Kerala's greenery is probably the most attractive feature of the this "God's Own Country”, but you'll get short of words when its comes to expressing your boat cruise experience on the backwaters of Kerala. Mirror-still lagoons, picture book lakesides, palm-fringed canals and tiny shimmering rivulets, that's backwaters of Kerala. |
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Ride the backwaters on country crafts, speed boast or luxury cruisers, for quiet intimate moments and reflective solitude; or to get up close and personal with a fascinating country life of Kerala; or for a break-free indulgence in water sports such as wind sailing and water skiing; or perhaps taking a canoe and fishing rod out to even catch your own supper. |
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Major Backwater Destinations Of Kerala |
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Trivandrum :The backwaters form a specially attractive and economically valuable feature of Kerala. They include lakes and ocean inlets which stretch irregularly along the coast. The biggest backwater is the Vembanad lake, some 200-sq-kms in area, which opens out into the Arabian Sea at Kochi port. The Periyar, Pamba, Manimala, Achenkovil, Meenachil and Moovattupuzha rivers drain into this lake. |
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Location |
Sourthern Coast Of India, Kerala |
Significance |
Capital Of Kerala |
Other Activities |
Canoe Rides, Backwater Cruising |
Nearby Attraction |
Kovalam, Thiruvallam |
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The lagoons, lakes, canals and rivers are lined up with dense tropical vegetation on either side. It is a breathtaking bout to experience a solitary and calm glide through this network of waterways. The backwaters form a specially attractive and economically valuable feature of Kerala. They include lakes and ocean inlets which stretch irregularly along the coast.
The biggest backwater is the Vembabad lake, some 200 sq kilometers in area, which opens out into the Arabian Sea at Cochin port. The Periyar, Pamba, Manimala, Achenkovil, Meenachil and Moovattupuzha rivers drain into this lake. Veli, Kadhinamkulam, Anjengo (Anju Thengu), Edava, Nadayara, Paravoor, Ashtamudi (in Kollam Dist.) Kayamkulam, Kodungallur (in Trissur Dist) and Chetuva are some of the other places where you may go for backwater cruising. The backwaters of Kerala stretch over 1900 Kilometers, providing drinking water and irrigation facilities.
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Trivandrum District
Thiruvallam : (6 kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram)
This serene backwater stretch, enroute to Kovalam, is famous for its canoe rides. It is the meeting point of two rivers-Killi and Karamana. A temple dedicated to Parashurama, the legendary founder of Kerala, is located in Thiruvallam.
Veli Tourist Village :(8 kilometers from Thriruvananthapuram) The Veli Tourist Village is bordered by 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 an 18-acre waterfront park with a floating bridge that connects the village to the beach.
Kollam : Alumkadavu a quiet spot in the town Karunagapally hardly 23-kms north of Quilon, has become a hot point of Kettuvallam building. Today, this backwater village is famous for its houseboats, with furnished bedrooms, modern toilets, cozy living rooms, a kitchen and even a balcony for angling. read more ... |
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Location |
71-km From Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala |
Significance |
Gateway To Kerala's Backwaters |
Other Activities |
Water
Sailing And Water Skiing |
Nearby Attraction |
Thirumullavaram, Alumkadavu |
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Alumkadavu (23 kilometers from Kollam)
Alumkadavu is halfway on the route to Alappuzha from Kollam. This quiet little backwater village in Karunagapally town is famed for its boat building yard. It is here that the gigantic kettuvallams (cargo boats of rural Kerala) were built. Today the Kettuvallams which were long replaced by modern means of transport, have been converted into houseboats.
Alappuzha ( Alleppey ) : Alappuzha or Alleppey, the coastal township is unique because of its network of canals that meander through the town and its vast stretch of beach on the Arabian sea provides comfort to the soul. Mariners over centuries have known the Alappuzha beach as a safe anchorage area even when the sea is rough. The coastal belt is like a sandy sea shore which has extended inland. The beach is also known for its mud bank phenomena. read more ... |
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Location |
64-km North Of Kochi, Kerala |
Significance |
Major Center Of Backwater Cruises |
Other Activities |
Angling, Snake Boat Races |
Nearby Attraction |
Kuttanad,Alleppey Beach |
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Kuttanad
Kuttanad, called the rice bowl of Kerala, because of her wealth of paddy crops is at the very heart of the backwaters. The scenic countryside of Kuttanad with its shimmering waterways also has a rich crop of bananas. Yams and cassava which accompany the rice bowl as "side dishes". This is 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 (14 kilometers from Alappuzha)
This little island on the backwaters is a favorite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world. This island is accessible only by boat.
