The Kerala backwaters are a chain of brackish lagoons and lakes lying parallel to the Arabian Sea coast (known as the Malabar Coast) of Kerala state in southern India. The network includes five large lakes linked by canals, both manmade 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 low barrier islands across the mouths of the many rivers flowing down from the Western Ghats range.
Kerala has over 900 km of interconnected waterways, rivers, lakes and inlets that make up the Kerala backwaters. In the midst of this beautiful landscape there are a number of towns and cities, which are the starting and end points of backwater cruises.National Waterway No. 3 from Kollam to Kottapuram, covers a distance of 205 km and runs almost parallel to the coast line of southern Kerala facilitating both cargo movement and backwater tourism.
The backwaters have a unique ecosystem – freshwater from the rivers meets the seawater from the Arabian Sea. In certain areas, such as the Vembanad Kayal, where a barrage has been built near Kumarakom, salt water from the sea is prevented from entering the deep inside, keeping the fresh water intact. Such fresh water is extensively used for irrigation purposes.
Many unique species of aquatic life including crabs, frogs and mudskippers, water birds such as terns, kingfishers, darters and cormorants, and animals such as otters and turtles live in and alongside the backwaters. Palm trees, pandanus shrubs, various leafy plants and bushes grow alongside the backwaters, providing a green hue to the surrounding landscape.
Vembanad Kayal is the largest of the lakes, covering an area of 200 km?, and bordered by Alappuzha (Alleppey), Kottayam, and Ernakulam districts. The port of Kochi (Cochin) is located at the lake’s outlet to the Arabian Sea. Alleppey, “Venice of the East”, has a large network of canals that meander through the town. Vembanad is India?s longest lake.
Kerala Backwater Tourism
Kerala was placed among the `50 destinations of a lifetime’ by National Geographic Traveler in a special collectors’ issue released just before the turn of the millennium.
Kerala was placed among the `50 destinations of a lifetime’ by National Geographic Traveler in a special collectors’ issue released just before the turn of the millennium.
The kettuvallams (Kerala houseboats) in the backwaters are one of the prominent tourist attractions in Kerala. More than 400 kettuvallams ply the backwaters,120 of them in Alappuzha.
The kettuvallams were traditionally used as grain barges, to transport the rice harvested in the fertile fields alongside the backwaters. Thatched roof covers over wooden hulls, 100 feet (30 m) in length, provided protection from the elements. At some point of 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 house boat. 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-cum-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. Ketuvallams are motorised but generally proceed at a slow speed for smooth travel. All ketuvallams have a generator and most bedrooms are air-conditioned. At times, as per demand of customers, electricity is switched off and lanterns are provided to create a rural setting.
While many ketuvalloms take tourists from a particular point and bring them back to around the same point next morning there are some specific cruises mostly in the Alappuzha area, such as the one night cruise from Alappuzha to Thotapally via Punnamada Lake,two nights cruise from Alappuzha to Alumkavadi,one night cruise from Alappuzha to Kidangara,and one night cruise from Alappuzha to Mankotta. There are numerous such cruises.
Beypore, located 10 km south of Kozhikode at the mouth of the Chaliyar River, is a famous fishing harbour, port and boat building centre. Beypore has a 1,500 year-tradition of boatbuilding. The skill of the local shipwrights and boat builders are widely sought after.There is a houseboat-building yard at Alumkadavu, in Ashtamudi Kayal near Kollam.
Resorts in Kerala
Kumarakom, which was a sleepy town for years, has been transformed into a busy tourist destination with plush resorts around the Vembanad Kayal and the backwaters.
Kumarakom, which was a sleepy town for years, has been transformed into a busy tourist destination with plush resorts around the Vembanad Kayal and the backwaters.
Kerala Boat races
Chundan vallams or snake boats are narrow boats 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 chundan vallam accommodates about a hundred muscular oarsmen.
Chundan vallams or snake boats are narrow boats 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 chundan 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 of Alappuzha.
Aranmula Uthrattadi VallamkaliWhen Jawaharlal Nehru visited Kerala in 1952, four traditional chundan valloms went to receive him. A snake boat race was organised 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 km Nehru Trophy Boat Race is the most prestigious. It is held during the Onam harvest festival in August in Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha.
Other renowned boat races are: Indira Gandhi Boat Race, Champakulam Moolam Boat Race, Aranmula Uthrattadi Vallamkali, Payippad Jalotsavam, and Kumarakom Boat Race.
Kerala Backwater Regions
Kollam, Kerala
Kollam (earlier known as Quilon) was one of the leading trade centres of the ancient world, eulogised by travellers such as Ibn Battuta and Marco Polo. It is also the starting point of the backwater waterways. The Ashtamudi Kayal, known as the gateway to the backwaters, covers about 30 per cent of Kollam.
Kollam (earlier known as Quilon) was one of the leading trade centres of the ancient world, eulogised by travellers such as Ibn Battuta and Marco Polo. It is also the starting point of the backwater waterways. The Ashtamudi Kayal, known as the gateway to the backwaters, covers about 30 per cent of Kollam.
The 8 hours boat ride from Kollam to Alappuzha is the longest cruise in Kerala and is delightful ride with lotuses and water lilies all around.The historic Thangasseri Fort is near Kollam, which is situated 71 km north of Thiruvananathapuram.
Alappuzha, Kerala
With the Kuttanad region and the Vembanad Kayal nearby, Alappuzha (earlier known as Alleppy) attracts tourists throughout the year. The criss-crossing canals in the area evoke comparisons with Venice, but the differences are also substantial. Each has an identity of its own. Amongst the notable sights is the palm covered Pathiramanal Island in Vembanad Kayal, one hour by boat from Alappuzha.The place is famous for the snake boat races and also has a number of historic colonial buildings and a beautiful beach.
