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Showcasing a unique tradition The Kettuvalloms (houseboats) of Kerala are giant country crafts, measuring up to 80 feet in length. It took great skill and strictness to construct these giants by tying enormous planks of jack wood together, without the use of a single nail.
Today, these goods carriers have been adapted to make the most stirring tourism product in India, the comfortable 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.
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Thiruvananthapuram
Backwaters |
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The southernmost district of the State, Thiruvananthapuram is enclosed by the wooded moorland of the Western Ghats on the east and northeast, and the Arabian Sea on the west. A long shoreline, with private, internationally renowned beaches, historic monuments, backwater stretches and a rich educational heritage give this district some of the most enchanting picnic spots.
The main backwater areas of Thiruvananthapuram are Thiruvallam and
Veli.
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Thiruvallam Backwaters |
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This serene backwater stretch, enrooted 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 renowned founder of Kerala, is located here.
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 surround water sports in the lagoon and 18 acre sea front 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 amenities on the lake and a children's park with a swimming pool.
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Kollam Backwaters |
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Located 71 km to the north of Thiruvananthapuram, this significant coast district known for its nautical and cashew industries was one of the oldest ports on the Malabar Coast and a major international trading point in day gone by. The borough also has some interesting famous remnants and a number of temples built in the established ornate architectural style.
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 capable artisans who crafted the enormous Kettuvalloms in yester years.
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Alleppey Backwaters |
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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 ot diverse animal and
bird life.
More >>
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Kottayam Backwaters |
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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.
More >>
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Kumarakom Backwaters |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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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