Back waters

If you are cherishing the idea of spending some good time amidst the sights and sounds of the hydrosphere, then step into a country boat and wind through the labyrinth of canals in Alappuzha. While cruising through these canals, one would come across the many interesting aspects of day-to-day life on land and water.

Alappuzha - Canal Cruise

If you are cherishing the idea of spending some good time amidst the sights and sounds of the hydrosphere, then step into a country boat and wind through the labyrinth of canals in Alappuzha. While cruising through these canals, one would come across the many interesting aspects of day-to-day life on land and water.

A wide range of cruise options are available here - from small country boats to luxury houseboats and small speedboats to big passenger motorboats. Small boats are preferred for cruise through the canals.

The canal networks linked to the Vembanad Lake offer an inspiring and interesting experience. Enjoy the sights of vast stretches of paddy fields, coconut lagoons and pied King Fishers hurtling down to catch the fish. You would also come across small islands, locals engaged in fishing activities on country boats, children being ferried to schools and kettuvallams, the majestic rice barges, gliding over the canals. Another interesting sight is that of large flocks of ducks being shepherded to newly-harvested paddy fields.

You could also drop in at villages on the banks to check out the techniques and procedures of coir making. It's also a chance to try out the ethnic cuisine from local eateries. Tapioca and fish delicacies and coconut toddy, the natural beverage extracted from coconut trees, are the highlights of backwater cuisine.

If you are in Kerala, don't miss a cruise through the canals of Alappuzha. Boats can be hired from the jetty, close to the KSRTC bus station.

Getting there

Nearest railway station: Nearest railway station: Alappuzha, a few kilometres away.  

Nearest airport: Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 85 km

Altitude
Sea level

Alumkadavu, Kollam

Alumkadavu is where the first houseboats in India were built. Located north of Kollam district, the waft of coir and wood is always in the air of this village. And the reason: It is a major centre for the construction of kettuvalloms (traditional rice barges) which are later modified into houseboats for travellers.

The houseboats eventually take shape at the hands of skilled craftsmen of the village, who make sue of local and eco-friendly materials like wood, bamboo poles and coconut fibre.

Alumkadavu is also a coir manufacturing centre, making Kollam famous for its coir products.

Lattitude:9.05866, Longitude: 76.506894

Altitude

Sea level

Distance from district head quaters

5000 m North direction.

Backwater stretches of Ashtamudi

So called because of its 8 arms or channels, Ashtamudi Lake is the gateway to the backwaters. This 16 km long lake is the second largest in Kerala, finding its way into the sea through the Neendakara estuary. The District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) Kollam provides boat rides as well as houseboat cruises. The trip between Kollam and Alappuzha is one of the most popular and longest backwater cruises in Kerala. The eight-hour journey will give you an intimate experience of the famed waterways. Catch a glimpse of one of the many splendours of Ashtamudi backwaters. As the boatman gently dips his paddle, without disturbing the prevailing calm, the ripples spread out gently in the shimmering golden hue of the sun.

Getting there

Nearest railway station: Kollam Junction, about 2 km

Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 70 km

Location

Lattitude:8.95138, Longitude: 76.582575

Chithari - a small tropical island

Green and beautiful, a little effaced by the historic Bekal Fort and beach, Chithari is still a virgin destination. The island is accessible only by boat, often wooden canoes that belong to the locals. A part of the Bekal Tourism Project, this backwater area has all it takes to ome a mega tourist destination. Chithari is located 7 km from Kanhangad.

Getting there

Nearest railway station: Kanhangad, about 5 km

Nearest airport: Mangalore, about 50 km and Karipur International Airport, about 200 km

Location

Lattitude:12.309647, Longitude: 75.09583

Kavvayi Backwater at Payyanur

In Kannur, an inspiring stretch of water body Kavvayi Kayal could perhaps be your next, most fascinating destination among the backwaters in Kerala. The backwaters down the south of Kerala; like those in and around Kollam and Alappuzha have their own unique attractions, surroundings and ways of life. Kavvayi Kayal too has its own unique elements that could easily make you fall in love with it.

