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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.
Backwaters
of Kerala
Our house boats were originally built 80 years ago
and are constructed from Anjili wood and coir. They
are 55 feet in length and 15 feet in width (at its
broadest point) and with a capacity of 45 tons, they
were used for transporting a variety of goods, but
mainly rice. The rice barge is pushed through the
water by two men using tall Bamboo poles they cover
a distance approximately 20 kms a day. They are
simply furnished and consist of a thatched covered
lounge cum dining area, a double bedroom (with
mosquito net) and a bathroom with a WC and wash
basin. In the evening the boat is lit by hurricane
lamps. Thatched awnings on both sides of the boat
allows the breeze and views to flow in. There is a
service area at the back where the cook prepares
simple meals using as much fresh provisions as can
be plucked, caught or bought in the back water. A
guide also travels with the boat to make life as
informative and interesting as you wish
Alleppey
Tours - One Night Cruise
Day 1 : Morning
Embark from Alleppey finishing point jetty
A leisure Cruise through the southerly direction to
Pallathuruthy river, Pukaitha river, Pullangady till
Champakulam and visit The Champakulam church, which
is more than 200 years old, the Kottaram temple and
the famous snake boat - the Champakulam Chundan.
This is an unique opportunity to leisurely explore
the beauty and tranquility of the Kerala backwaters
on a private Rice Barge (House Boat or Kettuvallam)
which has been converted into a comfortable but
simple house boat whilst retaining the local style.
The backwaters are a net work of lakes, coconut
shaded canals and estuaries - tiled and thatched
cottages bright with hibiscus dot the embankments.
Witness local life with children swimming and
playing in the water, women attending to their daily
chores and men fishing from their canoes. En-route,
can stop at Nedumudy to visit the local market.
Proceed to Munnattumugham village -Overnight night
stay at Rice Barge.
Day 2 : Morning after Breakfast cruise Headback
to Alleppey
Cruise starts after breakfast and passes through
Chennamkery, Kainary, Pallathuruthy and Kuppapuram-
all small backwater villages, to reach and Disemabrk
at Alleppey Finishing point jetty -Alleppey known as
the 'Venice of the East' is a small town south of
Cochin. Most of the Rice Barge (Houseboats) are
parked here. The Vembanad Lake, narrow canals, paddy
fields and the sleepy villages all make Alleppey a
beautiful place. On arrival Alleppey at jetty,
re-join your car and continue to the next
destination.
Alleppey
Kollam (Two nights and Three days)
Day1: Embark from Alleppey /Thottappally
village-Rice Barge
Today Cruise through Pallathuruthy Canal,
Karimpavalavu village , Karumady canal - the long
stretch of narrow canal - to reach Thottappally
village for night stay. Enroute can visit Karumady
Kuttan(a statue of Buddha and a Temple) Alleppey,
often called the Venice of the East, and situated on
the Vembanad Lake which is the longest lake in
India. The commercial centre of Allappuzha lives in
a maze of canals in the labyrinth of backwater
channels, the town is one of the best starting
points to explore the un-spoilt countryside of
Kerala. Though ferries operate regular serves in the
backwaters, a country boat is the best mode for a
real experience of Kerala. One of the best-known
ports along the coast stretching along its west.
Parallel to the sea are lakes and backwaters of
Kerala with several openings to sea. This helped to
develop a natural port, which made Allappuzha a
famous trade centre.This was a flourishing Buddhist
centre of ancient Kerala (Karumadi Temple), with the
Sri Lankan traders and the backwaters connecting it
with inland trade with eastern high ranges.House
Boat cruise in the canal by Bamboo Poles, sail
through the lagoon with favourable wind, for a
change swim in the water, enjoy the scenic beauty of
colourful villages. Have a sumptuous meal on Banana
leaves. Evening witness sunset through coconut
palms. Dinner under million stars. Sleep and dream
with the pleasant roll of backwater (You can have a
discussion on various subjects on our Indian culture
with your guide). Overnight at Rice Barge.
Day 2: Cruise through Thandapara / Champakulam
Village /Nedumudi village/Mancompu village/Trikkunnapuzha
/ Kayamkulam Lake -Rice Barge
Early Morning wake up to the tunes of lovely birds
and watch sun climbingover the palm trees -
Breakfast on board. Witness the humble living of
Keralites. Many goods are sold and purchased on of
barter system still today. Visit famous Chambakulam
St. Forane Church. After lunch visit Chambakulam
chundan the famous Snake Boat. A visit to Nedumudi
village market to witness varieties of Indian
Vegetables and Fishes ,Continue cruise through
Nedumudy and Mancompu village. Stop for walk through
Mancompu village and visit Bhagavathy temple - one
of the oldest temples near backwaters. Proceed to
Kumarakody and Pallana to Thrikunnapuzha. A walk
through Thrikunnapuzha village and visit local coir
manufacturing unit. Overnight stay at Rice barge at
Kayamkulam lake.
Day 3 : Kayamkulam/Alinkadavu/Disembark at Kollam
Today a leisurely Cruise through Kayamkulam lake and
Alinkadavu village, Glance through the first hand
the unhurried village life of rural Kerala. The life
is tough and traditional work is highly labour
intensive. Here one meets the people engaged in
country boat building, prawn cultivation, sand
mining, coir manufacture, limestone collection (by
divers who are specialists in this field), rice
farming and duck rearing. You could go to Kollam
thru the maze river and myriad lagoons. This place
is also a strong magnet for the millions of tourists
who come here from all over the globe to encounter
the unbelievable beauty of the place and the life of
the millions besides these backwaters.
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