With the Kuttanad region and the Vembanad Kayal nearby, Alappuzha (earlier known as Alleppy) attracts tourists throughout the year. The criss-crossing canals in the area evoke comparisons with Venice, but the differences are also substantial. Each has an identity of its own. Amongst the notable sights is the palm covered Pathiramanal Island in Vembanad Kayal, one hour by boat from Alappuzha.The place is famous for the snake boat races and also has a number of historic colonial buildings and a beautiful beach.
Kuttanad, Kerala
The Kuttanad region is a vast area of partly reclaimed land, covered with bright green paddy fields, separated by dikes. The level of water is a few feet higher than the level of the surrounding land.It is an amazing labyrinth of shimmering waterways composed of lakes, canals, rivers and rivulets. Lined with dense tropical greenery, it offers a glimpse into rural life-styles of Kerala.Kuttanad is a backwater paradise and an ideal destination for a backwater cruise in Kerala. It is possible to drift along in a houseboat and enjoy the scenic view of the Kerala countryside.
The Kuttanad region is a vast area of partly reclaimed land, covered with bright green paddy fields, separated by dikes. The level of water is a few feet higher than the level of the surrounding land.It is an amazing labyrinth of shimmering waterways composed of lakes, canals, rivers and rivulets. Lined with dense tropical greenery, it offers a glimpse into rural life-styles of Kerala.Kuttanad is a backwater paradise and an ideal destination for a backwater cruise in Kerala. It is possible to drift along in a houseboat and enjoy the scenic view of the Kerala countryside.
Kumarakom, Kerala
The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Kayal, and is part of the Kuttanad region.Kumarakom is enthrallingly beautiful. The blue backwaters of Vembanad Kayal and the amazing shades of green of the vegetation, combines with the quietness of the place to make it an idyllic holiday destination. Many of the resorts also offer ayurvedic treatment.While Kuttanad is ideal for a house boat cruise, the resorts are the main charm in Kumarakonam. One can also take a boat trip in Kumaramonam It is located 15 km west of Kottayam. The bird sanctuary and the drift wood museum are added attractions.
The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Kayal, and is part of the Kuttanad region.Kumarakom is enthrallingly beautiful. The blue backwaters of Vembanad Kayal and the amazing shades of green of the vegetation, combines with the quietness of the place to make it an idyllic holiday destination. Many of the resorts also offer ayurvedic treatment.While Kuttanad is ideal for a house boat cruise, the resorts are the main charm in Kumarakonam. One can also take a boat trip in Kumaramonam It is located 15 km west of Kottayam. The bird sanctuary and the drift wood museum are added attractions.
Srinivas, a singer summed up: ?Imagine opening your eyes every morning to a sheet of still, blue water and majestic palm tress gently swaying in the breeze. To define the feeling in one sentence: Nature undisturbed by man is wonderful and inspiring, and Kumarakom is just that!?
Kasargod, Kerala
Kasargod in north Kerala is a beautiful backwater destination. Known for rice cultivation, coir processing and lovely landscape, it has the sea to the west and the Western Ghats to the north and east. Cruise options are Chandragiri and Valiyaparamba. Chandragiri is situated 4 km to the southeast of Kasargod town and takes tourists to the historic Chandragiri fort. Valiyaparamba is 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.
Kasargod in north Kerala is a beautiful backwater destination. Known for rice cultivation, coir processing and lovely landscape, it has the sea to the west and the Western Ghats to the north and east. Cruise options are Chandragiri and Valiyaparamba. Chandragiri is situated 4 km to the southeast of Kasargod town and takes tourists to the historic Chandragiri fort. Valiyaparamba is 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.
Thiruvallam, Kerala
Thiruvallam backwaters are just 6 km from Thiruvananthapuram, the state capital. Known for its canoe rides Thiruvallam is becoming increasingly popular with tourists. Two rivers, the Killi and the Karamana come together at Thiruvallam. Not far from Thiruvallam is the Veli Lagoon, where there are facilities for water sports, a waterfront park and a floating bridge. The Akkulam Boat club, which offers boating cruises on Akkulam Lake and a park for children, is also a popular tourist attraction near Thiruvallam. The backwaters around Thiruvallam are a beautiful sight.
Thiruvallam backwaters are just 6 km from Thiruvananthapuram, the state capital. Known for its canoe rides Thiruvallam is becoming increasingly popular with tourists. Two rivers, the Killi and the Karamana come together at Thiruvallam. Not far from Thiruvallam is the Veli Lagoon, where there are facilities for water sports, a waterfront park and a floating bridge. The Akkulam Boat club, which offers boating cruises on Akkulam Lake and a park for children, is also a popular tourist attraction near Thiruvallam. The backwaters around Thiruvallam are a beautiful sight.
Kozhikode, Kerala
Kozhikode (also known as Calicut) has backwaters which are largely ?unexplored? by tourist hordes. Elathur, the Canolly Canal and the Kallayi River are favourite haunts for boating. Kadalundi, with its beautiful bird sanctuary is a charming site. Korapuzha, the venue of the Korapuzha Jalotsavam is fast becoming a popular water sport destination.
Kozhikode (also known as Calicut) has backwaters which are largely ?unexplored? by tourist hordes. Elathur, the Canolly Canal and the Kallayi River are favourite haunts for boating. Kadalundi, with its beautiful bird sanctuary is a charming site. Korapuzha, the venue of the Korapuzha Jalotsavam is fast becoming a popular water sport destination.
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Sun 21 Sep 2008
India is virtually a Paradise for the tourists. We can not conceive of a single thing that the tourists may want to see, and is not available for the tourist to enjoy. The tourist has just to ask for it and there it is for him to see and enjoy. No matter what the choice of a particular tourist may be, India has it all, and that is why it is aptly said that India is a tourist?s Paradise.
