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Introduction
Backwaters form an aesthetically and economically attractive feature of Kerala. The great flood of 1866 AD silted up old harbours and led to the formation of lagoons like Vembanadu Kayal, (205 KM2) 83 KM long, the Ashtamudy Kayal, 16 KM long and the Kayamkulam Kayal,
30.5 KM long. The lagoons acted as link between interior landmasses and the
sea, taking the role of highways. There is a different Kerala along these
backwaters. |
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Throbbing with its unique culture.
The routes along these backwaters are always breath-taking green, the
skyline vanishing with a line of coconut trees on the banks. The life
around, the cultural festivals, the shrines, churches and mosques, the
commercial modes, the farmlands and sea, all different scenes but memorized
together to make a unique whole.
Alleppey - Venice of the East
Kuttanad
This is the one of the places in the world where farming is done below sea level (1.5 -2 metres below sea level). Inland waterways that flow above the land level is an amazing feature of this land. Kuttanad is the heart of the backwaters of Kerala. This beautiful countryside with its waterways also has a rich crop of banana, Cassava and yam.
QST and R BLOCK Kayal
These regions are wonders of the agricultural engineering skills of Kerala and remind the tourist of the famous dikes of Holland. Extensive areas of land have been reclaimed from the backwaters and are protected by dikes built around. A leisurely cruise along the canals that surround these kayals is a memorable experience.
Pathiramanal
This little island lies between Thaneermukkom and Kumarakom. Legend states that a young Brahmin dived into the Lake Vembanad to perform his evening ablutions and the water made way for land to rise from below, thus creating this enchanting island of Pathiramanal (Sands of Midnight). This little island is a favourite haunt for hundreds of migratory birds from different parts of the world. It is accessible only by boat. .
Ernakulam
Kochi (Cochin) - Queen of the Arabian Sea
Kochi is group of islands on Lake Vemabanad, which opens out into the
Arabian Sea. Some of the islands are Bolgatty, Vypeen, Gundu and
Vallarpadam. The main tourist attraction of Kochi is visiting these
islands on the local ferries. Kochi is well known for one of the finest
natural harbours in the world. The ancestral rulers of cochin with their
cosmopolitan outlook, traded goods as well as knowledge with visitors from
far off lands and latter Chinese, Arabs, Dutch, British and Portuguese
followed the sea route to cochin.
Kozhikode (Calicut)
Backwater of Kozhikode
Unexplored and unspoiled are the backwaters of Kozhikode, which holds
great promises of enchanting holiday options. Elathur, the canal and the
River Kallai are favourite haunts for boating. Kadlundi, with its
beautiful bird sanctuary is a charming site. Korapuzha, the venue of the
Korapuzha Jalotsavam is fast becoming a popular water sport destination.
Kasargode
Valiyaparamba 30 kms from Bekal, this is perhaps the most scenic backwater
stretch in Kerala. Fed by four rivers and dotted with a cute little
island, four rivers and dotted with a cute little island, Valiyaparamba is
fest turning into a much favoured backwater resort that offers enchanting
boat cruises.
Kottayam
Chandragiri Cruises
This offers boat trips to the nearby islands and palm grove. The boarding
point is Chandragiri Bridge and nearby, is a mosque and also the ancient
Kizhur Sartha Temple.
Malappuram
Biyyan Kayal (Waterway)
Located close to Ponnani, this placid, green-fringed waterway has
different types of water sports facility, and attracts a lot of people
here.
Kollam (Quilon)
Backwaters A picturesque town standing on the banks of the Lake Ashtamudi
is the gateway to the exceeding beautiful backwaters of Kerala. The long 8
hrs boat trip from Kollam to Alleppey is the best and most comprehensive
introduction to the delights of Kerala's backwaters as one passes through
lakes, canals water-bound villages. The famous "Cheenavala" or Chinese
fishing nets can also be seen along the backwaters.
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