Alleppey Backwaters — Attraction in Kerala

Alappuzha Boat House Stay

Vembanad Lake

Vembanad Lake is the longest lake in India, and the largest lake in the state of Kerala. It is also one of the largest lakes in India. It spans several districts in the state of Kerala.

The Vembanad wetland system covers an area of over 2033.02 km² thereby making it the largest wetland system in India. Of this, an area of 398.12 km² is located below the MSL and a total of 763.23 km² area are located below 1 m MSL. The lake is bordered by Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam districts. It lies at sea level, and is separated from the Arabian Sea by a narrow barrier island.

The Vembanad Lake is approximately 14 kilometers wide at its widest point. The lake is a part of Vembanad-Kol wetland system which extends from Alappuzha in the south to Azheekkode in the north, making it by far, India's longest lake at just over 96.5 km in length.

The lake is fed by 10 rivers flowing into it including the six major rivers of central Kerala namely the Achenkovil, Manimala, Meenachil, Muvattupuzha, Pamba and Periyar. The total area drained by the lake is 15,770 km², which accounts for 40% of the area of Kerala. Its annual surface runoff of 21,900 Mm accounts for almost 30% of the total surface water resource of the state.

A unique characteristic of the lake is the location of the 1252-meter-long Thanneermukkom salt water barrier. The Thanneermukkom salt water barrier was constructed as a part of the Kuttanad Development Scheme to prevent tidal action and intrusion of salt water into the Kuttanad low-lands.

It is the largest mud regulator in India. This barrier essentially divides the lake into two parts - one with brackish water perennially and the other half with fresh water fed by the rivers draining into the lake.

This barrier has helped the farmers in Kuttanad by freeing the area of salinity and adding another crop in dry season.

The Thanneermukkom barrier is located at one of the narrower parts of the Vembanad Lake. Only two-thirds of the original number of gates is opened in July to release flood flow. These gates remain closed mid-November.

Kettuvallam Kettuvallam is a house boat widely used in Kerala. These have thatched roof covers over wooden hulls. In the Malayalam language "kettu" means "to tie" and “vallam” means boat – the two together make the local name "kettuvallam”. Each houseboat is constructed using the ancient principles and techniques of boat building by the local carpenters using 'Anjili' wood. Coir ropes are used for fastening the wooden planks together.

A standard house boat, which could be about 100 feet long, holds up to 30 tons, about as much as three big Lorries can carry.

The hull which is made of hundreds of fine but heavy-duty planks of jack-wood is held together absolutely by coir knots (not a single nail is used). This framework is then coated with a caustic black resin extracted from boiled cashew kernels. And it lasts for generations.

The kettuvallam is motorized and is steered in deep waters by means of oars. Long bamboo poles or 'punts' are used to propel in shallow areas. Bamboo beams sprouting off on the sides are used as footholds for the same. Bamboo is used for the framework of the roof and splits of bamboo are used for weaving mat for roofing.

For fixing the toilet seats, shower tray and ceramic floor finish a concrete slab is laid at the floor level. These toilets are made of steel cabinets with a network of steel meshes on which beneficial bacteria are grown with the help of a catalyst named actizyme. These bacteria feed upon human excreta and produce a harmless germ free colorless byproduct. The soil outlets of the toilet seats are taken through the hull and let out to the flowing water beneath. The use of bio-toilette is common nowadays. Thus the backwater canals are not polluted.

Photos by Viswas Menon © Viswas Menon Write up compiled by...

Wonderful experience Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, is often referred to as the "Venice of the East" due to its picturesque backwaters, tranquil canals, and lush green surroundings. A visit to the Alleppey backwaters offers a unique experience that combines natural beauty, cultural immersion, and relaxation.

▎Scenic Beauty

The backwaters of Alleppey are a network of lagoons, lakes, and canals that provide breathtaking views of palm-fringed shores and rice paddies. The serene waters reflect the vibrant greenery, creating a postcard-worthy landscape. Houseboats glide gracefully through the waters, allowing visitors to soak in the stunning scenery at a leisurely pace.

▎Houseboat Experience

One of the highlights of visiting Alleppey is staying on a traditional houseboat. These beautifully crafted vessels come equipped with modern amenities and offer an intimate way to explore the backwaters. Many houseboat tours include meals featuring local cuisine, allowing guests to savor authentic Kerala dishes while enjoying the views.

▎Cultural Insights

The backwaters are not just about nature; they also provide a glimpse into the local way of life. Travelers can observe fishermen at work, children playing along the banks, and women washing clothes in the water. The vibrant local culture adds depth to the experience, making it more than just a scenic getaway.

▎Activities

In addition to houseboat rides, there are various activities to enjoy in Alleppey:

• Kayaking: For a more intimate exploration of the canals, kayaking is a fantastic option. It allows for closer encounters with local wildlife and a quieter experience.

• Village Tours: Guided tours through nearby villages offer insights into traditional Kerala life, including visits to local markets and temples.

• Ayurvedic Treatments: Many resorts and wellness centers in the area offer Ayurvedic treatments, providing relaxation and rejuvenation amidst the serene surroundings.

▎Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Alleppey is during the winter months (November to February) when the weather is pleasant. The monsoon season (June to September) can also be beautiful, but heavy rains may disrupt travel plans.

▎Conclusion

Overall, Alleppey backwaters offer a perfect blend of tranquility, cultural richness, and natural beauty. Whether you're seeking relaxation on a houseboat or an adventure exploring the waterways, Alleppey promises an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Kerala's charm. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone...

xplore Alleppey Backwaters by local ferry The best way, inexpensively to see the ever-changing life along waterways. The ferry ride is relaxing and allowed us to see and experience Alappuzha’s beautiful backwaters. It offered a brief glimpse into the local way of life on the river. The ferry winds through both narrow and wide bodies of water. You will see angler laying out nets from their tiny boats, stunning birds of prey and smaller river dwelling birds darting around. We also used the ferry every day to travel into the city centre from where we stayed (7 minutes ride) as well as some carefully planned day trips, to neighbouring townships all for very few Indian Rupee. Travel like & with the local community, get off the ferry and go exploring. Latest ferry schedules are available from the Government of Kerala State Water Transport Department.Sunglasses are a must. You will find plenty of boats, where you can hire one for taking you around the backwaters for a couple of hours or higher. Check and take the boats that have good reclined seats. Once on the boat, just relax down and enjoy the greenery around, view of coconut trees, and cool breeze.

Time of visit: Not recommended when it is very sunny.

If you are planning to reach Allepey on a private car from Kochi, I would recommend taking the road that is parallel to the sea, not the regular highway.We were served coconut drinks when we checked in at 12.00nn onto the Gayathri II houseboat on the Alleppey. There was also a fruit platter filled with oranges, apples and a pineapple. Lunch followed soon after with the main dish being fried fish (meen varuthathu). We then sailed along the picturesque canals, stopping at a seafood market to buy half kg of tiger prawns (not cheap, 10 pieces for INR800), before returning to the houseboat for some awesome banana fritters. When we berthed for the night at 5.00pm, the captain and cook suggested that we take a INR600 tuk tuk ride to the beach 7km away for the sunset. We declined, and instead walked along the canal and managed to take beautiful photographs of the sunset across the lush paddy fields. During dinner, we were served very good masala chicken and the prawns we bought. Very clean boat equipped with mosquito netting. Our rooms were clean and air-conditioned, with bathroom attached. Very nice boat crew too. All in all, an excellent and memorable experience sailing on the backwaters because the scenery was beautiful and the waters...