Blog:WGS-B0002
Country:India
City/Region:Kerala Backwaters
Interest:Cruising on houseboats, exploring waterways, serene palm-fringed canals, Ayurvedic spas
Best Time to Visit:The best time to visit Kerala Backwaters is during the dry season, from September to May.
Nearest Airport:Trivandrum International Airport (TRV)
Table of Contents
Kerala Backwaters bird calls
Float along the tranquil Kerala Backwaters, where time seems to slow, and the soundtrack of nature takes center stage. Listen to the chorus of exotic bird calls echoing through the lush greenery. A heron’s squawk pierces the air, while a kingfisher’s chirp adds a playful note. The rhythmic flapping of wings overhead signals a passing flock of egrets. Let the symphony of bird calls guide you deeper into the heart of the backwaters, creating a soothing and immersive soundscape.
Kerala Backwaters village life
Glide through the Kerala Backwaters and witness the gentle rhythm of village life unfold. Hear the rhythmic tapping of a woman washing clothes against the riverbank and the cheerful chatter of children playing on the shore. The distant clang of temple bells marks the passing of time. The aroma of spices wafts from a kitchen, hinting at the flavors of a traditional meal. Experience the simple beauty of everyday life on the backwaters, where the sounds and routines are woven into the fabric of the community.
Kerala Backwaters unique spices
The Kerala Backwaters are a fragrant paradise, alive with the heady aromas of exotic spices. Breathe in the warm, earthy scent of black pepper drying in the sun. Let the sweet, intoxicating fragrance of cardamom fill your senses, followed by the warm sharpness of ginger. Catch a hint of cinnamon and cloves on the breeze, a testament to Kerala’s rich spice trade history. The backwaters offer a sensory feast, where the air itself is infused with the unique scents of the region.
Kerala Backwaters houseboat meals
Savor the authentic flavors of Kerala on a traditional houseboat journey. Fresh fish, caught that morning, is transformed into a fragrant curry, its fiery heat tempered by the subtle sweetness of coconut milk. Feast on plump prawns simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce bursting with spices. Delight in fluffy rice, fluffy appams, and a colorful array of vegetable side dishes. A houseboat meal is more than mere sustenance; it’s a culinary journey through Kerala’s vibrant flavors, enjoyed on the tranquil waters of the backwaters.
Kerala Backwaters ayurvedic massage
Immerse yourself in the healing touch of a Kerala Backwaters Ayurvedic massage. Feel the warmth of herbal oils as they soothe your skin, easing tension and nourishing your body. Let the skilled hands of the therapist knead away muscle tightness, promoting circulation and a sense of deep relaxation. The delicate scent of essential oils fills the air, enhancing the tranquil atmosphere. Experience the revitalizing power of Ayurveda on the tranquil backwaters, a transformative experience for both body and mind.
Kerala Backwaters sunrise soundscape
Witness the magic of a Kerala Backwaters sunrise, a symphony of awakening sounds. The gentle lapping of water against the hull of your houseboat provides a soothing rhythm. Birdsong erupts from the palm trees, a chorus of chirps and calls celebrating the new day. Monkeys chatter in the distance, their voices echoing across the water. As the sun peeks over the horizon, the backwaters come alive with the soft sounds of village life beginning to stir, promising a day of exploration and discovery.
Kerala Backwaters palm frond crafts
Discover the artistry of Kerala Backwaters palm frond crafts. Feel the smooth, dry texture of woven palm fronds as they transform into intricate baskets, hats, and mats. Hear the gentle rustling as skilled hands intertwine the strands, creating intricate patterns. Admire the vibrant colors and unique designs, showcasing a traditional craft passed down through generations. Kerala Backwaters palm frond crafts are both a visual and tactile experience, highlighting the natural resources and craftsmanship of the region.
Kerala Backwaters fishing traditions
Witness the time-honored traditions of Kerala Backwaters fishing. Hear the gentle splash of a hand-cast net unfurling across the water’s surface and the soft ripple as it sinks below. Watch with anticipation as fishermen patiently haul in their nets, revealing a bounty of glistening fish. Learn about traditional techniques such as Chinese fishing nets with their graceful silhouettes, and the quiet skill required for spear fishing. The Kerala Backwaters are not just a picturesque landscape, but a place where traditional fishing practices continue to thrive.
