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| KERALA BACKWATERS |
The Kerala backwaters are a chain of brackish lagoons and lakes lying parallel to the Arabian Sea coast
(known as the Malabar Coast) of Kerala state in southern India. The network includes five large lakes linked by
canals, both manmade and natural, fed by 38 rivers, and extending virtually half the length of Kerala state.
The backwaters were formed by the action of waves and shore currents creating low barrier islands across
the mouths of the many rivers flowing down from the Western Ghats range.
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The Kerala Backwaters are a network of interconnected canals, rivers, lakes and inlets.
In the midst of this beautiful landscape there are a number of towns and cities, which serve as the
starting and end points of backwater cruises. The backwaters have a unique ecosystem - freshwater from the
rivers meets the seawater.
In certain areas a barrage is built to prevent sea water , keeping the fresh water intact.
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Vembanad Kayal is the largest of the lakes, covering an area of 200 km˛, and bordered by Alappuzha (Alleppey),
Kottayam, and Ernakulam districts. The port of Kochi (Cochin) is located at the lake's outlet to the Arabian Sea.
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| Alappuzha (Aleppy) Backwaters |
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- Punnamada Kayal
The must-visit place of Alappuzha in kerala, where the annual Nehru Trophy boat race takes place during the month of August-September .The long boats, designed to resemble snakes, can accommodate 120 people, making two rows of 60 each
- Krishnapuram Temple
The two-storied building, displays the typical Keralan style of architecture. The largest mural painting, Gajendra Miksham, is displayed in a museum here.
- Ambalapuzha Temple
Lord Krishna is worshipped here.Here one can see the typical temple architecture and culture of Kerala along with the chance to taste the Keralan delicacy, payasam.
- St. Andrew's Church
Established by the Portuguese missionaries, celebrates the feast of St. Sebastian in a fun-filled, festive way.
- Mullackal Temple
Dedicated to goddess Rajarajeswari, is also a place worth visiting.
- The Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple
This temple is believed to have miraculous powers and hence visited by number of pilgrims every year.
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| Kumarakom Backwaters |
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- Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
The best time for a trip to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is between November and March, when a range of migratory birds from Siberia make it their winter home. Some of the species include the Snake bird, Little Cormorant, Crow Pheasant, White-branded water Hen and Tree pie. The night herons, the Golden-backed woodpeckers are added delights.
- Water Carnivals
Vallamkali, the famous Snake Boat Race is enacted on the Onam season.. Magnificently decorated long boats - with raised sterns which resemble the raised hood of cobras rush through the waters .
- Kettuvallam
Kettuvallams are huge, tapering barges which were traditionally used to cargo rice and other goods across Kerala. It has a portion covered with bamboo and coir serving as kitchen and rest rooms for the crew. These boats are entirely built without the use of nails.
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| Cochin /Kochi Backwaters |
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- Bolghatty Palace
This Dutch palace is situated on the Bolghatty island.The island has a fine golf course and the panoramic view makes it an attractive picnic spot.
- Chinese Fishing Nets
The Chinese fishing nets found here are the only ones of its kind in India. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here.
- Dutch Palace
The place has a fine collection of mural paintings depicting the scenes from the Hindu epics Mahabharatha and Ramayana.
- Fort Kochi beach
A stroll along the beach, particularly at sunset with the Chinese fishing nets and sailing ships in the background, is a fine experience.
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