Kerala Back Waters |
Thiruvallam
This serene backwater stretch, enroute to Kovalam, is famous for its canoe rides. It is the meeting point of two rivers-Killi and Karamana. A temple dedicated to Parashurama, the legendary founder of Kerala, is located in Thiruvallam |
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Veli Tourist Village
The Veli Tourist Village is bordered by the Veli lagoon and the Arabian sea. The lagoon here is separated from the sea by a narrow sand bar. Facilities at the village include water sports in the lagoon and an 18-acre waterfront park with a floating bridge that connects the village to the beach. |
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Alumkadavu
Alumkadavu is halfway on the route to Alappuzha from Kollam. This quiet little backwater village in Karunagapally town is famed for its boat building yard. It is here that the gigantic kettuvallams (cargo boats of rural Kerala) were built. Today the Kettuvallams which were long replaced by modern means of transport, have been converted into houseboats. |
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Kuttanad
Kuttanad, called the rice bowl of Kerala, because of her wealth of paddy crops is at the very heart of the backwaters. The scenic countryside of Kuttanad with its shimmering waterways also has a rich crop of bananas. Yams and cassava which accompany the rice bowl as "side dishes". This is one of the places in the world where farming is done below sea level. Inland waterways which flow above land level is an amazing feature of this unique land. |
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Pathiramanal
This little island on the backwaters is a favorite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world. This island is accessible only by boat. |
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Vembanad
Vembanad, the largest lake in Kerala, spreads in the districts of Kottayam and Ernakulam, receives the mighty deluge of five rivers in its benign lap. Located at Kumarakom, the Vembanad lake, an enchanting picnic spot and a fast developing backwater tourism designation, provides boating, fishing and sight-seeing experiences that are truly exhilarating. The Kumarakom Tourist Village offers houseboat cruises and holiday packages. |
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Chandragiri
Situated on the Chandragiri river, southeast of Kasargod town, this town is known for its large 17th century for built by Sivappa Naik of Bedanore. The Chandragiri fort, one of the chain of forts built by the same ruler, offers a breathtaking view of the river and the Arabian sea. It is a vantage point to watch the sunset. |
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Valiyaparamba
This is perhaps the most scenic backwater stretch in Kerala. Fed by four rivers and dotted with numerous little islands, Valiyaparamba is fast turning into a much favored backwater resort that offers enchanting boat cruises. |
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