Backwaters in Kerala

Back waters teach us different ways of human life and feel relaxed from exciting lengthy calm and peace, sight seeing experience. Kerala’s back water lies from kochi to Thiruvananthapuram including Rivers, lake, canals, through out south west coast lines with a length of 1900 km. The human life at back water area gives us a simple and peaceful life without any hurry like western life.

Kerala known for its lush greenery and world famous backwaters,it has been rated as one of the must see 50 destinations by National Geographic.The backwaters in Kerala are a network of canals,rivers and lakes which are interconnected, the middle of beautiful landscape of the backwaters,there are a number of towns and cities a barrier islands across the mouths of many rivers which flows down from Western Ghats.It has got a very significant economic as well as ecological importance, some parts of Kerala backwaters or the wetlands have been declared as an ecosystem of international importance for conservation purpose, the backwaters are also a source of rich marine life with many rare and unique species of aquatic life such as crabs, frogs, mudskippers and varieties of water birds such as terns, kingfishers etc thieving in these backwaters making it an important centre for ecological preservation, they even also have an economic importance. They form an economical mode of transport and a large amount of local trade ndtransportation is carried out by inland navigation. Fishing along with coir making and fish curing are also important industries.

The kids in this area want a swim before they stand on feet. We can see through out the back water an elaborate country made boats, Chinese junks busy in their fishing and carrying goods, also can see places where folksy dive into the water and came out with a fish by a bare hand. These back waters are the lone source to link between separated villagers for transporting of their daily needs from the pocket towns and vice versa. There are four main back waters in Kerala.





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.


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. 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 Lochi a fascinating blend of the cultures and influences of explorers and traders who visited this wealthy land.The Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and Gritish 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 several quaint spots.Boat cruises from Kochi harbor to Willingdon Island, Mattancherry Place, the Jewish Synagogue, Fort Kochi and Bolgatty Island.Sunset cruise. 3 hour backwater village cruises which include visits to coir villages and coconut plantations.


Kozhikode Backwaters

Once the capital of the powerful zamorins, a prominent trade and commerce center and the land of the Malabar Mahotsavam, Kozhikode was the most important region of Malabar in the days gone by. Today, ancient monuments, lush green countrysides, 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 Canolly Canal and the Kallai river are favourite haunts for boating. Kadalundi, with its beautiful bird sanctuary is a charming site. Korapuzha, the venue of the Korapuzha Jalotsavam is fast becoming a popular water sport destination


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.Chandragiri: (4 ksm 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 watch the sunset.Chandragiri cruises: Boat trips to nearby islands and plam groves are available. Boarding point: Chandragiri bridge.


Thiruvallam Backwaters

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.


Akkulam Boat Club:

A tourist village near Trivandrum, Akkulam is one of the most fascinating backwater destinations in Kerala. A tour to the Akkulam Tourist Village will rejuvenate your senses. There is a Boat Club in Akkulam Lake This beautiful backwater destination is an ideal picnic spot for the tourists. Tourists who are looking for tranquil and serene location amidst greenery and placid waters of Kerala must take a tour to Akkulam.

There is also a Children’s Park in Akkulam which is the perfect place for the kids to spend a lovely day.
Nearest Airport to Akkulam: Trivandrum Airport is 7 km away.
Nearest Railway Station: Trivandrum Railway Station is 10 km away.
The best time to take a tour to Akkulam is from September to May.

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, 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.


Kottayam Backwaters

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. 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.


Kumarakom Backwaters

(10 km from Kottayam): 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.An exclusive attraction of this much sought after backwater resort is the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is an ornithologist's paradise and a fabourite haunt of migratory birds like the Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal.


KUTTANAD BACK WATERS

Kuttanad forms a favorite Kerala backwater destination on luxury Kerala travel backwaters. The Kuttanad region is a green landscape covered with waterways that run alongside fields of cassava, banana and yam, as well as emerald green fields of paddy. A unique feature of Kuttanad is that many of these fields are below sea level. You can see the amazing below-sea level fields of Kuttanad, while on Kerala visit.


MUNROE BACK WATERS

A beautiful small village is surrounding by Ashtamudi Lake and Kallada River Blessed with a number of criss-cross canals and zig-zagging water channels; this Island plays a host to so many migratory birds. There is yet another rare chance to see the traditional Indian spice plants. Coir making is a home industry to almost all the village people.

