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Home> Backwaters of Kerala Backwaters of KeralaBackwaters of Kerala"The State of Kerala is located in the southwestern part of Indian subcontinent. It lies sandwiched between the densely forested high mountains of the western-Ghats (east) and the Arabian Sea (west). Numerous rivers flow from the Western Ghats to the Arabian Sea; but only a few can directly hit the sea as most of them get sucked up by brackish water bodies called the backwaters. They are akin to lakes only difference being their constant interaction with sea water. Muddy islands formed of silt brought in the draining rivers. Unique types of fish varieties, plants and animals make these water bodies an invaluable asset to the host nations; Keralas back waters are no exceptions; having all these features mentioned above. A unique ecosystemBackwaters are formed when the mouths of rivers get clogged by silt forming islets here and there; sea-water seeps in to the blocked water bodies submerging low lying areas under it. In tune with the tides the sea water keeps on advancing and retreating there by adding salinity to the water body. Back waters are a mixture of Sea water, storm-water and that carried by rivers draining in to it. The portion nearer to the sea is more saline and that farther is less. This particular feature of differentiated salinity makes it a heterogeneous platform thereby harboring varied types of flora and fauna (plants and animals) thriving in it. More saline waters nurture prawns, crabs, many types of mollusks etc. Here mangrove plants grow in abundance offering an ideal eco system that shelters rich fish stock which forms the main part of local peoples diet. Star gazing on the deckThese so called lakes form an elaborate network throughout the state comprising numerous rivers, lakes, natural and man made canals. Backwaters play an important role in the economy of the state by providing economical water transport facility and play major role in states tourism. Numerous houseboats (locally called kettuvallam) which ply all around the vast expanse of these lakes are a real craze among domestic as well as international tourists. During the nights hundreds of such houseboats roaming with their lights on in the vast expanse of these lakes create an illusion of a cluster of fire-flies roaming in a dark night; while the tourists rest on their back gazing the starlit sky enjoying the rare opportunity of their life. A great interconnectionThe state of Kerala has as mainly as seven backwater bodies spread throughout its length; Kuppam, Valapattanam, Mahe, Ponnani, Vembanad, Kayamkulam and Ashtamudi; which with the rivers feeding them and the interconnecting labyrinth of man-made and natural canals form and extensive network enabling water-transport up to 900 km in length. Among the seven back water bodies Vembanad and Ashtamudi lakes are of more relevance due to their big size. Vembanad LakeLakeVembanad is the biggest of them all and it spreads to an area of about 200 sq kms bordering districts like Ernakulam, Kottayam and Alappuzha. This large backwater – it is Indias longest water body - that nurtures a wetland ecosystem (known as Kuttanad) covering about 1500 sq km in the state where paddy cultivation is done about six feet below sea-level by dewatering process. Vembanad Lake has its natural mouth opened at Fort Kochi; but one barrage at Thanneermukkom – which is the longest salt water barrage in India - to keep salt water off the lake; for enhancing paddy cultivation. One spillway is constructed at Thottappally –that keep the lake from flooding as its shutters can be raised to evacuate excess flood water. The National Highway No. 47 passes through this spillway giving travelers a view of the sea on the one side and lake on the other. Problems of populismVembanad Lake is formed by the drainage of several rivers like Periyar (Keralas largest river), Pampa, Manimala, Meenachil, Achenkovil, etc along with numerous streams. The barrage at Thanneermukkom built to prevent intrusion of saline water in to the south-eastern portion of the lake has enhanced paddy cultivation and made Kuttanad (wetland area) in to a granary of the state. It has made the south-eastern part the lake salt-free; while the rest remains perennially salty. The fresh water portion is subjected to rampant growth of weeds and pollution due to the lack of contact with sea water. This water bodies has already accumulated enormous quantity of pesticides and dirt making it in to a virtual cesspool. Clamor for the opening of the barrage often arises from environmentalists but seldom heard by the authorities who have their eyes only on vote-banks as farmers and farm laborers form substantial numbers. This issue is just one case of the lopsided development strategies of democratically elected governments; democracy means the interests of the vote-banks! A game platformA backwater body is not just livelihood earner of the people; it serves as a platform for Keralas biggest boat festivals called Vallam kali or boat race. Numerous snake-boats or Chundan Vallom take part in each festivals; Nehru-Trophy is the most popular among them; is held on second Saturday of the month of November. One Snake=boat is no ordinary boat; it is long enough to seat up to 120 rowers. There are traditional boat rowing songs sung by the natives to encourage the rowers; for the rowers it is a fight of their life as those who have won are treated as kings in their respective villages as the defeated ones have eat the humble pie for the rest of the year! Islands too manyThere are numerous islands in this large backwater like Vypeen, Kumarakom, Pathiramanal,Bolghatty Island, Willington Island, Vallarpadom are just some of them. Vypeen near the City of Kochi is the most densely populated island in the world! Vallarpadom has a very famous heritage church that attracts millions of believers from all around the nation. It is fast developing as an import terminal for oil which is being built there. Pathiramanal is not connected with land it is a tourist haven, Kumarakom has a major sanctuary for waterfowls; more than fifty thousand of them nest in this sanctuary. Bolghatty Island is famous for the Dutch Palace built in it; this is a major heritage tourism spot. There is a Project executed by name Goshree Island Development Authority (GIDA) that has linked major islands around Kochi with a bridge called Goshree Bridge. Ashtamudi LakeLake Ashtamudi that covers 61 sq km in area is the second largest back water body of the state in area, depth and economic importance after Vembanad Lake. It nurtures a wetland ecosystem of about 1700 sq km. Ashtamudi in Malayalam means eight branched thereby indicating the topography of this big and octopus shaped lake. Kallada River is the main source of water for this lake; sea water that seeps in through Neendakara and profuse rain that falls in its catchment area are all sources that form this brackish water body. This lake has its mouth opened to the sea at Neendakara; which is also a major fish landing port. A large occupation thrives along with this lake is retting of coconut-husks in this brackish water; Kerala is a main producer and exporter of coir products. The last refugeAshtamudi Lake is the deepest estuary in Kerala as -about 6 meters at some point-that shelters a huge quantity of fish, about 57 species of birds and a large number of brackish water fish and mollusks. The varieties of mangrove plants that grow along its coasts are of much value. One species called Syzygium travancoricum is almost endangered as only about hundred numbers are present at this time. Munroe Island and Chavara South are the major inhabited islands of this large lake. Munroe Island or Munroe thuruthu was just an uninhabited mud-bank in the lake that was allotted to Christians to build a Seminary by the order of Colonel John Munroe the resident of the then British Colony. It was so named for the memory of that British official. Now a famous boat race; Kallada boat race is held in this part of the river. Value for moneyHouseboats ply here and there with tourists who visit this lake for sight seeing and there are boats that ply up to Alappuzha from this lake; on its way it traverses through canals and country sides of immense beauty. This boat ride definitely offers the real value for the visitors money. Numerous operators offer boats at varying rates depending upon quality and facilities of their boat; rates vary depending upon the season. The major backwater destinations in kerala
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