Kerala backwaters

TheKerala backwatersare a network ofbrackishlagoonsand canals lying parallel to theArabian Seaof theMalabar coastofKeralastate in south-westernIndia. It also includes interconnected lakes, rivers, and inlets, a labyrinthine system formed by more than 900 km (560 mi) of waterways, and sometimes compared tobayous.The network includes five large lakes linked by canals, both man made and natural, fed by 38 rivers, and extending virtually half the length of Kerala state. The backwaters were formed by the action of waves and shore currents creating lowbarrier islandsacross the mouths of the many rivers flowing down from theWestern Ghatsrange. In the midst of this landscape there are a number of towns and cities, which serve as the starting and end points of backwater cruises.There are 34 backwaters in Kerala.Out of it, 27 are located either closer toArabian Seaor parallel to the sea.The remaining 7 are inland navigation routes.
The backwaters have a unique ecosystem: freshwater from the rivers meets the seawater from the Arabian Sea. Abarragehas been built nearThanneermukkom, so salt water from the sea is prevented from entering the deep inside, keeping the fresh water intact. Such fresh water is extensively used forirrigationpurposes.Many unique species of aquatic life includingcrabs,frogsandmudskippers, water birds such asterns,kingfishers,dartersandcormorants, and animals such asottersandturtleslive in and alongside the backwaters.Palmtrees,pandanusshrubs, various leafy plants, and bushes grow alongside the backwaters, providing a green hue to the surrounding landscape.
National Waterway 3fromKollamtoKottappuram, covers a distance of 205 km (127 mi) and runs almost parallel to the coastline of southern Kerala facilitating both cargo movement and backwater tourism.Vembanadis the largest of the lakes, covering an area of 2,033 km(785 sq mi). The lake has a large network of canals that meander through the region ofKuttanad. The important rivers from north to south are theValapattanam110 km (68 mi),Chaliyar169 km (105 mi),Kadalundipuzha130 km (81 mi),Bharathappuzha209 km (130 mi),Chalakudy130 km (81 mi),Periyar244 km (152 mi),Pamba176 km (109 mi),Achankovil128 km (80 mi),Meenachil75 km (47 mi), andKalladayar121 km (75 mi). Other than these, there are 35 more small rivers and rivulets flowing down from the Ghats. Most of these rivers are navigable up to the midland region, in country crafts.
Vembanad Lakeis the longest backwater in Kerala, as well as the longest lake in India.TheKochicity,Kuttanad,Kumarakom, andPathiramanalIsland are located in this long backwater.TheVellayani Lake, thePookode Lake, and theSasthamcotta Lakeare the freshwater lakes in Kerala.Sasthamcottais the largest among them.The Kerala backwaters host three of the world’sRamsar Convention-listedwetlands:Ashtamudi Lake,Sasthamkotta Lake, and theVembanad-Kol wetlandsare noted as beingwetlands of international importance.
Kettuvallam(Kerala houseboats) in the backwaters are one of the prominent tourist attractions in Kerala. More than 2,000 of these ply the waterways.The Kerala government has classified the tourist houseboats as platinum, gold, and silver.
TheKettuvallamwere traditionally used as grain barges, to transport the rice harvested in the fertile fields alongside the backwaters. Thatched roof covers over wooden hulls, 100 ft (30 m) in length, providing protected from the elements. At some point in time, the boats were used as living quarters by the royalty. Converted to accommodate tourists, the houseboats have become floating cottages having a sleeping area, with western-style toilets, a dining area and a sit out on the deck. Most tourists spend the night on a houseboat. Food is cooked on board by the accompanying staff—mostly having a flavour of Kerala. The houseboats are of various patterns and can be hired as per the size of the family or visiting group. The living-dining room is usually open on at least three sides providing a grand view of the surroundings, including other boats, throughout the day when it is on the move. It is brought to a standstill at times of taking food and at night. After sunset, the boat crew provide burning coils to drive away mosquitoes.Ketuvallamare motorised but generally proceed at a slow speed for smooth travel. AllKetuvallamhave a generator and most bedrooms are air-conditioned. At times, as per the demand of customers, electricity is switched off and lanterns are provided to create a rural setting
Beypore, located 10 km (6.2 mi) south ofKozhikodeat the mouth of theChaliyar River, is a famous fishing harbour, port and boatbuilding centre. Beypore has a 1,500-year tradition of boatbuilding. The skills of the local shipwrights and boatbuilders have widely sought after.
Regular ferry services connect most locations on both banks of the backwaters.TheKerala State Water Transport Departmentoperates ferries for passengers as well as tourists. It is the cheapest mode of transport through the backwaters.
Ashtamudi lake, which was a sleepy destination for years, has been transformed into a busy tourist destination with plush resorts around the Lake and the backwaters.