India?s being an ancient civilization, its growth by the centuries can be seen and understood in so many ways. The old monuments speak of India of the ages past, they tell us of the bygone days, they show us the scripts of the older times, and above all, they go to show a tourist, India?s knowledge of art and architecture in the centuries so long back. Monuments like the Taj, Red Fort, Purana Quila the Qutab Minar, all go to show the efficiency of the Indian architect. His knowledge of architecture and knowledge of building material cannot be doubted. Besides these monuments, there are several other buildings like the Victoria Memorial, Gateway of India, Parliament House, the Secretariat and the Rashtrapati Bhavan all point at our History by the centuries. We have been ever so adaptable and consumed all the know how that invades our already deep knowledge of engineers and artists.
I say already knowledge because, even long before these monuments and buildings came into existence, we knew a lot about art, architecture and much more. This is proved by the much older caves of Ajanta, Ellora and Elephanta. These caves are a great attraction for the tourists as, in them we have shown the knowledge of the ancient Indians in the subjects of construction, building and besides this, also sculpture and painting. All this in one depicts ancient India?s deep knowledge of all the arts involved in making these caves, and are a credit to us.
Regarding places of worship also, India has a huge stock of places of worship of different religious sects. To see places of worship, India is dotted with houses of worship of all religions, the Hindus, Muslims, Christians, and the Sikhs. Besides these there are several Buddhist and Jain temples here in India. Hindu temples from the ancient temple of Vaishno Devi in the North to Kanchipuram in the South, India has hundreds of temples of different Gods and Goddesses. They will deplet to a tourist the different forms in which the Hindus worship the Maker, the One, the Omnipresent God. Throughout the length and breadth of the country there are umpteen temples big and small, in which the tourist will see a lot of religion, a lot of art, and a lot of devotion.
With the entry of the Muslims in India, Mosques have come to be build near almost every temple in India. This will make it clear to the outsider the love and understanding the Hindus and the Muslims in India have with each other, both the Hindus and the Muslims have had so much affinity with each other through the ages. The mosques brought with them Muslim architecture as an addition in India?s knowledge of the subject.
There are gurudwaras also found in every city of the country. The biggest and most beautiful gurudwara an attraction for the tourist being the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The dome of this gurudwara is gold plated.
With the advent of the British, also came into being the construction of hundreds of churches in India, the oldest being the St. Thomas Church in the South.
Besides the places of worship there are also other monuments and temples of the Buddhists and the Jains, which are also great attraction for the tourist.
If the tourist is a lover of nature then even India has enough to offer. The high mountains offer him plenty of scope for trekking and mountaineering, the huge sprawling plains show thim massive fields of growing crops, which offer a succour to his eyes. Can a tourist afford to miss the heaven that in India ? Kashmir? The State has been gifted by nature immense beauty of nature and of the humans there.
Besides all these scenes if the tourist wishes to see the of heard affluence and poverty of India which move hand in hand, he has ample opportunity. There will not be any place better than India for him to see progress and poverty so close to each other. For the affluence, he can move about in any five star hotels and restaurants, where he will not find India lagging anywhere behind any of its richer brothers. Theses places will be found humming with soft music, good international cuisines, and fine hosts and hostesses. On the other hand, if he wishes to partake of the opposite, also, he will not have to go very far for it. Just near the five star hotels, as the tourist comes over and just throws his vision at a little distance in the vicinity of the hotel only, he will find jhuggi clusters, which tell their own tales of misery and poverty.
For the tourist who is interest in wild life, he has no place better than India to see wild life in full bloom. In India there are several sanctuaries where the wild animals are preserved for the tourists to see and appreciate. Here the animals are not allowed to be killed.
Thus, we can see that, no matte what was the desire of the tourist visiting India, no matter what he is interested in seeing, he gets it all in India. I do wonder if there is any other country in the world which has so much and so many diverse attractions for the outsiders visiting the Country, as India has to offer. It is for this reason it can be really stated that India is the tourists Paradise.
India?s being an ancient civilization, its growth by the centuries can be seen and understood in so many ways. The old monuments speak of India of the ages past, they tell us of the bygone days, they show us the scripts of the older times, and above all, they go to show a tourist, India?s knowledge of art and architecture in the centuries so long back. Monuments like the Taj, Red Fort, Purana Quila the Qutab Minar, all go to show the efficiency of the Indian architect. His knowledge of architecture and knowledge of building material cannot be doubted. Besides these monuments, there are several other buildings like the Victoria Memorial, Gateway of India, Parliament House, the Secretariat and the Rashtrapati Bhavan all point at our History by the centuries. We have been ever so adaptable and consumed all the know how that invades our already deep knowledge of engineers and artists.
I say already knowledge because, even long before these monuments and buildings came into existence, we knew a lot about art, architecture and much more. This is proved by the much older caves of Ajanta, Ellora and Elephanta. These caves are a great attraction for the tourists as, in them we have shown the knowledge of the ancient Indians in the subjects of construction, building and besides this, also sculpture and painting. All this in one depicts ancient India?s deep knowledge of all the arts involved in making these caves, and are a credit to us.
Regarding places of worship also, India has a huge stock of places of worship of different religious sects. To see places of worship, India is dotted with houses of worship of all religions, the Hindus, Muslims, Christians, and the Sikhs. Besides these there are several Buddhist and Jain temples here in India. Hindu temples from the ancient temple of Vaishno Devi in the North to Kanchipuram in the South, India has hundreds of temples of different Gods and Goddesses. They will deplet to a tourist the different forms in which the Hindus worship the Maker, the One, the Omnipresent God. Throughout the length and breadth of the country there are umpteen temples big and small, in which the tourist will see a lot of religion, a lot of art, and a lot of devotion.
