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Editing Kerala backwaters

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{{Short description|Lagoon network in India}}
{{Use Indian English|date=November 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2020}}
{{Designation list
 | designation1 = Ramsar
 | designation1_offname = Ashtamudi Wetland
 | designation1_date = 19 August 2002
 | designation1_number = 1204<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ashtamudi Wetland|website=[[Ramsar Convention|Ramsar]] Sites Information Service|url=https://rsis.ramsar.org/ris/1204|access-date=25 April 2018}}</ref>
 | designation2 = Ramsar
 | designation2_offname = Vembanad-Kol Wetland
 | designation2_date = 19 August 2002
 | designation2_number = 1214<ref>{{Cite web|title=Vembanad-Kol Wetland|website=[[Ramsar Convention|Ramsar]] Sites Information Service|url=https://rsis.ramsar.org/ris/1214|access-date=25 April 2018}}</ref>
}}
[[File:House Boat DSW.jpg|thumb|A houseboat view from Vembanad Lake]]
[[File:Kerala Backwaters.png|thumb|Map of the backwaters in [[Kerala]]]]

The '''Kerala backwaters''' are a network of [[brackish]] [[lagoon]]s and canals lying parallel to the [[Arabian Sea]] of the [[Malabar Coast|Malabar coast]] of [[Kerala]] state in south-western [[India]]. It also includes interconnected lakes, rivers, and inlets, a labyrinthine system formed by more than {{convert|900|km|mi|abbr=on}} of waterways, and sometimes compared to [[bayou]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fudomouth.net/intertext/ap_subcontinent03.htm|title=Austin Pick: A Billion People in a Coconut Shell|access-date=2008-12-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090202163016/http://fudomouth.net/intertext/ap_subcontinent03.htm|archive-date=2 February 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> The network includes five large lakes linked by canals, both man made and natural, fed by 38 rivers, and extending virtually half the length of Kerala state. The backwaters were formed by the action of waves and shore currents creating low [[barrier island]]s across the mouths of the many rivers flowing down from the [[Western Ghats]] range. In the midst of this landscape there are a number of towns and cities, which serve as the starting and end points of backwater cruises.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaholidayguide.com/blog/kerala-backwater-houseboat-tours|title=11 Prime Destinations in Kerala for Backwater Tour|access-date=2014-07-01|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140707081106/http://www.indiaholidayguide.com/blog/kerala-backwater-houseboat-tours|archive-date=7 July 2014}}</ref> There are 34 backwaters in Kerala.{{sfn|Chandran|2018|p=342}} Out of it, 27 are located either closer to [[Arabian Sea]] or parallel to the sea.{{sfn|Chandran|2018|p=342}} The remaining 7 are inland navigation routes.{{sfn|Chandran|2018|p=342}}

The backwaters have a unique ecosystem: freshwater from the rivers meets the seawater from the Arabian Sea. A [[Barrage (dam)|barrage]] has been built near [[Thanneermukkom]], so salt water from the sea is prevented from entering the deep inside, keeping the fresh water intact. Such fresh water is extensively used for [[irrigation]] purposes.<ref name = "Book"/><ref name = "Backwater1">{{cite web |title=Backwaters in Kerala |url=http://www.keralabackwater.com/kerala-backwaters-travel/backwaters-in-kerala.html |date=2015 |website=Kerala Backwater |publisher=Kerala Backwater Pvt. Ltd. |access-date=25 April 2015}}</ref> Many unique species of aquatic life including [[crab]]s, [[frog]]s and [[mudskipper]]s, water birds such as [[tern]]s, [[kingfisher]]s, [[darter]]s and [[cormorant]]s, and animals such as [[otter]]s and [[turtle]]s live in and alongside the backwaters. [[Arecaceae|Palm]] trees, [[pandanus]] shrubs, various leafy plants, and bushes grow alongside the backwaters, providing a green hue to the surrounding landscape.<ref name = "Backwater1"/>

==Hydrography==
[[National Waterway 3 (India)|National Waterway 3]] from [[Kollam]] to [[Kottappuram, Thrissur|Kottappuram]], covers a distance of {{convert|205|km|abbr=on}} and runs almost parallel to the coastline of southern Kerala facilitating both cargo movement and backwater tourism.<ref name = "Book">Ayub, Akber (ed), ''Kerala: Maps & More'', ''Backwaters'', 2006 edition 2007 reprint, pp. 40-53, Stark World Publishing, Bangalore, {{ISBN|81-902505-2-3}}</ref> [[Vembanad]] is the largest of the lakes, covering an area of {{convert|2033|km2|abbr=on}}. The lake has a large network of canals that meander through the region of [[Kuttanad]]. The important rivers from north to south are the [[Valapattanam River|Valapattanam]] {{convert|110|km|abbr=on}}, [[Chaliyar]] {{convert|169|km|abbr=on}}, [[Kadalundi River|Kadalundipuzha]] {{convert|130|km|abbr=on}}, [[Bharathappuzha]] {{convert|209|km|abbr=on}}, [[Chalakudy River|Chalakudy]] {{convert|130|km|abbr=on}}, [[Periyar (river)|Periyar]] {{convert|244|km|abbr=on}}, [[Pamba River|Pamba]] {{convert|176|km|abbr=on}}, [[Achankovil]] {{convert|128|km|abbr=on}}, [[Meenachil River|Meenachil]] {{convert|75|km|abbr=on}}, and [[Kallada River|Kalladayar]] {{convert|121|km|abbr=on}}. Other than these, there are 35 more small rivers and rivulets flowing down from the Ghats. Most of these rivers are navigable up to the midland region, in country crafts.

