Page 640 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - India

638  SOUTH INDIA

5 Backwaters Tour
Alappuzha • Vembanad Lake
A cruise along the backwaters is one of the most
enchanting experiences that Kerala offers. Exploring this Ambalapulai •
labyrinthine network of waterways, which weave through
villages set amidst lush vegetation, offers glimpses of Arabian
• Alamkaduvu
Kerala’s unique rural lifestyle, where land and water are Sea Kayamkulam Kayal
inseparable. The most popular back waters tour is from Karunagapalli •
Kollam (Quilon), situated between Ashtamudi Lake and Ashtamudi
Lake
the Arabian Sea, to Alappuzha (Alleppey) on the edge •
of Vembanad Lake. The choice of transport ranges from Kollam
local ferries and speedboats to kettuvallams (see p637). Locator Map
Water
hyacinths are
the cause of
a serious
ecological
problem since
their untamed
growth has
clogged the
waterways of
Kuttanad, the
rice bowl
of Kerala.

Children going to school by boat are a
common sight. Various types of boats are
used as transport along the backwaters,
connecting the small villages with the mainland.

Coconut palms fringe the waterways.
In addition to coconuts, rice is cultivated
extensively in Kuttanad, the area between
Kottayam and Alappuzha.

Houses along a canal have jetties with moored boats. Coconut Lagoon is a wonderful resort
The ground and water levels are often equal, which on Vembanad Lake, near the bird
makes flooding a problem during the monsoon. sanctuary in Kumarakom.

For hotels and restaurants in this region see p703 and pp718–19

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Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Feature template “UK” LAYER
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Date 18th October 2012
Size 125mm x 217mm