With the entry of the Muslims in India, Mosques have come to be build near almost every temple in India. This will make it clear to the outsider the love and understanding the Hindus and the Muslims in India have with each other, both the Hindus and the Muslims have had so much affinity with each other through the ages. The mosques brought with them Muslim architecture as an addition in India?s knowledge of the subject.
There are gurudwaras also found in every city of the country. The biggest and most beautiful gurudwara an attraction for the tourist being the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The dome of this gurudwara is gold plated.
With the advent of the British, also came into being the construction of hundreds of churches in India, the oldest being the St. Thomas Church in the South.
Besides the places of worship there are also other monuments and temples of the Buddhists and the Jains, which are also great attraction for the tourist.
If the tourist is a lover of nature then even India has enough to offer. The high mountains offer him plenty of scope for trekking and mountaineering, the huge sprawling plains show thim massive fields of growing crops, which offer a succour to his eyes. Can a tourist afford to miss the heaven that in India ? Kashmir? The State has been gifted by nature immense beauty of nature and of the humans there.
Besides all these scenes if the tourist wishes to see the of heard affluence and poverty of India which move hand in hand, he has ample opportunity. There will not be any place better than India for him to see progress and poverty so close to each other. For the affluence, he can move about in any five star hotels and restaurants, where he will not find India lagging anywhere behind any of its richer brothers. Theses places will be found humming with soft music, good international cuisines, and fine hosts and hostesses. On the other hand, if he wishes to partake of the opposite, also, he will not have to go very far for it. Just near the five star hotels, as the tourist comes over and just throws his vision at a little distance in the vicinity of the hotel only, he will find jhuggi clusters, which tell their own tales of misery and poverty.
For the tourist who is interest in wild life, he has no place better than India to see wild life in full bloom. In India there are several sanctuaries where the wild animals are preserved for the tourists to see and appreciate. Here the animals are not allowed to be killed.
Thus, we can see that, no matte what was the desire of the tourist visiting India, no matter what he is interested in seeing, he gets it all in India. I do wonder if there is any other country in the world which has so much and so many diverse attractions for the outsiders visiting the Country, as India has to offer. It is for this reason it can be really stated that India is the tourists Paradise.
Sat 9 Aug 2008
Happy monsoon….. .Enjoy the rainy season at Kerala
Posted by Kuttappan under Photo Blog , Travelogue1 Comment
Rain is sweet
It drips and drops
You can dance in the rain
And even drink the rain.
I love rain.
Rain is the water that falls from the clouds
From the beautiful sky at night.
I love the dancing rain that comes
And drips down.
It sparkles in the night of the moon,
On the leaves and on the grass.
Rain is so sweet.
Rain is clear and drips down to earth.
It feels wet and soggy.
It looks like tears from my eyes
Touches my heart and
Makes me happy.
I love the rain.
Sat 3 May 2008
Chamravattom is a village located 11 km away from Tirur, the cultural centre of Malappuram District in Kerala, India. This serene village is on the shores of river Nila ( Bharatha Puzha). The name Chamravattom originates from Sambaravattom, where there was a saint called sambaran who used to meditate near the river Nila. It has been made famous by the presence of a temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, which is situated 100 meters inward to the river Nila. There are a lot of pilgrims during the holy season of Mandalakalam in Kerala.
Sat 13 Oct 2007
Places to visit : Mumbai – Cochin – Periyar – Kumarakom – Allepey – Marari – Cochin – Mumbai
Duration : 09 Nights / 10 Days
The backwaters are best experienced while slowly punting down the labyrinth of canals in a traditional thatch-roofed houseboat, known as ‘kettuvallam’. An experience you will savour for a long time.
The houseboats are renovated cargo boats? kettuvallams? and are provided with all modern conveniences and comforts to make your stay a pleasant experience. To complement the traditional way of rowing using large poles, outboard engines are also provided. The boats are designed to facilitate a most eco-friently functioning.
A wide selection of beautiful routes are available for the cruises and you can choose one that suits your budget and time frame. Each route is comprehensive, serene and enjoyable in itself, extending to you a complete experience of kuttand.. The unique waterland of kerala.
