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 (including
Ashtamudi Kayal and
Vembanad Kayal) linked by 1500 km of canals, both manmade and natural, fed by 38 rivers, and extending virtually the entire 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.
Vembanad lake is the largest of the lakes, covering an area of 200 sq km, and bordered by
Alappuzha (Alleppey),
Kottayam, and
Ernakulam districts. The port of
Kochi (Cochin) is located at the lake's outlet to the Arabian Sea. Alleppey, "
Venice of the East" has a large network of canals that meander through the town. The
Vallam Kali (the Snake Boat Race) held every year in August is a major attraction.
Ashtamudi Lake is located in
Kollam District, and the town of
Kollam (Quilon) lies at its outlet.
Connected by artificial canals, the backwaters form an economical means of transit, and a large local trade is carried on by inland navigation. Fishing and fishcuring is an important industry.
Kettuvallam (Kerala houseboats) in the backwaters are one of the best tourist attractions in Kerala.
*
Kettuvallam*
Houseboat*
Vallam Kali - Boat race
Image:Around Alappuzha backwaters Kerala.jpg|Kerala Backwaters.Image:KeralaHouseBoat.JPG|Kettuvallam (Houseboats) on Kerala water-ways.Image:C1common (16).jpg|Kerala Backwaters.
