Backwater Lagoons of Kerala
Kerala, the God’s Own Country features some of the unique and beautiful backwater lagoons with tea estates, amazing beaches, lakes, rivers, big and small ponds and picturesque natural beauty. The backwaters are the most attractive network of lakes, canals, deltas and estuaries of 44 rivers that make their ways to the Arabian Sea. The backwaters are typically shallow water bodies which are separated by land from the open sea. These backwaters are a semi flooded area of land offering an excellent eco system and inland waterways to the coastal areas of Kerala. Among the multiple backwater lagoons, the Alappuzha, Kumarakom and Kollam are the most beautiful.
Alappuzha
The Alappuzha or Alleppey is also known as ‘Venice of the East’. In Alappuzha, it seems life revolves around water as the place is considered to be one of the major centers of backwater boat trips. Many leisure options are available in Alleppey from boat riding to fishing facilities. A famous place in Alleppey named Kuttanad where farming is done below sea level. Popularly known for its agricultural engineering, it is called the ‘rice bowl’ of Kerala. Apart from providing some of the enchanting backwater destinations, the water carnivals of Alleppey are regarded as the major tourist attractions. There is an annual water carnival called the Nehru Trophy Boat Race organized at Punnamada Lake. The boat race was instituted by the late Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru which is the biggest snake boat race in the world. With nature at its best in Alleppey, hundreds of thousands of tourists visit this place for having an unforgettable experience.
Kumarakom
The Kumarakom backwater destination is located near the Vembanad Lake. A cluster of island enthralls the land of Kumarakom offering a splendid view for the visitors. The lush green vegetation including coconut palms, mangroves and paddy fields with a number of waterways with blooming lotuses and lilies provide a mesmerizing effect in the whole atmosphere. The bird sanctuary in the Vembanad Lake is another important tourist spot to be explored. Birds like gulls, herons, terns, lapwings, stilts and kingfishers can be seen in this sanctuary. For nature lovers, this place is an ideal holiday destination endowed with picturesque beauty. Kumarakom is well accessible by road and train as it is located 15 kms from Kottayam and 75 kms from Cochin. You can also take the boat cruise which is the best way to travel to Kumarakom.
Kollam
The backwaters around Kollam is one of the prime attractions of Kerala tour. It can rightly be called the gateway to Kerala backwaters for its delightful boat rides and scintillating lakes. Previously known as Quilon, it is situated 71 km north of Thiruvananthapuram. Tourists can also visit some important temples and historical buildings along with factories set up by the Dutch and British which reflect the ancient culture of Kollam. The Asthamudi Lake is the most notable lake in Kollam covering a small part of the whole town. You can take a boat ride from Kollam to Alappuzha which is known to be the longest and delightful boat ride in the backwaters. Other highlights of this place include the Ananda Valleeswaram temple and the Thangassery Light House. The 144 feet high Thangassery Light House, built in the year 1902 is a major highlight of Kollam. The Ananda Valleeswaram temple attracts a large number of tourists visiting Kerala. The Mahatma Gandhi beach & park, Thirumullavaram beach, Asharam picnic village and a number of churches and mosques are other important spots of Kollam.
The backwater cruises of Kerala reveal the colorful culture and tradition of rural life. The picturesque lagoons along with luxury boat rides, boat races make these places the hot spots of Kerala tourism. A wide range of handicraft items like sandalwood, brass and wooden items, masks and paintings are available at the local markets of the region. The best time to visit is from the month of October to march with a perfect climatic condition to make your holiday a memorable one.
Image Credits: Sulfis, Sivahari, Kerala Tourism
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