The Kuttanad are amongst the most fascinating backwaters of Kerala. The landscapes of Kuttanad are crisscrossed by the waterways that are flanked by the lush green paddy fields along with the cultivation grounds of yam, cassava and banana. The backwaters of Kuttanad are paradise and an ideal destination for enjoying a memorable backwater cruise of Kerala. The best way to explore these enchanting backwaters is by drifting along in a houseboat and enjoy the scenic surroundings of this region.
Stretched over an area of 75 kms from Kochi in the north to Kollam in the south, Kuttanad lies sandwiched between the hills and the sea. The travelers frequent this place, for their passion to traverse the puzzling maze of shimmering waterways, that comprises of rivers, canals, lakes and rivulets flanked on either side with the dense tropical greenery and magnificent rural Keralan lifestyle, that remains completely hidden from the road.
Among the various sights of the Kuttanad backwaters, the most magnificent makes of the ducks quacking together in high decibels while moving across the backwaters in great number being shepherded by men on small boats. One can even see people diving down for collecting lime shells from the depth while some engaged in fishing with their nets and traditional cane basket called ‘Ottal’.
Kuttanad Backwater Cruises:
The most famed excursion of the Kuttanad region is the full-day journey between Kollam and Alappuzha. Various private hustlers offer their services, but the principal by DTPC and ATDC are run on the alternate days. Visitors can also hire the double-decker boats which depart at 10:30 am. The tour comprises three halts, one for the lunch while the other at the Mata Amritanandamayi Math at Amritapuri. In alteration to this, one can also book for a charter, a four or six-seater motorboat to cruise along the picturesque backwaters of Kerala.
Village Tours and Canoes:
Since most houseboats are too wide to squeeze into the narrow inlets connecting small villages, to reach some of the most idyllic yet the remote areas of Kuttanad, one can hire a punted Canoe. These slower placed Canoe makes for less distance to be covered in an hour but make for the most sorted means to explore the region. They provide the visitors with the experience of being close to the water and the people inhabiting the region which promises to be most rewarding. There are a large number of ‘village tours’available in the area which provide the visitors with the trips to watch boat builders, coir makers and rice farmer in action from close quarters along with an opportunity to dine in a traditional Keralan village setting.
