Backwaters are one of the unique attractions of Kerala, a chain
of canals extending about 1500 kms, with a network of 44 rivers, lagoons
and lakes.
Fringing the coast of Kerala and winding far inland is an intricate
network of innumerable Lagoons, Lakes, Canals, Estuaries and the Deltas
of forty-four rivers that drain into the Arabian Sea.
A trip through the backwaters presents you an intimate peep into the
typical Keralite ‘lifestyle, far from the mechanical monotony
of bursting cities. You come across people living on the palm-fringed
backwaters’ banks in colourful bungalows — punting their
unique boats with bamboo poles.
The dwellers are seen busy building country boats or ferrying products
like coconut, rubber, spices, coir or rice in their unique boats.
As you cruise along in calm backwaters, you come across children leisurely
enjoying a dip or men deep in waters trying to catch fish with their
bare hands. The Chinese nets line the banks of the waterways to attract
the fish
Alleppey
Some 50 miles south from Cochin, little Alleppey is another
water-borne centre of busy canals, whose livelihood is linked to the
production of coir rope, coconut matting and Kerala's famous black pepper
('black gold'). It's also a stepping stone for an eight-journey from
nearby Kottayam (25 miles) to Quilon along rural Kerala's peaceful inland
backwaters (known as kayals) that snake through canals often shaded
by coconut palms.
Kumarakom
Kumarakom is the most scenic of all the tourist spots in Kerala, Kumarakom
slambers on the banks of the famous vembanad lake,which is a part of
kuttanad, better known as ‘Granary of Kerala’. Kuttanad is
under seawater for a major period of the year. Birds such as water ducks, Cuckoos, Siberian
strokes etc make kumarakom their peaceful home.
Kuttanad
This is perhaps the only place in the whole world where farming
is done below sea level situated in Alleppey most of kuttanad is under
seawater for a major period of the year. Most of farmland is submerged
as water rises during the rainy season. but during other times the farm
land is deliberately flooded in a controlled manner to facilitate rice
farming. You can also see a mixed vegetation of coco plants, banana
and coconut trees.
Quilon
At the southern end of the famous backwaters, and less than
50 miles north of Kovalam this ancient seaport and market town lies
between the sea and palm-lined Ashtamudi Lake. It once traded in turn
with the Phoenicians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs and Chinese and
is today Kerala's largest producer of cashews and a good spot to buy
spices and coir products.
Cruises Offered
- Alleppey Backwaters
- Alleppey to Kumarakom
- Alleppey to Kidangara near chaganacherry
- Alleppey to Kottayam
- Alleppey to Alumkadavu near Quilon ( Kollam)
