The Backwaters

A seemingly endless succession of shimmering waterways, the Backwaters are formed by a network of 210 canals, 45 rivers and 29 lakes, extending for over 1500 kilometres between the hills and the coast of Kerala. Fed by the rivers that flow down from the Western Ghats, the Backwaters are dotted by a multitude of islets carved by the erosion of the sea and are rich in species which are uniquely adapted to this environment.

Throughout the Backwaters, the influx of fresh water, and the overflow of salt water from the Arabian Sea attract scores of birds who come to fish in these bountiful waters. Like them, the inhabitants of the Backwaters have developed distinctive ways of living in these surroundings, building their houses on long, narrow strips of land and traversing the waterways on shallow boats propelled by long poles.

The large boats made of wood and bamboo known as Kettuvalam that were once used to transport rice are the most comfortable way of exploring the Backwaters. Superbly equipped and with a crew of three, Kettuvalams glide silently along the shallow waters, giving access to the more remote corners of the Backwaters, where schools, churches, and tiny houses covered with flowers drift in and out of view.

One of the most captivating spectacles takes place on Sundays, when scores of church-goers thread their way on foot and by bike, through the palms along the edge of the water. Aboard the Kettuvalams we will travel through the water labyrinths to discover the colourful and peaceful beauty of the Backwaters.