You can simply unwind by taking a walk along the land that fringes the Kavvayi Kayal or else may step into one of the country boats and relax in the cool breeze while enjoying the abundance of surrounding greenery. This backwater stretch is full of interesting sights and experiences that would keep preventing your interest level from hitting a low. Locally called as Kavvayi Kayal or the backwater of Kavvayi, this lesser known backwater of northern Kerala is the result of the five rivers viz. River Kavvayi and its tributary streams Kankol, Vannathichal, Kuppithodu, and Kuniyan.

From an ecological point of view the backwater of Kavvayi and its surrounding region is considered to be of significance. The backwater and the wetlands are home to a variety of fauna and flora.

Another interesting sight that one could encounter while on the backwaters of Kavvayi are the nearly half a dozen of small and big islands. The backwater setting at Kavvayi is the biggest wetland in north Kerala with an area of roughly 37 sq km.

A boat ride ideally from Kotti-Kottappuram would enable a visitor to see and enjoy the many inspiring sights of Kavvayi Kayal.

Getting there

Nearest railway station: Payyannur, about 3 km

Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport, about 154 km

Location

Lattitude:12.088171, Longitude: 75.179547

Kumarakom

The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and is part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teals, waterfowls, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian Stork visit here in flocks and are a fascinate the visitors.

An enchanting backwater destination, Kumarakom offers visitors many other leisure options. Boating and fishing facilities are available at the Taj Garden Retreat, a sprawling old bungalow-turned-resort.

Waterscapes, the backwater resort of the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation has independent cottages built on stilts, set amidst coconut groves and panoramic view of the backwaters. Holiday packages involving houseboats, traditional Kettuvalloms (rice barges) offer great experiences.

Read more on Kumarakom

Getting there

Nearest railway station: Kottayam, about 13 km

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 94 km

Location

Lattitude:9.617119, Longitude:76.429482

Kumbalangi - Model fishing village near Kochi

Essentially a fishing hamlet, this tiny village facing the Kochi backwaters in the western part of the city is India’s first designated ecotourism village and the first rural tourism village of the state. Kumbalangi Integrated Tourism Village project is a unique initiative to transform the tiny island as a model fishing village and tourism spot. Here at the Kumbalangi Tourism Village one can fully savour a variety of natural splendours, and ecological balance of the location. The model village, the first of its kind in the country is located near the port city of Kochi in Ernakulam District. It is a veritable treat to its visitors with the famous Chinese fishing nets and many other sights to savour.

As art of the model village project at Kumbalangi, a nearby island near Palluruthy would also have plenty of interesting vistas and activities in the near future. This coastal hamlet without doubt provides a fascinating glimpse of the simple and prosperous livelihood of the villagers, and also unravels the age-old culture and heritage of the place.

Kalagramam, an artist’s village, displays handicrafts and fishing equipment. Mangroves are nurtured here as well as fish farming. Bait fishing is extremely popular among tourists here. Many houses in the village are homestays and visitors can book their stay directly with homestay operators or seek the assistance of the village council.

Getting there

Nearest railway station: Ernakulam, about 14 km

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 46 km

Location

Lattitude:9.874834, Longitude: 76.285515

Mannanam in Kottayam

Besides being associated with the Blessed Father Kuriakose Elias Chavara, Mannanam is the seat of the first seminary of the Malabar Church (1833), the first Catholic Sanskrit School in Kerala (1846), the first private printing press, CMS Press started by Rev. Benjamin Bailey (1846), and the first daily newspaper in Malayalam, the Deepika (1887).

The Chavara Art Museum at Mannnam preserves a brilliant repertory of church history.

Cruise tours in Mannanam

District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) Kottayam provides an enchanting boat journey through the Pennar Canal to the picturesque backwater districts of Alappuzha and Ernakulam. Accommodation for tourists are available at the Mannanam DTPC Tourist Home.