Day 01: Abroad – Mumbai
Arrive Mumbai International airport. On arrival, the guest will be met by our representative and transferred to hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02: Mumbai
Morning, one hour boat ride across Mumbai Harbour brings you to the lush green Elephanta Island. Here, visit some of the huge and intricately carved Elephanta Caves that date back to the 8th century. For rows of massive columns cut into solid rock from three magnificent avenues, lead to the outstanding three-headed sculpture representing Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver and Shiva the Destroyer. Dedicated to Shiva, the beauty and power of these phenomenal sculptures depicting the various manifestations of Shiva is overpowering. Afternoon, City tour of Bombay – the great port city with its Victorian Gothic buildings from the British Raj Era mingling with the modern. The tour includes ‘Gateway of India’ overlooking the Harbour, the ‘Towers of Silence’, ‘Marine Drive’, the ‘Colaba Causeway’ – the commercial heart of Bombay and the Dhobi Ghat, the unique and colourful outdoor ‘laundry’. Drive upto the Malabar Hill to the lovely ‘Hanging Gardens’ and the Kamla Nehru Park from where you will get a wonderful view of Mumbai and the Arabian Sea, spread out before you. Also visit Mani Bhawan, a small museum dedicated to the life and works of Mahatma Gandhi, and the bustling Crawford Market. Overnight at hotel
Day 03: Mumbai – Cochin – Periyar
Morning transfer to the airport to connect flight to Cochin(0840 hrs / 1025 hrs) Upon arrival, meet & transfer to the hotel for lunch. Thereafter drive to Periyar (190 kms) Upon arrival at Periyar – check into hotel Periyar – Sprawling across 777 sq. kms. of the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats, Thekkady is the home to one of the largest wildlife reserves in India. Alive with exotic flora and vibrant wildlife, it is the perfect getaway tucked away among hills. Spice Village Resort is situated just outside the famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. This unique and deluxe village resort is set in a spice garden – with 37 cottages of thatched roofs which blend well with the surrounding greenery. Overnight at hotel
Day 04: Periyar – Kumarakom
Early morning boatcruise on the Lake of the famous Periyar wildlife sanctuary to see wild life. Periyar – an artificial lake or reservoir created by a dam on Periyar River is the heart of the Wildlife Sanctuary wild elephants, Asiatic Deer, Black Buck and even Tigers come to shores of the lake for a drink. Return to hotel for breakfast After breakfast a guided walk around the Spice Village to see the various spices grown in the resort garden. Thereafter drive through the winding “Ghats” lined with prosperous tea plantations & then arrive the fascinating countryside of low-lying palms and paddy fields to Kumarakom (190 kms) enroute visit the tea estates. Kumarakom – is a beautiful backwater village on the shores of the enchanting Vembanad Lake, criss crossed with meandering waterways and ancient cottages. A holiday in Coconut Lagoon promises to be different from any other. Every “tarawad” or cottage you stay in is at least a century old, reconstructed piece by piece in accordance with ancient rites of carpentry. Relax at the waterfront, with the occasional native row boat gliding silently by, and the air so calm, you can reach out and touch the sky with your finger tips. Overnight at hotel.
Day 05: Kumarakom – Houseboat on Backwaters
Morning at leisure at Coconut Lagoon, taking a cruise on the backwaters in traditional country canoes called “vanjis” to see the agricultural activities of the local people living on the back waters. Visit also the beautiful bird sanctuary. Lunch at the hotel Afternoon board the traditional rice boats – “Ketuvallam” and begin your journey through the picturesque backwaters and small lakes relaxing in the tranquillity of Kerala’s beautiful scenery. Experience the way of life and activity of the local people, the one bedroom house with a lounge is exclusively for you, meals will be served with freshly bought produce from the local markets and cooked on board. Overnight on board.
Day 06: Alleppey – Marari
Breakfast on board. Sail to Alleppey & disembark at Puthenagady Jetty. On arrival proceed directly to Mararikulam (30 kms) Mararikulam – is one of the picturesque fishing villages that dot the lovely coast line of Kerala. This private, shallow beach is fringed with unending lines of coconut palms. Rest of the day at leisure for own activities and enjoy the facilities of the Resort. Overnight at hotel.
Day 07: Marari
Full day at leisure for own activities and enjoy the facilities of the Resort. Overnight at hotel.
Day 08: Marari – Cochin
COCHIN – Popularly known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Cochin is the oldest European settlement in India. Frilled with backwaters and rich with old world charm, this city has lured many a great voyager to its shores. Arrive Cochin & check into hotel Tour of Cochin or “Kochi”- the palm green, commercial captial of Kerala is known as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea”. From time immemorial, Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, British & Portuguese seafarers followed the sea route to Kochi & left their impression on the town. Modern Kochi is thus a splendid mosaic of these myriad influences. Visit the Dutch Palace, the Jewish Synagogue, the Church of St. Francis, the Bolghatty Palace & the famous Chinese fishing nets. Afternoon, Harbour cruise – Cochin has one of the finest natural harbours. The backwaters extending to the east & south from the harbour are dotted with tiny islands, formed naturally by alluvial deposits from the rivers. Evening witness the Kathakali dance performance + make up demonstration – Kathakali is a unique dance which has a 2000 year old history with more than 100 different ‘mudras’ or gesture depicting deities, demons, heroes, heroines and kings – each based on episodes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana, the two epic Indian myths. Overnight at hotel
Day 09: Cochin – Mumbai
Morning transfer from hotel to the airport for flight to Bombay.(1055 hrs / 1240 hrs) Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel near airport. Room till departure. Midnight transfer to the airport for onward flight.
Day 10: Mumbai – Abroad
Leave Bombay Tour Ends
Duration : 09 Nights / 10 Days
The backwaters are best experienced while slowly punting down the labyrinth of canals in a traditional thatch-roofed houseboat, known as ‘kettuvallam’. An experience you will savour for a long time.
The houseboats are renovated cargo boats? kettuvallams? and are provided with all modern conveniences and comforts to make your stay a pleasant experience. To complement the traditional way of rowing using large poles, outboard engines are also provided. The boats are designed to facilitate a most eco-friently functioning.
A wide selection of beautiful routes are available for the cruises and you can choose one that suits your budget and time frame. Each route is comprehensive, serene and enjoyable in itself, extending to you a complete experience of kuttand.. The unique waterland of kerala.
