Alleppey/Alappuzha Backwaters
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Alleppey 'Venice of the East', figures prominently on the tourist trail
as one of the major centers for backwater boat trips, served by ferries
to Quilon and Kottayam in particular. One of the best-known ports along the
coast of Malabar, it is often referred to as the ‘Venice of the East’. Alappuzha
has the peculiar geographical feature of having the water in level with the
land. This gives the advantage of getting a closer look at the village life on
shore while on a backwater ride. |
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Sailing along in a ‘kettuvallam’ (houseboat) through the enchanting
backwaters of Alappuzha is sure to rob your heart. Palm fringed narrow canals
winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields and the neat tiny hamlets lined
up along either sides of the canals are sights one can never forget. One can
glimpse Chinese fishing nets, flocks of ducks swimming around the banks and tiny
birds flying across the sky. It is as close as one can get to feel the vibrant
life in the countryside of God’s own country. |
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With the Arabian sea on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh
water rivers crisscrossing it, Alappuzha is a district of immense natural
beauty. Referred to as the Venice of the East by travelers from across the
world, this backwater country is also home ot diverse animal and bird life. By
virtue of its proximity to the sea, the town has always enjoyed a unique place
in the maritime history of Kerala. |
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Alappuzha Backwaters [previously named Alleppey] is popularly
referred to as 'Venice of the East', owing to its picture-perfect
waterways and canals. It is a popular tourism destination. Whether it
is their first journey, or a return trip, travelers continue to
frequent the tranquil backwaters. The month of August is the
best time to visit Alappuzha. The region plays host to water regattas
featuring snake boats and country canoes of varying sizes. Alappuzha
Backwaters is renowned for the annual Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race
held on the second Saturday of August. |
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Large racing boats called 'Kali-Vallangal', propelled by over 100 rowers,
compete for the trophy instituted by Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minster
of India. Another significant race is the Payipad Boat Race, which takes place
over three days. It commences from the 'Onam' festival day. There is a snake
boat parade during the first two days while the contest takes place on the third
day. |
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A singular characteristic of Alappuzha is a region called
Kuttanad. The deltaic formation of four rivers converging into
the Vembanad Lake, Kuttanad lies 0.6 to 2.2 m below mean sea
level. The 75 kilometer long sparkling network of rivers,
canals, lakes, lagoons and tiny streamlets between Quilon and
Cochin and beyond to Thiruvananthapuram, of which the Kuttanad
(Backwaters) comprises of, are akin to a tropical land of
canals. This bewildering labyrinth of shimmering waterways
composed of lakes, canals, rivers and rivulets is lined with
dense tropical greenery and preserves Kerala lifestyles that are
completely hidden by road. Called the rice bowl of Kerala,
because of her wealth of paddy crops is at the very heart of the
backwaters. Yams and cassava which accompany the rice bowl as
"side dishes". This is the one of the places in the world where
farming is done below sea level (1.5 - 2 meters below sea
level). Inland waterways that flow above the land level is an
amazing feature of this land. Kuttanad is the heart of the
backwaters of Kerala. This beautiful countryside with its
waterways also has a rich crop of banana, Cassava and yam. The
scenic countryside of Kuttanad with its shimmering waterways
also has a rich crop of bananas. |
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