For details contact, District Information Officer:- +91 481 2562558

Getting there

Nearest railway station: Kottayam, about 11 km

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 83 km

Sasthamkotta: Queen of Lakes, Kollam

Sasthamkotta, situated about 29 km from Kollam town, can be rightly called the 'Queen of Lakes'. This vast fresh water lake flanked by hills on three sides is the largest of its kind in Kerala. The ancient Sastha Temple, which lends its name to the town, is an important pilgrim centre. This temple dedicated to both Lord Ganesha and Lord Ayyappa is surrounded by hills and forests, and the monkeys inhabiting the premises are considered holy. The monkeys of Sasthamkotta are believed to be the faithful entourage of the ruling deity, the Dharmasastha and therefore they have a spiritual ambience about them. The monkeys are devotee-friendly, and the thousands of devotees visiting the temple take pleasure in feeding these monkeys with nuts and fruits.

Getting there

Nearest railway station: Kollam, about 29 km

Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 71 km

Location

Lattitude:9.043445, Longitude: 76.620655


Kuttanad - the rice bowl of Kerala

It is the major rice granary of Kerala, where vast stretches of verdant paddy fields are interlaced with enchanting backwaters create some of the unforgettable sights.

Kuttanad, the rice bowl of Kerala is all about an agrarian community, striking a chord of harmony with its physical setting. Noted for its farming below sea level (about 4 to 10 feet) the land of Kuttanad possesses a socio-cultural fabric of its own. Four major rivers in Kerala viz. Pampa, Meenachil, Achankovil and Manimala flow into the region.

The most popular route taken to get close and explore Kuttanad is the Alappuzha-Changanasserry road. This road goes through the heart of Kuttanad and gives visitors plenty of options to watch the day-to-day life at Kuttanad. The best thing for a visitor to Kuttanad is that, one can take deviations from either side of the Alappuzha-Chanaganasserry road to reach villages, predominantly consisting of farmers. During the harvest season the vast expanse of paddy fields, at some places dotted with islets of coconut trees, will be busy with farmers engrossed in different farming activities;done in the traditional manner. Quite early in the morning itself one can sight the women folk heading towards the paddy fields carrying their lunch box and sickle, and on the other hand men could be seen already on the fields till the land, sowing the seeds, getting rid of weeds, diverting water channels etc.

The Kuttanad area is also rich in avian population, and one can easily find flocks of parrots hovering in the paddy fields, especially those fields with rice stalks in bloom. You may also come across a black blanket sweeping across the sky, which on close look will reveal as yet another flock of birds. And this time its is the darter birds, which haunt the backwaters in and around Kuttanad and the adjoining Vembanad Lake.

As you explore the villages, don't forget to take a walk by the numerous canals that crisscrossKuttanad, which are lined by tall coconut trees swaying in the breeze. During most part of the day, these canal stretches would be abuzz with different activities. There will be vendors on boat selling vegetables, grocery and fish to households on the banks of these canals. You would also come across big country boats called Kettu Vallams on which goods like coconut husk, rice grains etc. are transported to nearby markets in bulk. Among the sights on the backwaters here at Kuttanad, the most fascinating obviously is that of the ducks, quacking together in high decibels and moving across the backwaters in large numbers;shepherded by men on small boats. One can also catch men playing on the backwater;some diving down to collect lime shells from the depths and others fishing with their nets and traditional cane basket called Ottal.

For those interested in trying out few local dishes may do so by dropping at the small traditionally built wayside eateries, which are quite famous for backwater fish delicacies and tapioca. A popular naturally extracted beverage is the toddy, which is available in plenty and enjoyed by many for its speciality.

You may also find Kuttanad, a bit more exciting, if you hire a boat. You can hire motorboats, houseboats etc. from the boat jetty operated by the government as well as private groups near the KSRTC Bus Station at Alappuzha or else may get on one from places like Kidangara, which is on the Alappuzha-Changanasserry road. Some of the places worth visiting in the Kuttanad area are Nedumudy, Kaavalam, Champakkulam etc.

Getting there

Nearest railway station: Alappuzha.

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 85 km from Alappuzha

Location

Lattitude:9.355408, Longitude: 76.404047

Marine Drive - A popular hangout in Kochi

Marine Drive in Kochi, is a popular hangout and this scenic stretch offers a spectacular view of the backwaters and the Kochi Harbour.

