A
unique backwater destination situated on the banks of Vembanad lake. Kumarakom
bird sanctuary is a favourite haunt of migratory birds from across the world
which makes it a renowned bird watching centre. It is also a centre for houseboat
cruises.
Namaste presents yet another wonderful way to see Kerala in all its
splendor. Spice Coast Cruises. The traditional houseboat of Kerala is one of
the most enduring images of the backwaters - its natural, cocoon-like
profile complementing the surrounding countryside. One couple has the
exclusive run of the entire boat - ensuring privacy for honeymooners and
exclusivity for the discerning travelers - a personal cook and two boatmen
attend to guests.
It's an intricate network of innumerable
lagoons, lakes, canals, estuaries and the deltas of forty-four rivers that
drain into the Arabian Sea. Over 900 km of this labyrinthine waterworld is
navigable. The largest backwater stretch in Kerala is the Vembanad lake
which flows through three districts and opens out into the sea at the Kochi
port.
The Ashtamudi Lake (literally, having eight arms), which
covers a major portion of Kollam district in the south, is the second
largest and is considered the gateway to the backwaters.
The
Ketturvallom: Showcasing a unique heritage The kettuvalloms (houseboats) of
Kerala are giant country crafts, measuring up to 80 feet in length. It took
great skill and meticulousness to construct these giants by tying huge
planks of jack wood together, without the use of a single nail.
Today,
these goods carriers have been adapted to make the most exciting tourism
product in India, the luxurious furnished houseboat. A kettuvallom usually
has one or two bath attached bedrooms, an open lounge, deck, kitchenette and
a crew comprising oarsmen, a cook and guide.
Prefered Backwater Destination -
Kumarakom
(10
km from Kottayam): A voyage north of Alappuzha takes you to the rich green,
sleepy little village of Kumarakom on the Vembanad lake.
An enchanting picnic spot and a fast
developing backwater tourism destination, Kumarakom provides boating,
fishing and sight-seeing experiences that are truly exhilarating
An
exclusive attraction of this much sought after backwater resort is the
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.
The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is an
ornithologist's paradise and a favourite haunt of migratory birds like the
Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal.
A cruise along
the Vembanad lake is the best way to view the bird life.
Alapuzzha
Alappuzha
is one of the major centres for backwater tour in Kerala. The intricate network
of canals through this town has earned it the sobriquet "The Venice of
the East". Small but long country boats are the taxies of the water. The
coir workers present an interesting sight as they soak coconut fibre in pools,
beat them and wind the strands on long spindles stretched between an endless
line of coconut trees.
Kozhikode
In north Kerala, the cool backwaters of Kozhikode lie waiting to be
explored. This old commercial town attracts travellers for its history,
wonderful backwaters and leisure sports.
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