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Kerala Backwaters
The backwaters of Kerala have a unique ecosystem - freshwater from the rivers meets the seawater from the Arabian Sea in the backwaters in Kerala. 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 in Kerala. Palm trees, pandanus shrubs, various leafy plants and bushes grow alongside the Kerala backwaters, providing a green hue to the surrounding landscape. You can see the amazing flora and fauna of the backwaters in Kerala, while on Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater. The fisher folk and people who live along the backwaters in Kerala have a unique relationship with the Kerala backwaters. The backwaters in Kerala are the source of the local people's livelihood. The fish caught from its waters, the paddy, coconut and other crops harvested along its banks, the boats they build and use to transport them across the labyrinthine backwaters in Kerala, are all an integral part of their traditional way of life. You can see the traditional lifestyle of the backwaters in Kerala on tours to Kerala with Kerala Backwater. Experience an unforgettable journey to a magical realm when you travel through the backwaters in Kerala, on Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater. Alappuzha or Alleppey is famous for its boat races, houseboats, coir products, fish and lakes. Alappuzha remains prominent on the tourist trial of Kerela as one of the major centers for backwater boat trips. A host of boat races are held here during the harvest season ( between July and September ). Alleppey or Alappuzha is also known as the "Venice of the East" its was here that traders from across the seven seas came in search of black gold and souvenirs. Alappuzha or Alleppey is also home to Kuttanad, The rice bowl of kerala , one of the very few places in the world where farming is done below sea level. Kuttanad is a land of lush paddy fields and stretches for 75 Km sandwiched between the sea and the hills. The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake , and this small water world is part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres is a favorite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that live There in flocks are a fascination for visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands. An enchanting backwater destination, Kumarakom offers visitors many other leisure options. Boating and fishing facilities are available at Kumarakom. Holiday packages on the houseboats, traditional Kettuvalloms, are an out-of-this-world experience at Kumarakom. ByAir : From the Trivandrum International Airport it is a 171 Km (approximately 3 hours ride by road) to the Muhamma boat jetty. By Rail : From Bombay , Madras or Bangalore , you can take a train to Kerala. The best place to alight is either Cochin or Kottayam (the nearest railhead to the resort, just 16 Km away by road). Kottayam links you to all major cities in Kerala and India with numerous trains plying this route daily. From Cochin , you could also take a south bound train via the Alleppey route ( enjoy picturesque scenery as the route flanks the backwaters and the sea on its way). Alight at Chertala for a short 14 Km ride to Kumarakom. By Boat : If you have arrived at Trivandrum International Airport , come to Quilon by road or rail (takes just about one hour). From there, you can take the regular ferry service to Alleppey - a long and delightful ride on Kerala's backwaters. From Alleppey, it's just a short ride to Kumarakom. The nearest bus terminal, is at Kottayam, 14 Km away by road.
Come into Cochin ( 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. House boats in Cochin : Houseboats of Cochin are a unique way to experience the beauty of kaleidoscopic Kerala. Transportation of men and material using houseboats of Kerala is nothing new. Though, the concept of staying in houseboats of Kerala is gaining popularity now. Houseboats on backwaters of Cochin are a major tourist attraction. The houseboats glide on the backwaters of Kerala, with panoramic view passing by.
Kozhikode or Calicut , the former capital of the Zamorins and referred to as "the great province of Malabar" by the legendary Marco Polo, continues to attract visitors from distant shores. The city reeks of history and culture, making it the favourite destination of history buffs. Over the years, Kozhikode has become commercially important for textiles, seafood processing, timber and tiles. At the same time, traditional art forms like the ancient form of Kerala's martial art, Kalaripayattu has flourished. The land of the Malabar Mahotsavam, Kozhikode was recognized as one of the most important historical regions in Malabar. Today, in addition to the ancient monuments, the green countryside and the pristine beaches, the area boasts of wildlife sanctuaries, rivers and hills. The backwaters of Kozhikode are a great holiday destination. The Canoli canal and the River Kallai are good for boating while the bird sanctuary at Kadalundi is fast becoming a favourite with bird-watchers and nature lovers. Nearby is Korapuzha, where the Korapuzha Jalotsavam, a water sports festival, is becoming a regular with tourists. Popularly known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea , Kochi comprises a cluster of islands on the Vembanad Lake and is close to Kozhikode . Some of these picturesque islands have exotic names like Bolgatty, Vypeen, Gundu and Vallarpadam. The lake opens out into the Arabian Sea to form one of the finest natural harbours in the world and has made Kochi a fascinating blend of the cultures. The Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and British have left their mark on the city. As a result for the tourist there is the Jewish synagogue, the Dutch palace, the Chinese fishing nets and remnants of European and Asian architecture. Kochi is fascinating for the history lover and the general tourist. There are several quaint and interesting places to visit like Willingdon Island (a short boat ride from Kochi harbour), the Mattancherry Palace , the Jewish Synagogue, Fort Kochi and Bolgatty Island Reaching Kozhikode :
In the olden days, these monstrous flat-bottomed barges were used to move goods across the towns. A part of the boat was covered with bamboo and coir for the kitchen and crew. Such boats are still in use as goods carriers but over the last few years many of them have been transformed into pleasure palaces for tourists. These boats, incidentally, do not have any nails or screws joining the planks together but with careful maintenance last for many, many years. Wooden planks from the jackfruit tree are tied securely with the locally-made and easily available coir rope which is coated with a caustic black resin made from boiled cashew kernels. The modern-day versions of the kettuvallam is appropriately referred to as the houseboats and have all the qualities of a good home with furnished bedrooms, modern toilets, a living room, a kitchen and even a balcony for angling. While many still continue to use oars, others are powered by a 40 HP engine. At Alumkadavu, you might get a chance to see a floating conference hall, perhaps the only one of its kind in the world. Designed for 35 persons, it has a dais and a sophisticated public address system. Reaching Kollam:
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