Shopping malls, cinema halls, restaurants, cafés and supermarkets line the drive. The Rainbow Bridge and the International Tourism Boat Jetty Complex are other attractions here.

Getting there

Nearest railway station: Ernakulam, about 3 km

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 29 km

Padanna Backwaters, Kasaragod

Much of the popular backwater attractions of Kerala are located in the southern and central parts of the State. Contrary to this belief, Footnotes, this month takes you to a serene backwater network in the northern most district of Kerala - Kasaragod. Here adjoining the backwaters of Valliyaparampu lies a beautiful backwater village of Thekkekadu, which has an inspiring story to share with its visitors. It is all about Padanna's crusader in self-employment, Mr. Gul Mohammed and his backwater retreat - Oyster Opera at Padanna.

Set amidst avenues of coconut tress and crisscrossed by canals and fanned by backwaters the retreat has everything natural at its core of existence and functioning. It is located at Padanna, near Cheruvathur in the District of Kasaragod.

One man's passion to enhance the livelihood of his fellow villagers has now culminated in the form of a retreat, and the first theme village of Kerala. That is Oyster Opera at Padanna with oyster farming as its theme. It is now a source of income to thousands and a destination for those who would love to be part of the very best of available natural settings.

Facilities out here at Oyster Opera reflect the cultural and traditional traits of the local people. Here, the villagers play host during your stay at the retreat. The whole ambience does not have the sophistication of modern day resorts and the visitors are bound to appreciate this aspect the moment they land at Padanna and till they bid goodbye. But saying goodbye to Padanna is never easy. Because such is the kind of satisfaction and pleasure that you get here, it makes you yearn for more.

The resort has, as mentioned earlier, natural interventions in almost all of the facilities offered to its guests. Be it the restaurants, where you get to relish many of the local mouthwatering delicacies, including green mussels and clams or your place of dwelling, toilets and bathrooms. Currently at Oyster Opera, guests have option to go for three Cottages on land, one Float House, one Elevated House with well equipped kitchen, occupancy for two, veranda, toilet and bathroom.

Once at Padanna, one can literally explore every inch of the village on your own. The brackish water of Padanna and its surrounding villages are endowed with great natural beauty. Nearby the retreat one could visit a number of tiny palm-fringed islands and also coconut lagoons and mangroves. Or else, one may engage in t�te-�-t�te with the villagers as they go by their routine activities of oyster and seaweed farming or else may take a close look at their fresh catch of clams and edible oyster. The nearby vast beach and the estuary here are worth visiting and one could also spot wild beavers in a couple of nearby islands. The backwaters at Padanna are nourished by five rivers, which later join the Arabian Sea.

At Padanna, visitors to Oyster Opera can also go for delightful backwater cruises in houseboats, country boats, feel the sun and the sand on the Valiyaparamba Beach and estuary or opt for rejuvenation therapy by traditional practitioners of Ayurveda, a boat-ride through River Thejaswini passing by the woods and fields, learn fishing techniques by using strings, nets and bare hand, or go for a moonlit backwater cruise in a country boat. Some of the nearby attractions of Padanna include the historic Bekal Fort; the Parassinikkadavu Temple noted for its unique rituals; Karim Forest, a manmade forest owned by a nature enthusiast and during the season, one can also witness Theyyam, one of the popular and resplendent ritual art forms of the region. More details can be had from www.oysteroperaatpadanna.com or via email: oystergul@rediffmail.com or call + 91 467 2278101.

Getting there

Nearest railway station: Kanhangad, about 22 km

Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport, about 167 km

Pathiramanal

Pathiramanal, a small island on the backwaters of Alappuzha, is a haven for hundreds of rare birds migrating from different parts of the world. You can reach there after 1 1/2 hours drive by motor boat or 30 minutes by speed boat from Alappuzha in south Kerala. Surrounded by the Vembanad Lake, stretching from Alappuzha to Kochi and the Kayamkulam lake, Pathiramanal is accessible only by boat.The green island thus forms an ideal place for a break in the journey while on a backwater cruise.The mainland Alappuzha has a vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers criss crossing it and is a district of immense natural beauty.

