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of Kerala
Kerala
Tourism 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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