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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. |