Getting there

Nearest railway station: Alappuzha, about 16 km and Cherthala, about 10 km

Nearest airport: Kochi International Airport is about 85 km north of Alappuzha; Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is about 150 km away

Location

Lattitude:9.618691, Longitude: 76.384885

Picnic Village in Kollam

Located in the sprawling 200-year-old Guest House campus where Lord Munroe once stayed, this tourist village at Ashramam along the backwater front, is the main centre for recreational activities in Kollam. The place has a boat club, a children's traffic park and Tamarind Hotel in addition to an adventure park. The Paaramparya Museum in the same premises has on display paintings from different parts of the country including Warli, Kalamkari and Madhubani as well as Kerala mural art. It is located 1 km from Kollam city.

Visiting hours: 1000 - 1800 hrs

Contact number: +91 474 2750322

Getting there

Nearest railway station: Kollam Junction, about 2 km

Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 70 km

Location

Lattitude:8.89334, Longitude: 76.586228

Placid backwater stretch of Ashtamudi, Kollam

Tag with District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) of Kollam and allow them to be your guide, as you glide over the placid backwater stretch of Ashtamudi in Kollam.

Let us check out three interesting houseboat cruise packages offered by DTPC Kollam.

Exotic Blue Water Cruises:

The package has three options:

If one opts for the 'Round-the-trip Cruise' this full day cruise will cover all islands in the Ashtamudi backwater and the 'See & Sleep Cruise' option offers day cruise with overnight stay on the backwater. The third option 'Star Night Cruise' will take one for a fascinating sunset cruise and a night's stay on the backwater.

Houseboat Cruise & Resort Stay:

This package from Kollam DTPC includes a full day houseboat cruise and royal stay in a reputed backwater resort. The options available are Opting for 'Majestic Cruise & Resort Stay' would take one on a houseboat cruise starting in the morning and reaching the Ashtamudi Backwater Resort towards evening. At the resort, facilities include A/c suite room accommodation and multicuisine dine. Next day morning, the cruise will leave the resort and head for the starting point in Kollam.

'Elegant Cruise and Resort Stay' would start in the morning and reach the Palm Lagoon Backwater Resort in the evening. Here, one can relax in the cottages in natural ambience, and can enjoy special seafood delicacies. Next day morning, the cruise will set off from the resort for the starting point.

The third option 'Serene & Resort Stay' will have the cruise starting in the morning, which will later head for the Aquaserene Backwater Resort. The cruise will reach the resort in the evening, and after check-in one can relish the multicuisine dine. The cruise will depart the next day morning and would head for the starting point.

Houseboat Cruise & Kathakali Performance:

This is yet another exciting package from DTPC Kollam, offering full day houseboat cruise with Kathakali performance at dusk and a night's stay on board the houseboat. This cruise usually starts in the afternoon, and returns to the starting point the next day morning.

Those interested in any of the above mentioned houseboat cruise packages, need to get in touch with DTPC Kollam for details pertaining to current tariffs and cruise details.

Contact details:

DTPC Tourist Office

Guest House Complex, Asramam

Kollam

Ph: 91 474 2750170

Email: dtpcqln@md3.vsnl.net.in

Location

Lattitude:8.967658, Longitude: 76.57073

Ponnumthuruthu Island near Varkala

A delightful getaway surrounded by the Anjengo backwaters, this uninhabited isle is accessible by boat from the makeshift jetty at the nearby Nedunganda Village. A 100-year-old Shiva-Parvathi Temple, rebuilt a decade ago, is also situated here. Ponnumthuruthu Island is just 10 km away from Varkala, the famous tourist destination in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

Getting there

Nearest railway station: Varkala, about 5 km away

Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 30 km away

Location

Lattitude:8.67267, Longitude: 76.756468

Q S T and R Block Kayal, Alappuzha

Situated in Kuttanad popularly known as the rice bowl of Kerala, QST & R Block Kayals (backwaters) remind the visitor of the famous dikes of Holland. A striking example of the indigenous agricultural engineering know-how, here cultivation and habitation are made possible at four to ten feet below the sea level. For this purpose extensive land has been reclaimed from the backwaters and is protected by dikes built around it. A leisurely cruise along the canals here is a memorable experience.

