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Backwaters of Kerela
The backwaters of
Kerela is a unique
product of Kerala
and is found nowhere
else in the world.
Backwaters are a
network of lakes,
canals and estuaries
and deltas of forty-four
rivers that drain
into the Arabian
sea. The backwaters
of Kerela are a
self supporting
eco-system teeming
with aquatic life.
The canals connect
the villages together
and are still used
for local transport.
Over 900 km of this
labyrinthine water
world is navigable.
The largest backwater
stretch in Kerela
is the Vembanad
Lake which flows
through three
districts and
opens out into
the sea at the
Kochi Port. The
Astamudi lake,
literarlly 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.
The most exciting
thing on the backwaters
of Kerela, however,
is the kettuvallom
( Traditional
Houseboat ) which
has become the
most popular tourism
product in India
today. In a land
as waterbound
as Kerala it wouldn't
be an unusual
sight, but for
a visitor to God's
Own Country a
houseboat gliding
along the vast
green expanse
of the backwaters
is the most amazing
spectacle in the
world. Even more
enchanting is
a holiday in the
houseboats of
Kerela. |
