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Kerala - Backwaters |
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Journey through backwaters of Kerala |
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| The Backwaters of Kerala - meandering inland lakes networked by canals - stretch to over 900 km. Boat trips across these tranquil streches are an experience unique of Kerala. Large Kettuvalloms (traditional country craftes over 60 ft. in length) have been converted into luxury houseboats for these cruises. |
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Kollam (former Quilon) |
The largest produces of cashews in Keralas, Kollam is the right place to stock that houseboat of yours before you set out. And so long as you are shopping, keep an eye open for spices and coir products... A country barge of yore, your houseboat will have a living room with an upper deck, one or two bedrooms (with attached shower and wc) and a kitchenette. Needless to say, there will be a couple of oarsmen, a cook, and if you so wish, a guide. As you drift away from Kollam, ask your oarsman to stop at Alumkadavu, the place where houseboats are made - and discover that not a single nail is used in the making of your holiday home! Now sit back and lose yourself as your boat glides silently forward on its eight-hour journey to Alappuzha.
Accessibility : 72 km (2 hours) from Thiruvanathapuram. |
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Kochi (former Cochin) |
The Queen of the Arabian Sea is an exquisite combination of the traditional and the modern. Of intense nostalgia and high revelry. So be ready for string of wonders. Giant Chinese fishing nets catch the glowing sun, sending you running for your camera. Antique masks give you the eye as you keep exclaiming in delight down Jew Street's shopping alley. Ancient mariners from arabia, China, Holland, Britian and Portugal have all left their mark on this beautiful island city. Half the fun of visiting Kochi is moving around on the local ferries. A conducted cruise through the winding waterways will take you to several quaint spots.
Accessibility : Kochi is well connected to all the cities in Indian by excellent air, road an rail network. |
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Alappuzha (former Alleppey) |
Alappuzha is famous for house boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine porduct and coir industry. Alappuzha os also home to Kuttanad, The rice bowl of Kerala, one of the very few places in the world where farming is done below sea level.
Accessibility : 64 km (2 hours )from kochi. |
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Kottayam, the land of lakes |
The Vembanad Lake, like a deep blue ocean stretches as far as the horizon. Beside it, tucked away amidst mangrove forest and coconut groves lies the sleepy little of Kumarakom, home to sprawling ethnic waterfront resorts. Here, in an exotic bird sanctuary, winged wonders from across the world perfect their concertos. But what will make you scream for more is the out-of-this-world cuisines.
Accessibility : 16 km from Kottayam town. |
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Kozhikode (former Calicut) |
Unexplored, unspoiled, the backwaters of Kozhikode hold great promises of enchanting holiday options. Elathur, the Canoli Canal and Kallai River are favourite destinations for boating. Kadalundi, ith its beautiful bird sanctuary is a charming site. Korapuzha, thevenue of the Korapuzha Jalatsavam is fast becoming a popluar watersport destination.
Accessibility : Well connected to all the major cities in Indian by excellent air, road an rail network. |
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Kumarakom |
Just 12km from Kottayam, this unique backwater destination situated on the banks of the Vembanad Lake is considered the gateway to the backwaters of Kuttanad. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a favourite haunt of migratory birds from across the world which makes it a reowned bird watching centre. Kumarakom is also a centre for houseboat cruises.
Accessibility : 88km (2 1/2 hours ) from Kochi.
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