thumb|A houseboat view from [[Vembanad Lake]]

thumb|Map of the backwaters in [[Kerala]]

The Kerala backwaters are a network of brackish lagoons and canals running parallel to the Arabian Sea along the Malabar coast of Kerala state in south-western India. It also includes interconnected lakes, rivers, and inlets, a labyrinthine system formed by more than of waterways, and sometimes compared to bayous. 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 the 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. In the midst of this landscape there are a number of towns and cities, which serve as the start and end points of backwater cruises. There are 34 backwaters in Kerala. Out of it, 27 are located either closer to Arabian Sea or parallel to the sea. The remaining 7 are inland navigation routes.

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. 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 along the backwaters. Palm trees, pandanus shrubs, various leafy plants, and bushes grow alongside the backwaters, providing a green hue to the surrounding landscape. Vembanad, covering an area of , is Kerala's largest lake. The lake has a large network of canals that meander through the region of Kuttanad. The important rivers from north to south are the Valapattanam , Chaliyar , Kadalundipuzha , Bharathappuzha , Chalakudy , Periyar , Pamba , Achankovil , Meenachil , and Kalladayar . 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 Lake is the longest backwater in Kerala, as well as the longest lake in India. The Kochi city, Kuttanad, Kumarakom, and Pathiramanal Island are located in this long backwater. The Vellayani Lake, the Pookode Lake, and the Sasthamcotta Lake are the freshwater lakes in Kerala. Sasthamcotta is the largest among them. The Kerala backwaters host three of the world’s Ramsar Convention-listed wetlands: Ashtamudi Lake, Sasthamkotta Lake, and the Vembanad-Kol wetlands are noted as being wetlands of international importance.

Tourism

Houseboats

thumbnail|right|A backwater in the [[Kollam region, c. 1913]]

thumbnail|right|Houseboat on [[Vembanad lake ]]

thumbnail|A houseboat at Biyyam backwater, [[Ponnani, Malappuram]]

Kettuvallam (Kerala houseboats) in the backwaters are one of the prominent tourist attractions in Kerala. More than 2,000 of these ply the waterways. The Kerala government has classified the tourist houseboats as platinum, gold, and silver.

The Kettuvallam were traditionally used as grain barges, to transport the rice harvested in the fertile fields alongside the backwaters. Thatched roof covers over wooden hulls, in length, providing protected from the elements. At some point in time, the boats were used as living quarters by the royalty. Converted to accommodate tourists, the houseboats have become floating cottages having a sleeping area, with western-style toilets, a dining area and a sit out on the deck. Most tourists spend the night on a houseboat. Food is cooked on board by the accompanying staff—mostly having a flavour of Kerala. The houseboats are of various patterns and can be hired as per the size of the family or visiting group. The living-dining room is usually open on at least three sides providing a grand view of the surroundings, including other boats, throughout the day when it is on the move. It is brought to a standstill at times of taking food and at night. After sunset, the boat crew provide burning coils to drive away mosquitoes. Ketuvallam are motorised but generally proceed at a slow speed for smooth travel. All Ketuvallam have a generator and most bedrooms are air-conditioned. At times, as per the demand of customers, electricity is switched off and lanterns are provided to create a rural setting

Impact on ecosystem

The unregulated proliferation of motorised houseboats in the lakes and backwaters has raised concerns regarding the adverse impact of pollution from diesel engines and outboard motors on the fragile ecosystem.

Economic significance

Connected by artificial canals, the backwaters form an economical means of transport, and a large local trade is carried on by inland navigation. Fishing, along with fish curing, is an important industry.

Kerala backwaters have been used for centuries by the local people for transportation, fishing and agriculture. The region has supported the efforts of the local people to earn a livelihood. In more recent times, agricultural efforts have been strengthened with the reclamation of some backwater lands for rice growing, particularly in the Kuttanad area. Boat-making has been a traditional craft, so has been the coir industry.

Ecological significance

Vembanad Wetland is included in the list of wetlands of international importance, as defined by the Ramsar Convention for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.

Boat races

Chundan vallams or snake boats are narrowboats over long, with a raised prow that stands above water and resembles the hood of a snake. Traditionally these were used by local rulers to transport soldiers during waterfront wars. In modern times, it has spawned a new sport – the Vallam Kali (boat race). Each Chandan vallam accommodates about a hundred muscular oarsmen.

Kollam

thumb|right|A houseboat - Scene from Trevally, [[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. There are both large and small islands, some inhabited and others uninhabited. There are more than 15 islands in Ashtamudi Lake. The important islands in Kollam are:

right|thumb|Aerial view of [[Ashtamudi Lake|Ashtamudi backwaters]]

  • Munroe Island
  • Chavara Thekkumbhagom
  • Perungalam
  • St. Sebastian Island
  • San Thome Island
  • Pezhumthuruth
  • Kakkathuruth
  • Pattamthuruth
  • Paliyanthuruthu (Palliyamthuruthu)
  • Neettum thuruth
  • Puthenthuruth
  • Poothuruth
  • Pannaykkathuruth
  • Veluthuruth
  • Neeleswaram thuruth

Estuaries of Paravur

thumb|right|Estuary at [[Paravur Thekkumbhagam]]

Paravur Estuaries lie near to the south-western coast of Kollam. It is world-famous for its natural beauty, backwater locations, white-sand beaches and concentration of temples in every square kilometer. 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. Another estuary mouth in Pozhikara, located very close to the Pozhikara Devi Temple, was breached in 2014 under the supervision of the Water Resources Department (WRD), after a gap of 14 years.