Day 01: Abroad – Mumbai
Arrive Mumbai International airport. On arrival, the guest will be met by our representative and transferred to hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02: Mumbai
Morning, one hour boat ride across Mumbai Harbour brings you to the lush green Elephanta Island. Here, visit some of the huge and intricately carved Elephanta Caves that date back to the 8th century. For rows of massive columns cut into solid rock from three magnificent avenues, lead to the outstanding three-headed sculpture representing Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver and Shiva the Destroyer. Dedicated to Shiva, the beauty and power of these phenomenal sculptures depicting the various manifestations of Shiva is overpowering. Afternoon, City tour of Bombay – the great port city with its Victorian Gothic buildings from the British Raj Era mingling with the modern. The tour includes ‘Gateway of India’ overlooking the Harbour, the ‘Towers of Silence’, ‘Marine Drive’, the ‘Colaba Causeway’ – the commercial heart of Bombay and the Dhobi Ghat, the unique and colourful outdoor ‘laundry’. Drive upto the Malabar Hill to the lovely ‘Hanging Gardens’ and the Kamla Nehru Park from where you will get a wonderful view of Mumbai and the Arabian Sea, spread out before you. Also visit Mani Bhawan, a small museum dedicated to the life and works of Mahatma Gandhi, and the bustling Crawford Market. Overnight at hotel
Day 03: Mumbai – Cochin – Periyar
Morning transfer to the airport to connect flight to Cochin(0840 hrs / 1025 hrs) Upon arrival, meet & transfer to the hotel for lunch. Thereafter drive to Periyar (190 kms) Upon arrival at Periyar – check into hotel Periyar – Sprawling across 777 sq. kms. of the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats, Thekkady is the home to one of the largest wildlife reserves in India. Alive with exotic flora and vibrant wildlife, it is the perfect getaway tucked away among hills. Spice Village Resort is situated just outside the famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. This unique and deluxe village resort is set in a spice garden – with 37 cottages of thatched roofs which blend well with the surrounding greenery. Overnight at hotel
Day 04: Periyar – Kumarakom
Early morning boatcruise on the Lake of the famous Periyar wildlife sanctuary to see wild life. Periyar – an artificial lake or reservoir created by a dam on Periyar River is the heart of the Wildlife Sanctuary wild elephants, Asiatic Deer, Black Buck and even Tigers come to shores of the lake for a drink. Return to hotel for breakfast After breakfast a guided walk around the Spice Village to see the various spices grown in the resort garden. Thereafter drive through the winding “Ghats” lined with prosperous tea plantations & then arrive the fascinating countryside of low-lying palms and paddy fields to Kumarakom (190 kms) enroute visit the tea estates. Kumarakom – is a beautiful backwater village on the shores of the enchanting Vembanad Lake, criss crossed with meandering waterways and ancient cottages. A holiday in Coconut Lagoon promises to be different from any other. Every “tarawad” or cottage you stay in is at least a century old, reconstructed piece by piece in accordance with ancient rites of carpentry. Relax at the waterfront, with the occasional native row boat gliding silently by, and the air so calm, you can reach out and touch the sky with your finger tips. Overnight at hotel.
Day 05: Kumarakom – Houseboat on Backwaters
Morning at leisure at Coconut Lagoon, taking a cruise on the backwaters in traditional country canoes called “vanjis” to see the agricultural activities of the local people living on the back waters. Visit also the beautiful bird sanctuary. Lunch at the hotel Afternoon board the traditional rice boats – “Ketuvallam” and begin your journey through the picturesque backwaters and small lakes relaxing in the tranquillity of Kerala’s beautiful scenery. Experience the way of life and activity of the local people, the one bedroom house with a lounge is exclusively for you, meals will be served with freshly bought produce from the local markets and cooked on board. Overnight on board.
Day 06: Alleppey – Marari
Breakfast on board. Sail to Alleppey & disembark at Puthenagady Jetty. On arrival proceed directly to Mararikulam (30 kms) Mararikulam – is one of the picturesque fishing villages that dot the lovely coast line of Kerala. This private, shallow beach is fringed with unending lines of coconut palms. Rest of the day at leisure for own activities and enjoy the facilities of the Resort. Overnight at hotel.
Day 07: Marari
Full day at leisure for own activities and enjoy the facilities of the Resort. Overnight at hotel.
Day 08: Marari – Cochin
COCHIN – Popularly known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Cochin is the oldest European settlement in India. Frilled with backwaters and rich with old world charm, this city has lured many a great voyager to its shores. Arrive Cochin & check into hotel Tour of Cochin or “Kochi”- the palm green, commercial captial of Kerala is known as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea”. From time immemorial, Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, British & Portuguese seafarers followed the sea route to Kochi & left their impression on the town. Modern Kochi is thus a splendid mosaic of these myriad influences. Visit the Dutch Palace, the Jewish Synagogue, the Church of St. Francis, the Bolghatty Palace & the famous Chinese fishing nets. Afternoon, Harbour cruise – Cochin has one of the finest natural harbours. The backwaters extending to the east & south from the harbour are dotted with tiny islands, formed naturally by alluvial deposits from the rivers. Evening witness the Kathakali dance performance + make up demonstration – Kathakali is a unique dance which has a 2000 year old history with more than 100 different ‘mudras’ or gesture depicting deities, demons, heroes, heroines and kings – each based on episodes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana, the two epic Indian myths. Overnight at hotel
Day 09: Cochin – Mumbai
Morning transfer from hotel to the airport for flight to Bombay.(1055 hrs / 1240 hrs) Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel near airport. Room till departure. Midnight transfer to the airport for onward flight.
