BACKWATERS OF KERALA
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.
PREFERRED
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.
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