The backwaters of Kerala play a significant role in attributing the tag line ‘God’s own country’ to the state. India has many states whichcan boast of wonderful scenic vistas and awe-inspiring man-made attractions. But the backwaters are exclusive to the state and enhance its touristappeal in no uncertain manner. The backwaters are basically a network of lagoons, canals, lakes and deltas of many rivers that finally flow into theArabian Sea. This has led to the creation of many small land strips around the larger towns in the coastal areas of Kerala.

Winding through the coastal areas, the backwaters of Kerala comprise of a nearly 1500 km stretch of natural and man-made canals, five big lakesand 38 rivers. It is rich in marine life and is also one of the greatest fresh water sources in coastal Kerala. Earlier, these backwaters were a primarysource of transportation, but times have changed and houseboats for tourist purposes have slowly gained prominence. To some extent, thesehouseboats have substituted the country boats that were a ubiquitous phenomenon of coastal Kerala.

What areas do the Backwaters of Kerala consist of?The backwaters of Kerala can be broadly categorized into the three main regions. One of the most popular backwater regions is the AshtamudiLake in the district of Kollam. Ashtamudi has the distinction of being one of the largest fresh-water lakes in the whole of India. This lake hascreated inroads all over Kollam in the form of canals and lagoons. The Munroe Island in the Ashtamudi Lake is an extremely scenic spot where youcan easily spend quality time admiring the greenery and gliding waters all around you.

The Ashtamudi, like the other backwaters of Kerala, boasts of a rich marinelife. In fact, certain endangered species of marine life can be found here. Theislands formed by the Ashtamudi house a large species of birds like egrets andkingfishers which are local to the region. Migratory birds also flock to theseislands. While traveling to this place, always have your binoculars handy tomake the most of rare and beautiful bird sightings that will amaze and delightyou.

The Vembanad backwater stretch is the next noticeable backwaters of Kerala. Itis situated in the district of Alleppey, Kottayam and Ernakulam. The existence ofthis lake has made the Cochin coast home to many islands that can benavigated with the help of the ferries that ply regularly here or by road via thebridges that connect these islands. The Wellingdon Island is one such island inthe Vembanad backwaters that has the largest naval presence in India.

converted by Web2PDFConvert.com

Kottayam and Kumarakom backwaters are all part of the backwaters of Kerala

formed by the Vembanad Lake. The backwaters of Kumarakom attract a lot oftourists because of its ethereal beauty. In addition, the bird sanctuary atKumarakom is a renowned place where you will find rare migratory birds.Kottayam is another famous spot that has been immortalized by the authorArundhati Roy in her award-winning book ‘The God of Small Things’. Itresembles a somnolent village and yet is a coveted tourist spot because of itsenchanting beauty.

Besides the backwaters formed by the Ashtamudi and Vembanad Lakes, thethird major backwater stretch is the Kannur- Valiyaparambu backwaters situatedin Kasargod and Kannur. These backwaters are relatively lesser known bothinternationally and in India, but that in no way is a reflection on its unspoiltnatural beauty. The entire area is dotted with tiny islands where you can plan aday picnic with family and friends. If you are a tourist in search of unexplored and remote places, the Kannur- Valiyaparambu backwaters might justbe the perfect place you are looking for.

Apart from these three major “backwaters of Kerala”, the coastal areas of Kerala are home to various small lagoons that have acquired immenselocal fame for their special attractions. Akkulam Tourist village in the Akkulam-Veli backwaters is a renowned eco-tourist project whereasThiruvallam lagoon in Thiruvananthapuram is frequented by religious tourists from all over Kerala.

The Kumbalangi backwaters of Kerala near Kochi offers you a one of a kind experiencewith its canoes that have to be manoeuvred through a labyrinth of mangrove forests.This backwater experience is very different from that of the other backwaters and willhave you wondering whether you are traveling through a magical realm – a realm whereyou might come across strange and exotic creatures hitherto unheard of or seen bymankind. Kallai backwaters in Kozhikode and Alumkadavu backwaters in Kollam are allfilled with natural attractions and have managed to retain their untouched splendour.

The backwaters of Kerala are the epitome of Nature in all its pristine glory. So,plan a trip with us as soon as you can and enjoy the bounty of nature to the fullest! Avery simple way to go about is going to Stayboat.in and booking your vacation.

converted by Web2PDFConvert.com

Be the first of yourfriends to like this.

Stayboat

If monsoon tourismsounds enticing toyou, then you couldalso try to catch theSouthwest monsoonfrom June toSeptember. Thegreenery of Alleppeyis further intensifiedduring the rains andthe wholeexperience will beone that you willcherish for a longtime to come.Read more

8 hrs

Stayboat1.2k likes

Like PageLike Page

converted by Web2PDFConvert.com

converted by Web2PDFConvert.com