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The magnificent
backwaters of Kerala may be defined as inland lakes
connected by a network of rivers.The backwaters of
kerala cover a distance of 1,900 kilometers.Dotted
by palm trees on the sides, the backwaters were used
as trade routes in ancient times.
Backwater Attractions :
The most attractive of the backwaters is in Kuttanad
region where farming is done below the sea level.
This has been made possible with a system of dykes
and bunds.The largest backwater stretch is Vembanad
Lake which flows through the three districts of
Alappuzha Kottayam and Kochi. Ashtamudi Lake which
covers most portions of Kollam district is the
second largest backwater lake in the state. Known as
the 'venice of the east', Alappuzha is another major
backwater attraction. With a number of small lakes
snaking through the region, small country boats are
used as water taxies here. The boat race of the
place attracts tourists from all over the place. The
port city of Kollam situated on the banks of
Ashtamudi Lake is another major backwater
attraction. Kumarakoam, a 14 acre bird sanctuary
attracts many different species of migratory birds,
as the soothing backwaters have a magnetic effect
upon the birds. Kozhikode as a backwater destination
has a lot to offer to the tourists. However, much of
Kozhikode's backwaters are yet to be properly
explored. Alumkadavu, a majestic combination of the
sparkling backwaters and unadulterated nature also
pulls many tourists to its fold.
The other beautiful waterbodies in the state are
Veli in South Kerala, Kadinamkulam Edava, Anjengo,
Madayara, Peravur, Ashtamudi, Kayamkulam, Kodungalur,
Chetuva and Valiyaparamba which are all in North
Kerala.
The Backwater Boat Race
The most important event here is the boat race
christened as Nehru Trophy. Starting on the most
auspicious day of the Tamil festival of Onam, each
of the long boats resembling snakes have 120
competitors giving their best to win top honours.
Tourists from all over the country throng these
backwaters to witness the thrilling boat race.
The
Backwater boathouses
Most of the backwater hotspots have excellent
facilities in the form of exquisite boathouses.
Though a bit costly, a few days stay at the
boathouses provides an experience of a lifetime. The
boathouses attract a large number of foreign
tourists too.
One is enthralled by the lush green paddy fields and
towering coconut trees on a boathouse trip in the
backwaters.These exquisite boathouses have excellent
roofing, flooring and side walls.The rooms are
spacious, attached toilets are provided, facilities
for dining and cooking are also provided.
Professional cooks are engaged to serve the esteemed
guest with delicious cuisines - both local and
others. Many different packages are offered to suit
the needs of different tourists.
Being the mainstay of
Kerala's tourism, all the backwater hotspots have
well developed transportation infrastructure.
Moreover, there are accommodation facilities to suit
all class groups.
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