Ferry on the way to the backwaters.
Pier of the ferry from the side of Kollam.
Ferry is equipped with motorized engines.
Our ferry floats along the railway bridge.
Kerala's flora and fauna are notable for their diversity and high rates of endemism, with 900 species of highly sought medicinal plants.
Lakes and rivers in Kerala
Very little of the water from the forty four perennial rivers is utilised in the mid land region for drinking, washing and irrigation purposes for crops like paddy, coconuts, plantains etc. To facilitate storage of water for irrigation and power generation, several dams and barrages have been constructed along the downward courses of these rivers, like those at Idukki, Bhoothathankettu, Kallada, Poringal, Peechi, Walayar, Malampuzha, Mattupatti etc.
There are three fresh water lakes in the state, namely Pookot (Wayanad District), Sasthamkotta (Kollam) and Vellayani (Thiruvananthapuram). They are also facing degradation due to excessive human pressure. Fresh water fish population of these lakes are undergoing several pressures like siltation, reclamation, pollution, intrusion of exotic species and so on.
The State is also having a total of 65210.96 ha. (in 1989 by ADAK) of estuaries and backwaters. The important backwaters Vembanad and Ashtamudi Lakes and the brackish water of these two lakes harbours very rich halophytic aquatic biodiversity. Various effluents discharged from industrial establishments markets, hospitals etc, severely affect the water quality of these lakes.
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Ferry on the way to the backwaters. |
Pier of the ferry from the side of Kollam. |
Ferry is equipped with motorized engines. |
Our ferry floats along the railway bridge. |
Pier of the ferry from the side of backwaters. |
Ferry has arrived. |
Joyful guide meets us. List of the places in Kerala with backwaters. |
The Kerala backwaters are a chain of brackish lagoons and lakes lying parallel to the Arabian Sea coast. |
Workers are working. |
We are meandering through the network of canals. |
The backwaters have a unique ecosystem - freshwater from the rivers meets the seawater from the Arabian Sea. |
One of the most interesting parts of the canoe trip is getting to see village life up close. |
Our canoe propelled by punting with a bamboo pole. |
If you are cherishing the idea of spending your vacations with the green beauty, then step into a country boat and you get a pleasure cruise through the narrow canals. |
Canoe could seat up to twenty people. |
We arranged our canoe trip from Kollam, a typical small market town in southern Kerala. |
The backwater beauty is depends on the narrow canals. |
Chipmunk between coconuts. |
Kerala has rich diversity in freshwater fishes. Nets over the lake. |
We are cruising through narrow canals in a canoe boat. |
The fascination of backwater is unparalleled. |
Kerala backwater is one of the major attractions in India. |
The trip was easily arranged at the DTPC tourist information centre by Kollam bus station next to Ashtamudi Lake. |
A canoe trip through the backwaters is definitely recommended as an affordable and fascinating way to explore this wonderful part of Kerala. |
We saw how people make a living by numerous means. |
Coconut fruits of different ages grow on the same tree. |
Me and my friend at the backwaters. |
Canoe ride is a sightseeing method recommended to the tourist who is willing to be away from sound and noisy of busy life. |
Local man prepares the coconut fruit for us - it is very cheap here. |
Canoe ride is a special type of sightseeing trip revealing the past time of Kerala. |
Canal looks like the mirror. |
Domesticated Animal Diversity. Goats. |
Brown-white goat. |
This is an amazing way to walk through the paddy fields and villages of nearby areas. |
Canoeing or water biking in the backwaters is an adventurous way of visiting different places. |
It is not a lazy boat ride. It is as adventurous a water sport as any other. |
Our guide and boatman. |
Indians sit on the small bridge and try to photograph us. |
Every time we have to tilt our heads. |
Canoeing in Kerala is a fantastic way to relax. |
Lakes and ponds of Kerala are suit for a canoe ride. |
Small dam. |
It was fascinating to see aspects of village life that have remained unchanged for centuries. |
Low bridge is placed on our route. |
Which canal route should I choose? |
Canoeing through the placid waters of Kerala. |
Small artificial ponds for fishing. |
Kayaking in Kerala is the best way to explore the surroundings. |
Green pineapple. |
Not only will you enjoy kayaking sport in Kerala, but also it is very environmental friendly. |
While in Kerala, kayaking should be your primary option to explore the serene backwaters. |
Pineapples. |
Lake with blooming lilies. |
Land Use in Kerala. Great quantity of pineapples. |
Water turtle is in the lake between the lilies. |
Typical Kerala lifestyle in complete simplicity. |
Kayak guides will accompany you during your trip. |
We have the advantage to look closer at the village life in Kerala. |
It is a unique experience as this is as close as one can get to feel the vibrant life in the countryside of god's own country Kerala. |
One thing that can be guaranteed is that your connection with nature will be something that will transform you into a new person altogether. |
The backwater cruise is a thrilling experience. |
Gliding along the vast green expanse of the backwaters is a unique, tranquil spectacle in the world. |
Breathtakingly beautiful backwaters. |
Chill out at the backwaters of Kerala and be assured to enjoy the time of your life! |
The entire journey is a moving picture with beauty of nature at its best. |
The backwaters formed the unique way of traveling in the past. |
Red pineapple. |
Papaya tree. |
Bird from the ducks species. |
Ramsar Sites. Duck. |
Black bird. |
The calf is the baby of the cow. |
They propel canoe by long poles. |
Banana thicket. |
Bridge is located pretty low, do not forget to tilt your head! |
Network of canals and bridges. |
Indian young teenagers are cute and trendy. |
Indian teenagers are full of joy. |
Canoeing here is an experience you'll keep in your memory for a long time. |
See green paddy fields and coir villages on water banks, while on a Kerala Backwater tour. |
Backwater canoeing in Kerala is coming up as a popular adventure sport with more and more people. |
Canoe trips last from 1 hour to a full day. |
Canoe trips are cheaper than houseboats. |
We took a break from the canoe at one point, to explore the village on foot. |
Coconut coir heaps. |
Canoe can traverse in the places, which are not accessible to the larger boats. |
You can learn the craft of spinning coir rope. |
Traditional rope spinning using coir. |
Mango fruits on the tree. |
Wood apple (aegle marmelos). |