Kottayam : Kottayam, among the State's more mountainous districts, provides some of Kerala's finest natural scenarios, sandwiched as it is between serene palm-fringed backwaters on the west and the Western Ghats having rubber, tea, coffee, pepper and cardamom plantation on the east. read more ... |
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Location |
Southern Part Of Kerala |
Significance |
An Important Commercial Centre |
Other Activities |
Backwater Cruises, Angling |
Nearby Attraction |
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary |
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Bordered by the lofty Western Chats on the east, the Vembanad Lake and the paddy fields of Kuttanad on the west, Kottayam is a land of unique characteristics
Panoramic backwater stretches, lush paddy fields, highlands, extensive rubber plantations and a totally literate people have given this district the title: the land of letters, latex and lakes.
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Ernakulam : More popular as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea”, Kochi is a cluster of islands on the vast expanse of the Vembanad Lake. Some of these picturesque islands are Bolgatty, Vypeen, Gundu and Vallarpadam. Unexplored, unspoiled, the backwaters of Kozhikode hold great promises of enchanting holiday options. Elathur, the Canoli Canal and the Kallai River are favourite places for boating. read more..... |
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Location |
Kochi, Kerala |
Significance |
Kochi, Kerala |
Also Known As |
Cochin, Kochi |
Other Activities |
Backwater Cruises, Angling |
Nearby Attraction |
Fort Cochin, Mattancherry Palace |
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Kochi
More popular as the Queen of the Arabian Sea , Kochi is a cluster of islands on the vast expanse of the Vembanad Lake . Some of these picturesque islands are Bolgatty, Vypeen, Gundu and Vallarpadam.
The lake opens out into the Arabian Sea here to form one of the finest natural harbours in the world. It is this natural advantage that has made Kochi a fascinating blend of the cultures and influences of the explorers and traders who visited this wealthy land. The Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and the British have all left their mark here. The Jewish synagogue, the Dutch palace, the Chinese fishing nets, and other remnants of European and Asian architecture merge smoothly into the traditional fabric of the seaport city.
Half the fun of visiting Kochi is moving around on the local ferries. A conducted cruise through the winding waterways will take you to several quaint spots. |
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Kozhikode:
Kozhikode was the most important region of Malabar in days past.Today, ancient monuments, lush green countryside, serene beaches, historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries, rivers, hills, a unique culture and a warm, friendly ambience make this district a much sought after destination. Unexplored, unspoiled, the backwaters of Kozhikode hold great promises of enchanting holiday options. Elathur, the Canoli Canal and the Kallai River are favourite places for boating.
Kadalundi, with its beautiful bird sanctuary is a charming site. Korapuzha, the venue of the Korapuzha Jalotsavam (water fiesta) is fast becoming a popular water sport destination. |
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Kasargod :The northern most district of Kerala, Kasaragod is situated on the sea coast with the Western Chats on its east and northern borders. Backwater trips on the Chandragiri River and at Valiyaparamba are fascinating experiences. |
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Location |
Northernmost District Of Kerala |
Significance |
Known For Coir & Handloom Industries |
Other Activities |
Backwater Cruises, Angling & Fishing |
Nearby Attraction |
Valiyaparamba, Chandragiri |
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Chandragiri (4 km from Kasaragod town)
Situated on the Chandragiri River, southeast of Kasaragod town, this town is known for the large 17th century Chandragiri Fort, one of a chain of forts. It offers a breathtaking view of the river and the Arabian Sea. It is a vantage point to watch the sunset.
Chandragiri Cruises
» Boat trips to nearby islands and palm groves are available.
» Boarding point : Chandragiri bridge.
Valiyaparamba (30 km from Bekal Fort)
This is perhaps the most scenic backwater stretch in Kerala. Fed by four rivers and dotted with numerous little islands, Valiyaparamba is fast turning into a much favoured backwater resort.
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