BACKWATERS
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.
Thiruvananthpuram
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.
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Thiruvallam Backwaters
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.
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Kollam
Backwaters
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.
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Kottayam
Backwaters
Bordered 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.
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Kumarakom
Backwaters
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.
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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.
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Kozhikode 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 Arabian Sea here to form one of the finest natural harbours in the world.
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Kasaragod
Backwaters
The 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.
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