Day 10: Mumbai – Abroad
Leave Bombay Tour Ends
Sat 19 May 2007
Backwaters: Kerala’s backwaters and lagoons stretch over 1900 km.Kerala lives along these backwaters. They snake over the state physique, bestowing paddy fields with good harvests, and provide the whole village with drinking water and other facilities. The backwaters refer to the large inland lakes of Kerala. Today these backwaters act as vital water ways for the transport of people and produce. They are often the only link between remote, isolated villages and crowded town pockets. It’s an incredible experience to float on these soothing waters in a country craft to absorb this unusual representation of Kerala. Alumkadavu:Gliding along the calm and serene backwaters flanked by green leaves and palms, seeing a rural Kerala preserved through the ages and completely hidden from the road is an enchanting experience to any visitor, more so while sailing a slow-moving, spacious Kettuvallam.Alumkadavu, a quiet spot in the town of Karunagapally has become a hot point of building, with more than a hundred people involved.These huge, long and tapering barges were traditionally used to move tones of goods across kingdoms, with a portion covered with bamboo and coir serving as a rest room and kitchen for the crew. A familiar sight on the waters, these vessels are built entirely without using nails.Planks of jack wood are joined together with coir rope and coated with a caustic black resin made from boiled cashew kernels. With careful maintenance they last for generations.Today, widely and appropriately called houseboats, they carry furnished bedrooms, modern toilets, cozy living rooms, a kitchen and even a balcony for angling. Some are powered by a 40 HP engine. At Alumkadavu, you can even find a floating conference hall, designed to seat 35, with a dais and a sophisticated public address system. Calicut:Up north in Kerala, the meandering backwaters of Kozhikode waiting to be discovered. With a bewitching beauty of its own.North east of the city, offers an ideal jump-off base into the Canoly Canal – a name taken after its British builder and administrator. The canal links itself to the KallaiRiver which unhurriedly threads through the city and offers its shores to Calicut’s historic timber trade. The produce of which is believed to have even adorned the courts of King Solomon and Queen Sheba a few millennia ago.Further south Kadalundi with its charming bird sanctuary – haven to an amazing assortment of delightful water birds. Another river of the region – Korapuzha – is fast gaining popularity as the venue of the water sports festival – the Korapuzha Jalotsavam – staged every August. Kumarakom:Kumarakom, you could sail the backwaters in rented houseboats, which are poled by local oarsmen and are simply furnished with a living room, a bedroom and bath, together with a raised central platform creating a private sit-out for the passengers. Sections of the curved roof of wood or plaited palm open out to provide shade and allow uninterrupted views. Boat trains – formed by joining two or more houseboats together – make for a convenient mode of sightseeing when the company is large. You could even take a canoe out into the quiet lagoons and spend time angling. Make sure you sample Karimeen and fresh Toddy – the favorite fresh-water food and the local wine.This is an ideal place for backwater cruises. A beautiful backwater spot accessible from Kumarakom is Alleppey.On the shores of the enchanting Vembanad lake, 14 kilometers from Kottayam (travel time: 20 min), lies Kumarakom in its small-town hush. Redolent of restful ease.A boat ride into the countryside offers a close look into an engaging rustic life. Skiff-fishermen launching their cockleshell boats. Large flotillas of ducks waddling down to the water from thatched houses on the banks. Women, neck-deep in water, with their waist-length hair heaped in a crown, searching for fish with their feet.A 14 acre bird sanctuary is situated on the eastern banks of the Vembanad Lake. The sanctuary adds to the natural beauty of Kumarakom. Birds (waterfowl, water ducks, cuckoos, wild ducks etc.) nest and spend happy summers here. Birds like Siberian Storks migrate here every year. The sanctuary is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Alappuzha:The sweeping network of canals, honey-combing the town of Alleppey. Alappuzha has earned for the place its sobriquet – “The Venice of the East.” Small, low-slung country boats are the taxis of this waterland. It is a heart-warming sight to see them carry a motley assemblage of cycles, goats, fisherwomen with cane baskets, school children, toddy tappers with their knives and pots, duennas in white with gold earrings, Syrian Christian priests and a bare-chested boatman apiece. Do not miss out on a ride into Kuttanad through shimmering, green paddy fields and tail-wagging, head-bobbing groups of ducks. The coir-workers too present an interesting sight as they soak coconut fibre in pools, beat them out and weave the tough brown strands into long ropes on spindles stretched between endless coconut trees. Alleppey becomes the cynosure of the eyes of the world in August – September, every year, as it plays host to the celebrated Snake Boat Races – a water regatta unique to Kerala.Kochi , Queen of the Arabian Sea, believed to be the finest natural harbour in the world. With ferry rides commanding its breathtaking view. Cruise around man-made islands with lush green lawns sloping down to the water’s edge. Cochin is the oldest European settlement in India. Recording a history of visitors who came, saw and stayed for hundreds of years. Layered impressions – Chinese, Arab, Jewish, British, French and Portuguese, are contained within its environment. Giant Chinese fishing nets that billow from massive teak and bamboo poles dot the entrance to the harbour. Silhouetted against the setting sun, they present a magnificent sight at the waterfront. A narrow, palm-fringed island, easily accessible from the mainland is where the Bolghatty Palace is situated. The palace was built by the Dutch in 1744. Later, it became the seat of the British Resident of Cochin and today this has been converted into a hotel run by the KTDC. The palace has a golf course on its grounds.Quilon -[Kollam]-The charming old port city Kollam on the banks of the picturesque Ashtamudi Lake is now known more as the centre of cashew industry. Traces of a once prosperous trade with China are still seen in the form of Chinese fishing nets, huge Chinese water pots, blue and white porcelain and sampan-like boats. Quilon is an inviting gateway to backwaters. For an interesting backwater experience, take the regular ferry to Alleppey – a rigorous ride lasting more than 8 hours. As the old ferry putters from one village on the waterfront to another, you are treated to a full range of lives and activities and some of the most beautiful scenery imaginable. For the less intrepid, shorter cruises can be made in the larger comforts of the houseboats with idyllic villages such as Alumkadavu as your launch base. The nearest airport, Trivandrum, is 71 kms away. It takes fractionally over an hour to get to Quilon by road or rail from Trivandrum.Within hailing distance of the capital city Thiruvananthapuram is the Veli lagoon with a delightful waterfront park growing increasingly popular among the natives and tourists alike. Only a narrow sandbar separates the lagoon from the sea. You can opt for rides in motor-driven safari launches, power boats, pedal boats or row boats. Kayaks and hovercraft attract the brave-hearted. A floating bridge and a floating restaurant add to the overall excitement. The eastern end of the lake is flanked by two scenic hillocks coming through as a perfect hiking ground. 