Kerala's
backwaters is the most popular tourist attraction of Kerala. The backwaters of
Kerala is a unique product of Kerala and is found nowhere else in the world. The
green, sinuous, palm fringed backwaters of Kerala are unique in themselves. The
backwaters of Kerala are a self supporting eco-system teeming with aquatic life.
Backwaters are a network of lakes, canals and estuaries and deltas of 44 rivers
that drain into the Arabian sea, and it stretches to almost 1,900 kilometers.
 Alappuzha
(Alleppey) Backwaters
Alappuzha also known as the Venice of the East, is one of the major centres for
backwater tour in Kerala. A singular characteristic of this land is the region
called Kuttanad. The Granary of Kerala, Kuttanad called the rice bowl of
Kerala, is perhaps the only place in the world were farming is done below sea
level. With Arabian sea on the west, Alappuzha has a large network of lakes, lagoons
and several freshwater rivers intersections. Boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches,
marine products and coir industry are some of the major attractions offered by
Alappuzha.
Kumarakom
Backwaters
Kumarakom is situated 15 km from Kottayam, on National
Highway (NH) 47 between Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) and Kochi (Cochin). Kumarakom
is also a centre for houseboat cruises. Boating and fishing facilities are available
at Kumarakom. Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands located on the banks of
the famous Vembanad Lake. This unique backwater destination situated on
the banks of the Vembanad lake is considered the gateway to the backwaters of
Kuttanad. Kumarakom is 14-acre bird sanctuary known for local varieties of water
fowl, cuckoo, water ducks, and migrating Siberian storks.The water ways of Kumarakom
is now a big attraction for tourist.
Pathiramanal
Pathiramanal or sands of midnight, is a captivating little island between Thaneermukkom
and Kumarakom. From Alappuzha, it takes one and a half hours by motor boat to
reach Pathiramanal. The island is a favourite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory
birds from different parts of the world.
Kollam
(Quilon) Backwaters
Known as the entry and exit point of the backwaters
of Kerala, Kollam is situated 71 km to the north of Thiruvananthapuram. One of
the oldest ports of the Malabar coast, Kollam was once the centre of the international
trade. Sprinkled with many historical remnants, Kollam can be rightly called the
gateway to the legendary backwaters of Kerala. Kollam (Quilon) architecturalremnants
and a number of temples built in the traditional ornate style are the witness
of the enchanting history of this town.
30% of this historic town
is covered by the renowned Ashtamudi Lake. The eight hour boat trip between
Kollam and Alappuzha is the longest & most enchanting experience of Kerala's
backwaters.
Alumkadavu
Alumkadavu is a scenic little village along the Kayamkulam lake, 23 kms from Kollam
town. Alumkadavu is halfway on the route to Alappuzha from Kollam. This quiet
little backwater village in Karunagapally town is famed for its boat building
yard. It is here that the gigantic kettuvallams (cargo boats of rural Kerala)
were built. Today the Kettuvallams which were long replaced by modern means of
transport, have been converted into houseboats.
Cochin
(Kochi) Backwaters
Kochi also known as the Queen of the Arabian
Sea, Kochi is a cluster of islands on the vast expanse of the Vembanad Lake, Kochi
is the commercial hub of Kerala. The lake opens out into the Arabian Sea here
to form one of the finest natural harbours in the world. It is this natural advantage
that has made Kochi a fascinating blend of the cultures and influences of explorers
and traders who visited this wealthy land. Some of these picturesque islands are
Bolgatty, Vypeen, Gundu and Vallarpadam. Kochi is a city, rich with the whiff
of history.
Trivandrum
Backwaters
A short distance from Thiruvananthapuram is the Veli
Aakulam lagoon. Water sports, a floating restaurant, an amusement park, speedboats
and other facilities make this spot a tourist attraction. The east end of the
lake is flanked by two scenic hillocks. Spotted with numerous beaches and backwater
stretches, Thiruvananthapuram is a tourist hotspot. The main backwater areas of
Thrivananthapuram are Thiruvallam and Veli.
Thiruvallam
Thiruvallam is 6 kms from Thiruvananthapuram city. Thiruvallam offers
a serene expanse of backwaters ideal for canoe rides. A famous Parashurama temple
is located here.
Veli
Tourist Village
Veli is at a distance of 8 kms from Thirivananthapuram
City. Situated between the Veli Lagoon and the Arabian Sea, Veli has facilities
for water sports in the lagoon and an 18 acre waterfront park with a floating
bridge that connects the village to the beach.
Akkulam
Boat Club
Situated 8 kms from Thiruvananthapuram City, Akkulam offers
boating facilities. There is a children's park also at this place.
Kottayam
Backwaters
The land of lakes, latex
and letters, thats what it is famously called. Kottayam
is a name composed of two words, Kotta which means fort and Akkam
meaning inside. The Kottayam backwaters is one of the most exotic Backwaters in
Kerala. Interspersed with a network of canals and lakes, Kottayam is also known
for its toddy tappers. On its western side is the Vembanad Lake and a canal co0nnects
the Lake with Kottayam. Stop in between and visit the village tea shops, see the
toddy tappers at work and mingle with the locals. Disembark the boat at Kottayam
A cruise from Alleppey through these backwaters leave you enchanted and with the
most beautiful moments of your life.
|