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Highlight :
Showcasing a unique heritage The Kettuvalloms
(houseboats) of Kerala are giant country crafts,
measuring up to 80 feet in length. It took great skill
and meticulousness to construct these giants by tying
huge planks of jack wood together, without the use of
a single nail.
Today, these goods carriers have been adapted to make
the most exciting tourism product in India, the
luxurious furnished houseboat. A kettuvallom usually
has one or two bath attached bedrooms, an open lounge,
deck, kitchenette and a crew comprising oarsmen, a
cook and guide.
It's an intricate network of innumerable lagoons,
lakes, canals, estuaries and the deltas of forty-four
rivers that drain into the Arabian Sea. Over 900 km of
this labyrinthine waterworld is navigable. The largest
backwater stretch in Kerala is the Vembanad lake which
flows through three districts and opens out into the
sea at the Kochi port.
The Ashtamudi Lake (literally, having eight arms),
which covers a major portion of Kollam district in the
south, is the second largest and is considered the
gateway to the backwaters.
Thiruvananthapuram Backwaters
The southernmost district of the State,
Thiruvananthapuram is bounded by the wooded highlands of
the Western Ghats on the east and northeast, and the
Arabian Sea on the west.
A long shoreline, with secluded, internationally renowned
beaches, historic monuments, backwater stretches and a
rich cultural heritage give this district some of the most
enchanting picnic spots.
The main backwater areas of Thiruvananthapuram are
Thiruvallam and Veli.
Thiruvallam Backwaters
This serene backwater stretch, enroute to Kovalam, is
famous for its canoe rides.
Thiruvallam is the meeting point of two rives- Killi and
Karamana. A temple dedicated to Parashurama, the legendary
founder of Kerala, is located here. |
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Veli tourist Village:
(8 km from thiruvananthapuram city): The Veli Tourist
Village is sandwiched between 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 18 acre waterfront park with a floating bridge
that connects the village to the beach.
Akulam Boat Club:
(8 km from Thiruvandanthapuram city): This is a very
popular picnic spot with boating facilities on the lake
and a children's park with a swimming pool.
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Kollam Backwaters
Located 71 km to the north of Thiruvananthapuram, this
historic coastline district known for its marine and
cashew industries was one of the oldest ports on the
Malabar coast and a major international trading point in
day gone by.
The district also has some interesting historic remnants
and a number of temples built in the traditional ornate
architectural style.
30% of this historic town is covered by the renowned
Ashtamudi Lake, making it the gateway to the magnificent
backwaters of Kerala. The eight hour trip between Kollam
and Alappuzha is the longest backwater cruise in Kerala.
The District Tourism Promotion Council here offers a wide
range of backwater tours and cruises.
Alumkadavu (23 km from Kollam town):
Along the vast expanse of the Kayamkulam lake is the
pictures little village of Alumakadavu. This village is
the home of the skilled artisans who crafted the enormous
Kettuvalloms in yester years. |
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Alleppey Backwaters
With the Arabian sea on the west and a vast network of
lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers crisscrossing it,
Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty.
Referred to as the Venice of the East by travelers from
across the world, this backwater country is also home to
diverse animal and bird life.
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Kottayam Backwaters
With the Arabian sea on the west and a vast network of
lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers crisscrossing it,
Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty.
eferred to as the Venice of the East by travelers from
across the world, this backwater country is also home ot
diverse animal and bird life.
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Kumarakom Backwaters
A voyage north of Alappuzha takes you to the rich
green, sleepy little village of Kumarakom on the Vembanad
lake.
An enchanting picnic spot and a fast developing backwater
tourism destination, Kumarakom provides boating, fishing
and sightseeing experiences that are truly exhilarating.
An exclusive attraction of this much sought after
backwater resort is the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.
The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is an ornithologist's
paradise and a fabourite haunt of migratory birds like the
Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal.
A cruise along the Vembanad lake is the best way to view
the bird life.
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Cochin Backwaters
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 Lochi a
fascinating blend of the cultures and influences of
explorers and traders who visited this wealthy land.
The Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and Gritish 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 several quaint spots.
Boat cruises from Kochi harbor to Willingdon Island,
Mattancherry Place, the Jewish Synagogue, Fort Kochi and
Bolgatty Island.
Sunset cruise. 3 hour backwater village cruises which
include visits to coir villages and coconut plantations.
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Kozhikode Backwaters
Once the capital of the powerful zamorins, a prominent
trade and commerce center and the land of the Malabar
Mahotsavam, Kozhikode was the most important region of
Malabar in the days gone by. Today, ancient monuments,
lush green countrysides, 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
Canolly Canal and the Kallai river are favourite haunts
for boating. Kadalundi, with its beautiful bird sanctuary
is a charming site. Korapuzha, the venue of the Korapuzha
Jalotsavam is fast becoming a popular water sport
destination.
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Kasaragod Backwaters
The northernmost district of Kerala, Kasaragod
is situated on the seacoast with the Western Ghats on its
east and northern borders.
Backwater trips on the Chandragiri river at Valiyaparamba
are fascinating experiences.
Chandragiri:
(4 ksm 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 watch the sunset.
Chandragiri cruises:
Boat trips to nearby islands and plam groves are
available. Boarding point: Chandragiri bridge. |
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