Backwater is a body of stagnant water connected
to a river. The backwaters of Kerala- meandering inland
lakes networked by canals - stretch to over 1900km.
Boat across these tranquil stretches are an experience
unique to Kerala. Large Kettuvalloms (traditional
country crafts over 60ft. in length) have been converted
into luxury houseboats for these cruises. Local Malayali
people call it Kayals.
Main
tourist attractions
Kollam(Quilon), Alappuzha(Alleppey) and Kottayam are
the principal backwater towns. And if you are visiting
the state in the late August/ early september during
ten-days Onam harvest festival, you can watch the spectacle
of the backwaters.
The boats cross shallow, palm-fringed lakes studded
with Chinese fishing nets, and along narrow, shady canals
where coir (coconut fibre), copra and cashews are loaded
onto boats. Stops are made at small settlements where
people live on carefully cultivated narrow spits of
land only a few metres wide, and there's the chance
to see traditional boats with huge sails, and prows
carved into the shape of dragons.
The backwaters of Kuttanad comes vibrantly alive as
the venue for the legendry snake boat races. Otherwise
the best season to enjoy this part of the country is
from December to February.