2 kilometers from Trivandrum Airport, The Veli Tourist Village on the outskirts of Trivandrum is a delightful waterfront park which has become extremely popular with Trivandrumites. It is a nice place for tourists with young children to spend an afternoon. There is lots for the kids to do, and they will meet many of their young Kerala counterparts, all of whom will be eager to make new friends and try out their English. The main attraction at Veli is water – a large inland lake, separated from the ocean by only a narrow sandbar. For a few rupees, rides can be had in motor-driven safari launches and power boats, or a family can drift about in a pedal-boat or a row boat. There are kayaks, and even hovercraft, for the more intrepid. While skimming over the lake, visitors will see the local fishermen readying their boats, working on their nets, or poling sand-laden barges.There is a floating bridge, and a floating restaurant too. Open every day; boat rides available at normal working hours, after which the lake reverts to the sole use of fishermen. For your tots, there is a tiny lake within the park, with sturdy, round “tub boats”, equipped with miniature paddles. A small cafeteria serves ice-cream, cold-drinks and snacks, and the grounds are dotted with interesting climbing sculptures designed by the well-known sculptor Kanai.There are pony rides, and an open air theatre. This serves as a center for cultural performances and, with the ocean as a backdrop, provides the setting for an annual arts festival. Check with the Government Tourist Office in Trivandrum for schedules of any special events. The park can be reached in a 15 minute taxi ride from Trivandrum. There are also special bus services to Veil from the city.Akkulam. Akkulam is one of the first picnic spots in the suburbs of Trivandrum. This place is only 10 kms away from the Central Railway Station. The spot is developed on the banks of Aakkulam Kayal (lake), which is an extension of the (lake). The calm and serene atmosphere and its unique natural beauty is fascinating for the tourist. The village consists of the Boat Club, Swimming Pool, Children’s Park, an Anthurium Project and a Snack Bar.The Backwaters Treatment Swaying coconut palms and meandering waterways create a magical charm to the land.Magic of the backwaters: a great and glistening web of rivers ,canals, lakes and estuaries where time flows at a measured pace and yesterday and tomorrow merge into an ever-lasting , jade-green, today. The bluish waterways and the green land mélange to create a mood that begger description. When you first encounter the backwaters they look unreal: slow flowing watery highways meandering between palm-hung banks. Clearly, the best way to encounter these water lands is to hire a houseboat. These long, broad-beamed, boats were once rice boats carrying mounds of grain from the Kuttanad , rice bowl of Kerala, to the great voracious cities. Then a complex of roads feathered out across the State and the rice boats lost business to the trucks. This is when the bright entrepreneurs of Kerala said: “Anything Kashmir can do, we can do better!” They bought rice boats from the out-of-work owners, made stately rooms, bathrooms, open-sided lounges, and kitchens, on board; employed the original owners as captains and crew on their own boats; brought in a chef and a guide, and were in business. You can, for instance, choose either to be part of the scene or, detachedly, away from it. Your houseboat, except when it ties up alongside in the firefly haunted night, is never so far away from the banks that you cannot share, vicariously, in the lives of the people of the backwaters. Yet, you are never really close enough to become intimately involved in their trials and tribulations. You can, with complete freedom, pick and choose your passing involvement as if you were plugged into a Virtual Reality experience. For the passengers, the backwaters’ houseboat experience is a step further on the rejuvenating trail. The environment of Kerala, the atmosphere of this green State, is therapeutic in itself. Just being in Kerala, as we’ve said, is a health-enhancing experience. But when you experience it in the peaceful drifting of a houseboat through the backwaters, you’re adding a deep dimension of serenity to your therapy. Squadrons of brown and white ducks paddle past, for little thatched-and-tiled settlements on the palm-shaded embankments. Women hang out bright pennants of washing while their husbands, with bare, bronzed, bodies, fish with rod and line, or flared filigrees of nets, or with bows and harpoon arrows, or even with spiked bamboo probes, extracting skulking crabs from water-lapped eaves of the levees. Everything here has a water-bias. The morning newspaper, an essential accompaniment to the first cup of tea, is delivered by skiff; water taxis convey spade-bearded Syrian Christian priests, school girls in blue skirts and white blouses, the fish-wives with plastic-lined baskets filled with mackerel; and a placid buffalo chewing the cud. All through the day, chug-chugging water-buses hoot and dock gently against coconut-trunk jetties; a multi-cared racing canoe flees in a flurry of spray; a fisherman in a circular straw hat bobs in his dugout, his lines stretched behind him in the late afternoon. The light softens and the sun is low and gold through the palms and you realise that you’ve drifted a whole day away: sipping coconut water, dining on fresh fish, crabs, steamed idlis and freshly roasted bananas with the taste and consistency of baked custard. A church bell peals the evening angelus and women, with scarves draped over their heads, hurry into a backwaters church. Lights begin to appear in the thatched and tiled houses of the backwaters, a dog barks, a cow moos asking to be milked, the sun sinks in a blaze of golden glory. Constellations twinkle bright over the palms, thrusting silver starlight into the dark water. Your houseboat nudges the bank and a boatman leaps ashore, carrying an electric lead. Soon lights and fans come alive in your floating home and crickets and frogs, disturbed by your boat, pluck up courage again and, tentatively at first, and then with increasing confidence, begin to sing their welcome to the approaching night. You fall asleep wrapped in tranquillity and to a little night music from the tiny, green choristers of the backwaters. Generally, a short session of backwaters serenity is enough to cure most of the ailments of urban “civilisation,” but if you have deeper disabilities of the mind, the heart, and the body you can walk further on Kerala’s rejuvenating path. You must seek out one of Kerala’s yoga, massage and Ayurvedic healing
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