Kuttanad is the most beautiful backwaters region of Kerala. It is here that most of the snake boat races are conducted and a majority of the rice boat & houseboat cruises are scheduled. Kerala's network of navigable backwaters stretches to over 900 km. These serene waterways are fringed by palm grove and paddy fields and offer a striking spectacle of the rustic life.

Getting there

Nearest railway station: Alappuzha Railway Station is the nearest Railway Station

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport is about 85 km from Alappuzha

Location

Lattitude:9.552, Longitude: 76.40007

Thiruvallam Backwaters in Thiruvananthapuram

This serene backwater stretch, enroute to Kovalam, is famous for its canoe rides, kayaking and cruises in kettuvalloms. The Boat Club here organises tours to the nearbyislands of Pozhikara and Edayar as well as visits to coir manufacturing units.

Getting there

Nearest railway station: Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station is about 5 km away

Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is about 6 km away

Location

Lattitude:8.445545, Longitude: 76.9539

Valapattanam, Kannur

Kannur is that part of the legendary Malabar Coast where King Solomon's ships anchored to collect timber to build the 'Temple of the Lord' and to secure most needed spices. Here in the little hamlet on the banks of the river Valapattanam, is a giant of the modern timber industry - Western India Plywood Ltd., the largest wood-based industry in South East Asia.

The timber industry of Valapattanam thrive on the rich forest resources of the district. Teak,Iruli, Elavu, Karimurukku, sandalwood (Sandalum album) etc. are found in plenty in the forests here. In addition are cash crops like tea, coffee, rubber, tobacco, cashewnuts etc. Kannur is the only place in Kerala where Pukayila (tobacco) cultivation is carried on successfully

Valapattanam is also a famous fishing harbour as well as the main source of the irrigation project in the district. It is a fascinating experience to watch the traditional mode of timber transportation - by tying long pieces of timber together and allowing them to float down the stream.

Getting there

Nearest railway station: Kannur, about 7 km from Valapattanam is the nearest railway station.

Nearest airport: Nearest airport is Karipur international airport, Kozhikode, about 93 km from Kannur town

Location

Lattitude:11.925596, Longitude: 75.350111

Valiyaparamba backwaters, Kasaragod

Located 30 km from Bekal, Valiyaparamba in Kasaragod district of Kerala, is perhaps the most scenic backwater stretch in the state. Fed by four rivers and dotted with numerous little islands, Valiyaparamba is fast turning into a much favoured backwater resort that offers enchanting boat cruises.

Getting there

Nearest railway station: Payyanur Railway Station is about 9 km away

Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport is about 175 km away

Location

Lattitude:12.151822, Longitude: 75.141242

Willingdon Island, Kochi

Named after Lord Willingdon, a former British Viceroy of India, this man-made island is surrounded by beautiful backwaters. The island is the site of the city's best hotels and trading centres, the Port Trust and the headquarters of the southern naval command.

Getting there

Nearest railway station: Ernakulam South, about 3 km

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 26 km

Location

Lattitude:9.951267, Longitude: 76.275194

Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom

Kottayam is a vast network of rivers and canals which empty into the great expanse of water called the Vembanad Lake. The lake, an enchanting picnic spot and a fast developing backwater tourism destination, provides boating, fishing and sightseeing experiences that are truly exhilarating. The Kumarakom Tourist Village offers houseboat cruises and holiday packages. The serene lake comes alive during Onam with a spectacular water regatta - the snake boat races. It is indeed amazing to watch oarsmen, at least a hundred in one boat, slice their way through the waters to the fast rhythm of their own full throated singing.

Getting there

Nearest railway station: Kottayam, about 13 km

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 63 km

Location

Lattitude:9.584755, Longitude: 76.416557