Things to Do
- Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: Spot over 140 species of birds in this lush haven.
- Munnar Hill Station: Breathe in the crisp mountain air and marvel at rolling tea plantations.
- Alleppey Beach: Relax on the golden sands and soak in the Arabian Sea views.
- Kuttanad “Rice Bowl of Kerala”: Explore the unique landscape of paddy fields and canals.
- Aranmula Snake Boat Race: Witness the thrilling annual boat race, a vibrant spectacle.
Nearest Airport and Best Time to Visit
Getting There:
The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport (TRV) with convenient connections to major cities in India and abroad.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Kerala Backwaters is during the dry season, from September to May. The weather is pleasant, with sunny skies and minimal rainfall. The peak season is December to February, when prices can be higher. Monsoon season (June to August) offers a different experience, with lush greenery and occasional showers.
Let the Kerala Backwaters weave their magic on you. This timeless journey promises not just breathtaking landscapes, but also a deeper connection to nature, culture, and the rhythm of life itself.
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Kerala Backwater History
Ancient Origins
- Formation: The backwaters formed over centuries due to wave and shore currents creating low barrier islands across the mouths of rivers flowing down from the Western Ghats.
- Early Inhabitants: Communities have lived alongside the backwaters for millennia, utilizing them for transportation, fishing, and agriculture.
Trade and Cultural Exchange
- Spice Route Hub: Kerala was a crucial link in ancient maritime trade routes, with ports like Muziris handling goods from the Roman Empire, Arabia, and China. The backwaters facilitated the transport of spices and other commodities.
- Diverse Influences: Over centuries, the backwaters saw traders, explorers, and missionaries from different cultures pass through, shaping Kerala’s unique blend of traditions.
Colonial Period
- Portuguese, Dutch, and British: European powers established trading posts and influenced the region, with the backwaters playing a role in power struggles.
- Transportation Network: The backwaters continued to be a vital transportation network for local goods and trade under colonial rule.
Modern Era
- Rice Cultivation and Reclamation: Some backwater areas were converted for rice farming (particularly in the Kuttanad region), altering the water network’s landscape.
- Houseboat Tourism Boom: In recent decades, the backwaters have become synonymous with picturesque houseboat cruises, attracting tourists worldwide.
- Balancing Development and Conservation: The need to balance tourism development with ecological preservation of the fragile backwater ecosystem remains an ongoing concern.
Important Considerations
- Living History: The backwaters aren’t just a geographical feature; they’re intertwined with the culture and lives of the people of Kerala.
- Environmental Challenges: The backwaters face issues like pollution, overexploitation of resources, and the impacts of climate change.
Resources for Further Learning
- Kerala Tourism Website: https://www.keralatourism.org/
Some interesting facts
- Alleppey Backwaters. Alleppey is the most popular backwater place in Kerala.
- Kumarakom Backwaters.
- Kollam Backwaters.
- Kasargod Backwaters.
- Kozhikode Backwaters.
- Kochi Backwaters.
- Trivandrum Backwaters.
- Kavvayi Backwaters.
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 water in the Kerala backwaters Alleppey and Kumarokom is not suitable for swimming. 230,160 liters of wastewater reaches the largest lake in the Backwaters each day. Plus, 26.9% of water sources in Kerala are completely polluted and 46.1% are partly polluted, according to the Fauna Journal.
The place is called backwaters because the lake water is actually fresh river water that comes down from the river and is then used for the paddy fields whenever the need be, and later the lake water as it goes ahead, merges with the ocean in Kochi.
Sasthamkotta Lake also referred to as the Queen of Lakes is 29 kilometres from Kollam city. As the largest freshwater lake in Kerala, it has been a popular destination for travellers. Sasthamkotta is home to the historic Sastha temple.
While dealing with water bodies make sure that you will be completely safe and secure. The Kerala houseboats are completely safe for families, couples and even solo travelers. There will be alleppey boat house crew available all the time inside the houseboats for the guests for any help.
Alleppey Houseboats price starting from 2169 Rs to 47170 Rs.
Kerala is blessed with some magnificent mountain ranges, peaceful backwaters, lagoons & lakes, and other natural wonders including Athirapally Waterfalls, misty hill stations of Munnar & Wayanad and the thrilling Periyar wildlife sanctuary and the palm-lined beaches of Kovalam & Varkala.