Kollam
Backwater
Alumkadavu
(23 kilometers from Kollam)
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.
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Alleppey
(Alappuzha) District Kuttanad
Kuttanad,
called the rice bowl of Kerala, because of her wealth of paddy
crops is at the very heart of the backwaters. The scenic
countryside of Kuttanad with its shimmering waterways also has a
rich crop of bananas. Yams and cassava which accompany the rice
bowl as "side dishes". This is 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 (14 kilometers from Alappuzha)
This little island on the backwaters is a favorite haunt of
hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the
world. This island is accessible only by boat.
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Kottayam
Backwater
Bordered by the lofty Western Chats on the east, the Vembanad Lake
and the paddy fields of Kuttanad on the west, Kottayam is a land
of unique characteristics.
Panoramic backwater stretches, lush paddy fields, highlands,
extensive rubber plantations and a totally literate people have
given this district the title: the land of letters, latex and
lakes.
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Kumarakom
Backwater
The enchanting backwater destination of Kumarakom is a small
village that is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake
in Kerela. Kumarkom strengthens Kerala’s reputation for being
God’s own country with its unbelievably beautiful mangrove
forests, coconut groves and emerald green paddy fields
interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with
while lillies. It is part of the Kuttanad region, and the bird
sanctuary here spread across 14 acres of any ornithologist's
paradise.
This enchanting backwater destination offers visitors many
leisure options. From wandering into the depths of its wildlife
sanctuary to cruising down the back waters and fishing, Kumarkom
is perfect for a lazy and laid back holiday. The best way to
watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round
the islands, as hundreds of swaying verdant coconut palms lining
the rivers lean to brush the tops of your heads. Kumarkom is an
example of nature at her bountiful best in the fragrant flowers,
the riot of multi coloured birds, the surrounding greenry and
the clear waters.
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Ernakulam
(Cochin) Backwater
Kochi:
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. 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.
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.
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.
Once the capital of the powerful Zamorins, a prominent trade and
commerce centre and the land of the Malabar Mahotsavam,
Kozhikode was the most important region of Malabar in days past.
Today, ancient monuments, lush green countryside, serene
beaches, historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries, rivers, hills, a
unique culture and a warm, friendly ambience make this district
a much sought after destination.
Unexplored, unspoiled, the backwaters of Kozhikode hold great
promises of enchanting holiday options. Elathur, the Canoli
Canal and the Kallai River are favourite places for boating.
Kadalundi, with its beautiful bird sanctuary is a charming site.
Korapuzha, the venue of the Korapuzha Jalotsavam (water fiesta)
is fast becoming a popular water sport destination.
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Kasargod
Backwater
The northernmost district of Kerala, Kasaragod is situated on the
sea coast with the Western Chats on its east and northern borders.
Backwater trips on the Chandragiri River and at Valiyaparamba are
fascinating experiences.
Chandragiri (4 km from Kasaragod town)
Situated on the Chandragiri River, southeast of Kasaragod town,
this town is known for the large 17th century Chandragiri Fort,
one of a chain of forts.
It offers a breathtaking view of the river and the Arabian Sea. It
is a vantage point to watch the sunset.
Chandragiri cruises :
Boat trips to nearby islands and palm groves are available.
Boarding point : Chandragiri bridge.
Valiyaparamba (30 km from Bekal Fort)
This is perhaps the most scenic backwater stretch in Kerala. Fed
by four rivers and dotted with numerous little islands,
Valiyaparamba is fast turning into a much favoured backwater
resort.
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The
backwaters form a specially attractive and economically valuable
feature of Kerala. They include lakes and ocean inlets which stretch
irregularly along the coast. The biggest backwater is the Vembabad
lake, some 200 sq kilometers in area, which opens out into the
Arabian Sea at Cochin port. The Periyar, Pamba, Manimala, Achenkovil,
Meenachil and Moovattupuzha rivers drain into this lake. Veli,
Kadhinamkulam, Anjengo (Anju Thengu), Edava, Nadayara, Paravoor,
Ashtamudi (in Kollam Dist.) Kayamkulam, Kodungallur (in Trissur
Dist) and Chetuva are some of the other places where you may go for
backwater cruising. The backwaters of Kerala stretch over 1900
Kilometers, providing drinking water and irrigation facilities.