The unregulated proliferation of motorisedhouseboatsin the lakes and backwaters has raised concerns regarding the adverse impact ofpollutionfromdiesel enginesandoutboard motorson the fragile ecosystem.
Connected by artificial canals, the backwaters form an economical means of transport, and a large local trade is carried on by inland navigation. Fishing, along with fish curing, is an important industry.
Kerala backwaters have been used for centuries by the local people for transportation, fishing and agriculture. The region has supported the efforts of the local people to earn a livelihood. In more recent times, agricultural efforts have been strengthened with the reclamation of some backwater lands for rice growing, particularly in the Kuttanad area. Boat-making has been a traditional craft, so has been thecoirindustry.
Kuttanad region is crisscrossed with waterways that run alongside extensive paddy fields, as well as fields ofcassava,bananaandyam.  The crops are grown on the low-lying ground and irrigated with fresh water from the canal and waterways connected toVembanadlake.Palakkad, the granary of Kerala, lies on the bank ofBharathappuzhariver.Thrissur-Ponnani Kole Wetlandsare fertile.PonnaniKole Wetlands lie on the bank of Biyyam backwater. The area is similar to thedikesof the Netherlands, where land has been reclaimed from the sea and crops are grown.
Vembanad Wetland is included in the list of wetlands of international importance, as defined by theRamsar Conventionfor the conservation and sustainable use ofwetlands.
Chundan vallamsor snake boats are narrowboats over 100 feet (30 m) long, with a raised prow that stands 10 feet (3.0 m) above water and resembles the hood of a snake. Traditionally these were used by local rulers to transport soldiers during waterfront wars. In modern times, it has spawned a new sport – theVallam Kali(boat race). Each Chandan vallam accommodates about a hundred muscular oarsmen.
Boat races are occasions of great excitement and entertainment with thousands gathered on the banks to watch and cheer. Most of these races are held in the Kuttanad Region
The boat races starts withChampakulam Moolam Boat Racewhich is held on thePamba Riverin the villageChampakulamon Moolam day (according to the Malayalam Era M.E) of the Malayalam month Midhunam, the day of the installation of the deity at the Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple.
WhenJawaharlal Nehruvisited Kerala in 1952, four traditional Chundan valloms went to receive him. A snake boat race was organized for him. He was so impressed that when he went back to Delhi, he sent back a gleaming silver trophy for a boat race. Even today, the 1.5  kmNehru Trophy Boat Raceis the most prestigious.
The Thazhathangadi boat race held every year on the Meenachil river, at Thazhathangadi, Kottayam is one of the oldest and most popular boat races in the state. In 1956, emperor of Ethiopia,Haile Selassievisited Thazhathangadi during his imperial tour of India, and witnessed the boat race. Subsequently winners of the race were given the Haile Selassie Ever rolling trophy.
Other renowned boat races are: Indira Gandhi Boat Race,Champakulam Moolam Boat Race,Aranmula Uthrattadi Vallamkali,Payippad Jalotsavam,Kallada Boat RaceandKumarakom Boat Race.
Important in the ancient history of South India, Kuttanadu is a region spanning theAlappuzhaandKottayamdistricts; it is well known for its vast paddy fields and geographical peculiarities. The region is the lowest lying of any in India and is one of the few places in the world where farming is carried around 1.2 to 3.0 metres (4 to 10 ft) below sea level. Four of Kerala's major rivers—the Pamba, Meenachil, Achankovil, and Manimala—flow into the region, and it is well known for its boat races.
Vembanad Lake, the largest lake in Kerala is at the heart of Backwater tourism, with hundreds ofkettuvallamsplying it and with numerous resorts on its banks. TheKumarakom Bird Sanctuaryis located on the east coast of the lake.
The major occupation in Kuttanadu is farming, with rice the most important agricultural product; it is the major rice producer in the state. This activity gives the area its moniker of "The Rice Bowl of Kerala". Large farming areas near Vembanad Lake were reclaimed from the lake. In 2013, theFood and Agriculture Organization(FAO) of the United Nations formally declared the below-sea-level farming system in Kuttanad asGlobally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems(GIAHS).
Kollam(earlier known as Quilon) was one of the leading trade centres of the ancient world, eulogised by travellers such asIbn BattutaandMarco Polo. It is also the starting point of the backwater waterways. TheAshtamudi Kayal, known as the gateway to the backwaters, covers about 30 per cent of Kollam.Sasthamcotta Kayal, the large freshwater lake is 28.5  km from Kollam city.
