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