With five major rivers cutting through it and the Western Ghats rising above it, Calicut is a picture of shimmering waters nestled against rolling green hills . It has the advantage of pristine lakes that are cleaner and free of traffic.

Valiyaparamba : Fed by four rivers and dotted with numerous little islands, Valiaparamba is the most scenic backwater stretch in Kerala, offering enchanting boat cruises.