Islands are the eye-catching factors as well as the beauty ofLake Ashtamudi,Kollam. Most of these islands are potential tourism spots in thestate. TheIndian Railwaysalso planning to develop one of the islands inKollamfor a tourism project.There are big as well as small islands which are inhabited and uninhabited by human beings. There are more than 15 islands inAshtamudi Lake. The important islands inKollamare:
Paravur Estuarieslie near to the south-western coast ofKollam.The place is world-famous for its natural beauties, backwater locations, white-sand beaches and concentration of temples in every square kilometer.The peninsula ofParavuris one of the most visited inKollam district. Both north and south tips ofParavurtown have both peninsula and estuary.Pozhikarais north andThekkumbhagamis south ofParavur.One more estuary mouth inPozhikara, which is very close toPozhikaraDevi Temple, which has breached in 2014 under the supervision of Water Resources Department (WRD), after a long gap of 14 years.
MunroethuruthorMunroe Islandis a place surrounded by Kallada River,Ashtamudi LakeandSasthamkotta LakeinKollam district, Munroe Island is a cluster of eight tiny islands, Blessed with a number of criss-cross canals and zigzag water channels, this Island plays a host to many migratory birds from various 
countries around the world. You can watch birds such as Kingfisher, Woodpecker, Egret, Bee-eater, Crow pheasant, and Paddy Birds. There is yet another rare chance to see the traditional Indian spice plants such as Pepper, Nutmeg and Cloves. ([1])
The first community tourism programme in the State will start functioning from the MunroeThuruthu islands. Coir making is a
home industry to almost all the village living people. It is very interesting to watch the coir making by the village ladies with the help of weaving Wheels. They make the coir ropes by hand. In addition to this, on the way, you can see the process of extracting coconut oil from the "copra" [dried coconut]. Among the routine traditional engagements, duck, poultry farm and prawn breeding are common in all houses.
It is one of the freshwater lakes in Kerala.It is located in the city ofThiruvananthapuram, which is also Kerala's administrative headquarters.It is located nearer toKovalambeach.
Thiruvallam backwatersare just 6  km fromThiruvananthapuram, the state capital. Known for its canoe rides, Thiruvallam is becoming increasingly popular with tourists. Two rivers, the Killi and theKaramana, come together at Thiruvallam. Not far from Thiruvallam is theVeli Lagoon, where there are facilities for water sports, a waterfront park and a floating bridge. TheAkkulamBoat club, which offers boating cruises on Akkulam Lake and a park for children, is also a popular tourist attraction near Thiruvallam.
Wayanadis home to one of the state's freshwater lakes -Pookode Lake.It is also one of the 7 inland navigation backwaters in Kerala.Panamaram, the rivulet which ultimately becomesKabani River, originates from the Pookode lake.It is spread across an area of 8.5 hectares and with a maximum depth of 6.5 metres.
Kavvayi backwateris a stunningly beautiful backwater destination tucked away nearPayyannurin the district ofKannur.Kavvayi Backwatersform the biggest wetland in northKerala. With its five rivers, theKavvayi River, and its tributaries-Kankol, Vannathichal, Kuppithodu, andKuniyan– flows together to form the Kavvayi kayal.  Adorned with many small islands, a relaxing boat ride in these waters is the best way to enjoy the mesmerizing greenery of the surroundings.
Kasargodin north Kerala is a backwater destination, known for rice cultivation, coir processing and lovely landscape, it has the sea to the west and theWestern Ghatsto the north and east. Cruise options are Chandragiri and Valiyaparamba nearKavvayi Backwater. Chandragiri has situated 4  km to the southeast of Kasargod town and takes tourists to the historicChandragiri fort.Valiyaparambais a scenic backwater stretch near Kasargod. Four rivers flow into the backwaters near Kasargod and there are many small islands along these backwater stretches, where birds can be seen.
Kozhikode(also known as Calicut) has backwaters which are largely unexplored by tourist hordes.Elathur, theCanoly Canaland theKallayi Riverare favourite haunts for boating and cruising.Korapuzha, the venue of the Korapuzha Jalotsavam, is a popular water sports destination.
The coastal region ofMalappuramcontains the backwaters like Biyyam, Manoor,Veliyankode, Kodinhi, etc. Biyyam backwater which lies south ofBharathappuzhariver (which is also the second longest river of Kerala) is the largest among them. Biyyam backwater andConolly Canaltogether empties intoArabian SeanearPuthuponnanipromontory.
Two prominent writers in the region are Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai and Arundhati Roy.
Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai, (1912–1999), the Padmabhusan andJnanpithandSahitya Akedemiaward-winning writer, was born in Thakazhi village inAlappuzha district.He wrote in Malayalam. His novelChemmeenhas been translated into most Indian languages and several foreign languages.
Arundhati Roy(born 1961) was brought up in Ayemenem near Kottayam, and herBooker Prize–winningThe God of Small Thingsis set in Kerala.
A number of movies were filmed in the backwaters around Alleppey and other parts of the state.
Some other major movies include
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