THOTTAPPALLY BACK WATERSTake a one night cruise starting from Alleppey to Thottappalley. A splendid way to spend a night, you sail through the legendary Punnamada Lake - the venue of the famous Nehru trophy snake boat race. As you sail along you can see the traditional wooden houses on the banks and visit the "Chavara Bhavan" the ancestral home of the blessed "Kuriakose Elias Chavara

MANKOTTA BACK WATERSThe scenic glamour of Kerala is revealed to the tourists on their way from Alleppey to Mankotta on a night cruise. The journey down the clear backwaters of Kerala in itself an enthralling experience. Add on are the enchanting sightseeing opportunities enroute, comprising of many historical sites, visit to the coir making units, a sound sleep under the night sky, waking up to the sweet twittering of birds invoked by dawn, verdant banks and day to day of life of villagers going on at its own pace. The tourists get to take ample of photogenic shots of traditional Kerala during this trip of Mankotta.

KAPPIL BACK WATERSKappil boat club is a recent venture in the back water tourism in the area. Kappil is 6kms north of Varkala. The people travelling in trains and buses through the area can enjoy the scenic beauty of the estuary in between Edava and Kappil . It is fascinating. Vettekkada, near Kappil and Varkala is a spectacular beach.


KIDANGARA BACK WATERS

A cruise from Alleppey to Kidangra is a refreshing and memorable sail by all means. The smooth sailing through the canals, lakes and the backwaters is an engrossing experience, as tourists relish the scenic splendor that meets the eyes while passing by. The trip promises visits to many sites of historical importance, architectural magnificence, and religious importance. Be it a distant view of the churches, temples and traditional houses or a stop over at one or all of them, the excursion renders the traveler gaping in admiration. A laid back night beneath the starry night sky on the terrace of the houseboat is entrancing and to be woken up early in the morning by the chirping noise of the birds is an added bonus.

AYURVEDAM IN KERALA Dhanvantari is an avatar of Vishnu from the Hindu tradition and God of Ayurvedic medicine Dhanvantari was an early Indian medical practitioner and one of the world’s first surgeons. Based on Vedic traditions, he is regarded as the source of Ayurveda. He perfected many herbal based cures and natural remedies and was credited with the discovery of the antiseptic properties of turmeric and the preservative properties of salt which he incorporated in his cures.

PANCHAKARMA TREATMENTPanchakarma as prescribed by Ayurveda is one of principal purification treatment. Panchakarma or the "five actions" are the therapeutic means of eliminating impurities from the body. It is a series of five therapies or steps that help remove deep rooted stress and impurities from the physiology while balancing the doshas - those energies or forces that govern all biological functions.


KAPPAD BACK WATERS

Kappad Beach is located 16 Km from Kozhikode town in North Kerala. The sandy beach is backed by a rocky landscape with some rocks also strewn across the Kappad Beach. A pillar with the inscription "Vasco da Gama landed here, Kappakadavu, in the year 1498" marks the spot where history was made over 500 years ago. More information please


ALUMKADAV BACK WATERS

Alumkadavu -Backwater tourism – a place to halt.Alumkadavu is a quiet village on the banks of the Ashtamudi –backwaters in Karunagappally is popular for its boat building yard, these days working at full capacity to churn out as many houseboats as they can to meet the ever growing demands of the kerala's tourism industry. The boats which were earlier called kettuvallom's were originally intended to carry cargo. but as more and more places gained road and rail access the faster transport through road and rail took over the job from the traditional water transport. The kettuvallom's has been given a new lease of life in its present form as houseboats or rather floating resorts. Alumkadavu is about 23 kilometers from Kollam in the Kollam – Alappuzha water ways. Those who travel in the water ways can halt at Alumkadavu for sight seeing. The fresh water lake of Sasthamkotta, Thirumullavaram beach and the Subramanian temple etc are worth seeing. Kollam – Alappuzha water ways about eight hour boat drive is a real experience to any tourist. 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 eight hour trip between Kollam and Alappuzha is one of the longest backwater cruises in Kerala.


MUNRO ISLAND

This Island is surrounded by Kallada River & Lake Ashtamudi and is accessible by road, rail and Inland water navigation. The Island village is a tourism friendly village where you can watch Coir retting process, Coir Weaving, Fishing, Prawns Feeding, Migratory Bird Watch, Narrow canals and Water ways, Coconut farms on the lake shore, Lagoons, Kandal plants and the beautiful Tiny Islands of PATHUPARA. In this group of islands PATHUPARA is a tiny island of Munro.





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