Kerala backwaters

It also includes interconnected lakes, rivers, and inlets, a labyrinthine system formed by more than 900 km (560 mi) of waterways, and sometimes compared to bayous.

[3] 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.

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.

[5] The backwaters have a unique ecosystem: freshwater from the rivers meets the seawater from the Arabian Sea.

[6][7] 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 alongside the backwaters.

Palm trees, pandanus shrubs, various leafy plants, and bushes grow alongside the backwaters, providing a green hue to the surrounding landscape.

[7] National Waterway 3 from Kollam to Kottappuram, covers a distance of 205 km (127 mi) and runs almost parallel to the coastline of southern Kerala facilitating both cargo movement and backwater tourism.

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, 100 ft (30 m) in length, providing protected from the elements.

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.

At times, as per the demand of customers, electricity is switched off and lanterns are provided to create a rural setting[6][7] Beypore, located 10 km (6.2 mi) south of Kozhikode at the mouth of the Chaliyar River, is a famous fishing harbour, port and boatbuilding centre.

[6] The Kerala State Water Transport Department operates ferries for passengers as well as tourists.

[6] 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.

Connected by artificial canals, the backwaters form an economical means of transport, and a large local trade is carried on by inland navigation.

In more recent times, agricultural efforts have been strengthened with the reclamation of some backwater lands for rice growing, particularly in the Kuttanad area.

The crops are grown on the low-lying ground and irrigated with fresh water from the canal and waterways connected to Vembanad lake.

[6] Boat races are occasions of great excitement and entertainment with thousands gathered on the banks to watch and cheer.

In 1956, emperor of Ethiopia, Haile Selassie visited Thazhathangadi during his imperial tour of India, and witnessed the boat race.

Important in the ancient history of South India, Kuttanadu is a region spanning the Alappuzha and Kottayam districts; it is well known for its vast paddy fields and geographical peculiarities.

The region is the lowest lying of any 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.

[11] 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.

[14] The place is world-famous for its natural beauties, backwater locations, white-sand beaches and concentration of temples in every square kilometer.

Among the routine traditional engagements, duck, poultry farm and prawn breeding are common in all houses.

Not far from Thiruvallam is the Veli Lagoon, where there are facilities for water sports, a waterfront park and a floating bridge.

Adorned with many small islands, a relaxing boat ride in these waters is the best way to enjoy the mesmerizing greenery of the surroundings.

Biyyam backwater and Conolly Canal together empties into Arabian Sea near Puthuponnani promontory.

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.