| The breathtaking backwaters capture the beauty of the unhurried village life of rural Kerala with it's enchanting web of majestic canals, lakes and lagoons that link the remote islands and villages with the mainland. |
| Kollam |
Though backwater tourism in the state has always been associated with canals of Alleppey, a cruise through the serpentine waterways of Kollam is sure to enmesh you in an eternal love triangle.
Placid lakes with beautiful and luxurious houseboats, lush green-fringed palms rippling on the emerald green waters and Chinese fishing nets patiently waiting for their prey, all make Kollam an ideal destination for the tourists.
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| Kumarakom |
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Kottayam has a vast network of rivers and canals, which empty into the great expanse of water called the Vembanad Lake , 16 km from Kottayam town.
The lake, an enchanting picnic spot and a fast-developing backwater tourism destination, provides boating, fishing and sightseeing experiences, which are truly exhilarating. |
| Kuttanad |
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Kuttanad is an expanse of waterlogged land, lying below sea level. Often, the level of water here is higher than that of the green paddy fields on either side.
Kuttanad bears a strong resemblance to Holland in terms of geographical features. Three rivers- the Pamba, the Manimala and the Achankovil criss-cross this region, popularly called 'The Rice Bowl' of Kerala, before flowing into the Vembanad Lake . |
Malampuzha
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Malampuzha, a little township on the foothills of the Western Ghats takes its name from the river Malampuzha. Nurtured by this tributary of Kerala's longest river, the Bharathappuzha, Malampuzha is a lush green town and has been a major tourist attraction for its trekking trails and the large irrigation dam.
Around the reservoir of the dam are beautiful gardens and amusement parks. Boating facilities are available on the lake. |
| Poovar |
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An innovative range of tourist accommodation, "Floats", a cluster of 10 floating cottages, is getting ready for occupation at Poovar 30 km from Thiruvananthapuram.
The cottages are located at the meeting point of the Neyyar river, the Arabian Sea and a stretch of backwaters.They are built on platforms made of fibre, steel and ferrocement, in the traditional Kerala style of architecture.
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| Houseboats |
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The houseboats of Kerala have become one of the most exciting tourism products in India . These huge barges,which were traditionally used to carry goods, are called Kettuvallams and measure upto 80 feet in length.
These boats are constructed with great skill and meticulousness by tying huge planks of jackwood together and coated with a caustic black resin made from boiled cashew kernels. |
Chandragiri |
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Situated on the banks of the Chandragiri river in Kasaragod district, this destination is known for its large 17th century fort. This fort offers a breathtaking view of the river and the Arabian Sea . It is also a vantage point to watch the sunset.
The ancient Kizhur temple nearby celebrates a grand annual festival called 'Pattutsavam'. |
| Kettuvallam |
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Kerala's backwaters stretch over 1,500 km with a network of over 40 rivers, lagoons and lakes. Palm-fringed canals wind through vast paddy fields with tiny hamlets lined on either side.The breathtaking natural beauty of the backwaters makes it a rewarding travel experience.
Kerala's heartland is a network of lagoons, canals, lakes, palms and paddy stretches, eyecatchingly green all the way. The serene ambience entwines you with the beauty and the elements of nature.
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Mattuppetty Lake |
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A nature lover's paradise, Mattuppetty Lake is nestled on the hills of Idukki, one of the most nature-rich districts of Kerala. The calm, tranquil waters of the Mattuppetty Lake , at an altitude of 1,700 m above sea level, lies along 13 km.
A boat cruise on the lake is the best way to experience the idyllic destination. The District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) at Idukki is providing speed boats, motor boats, pedal boats and row boat facilities at the lake.
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| Pathiramanal |
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One and a half hour drive by motor boat or 30 minutes by speed boat from Alappuzha, Alappuzha district, south Kerala.
Pathiramanal, a small island on the backwaters of Alappuzha, is a haven for hundreds of rare birds migrating from different parts of the world.
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Pookkot Lake |
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It's not just a natural fresh-water lake on the Western Ghats . The Pookkot Lake is the only one of its kind in Kerala. It sports a fresh-water aquarium with numerous varieties of fish. At 2,100 metres above sea level the Pookkot Lake is a tourist's paradise.
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| Q S T & R Block
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The rice fields here are four to ten feet below sea level. Extensive track of fertile land is reclaimed from the backwaters, for which, the water is held at bay with the help of dykes resembling those in Holland . This is a unique illustration of the indigenous agricultural engineering skills of the ancients. |
Veli Tourist Village |
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The long, undulating shoreline of Kerala is broken by lagoons that merge into inland lakes to form some of the most picturesque picnic spots. One such is the Veli lagoon, separated from the Arabian Sea by a narrow sand bar. |
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