Typical to Kerala, the backwaters of India have loads
of natural beauty and features 41 rivers of Kerala that flow towards the
West. According to one of the popular legends, the warrior sage
Parashurama reclaimed the land of Kerala from sea with the power of his
characteristic battle-axe. A land of canals and lagoons, lakes and
rivers, which Kerala backwaters have now become a part of the lives of
its people and a kaleidoscope for the visitors to see the rural and real
life in the heart of Kerala. The tough and labor-intensive jobs of boat
building, prawn cultivation and coir manufacture are a part of the daily
livelihood of Keralites. Alapuzha is often the starting-point of the
boat cruise through these backwaters as one reaches the land of
Kuttanad, also known as the rice bowl of Kerala because of its paddy
fields. Kumarakom has a spectacular lagoon to behold and coconut trees
have become icons of Kerala tourism industry.
There are bird sanctuaries to see along the shores and the village life
has the attraction of simplicity and old-age world. There are bungalows
that have now been converted into heritage hotels and ride of local
houseboats called 'Kettuvallams' is indispensable. Kollam's lagoons,
rivers and lakes are delightful and Kayamkulam and Ashtamudi Lakes are
some of the most visited tourist spots here. Kochi or Cochin has
traditional snake boat races with 130-feet long Chundan boats as its
stars that add further value to its backwaters. The most prominent among
these races are Nehru Trophy Boat Race and Aranmula Boat Race. Veli in
the southern part of Kerala and Madayara, Peravur, Ashtamudi and Chetuva
in its northern part are other favores tourist destinations. Take the
journey to the hearts of lagoons, lakes, canals, estuaries and deltas of
Kerala in the houseboats or indulge in the water sports on the gentle
waters of these backwaters. Take a visit to the land of swaying palm
trees and blue waters and skies, which is aptly named as 'God's own
country'.
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