Kerala Back Water
Thiruvananthapuram Backwaters :-
Thiruvananthapuram, also known as Trivandrum, is the capital of Kerala. It is a beautiful city built on seven hills, known for its serene beaches and other tourist spots. Thiruvananthapuram is an ancient city bounded by the Arabian sea on the west, the Kollam district on the north and Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari districts of Tamil Nadu on the eastern and southern sides. Two of the main backwater areas of Thiruvananthapuram are Thiruvallam and Veli.
The serene backwaters of Kozhikode make a perfect holiday spot. The city of Kozhikode is famous for its trade and commerce and the Malabar Mahotsavam festival. The ancient monuments, tranquil beaches, temples, blue waters and friendly people have made the place very popular among tourists. Other attractions which can be explored during a backwater tour of Kozhikode include Elathur, the Canolly Canal, Kallai river and beautiful bird sanctuary at Kadalundi.
Kottayam, the ‘land of Lakes, Latex and Letters’, besides being known for a large number of canals, streams, and Lakes going through it, is also famous for its widespread rubber plantation, hence the title. Kottayam is also host to fertile crops and transport links through its much famous Backwaters. The name Kottayam is derived from Kotta and Akam and means the inside of a fort.
Kumarakom is part of Kerala's rice bowl, the Kuttanad region and is ideal for backwater cruises. A beautiful backwater spot within hailing distance of Kumarakom is the 14-acre bird sanctuary on the eastern banks of the Vembanad Lake. The sanctuary named after the village is a favorite haunt of migratory birds. There are egrets, darters, herons, teals, waterfowls, cuckoos, wild ducks and Siberian storks. The best way to watch the birds in the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands.
Kappad Beach is located 16 Km from Kozhikode town in North Kerala. The sandy beach is backed by a rocky landscape with some rocks also strewn across the Kappad Beach. A pillar with the inscription "Vasco da Gama landed here, Kappakadavu, in the year 1498" marks the spot where history was made over 500 years ago.While on tours of Kappad Beach with Kerala Backwater you can see the local fisherfolk mend their nets and take their boats out to sea, in a routine that has continued for centuries. Vasco da Gama would have seen a similar sight when he landed on Kappad Beach. Kappad Beach is known locally as Kappadkadavu. A single large rock juts out to the sea from Kapapd Beach. On this rock is a temple that is said to be 800 years old. The nearby Korapuzha River empties into the sea alongside Kappad Beach.
Nestled atop a cluster of hills at an altitude of 286m is situated Ezhimala, 55 kms from Kannur. Carved Stone Pillars, an ancient Burial chamber and an ancient Cave can be seen at the foot of the hills. The Hills are noted for rare medicinal herbs. Furthur uphill is an ancient Mosque. Fascinating Sculptured stone pillars are scattered all over the place. Bordered by the sea on three sides, Ezhimala Beach is poised to occupy a significant niche on the naval history of India when one of the largest naval academies is commissioned here. A naval academy is being developed here in Ezhimala
Varkala, a calm and quiet hamlet, lies on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram district. It has several places of tourist interests like a beautiful beach, a 2000 year old Vishnu temple and the ashramam- 'Sivagiri Mutt' a little distance from the beach. At the serene Varkala beach is a quiet sea resort rich in mineral water springs.A dip in the holy waters at this beach is believed to purge the body of impurities and the soul of all sins. Hence the name 'Papanasam beach'.
Located 16 km south of Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) city, Kovalam is a world-famous beach resort, which has been a favorite spot for tourists since 1930s. This beach has lovely coconut palms fringe the golden sands. Foreigners throng Ayurvedic parlors, yoga and meditation centers, that have sprung up all over the place.
