BACKWATERS

Introduction:

Backwaters of South India

Kerala Backwaters: 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 man made 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.

The Kerala Backwaters are a network of interconnected canals, rivers, lakes and inlets, a
labyrinthine system formed by more than 900 km of waterways, and sometimes compared to the
American Bayou.[1] In the midst of this landscape there are a number of towns and cities, which
serve as the starting and end points of backwater cruises.[2] National Waterway 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.[3] The important rivers from
north to south are the Valapattanam river (110 km.), Chaliar (69 km.), Kadalundipuzha
(130 km.), Bharathapuzha (209 km.), Chalakudy river (130 km.), Periyar (244 km), Pamba
(176 km), Achancoil (128 km.) and Kalladayar (121 km.). Other than these, there are 35 more
small rivers and rivulets flowing down from the Ghats. Most of these rivers are navigable up to
the midland region, in country crafts.

Vembanad is the largest of the lakes, covering an area of 2033 km². The lake has a large network
of canals that meander through the region of Kuttanad.

The backwaters have a unique ecosystem: freshwater from the rivers meets the seawater from the
Arabian Sea. A barrage has been built near Thanneermukkom, so 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.[3][4]

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
Backwater regions
Kuttanad

A houseboat - Scene from Nedumudi, Kuttanad

Kuttanadu is a region covering the Alappuzha and Kottayam Districts, in the state of Kerala,
India, well known for its vast paddy fields and geographical peculiarities. The region has the
lowest altitude in India, and is one of the few places in the world where farming is carried around
1.2 to 3.0 metres (4 to 10 ft) below sea level. Four of Kerala's major rivers, the Pamba,
Meenachil, Achankovil and Manimala flow into the region. Kuttanadu is historically important
in the ancient history of South India and is the major rice producer in the state. It is also well
known for its boat races.

Vembanad Lake, the largest lake in Kerala is at the heart of the Backwater tourism with
hundreds of kettuvallams plied on it and numerous resorts on its banks. The Kumarakom Bird
Sanctuary is located on the east coast of the lake. The lake has become a major tourist attraction

The major occupation in Kuttanadu is farming, with rice the most important agricultural product.
This activity gives the area its moniker of "The Rice Bowl of Kerala". Large farming areas near
Vembanad Lake were reclaimed from the lake. In 2013 the Food and Agriculture Organisation
(FAO) of the United Nations formally declared the below sea-level farming system in Kuttanad
as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS).[9]

Kollam

A houseboat - Scene from Thevally, 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.[3] Sasthamcotta Kayal, the large fresh water lake is 28.5 km from
Kollam city.

Islands of Kollam
Main article: Islands of Kollam

Islands are the eye-catching factors as well as the beauty of Lake Ashtamudi, Kollam. Most of
these islands are potential tourism spots in the state. The Indian Railways also planning to
develop one of the islands in Kollam for a tourism project.[10] There are big as well as small
islands which are inhabited and uninhabited by human beings. There are more than 15 islands in
Ashtamudi Lake. The important islands in Kollam are:[11]

Aerial view of Ashtamudi backwaters

Estuaries of Paravur

Estuary at Paravur Thekkumbhagam

Main article: Estuaries of Paravur

Paravur Estuaries lie near to the south-western coast of Kollam.[12] The place is world-famous for
its natural beauties, backwater locations, white-sand beaches and concentration of temples in
every square kilometer.[13] The peninsula of Paravur is one of the most visited in Kollam district.
Both north and south tips of Paravur town have both peninsula and estuary. Pozhikara is north
and Thekkumbhagam is south of Paravur.[12][14] One more estuary mouth in Pozhikara, which is
very close to Pozhikara Devi Temple, which has breached in 2014 under the supervision of
Water Resources Department (WRD), after a long gap of 14 years.[15]

Munroe Island

Main article: Munroe Island

Munroethuruth or Munroe Island is a place surrounded by Kallada River, Ashtamudi Lake and
Sasthamkotta Lake in Kollam district, Munroe Island is a cluster of eight tiny islands, Blessed
with a number of criss-cross canals and zigzag water channels, this Island plays a host to many
migratory birds from various countries around the world. You can watch birds such as
Kingfisher, Woodpecker, Egret, Bee-eater, Crow pheasant, and Paddy Birds. There is yet another
rare chance to see the traditional Indian spice plants such as Pepper, Nutmeg and Cloves.([1])

The first community tourism programme in the State will start functioning from the
MunroeThuruthu islands. Coir making is a home industry to almost all the village living people.
It is very interesting to watch the coir making by the village ladies with the help of weaving
Wheels. They make the coir ropes by hand. In addition to this, on the way, you can see the
process of extracting coconut oil from the "copra" [dried coconut]. Among the routine traditional
engagements, duck, poultry farm and prawn breeding are common in all houses.

Kasargod

Kasargod in north Kerala is a 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 near Kavvayi Backwater. 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

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.

Kozhikode

Kozhikode (also known as Calicut) has backwaters which are largely unexplored by tourist
hordes. Elathur, the Canoly Canal and the Kallayi River are favourite haunts for boating and
cruising. Korapuzha, the venue of the Korapuzha Jalotsavam, is a popular water sport
destination.alongside the backwaters. Palm trees, pandanus shrubs, various leafy plants and
bushes grow alongside the backwaters, providing a green hue to the surrounding landscape.[4]