Munroe Island

thumb|Street View of Mundro Island

thumb|Boat view from Mundro 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. ([http://southernbackwaters.com/village.htm])

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.

Thiruvananthapuram

Vellayani Lake

thumbnail|[[Vellayani Lake]]

It is one of the freshwater lakes in Kerala. It is located in the city of Thiruvananthapuram, which is also Kerala's administrative headquarters. It is located nearer to Kovalam beach.

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.

Wayanad

thumbnail|[[Pookode Lake, one of the seven inland backwaters in Kerala.]]

Pookode Lake

thumbnail|[[Nelumbo nucifera in Pookode Lake]]

Wayanad is home to one of the state's freshwater lakes - Pookode Lake. It is also one of the 7 inland navigation backwaters in Kerala. Panamaram, the rivulet which ultimately becomes Kabani River, originates from the Pookode lake. It is spread across an area of 8.5 hectares and with a maximum depth of 6.5 metres.

Kannur

Kavvayi backwater is a stunningly beautiful backwater destination tucked away near Payyannur in the district of Kannur. Kavvayi Backwaters form the biggest wetland in north Kerala. With its five rivers, the Kavvayi River, and its tributaries- Kankol, Vannathichal, Kuppithodu, and Kuniyan – flows together to form the Kavvayi kayal. Adorned with many small islands, a relaxing boat ride in these waters is the best way to enjoy the mesmerizing greenery of the surroundings.

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 has 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.

Kozhikode

Kozhikode 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 sports destination.

Malappuram

The coastal region of Malappuram contains the backwaters like Biyyam, Manoor, Veliyankode, Kodinhi, etc. Biyyam backwater which lies south of Bharathappuzha river (which is also the second longest river of Kerala) is the largest among them. Biyyam backwater and Conolly Canal together empties into Arabian Sea near Puthuponnani promontory.

Literature

Two prominent writers in the region are Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai and Arundhati Roy.

Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai, (1912–1999), the Padmabhusan and Jnanpith and Sahitya Akedemi award-winning writer, was born in Thakazhi village in Alappuzha district. He wrote in Malayalam. His novel Chemmeen has been translated into most Indian languages and several foreign languages.

Arundhati Roy (born 1961) was brought up in Ayemenem near Kottayam, and her Booker Prize–winning The God of Small Things is set in Kerala.

Movies

A number of movies were filmed in the backwaters around Alleppey and other parts of the state.

  • Numerous Malayalam movies

Some other major movies include

  • Most scenes of Tamil movie Autograph and Kannada movie My Autograph
  • Crucial scenes in Tamil movie Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa and its remakes in Hindi Ekk Deewana Tha, Telugu Ye Maaya Chesave
  • Song "Jiya jale" and Scenes in Hindi movie Dil Se..
  • Hindi movie Tashan
  • Hindi film Alone
  • Tamil movie Kuselan

<gallery>

Image:Photos taken from a boat ride along the Kavvayi backwaters, Payyannur, Kannur (79).jpg|Kavvayi Backwaters, Kannur

Image:Paravur backwaters & beaches.jpg|Estuary in Paravur

Image:Kerala Water Transport DS.jpg|Public transport boat service in Kerala

Image:Around Alappuzha backwaters Kerala.jpg|Kerala Backwaters

Image:Kadaloondi puzha.jpg|Estuary in Kadalundi-Vallikkunnu border

Image:Puthuponnani (2).JPG|Puthuponnani promontary

Image:House Boat View DSW.jpg|Houseboats on Kerala water-ways

Image:C1common (16).jpg|Kerala Backwaters

Image:Tvm-veli-akkulam-backwaters3.jpg|Lagoon at Veli - Akkulam stretch, Trivandrum

Image:Paravur Lake, Kollam - An evening scene.jpg|An evening view of Paravur Lake, City of Kollam

Image:Tvm-veli-backwaters2.jpg|Veli Lake and Backwaters, Trivandrum

Image:Kerala backwater.jpg|Backwater in Ashamudi Lake

Image:Kerala Backwaters Cricket.JPG|Children play cricket in a narrow stretch along the backwaters

Image:Cherai Lagoon1.jpg|Lagoon near the Cherai Beach in Ernakulam

Image:Cherai Lagoon2.jpg|Lagoon near the Cherai Beach in Ernakulam

Image:Kerala backwater 20080218-11.jpg|A boat in a canal near Vembanad lake

Image:Kerala Backwaters Tour.JPG|Boats

Image:Kerala Backwaters, India.JPG|Local villagers

File:A Houseboat in Backwaters of Kerala.jpg|A Houseboat in Backwaters of Kerala

File:A Houseboat In Kerala Backwaters.jpg|A Houseboat In Kerala Backwaters

File:Kerala Backwaters at Dawn.jpg|Kerala Backwaters at Dawn

File:Boat Service Mundro.jpg|Boat Service in Munroe Island

</gallery>

See also

  • List of dams and reservoirs in Kerala
  • List of mountains in Kerala
  • List of rivers of Kerala

References

Notes

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  • Kerala Holidays - Tour packages and travel information related to Kerala backwaters