Backwaters in Kerala

If you thought Kerala was only about coconut palms, sun-kissed beaches, and misty hill stations, think again. This elusive land of the Gods is much more than what meets the eye. If the blue beaches and sandy shores are the best mind and body rejuvenators, the blissful backwaters, rich in unique species of aquatic plant and animal life, are nectar to the soul. There are over 900 kilometers of interconnected waterways, rivers, lakes, estuaries and inlets that network to form the crystal backwaters of Kerala. These backwaters are an essential source of livelihood for the local fishermen, who thrive on the humungous supply of freshwater and sea fish found here. These backwaters are also used as routes for transportation, and their beauty lies in the perfect confluence of fresh river water and salty sea water. To the tourists who flock here every year, the backwaters of Kerala are a perfect excuse to break free from the humdrum routine of daily life; to the locals here, they are a way of life.

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Let us explore some of the famous backwaters of Kerala that have contributed in highlighting this beautiful South Indian state on the global tourist map.

The pristine town of Alappuzha, known as the "Venice of the East", is hemmed in with numerous waterways, canals and estuaries that form one of the most beautiful landscapes in all of Kerala. A variety of water birds, flowers and shrubs thrive on these fertile backwaters and the beauty of Alappuzha can be truly experienced only by taking a backwater cruise on these huge bodies of water. These boat cruises serve as daily ferries to the cities of Quilon and Kottayam and are used by the locals to carry out their businesses. A unique feature about Alappuzha is that the water is on the same level as the land. Renowned for its coir industry, Alappuzha is also famous for the Snake Boat race held every year during the festival of Onam, sacred to the people of Kerala. The race is conducted between huge snake-shaped boats called "Chundanvalloms", maneuvered by a team of rowers who compete for the coveted trophy.

Kochi or Cochin consists of a group of islands on the Vembanad lake, which runs into the Arabian Sea. It is popularly called the "Queen of the Arabian Sea" and Kochi has one of the best natural harbours in the world. The backwaters of Kochi are lined by lovely isles, lagoons, small streams and huge, green palm trees. There are several conducted boat cruises that ferry tourists and locals everyday. Kochi was a main trading zone in the pre-independence period and the then rulers traded their goods with merchants from far- off lands. This is probably the reason why the city of Kochi is influenced by a lot of cultures from all over the world, including Arabian, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, Jewish and British. The seaport of Kochi is where most of Kerala’s backwater cruises take off and this is surely one of Kerala’s most popular backwater destinations.

Formerly known as Quilon, Kollam is one of the oldest seaport cities in Kerala and lies on the edge of the Ashthamudi lake. It is located at a distance of 71 kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram and is one of the major cashew nut processing and trading zones in the country. The waters of this lake cover 30% of the town of Kollam and make up one of the best backwaters in Kerala. The boat ride from Kollam to Alappuzha takes about eight hours and is the longest backwater cruise along the West Coast. In the past, the Kollam sea port was used as a major trading zone for cashewnuts and different kinds of spices. The Portuguese also established a trading post here, followed by the Dutch and the British, who converted this port into a town full of factories to package and export spices, sandalwood, ivory and coir. The main places to visit in Kollam are the temples and historical monuments like the Mata Amrithanandamayi Ashram and the Thangasseri Fort built by the Portuguese.

Famous for a wide variety of water bodies including canals, streams and lakes, Kottayam is an important place for Christians residing in Kerala. Old churches and monasteries are found here and the most revered are the St. Mary’s Church and the St. Joseph’s monastery. Kottayam is also famous for the Ettumanoor Shiva temple, renowned for its paintings and sculptures, and the Thirunakkara Mahadeva temple. The Vembanad lake is a major tourist attraction. Kottayam is also famous for its rubber plantations. The beautiful backwaters and inland hills make Kottayam a favourite destination for tourists who flock here every year.

Formerly known as Calicut, Kozhikode is a scenic town in North Kerala, with wonderful backwaters, picnic spots and ancient monuments. Kozhikode was once a prominent trade and commerce center. To experience the beauty of the backwaters of Kozhikode, you can sail along the river Kallai and through the Canoli canal. The Kadalundi bird sanctuary houses some rare species of birds and is a most soughtafter tourist destination. Other places of interest include an old lighthouse, the Pookot fresh water lake, Kappad beach and Korapuzha, the site of the Korapuzha Jalotsavam. A notable fact is that Calico – a variety of checked cotton cloth, gets its name from the Calicut district where its cotton is harvested.

Kumarakom is a small, beautiful village, about 12 kilometers from the town of Kottayam, and lies on the banks of the Vembanad lake. Kumarakom is famous for its boat races, houseboat cruises, canoeing and fishing activities. Tourists can stay in houseboats called kettuvallams, which contain fully furnished living rooms, kitchens, toilets, and bedrooms, with a balcony offering a majestic view of the backwaters. These kettuvallams are quite popular especially with foreign tourists. Another main attraction is a water bird sanctuary, housing some very exotic species of water birds. Nearby attractions include the beautiful hill station of Thekkady, the Hindu pilgrimage center of Sabarimala and the coastal town of Alappuzha.

Located at a distance of six kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram, the Thiruvallam Backwaters are calm and serene stretches of water lying en-route the famous Kovalam beach. It is here that the rivers Killi and Karamana converge before flowing into the Arabian Sea. Thiruvallam is full of lush green trees, evergreen fields and fascinating backwaters.

Kasargod is the northernmost district of Kerala and is bordered by the mighty Western Ghats to the east and north. The most famous attraction here is the Chandragiri river and the backwater stretch of Valiyaparamba. The seventeenth century Chandragiri fort offers a spectacular view of the Chandragiri river and the Arabian Sea. The backwater stretch of Valiyaparamba is nourished by four rivers and dotted with charming islands. The Pallikere beach and Kappil beach are other places worth visiting here.

Kuttanad is known as the "Rice Bowl of Kerala" because this is where most of the rice is grown. Kuttanad is flanked by the sea on one side and by lofty hills on another. The backwaters are surrounded by beautiful rivers, streams, canals, lakes and rivulets. Dense green forests lie on the slopes of the mountains bordering Kuttanad and traces of civilization can be seen here and there atop the hills. The most unique factor about Kuttanad is that the paddy fields are found below the sea level and are protected from the backwaters by earthen bunds.

Malappuram Backwaters

Malappuram is located between the Lakshadweep sea on the east and the lovely Nilgiri hills on the west. The entire landscape is dotted with beaches, backwaters, hills and valleys. Malappuram is also an ancient pilgrimage spot, and several religious centers can be found here. It is said that Malappuram is the seat of Malayalam literature. The ancient science of Ayurveda also has its roots here. The main attractions here are Kottackal, Thirur, Palur Tippu’s fort, Thanur, one of the first Portuguese colonies in India, and Nilambur, renowned for its teak and bamboo plantations.