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Backwaters of Kerala
Backwaters of Kerala
900 km 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 BACKWATERS
The 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 BACKWATERS
Located 71 km to the north of Thiruvananthapuram, this historic
coastline district known for its marine and cashew industries 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.
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