Backwaters of Kerala-Unique Attraction

Do you want to feel the nature at its pristine best? Then, head over to unique attraction of Kerala Backwaters..

It is one among its many unique attractions. The tranquil views, rippling waters, lush greenery, relaxing sounds of nature…..I can just go on and on! Even though, I have lived all my life in Kerala, these backwaters simply lures me back!

The Kerala backwaters consists of a chain of Brackish lagoons and lakes lying almost parallel to the western coast ( Arabian Sea) of Kerala state. We can see these type of lagoons and lakes all through Kerala. This interconnected network of canals, lakes and inlets is estimated to be about 900 kms of maze-like waterways!

Most of them are naturally formed but some are man-made canals to facilitate transportation between places.  The main means of transportation in Kerala were once through these backwater channels and cargoes were carried in ‘Kettuvalloms’ aka Houseboats.  There were Kettuvalloms specifically made for passengers for long journeys.

Backwater Regions in Kerala

Kerala backwaters extend from Thiruvallam at Thiruvanathapuram to the north end of Kerala, Kagargod.

  • Thiruvallam backwaters situated 6 kms from Thiruvanathapuram
  • Kollam backwaters comprising mainly of Ashtamudi Kayal (lake) and Sasthamcotta Kayal and their inlets
  • Allapuzha known as the Venice of East for its zigzag waterways
  • Kuttanad, the rice bowl of Kerala (part of Allapuzha district)
  • Kumarakom in Kottayam district is a small group of little islands on the Vembanad Kayal
  • Backwaters in Kochi , mainly part of Vembanad lake and the assorted lagoons
  • Kozhikode has some unexplored backwater destinations; Elathur, the Canoly Canal and the Kallayi River!
  • Chandragiri and Valiyaparamba backwaters in Kasargod District

Flora and Fauna of Kerala Backwaters Adds to Unique Attraction

Kerala backwater ecosystem is unique attraction as the freshwater from the lakes and inlets meets the seawater from the Arabian Sea. The flora and fauna of these regions depend on this water body. You can find lots of aquatic species like crabs, oysters and frogs, water birds like kingfishers and darters  and animals like turtles living in or beside these waterways!

The plant life near backwaters is something that makes it truly breathtaking. The enchanting greenish hue is provided by various shrubs, seaweeds and other leafy plants growing alongside these water bodies. And the coconut trees lined up gives it the finishing touch!

This is the first post in the series about Kerala Backwaters. Through these posts we are going to take you through a journey exploring Kerala Backwaters. There are some unexplored backwater destinations that we will discuss in detail!

Here is the complete list of articles in this series.

1. Backwaters of Kerala

2. Exploring Kerala Backwaters : Kumarakom

3. Fishing…For Fun at Njarakkal Aqua Fish Farm (Part of Kochi Backwaters)

4. Traversing Backwaters of Kuttanad

5. Feel the Beauty of Kollam Backwaters

6. Discover: Backwaters of Kochi

7. Unveiling the Charm of Alleppey Backwaters

Hope you will enjoy this blog post series on Backwaters of Kerala.

 

11 Comments

  1. arti on July 9, 2013 at 8:48 am

    Kerala.. i just love the place.its beaches, backwaters, waterfalls and greenery its all amazing.

  2. sandeep konchada on May 20, 2014 at 8:27 am

    Sir,

    I would like to travel kerala for honeymoon (3N/4D), like to cover cochin, munnar, alleppy (house boat).

    Tour starts at cochin
    and drop me at Cochin.

    Please let me know about the budget package price & itenary.

    Thanking you.

    • Sunu Philip on May 23, 2014 at 5:03 am

      Thank you for your interest. Our travel team will get back to you.

  3. Siddhartha Joshi on June 4, 2014 at 6:17 am

    This is really useful Sunu…I might actually visit kerala soon, will keep this as reference 🙂

    • Sunu Philip on June 9, 2014 at 4:10 am

      Thank you Siddhartha. Glad to be of help!!

  4. Jacob Lennon on February 25, 2015 at 5:20 pm

    Just the whole idea of backwaters is enough for me to want to head straight there tomorrow. I have never been to India, but am researching my first trip and this region sure seems like it has all a traveler would want. Do you recommend renting a houseboat or sharing one with someone as a good way to see the backwaters?

  5. Uttam dongre on April 26, 2016 at 10:27 am

    Sir/Madam,

    I wish to plan 3N 4D cochin holiday plan. let me know what is cost the said Holiday plan.

    regards,
    Uttam

    • Sunu Philip on April 28, 2016 at 7:23 am

      Uttam, Our travel team will contact you soon.

  6. Ajeesh kumar on August 21, 2019 at 5:57 am

    Excellent post, Really interesting to read. Thanks for sharing.

    • Sunu Philip on August 23, 2019 at 4:09 pm

      Thank you, Ajeesh. Keep reading our other articles also.

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