Thursday, July 2, 2015

Kerala Backwaters

Life is synonymous to sailing on the labyrinth of backwaters! Not just the ripples of emerald green and mud grey hues, the backwaters in Kerala are life to the locals who earn their living on the water. The unusual ecosystem of nature where the confluence of freshwaters from rivers with sea waters of Arabian Sea creates a stretch of 900 km of backwaters is only seen in coastal regions Kerala — the god’s own country. Kerala’s this coastal region constitutes a natural network of more than forty rivers, estuaries, lake and canals, which also link the quay-side towns by the means of backwaters. Pleasances to the eyes, the backwaters are embedded into the lifestyle of the local dwellers whose sole occupation thrives on the backwater produces of paddy, toddy, coconut, kettuvollam (the local houseboats of Kerala). The Kerala backwaters are naturally interpenetrated with oodles of freshness and a muckle of tiny aquatic species like mudskippers, crabs, frogs, water birds, terns, kingfishers, cormorants, otters and turtles.

Renowned for its palm-fringed shorelines and green charm, the Kerala backwaters have often caught the fancy of poets and writers and have been captured on the celluloid screens countless times. Tall coconut trees silhouetting the banks of waterways against the setting sun is less than described beauty of the backwaters, the same inland waterway that garbs up in mesmerising green hues only to be etched in the minds of travellers. During the past few years, backwaters have seen a raise with honeymooners flocking to these destinations and so has successfully seeped into wayfarer’s travelogues.

Backwater Destinations

>>Kottayam Backwaters

The land of lakes, latex and letters, Kottayam greedily annexes those exotic backwater destinations. Amaranthine memories await you here while you sail along the cruise of lifetime. Take a trip to legendary Punnamada Lake that leaves you enchanted with the most beautiful moments of your life. There are much more opportunities that allow you to indulge in sporting activities like angling or fishing or exchange smiles with the toddy tapers at work.

>>Alleppey backwaters

A coastal township near Arabian Sea is a poetic introduction to Alleppey Backwaters. Spend one night at on the house boat and carry home handful of memories. You can visit the 400 year old Champakkulam church, one of the 7 churches established by St. Thomas. The Chavara Bhavan, located 6 km from Alleppey, is another interesting place to visit.

>>Thottappallu Backwaters

As long as you haven`t visited the Thottappally Backwater you have skipped major beauty piece meal in God`s Own Country. As you sail along you can see the typical wooden houses lined near the bank and visit the "Chavara Bhavan" the ancestral home of the blessed "Kuriakose Elias Chavara". Located 6 km from Alleppey, this house has preserved intact a historically important 250 year old beacon of light, in its original and primitive form.

>>Kumarakom Backwaters

Try creating schism in the clusters of island held together at Kumarakom backwaters. It appears as if Kumarakom is a cluster of islands, but in truth is just one Island formed due to the Backwaters. Embark on the houseboat cruise from Alleppey to Kumarakom and collect many amazing sight of women fishing with their toes for the Karimeen fish and collecting them in the terracotta pots. As you sail through the Astamudi Lake you are distracted by the screech sound of the both resident and migratory birds. And that is the most beautiful experience that you will ever have.

>>Alumkadavu Backwaters

There is no time to breathe in Kerala because if you do that you would be missing some panoramic views. The experience of going on a two nights cruise from Alleppey to Alumkadavu is awaiting you at Alumkadavu Backwaters. The famous Chinese Fishing nets can be seen at Kayamkulam Pozhy as you sail along the Alumkadavu Lake. Enjoy a quiet time trying your hand in Angling, where you will be provided with rods on request.

>>Kindangra Backwaters

As soon as you begin your journey on the house boat to Alleppey, the Kidangara happens to be your first stoppage on the flowing water. Spend the night on the house boats just to wake up in paradise by the sound of sweet twittering of the birds. It`s beautiful in the real sense.

>>Kasargod

Kasargod, North Kerala, is a beautiful destination of the backwaters. The place offers ample of opportunities for backwater cruises. At Kasargod two important backwater cruises destinations are Chandragiri and Valiyaparamba. Chandragiri, 4 km from Kasargod, sprawls around Chandragiri Fort and the cruise for here begins at Chandragiri Bridge. Valiyaparamba is another scenic stretch of backwater with slice of green ambiance and avian guests.

>>Kozhikode

Settled magnanimously by the side of Kerala’s backwater, Kozhikode is blessed with endless attractions, all which can be toured on the houseboats Kozhikode Beach, Pazhassirajah Museum, Art Gallery, Beypore, Kappad Beach and Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary are some of the Kozhikode’s attractions.

>>Kuttanad

Myriads of, big and small, waterway criss-cross the Kuttanad region, famous for fields of cassava, banana, yam et al, and inundate the low-lying regions near by. Kuttanad can be aptly described as ideal place for backwater freaks, a place where endless water bodies join to make it a haven among its tourers. Along the houseboats one is trailed by flocks of ducks, coir workers processing coir look up from their tasks and wave as you pass by, otters and water birds can be seen on the edges of the waterways, and the sound of rippling water is a soothing lullaby as you sail along on a houseboat through the backwaters of Kuttanad.

>>Kollam

Kerala’s ancient port and trade route, Kollam is the gateway to the backwaters of Kerala. This ancient trade city of Kerala spans splendiferousl on the Asthamudi Lake. Backwaters in Kollam extend from Ashthamudi Lake to Alleppey. . The boat ride from Kollam to Alappuzha takes 8 hours and is a delightful ride, with lotuses and water lilies growing in the water, water birds calling from the banks and otters splashing and playing in the water.

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