[[Vembanad Lake]] is the longest backwater in Kerala, as well as the longest lake in India.{{sfn|Chandran|2018|p=342}} The [[Kochi]] city, [[Kuttanad]], [[Kumarakom]], and [[Pathiramanal]] Island are located in this long backwater.{{sfn|Chandran|2018|p=342}} The [[Vellayani Lake]], the [[Pookode Lake]], and the [[Sasthamcotta Lake]] are the freshwater lakes in Kerala.{{sfn|Chandran|2018|p=342}} [[Sasthamcotta Lake|Sasthamcotta]] is the largest among them.{{sfn|Chandran|2018|p=342}} The Kerala backwaters host three of the world’s [[Ramsar Convention]]-listed [[wetland]]s: [[Ashtamudi Lake]], [[Sasthamkotta Lake|Sasthamkotta Lake]], and the [[Vembanad Lake|Vembanad-Kol wetlands]] are noted as being [[List of Ramsar wetlands of international importance|wetlands of international importance]].{{sfn|Chandran|2018|p=342}}

==Tourism==

''[[Kettuvallam]]'' (Kerala houseboats) in the backwaters are one of the prominent tourist attractions in Kerala. More than 2,000 of these ply the waterways.<ref>{{cite news|last=Abraham |first=Tanya |title=Eco-friendly boats to ply backwaters |url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2005103101070300.htm&date=2005/10/31/&prd=mp& |date=31 October 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090520163825/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2005103101070300.htm&date=2005%2F10%2F31%2F&prd=mp& |archive-date=20 May 2009 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=20 October 2015 |url-status=usurped }}</ref> The Kerala government has classified the tourist houseboats as platinum, gold, and silver.

The ''Kettuvallam'' were traditionally used as grain barges, to transport the rice harvested in the fertile fields alongside the backwaters. Thatched roof covers over wooden hulls, {{convert|100|ft|m|abbr=on}} in length, providing protected from the elements. At some point in time, the boats were used as living quarters by the royalty. Converted to accommodate tourists, the houseboats have become floating cottages having a sleeping area, with western-style toilets, a dining area and a sit out on the deck. Most tourists spend the night on a houseboat. Food is cooked on board by the accompanying staff—mostly having a flavour of Kerala. The houseboats are of various patterns and can be hired as per the size of the family or visiting group. The living-dining room is usually open on at least three sides providing a grand view of the surroundings, including other boats, throughout the day when it is on the move. It is brought to a standstill at times of taking food and at night. After sunset, the boat crew provide burning coils to drive away mosquitoes. ''Ketuvallam'' are motorised but generally proceed at a slow speed for smooth travel. All ''Ketuvallam'' have a generator and most bedrooms are air-conditioned. At times, as per the demand of customers, electricity is switched off and lanterns are provided to create a rural setting<ref name = "Book"/><ref name = "Backwater1"/>
[[File:Kerala-Backwaters Alppuzha.JPG|right|thumb |A launch wades through water hyacinth in a canal in [[Alappuzha district]]]]

[[Beypore]], located {{convert|10|km|abbr=on}} south of [[Kozhikode]] at the mouth of the [[Chaliyar River]], is a famous fishing harbour, port and boatbuilding centre. Beypore has a 1,500-year tradition of boatbuilding. The skills of the local shipwrights and boatbuilders have widely sought after.

===Ferry services===
[[File:Uru.jpg|thumbnail|An ''[[Uru (boat)|Uru]]'' built at [[Beypore]], [[Kozhikode|Calicut]], which is situated on the mouth of the River [[Chaliyar]]]]
Regular ferry services connect most locations on both banks of the backwaters.<ref name = "Book"/> The [[Kerala State Water Transport Department]] operates ferries for passengers as well as tourists. It is the cheapest mode of transport through the backwaters.

===Resorts===
[[File:Kerala Backwaters Resort.jpg|right|thumb |Resort at Kumarakom]]
[[Ashtamudi lake]], which was a sleepy destination for years, has been transformed into a busy tourist destination with plush resorts around the Lake and the backwaters.<ref name = "Book"/>

=== Impact on ecosystem ===

The unregulated proliferation of motorised [[houseboat]]s in the lakes and backwaters has raised concerns regarding the adverse impact of [[pollution]] from [[diesel engine]]s and [[outboard motor]]s on the fragile ecosystem.

==Economic significance==
Connected by artificial canals, the backwaters form an economical means of transport, and a large local trade is carried on by inland navigation. Fishing, along with fish curing, is an important industry.

Kerala backwaters have been used for centuries by the local people for transportation, fishing and agriculture. The region has supported the efforts of the local people to earn a livelihood. In more recent times, agricultural efforts have been strengthened with the reclamation of some backwater lands for rice growing, particularly in the Kuttanad area. Boat-making has been a traditional craft, so has been the [[coir]] industry.<ref name = "Backwater1"/>
[[File:Kerala backwaters, Sheep, India.jpg|thumb |right |[[Paddy field]]s in the Kuttanad region]]
[[File:Edappal malappuram(district) kerala infia.jpg|thumbnail|[[Paddy field]] at [[Edappal]], on the bank of Biyyam backwater, [[Ponnani]]]]
Kuttanad region is crisscrossed with waterways that run alongside extensive paddy fields, as well as fields of [[cassava]], [[banana]] and [[Yam (vegetable)|yam]]. The crops are grown on the low-lying ground and irrigated with fresh water from the canal and waterways connected to [[Vembanad]] lake. [[Palakkad district|Palakkad]], the granary of Kerala, lies on the bank of [[Bharathappuzha]] river. [[Thrissur Kole Wetlands|Thrissur-Ponnani Kole Wetlands]] are fertile. [[Ponnani]] Kole Wetlands lie on the bank of Biyyam backwater. The area is similar to the [[Dike (construction)|dikes]] of the Netherlands, where land has been reclaimed from the sea and crops are grown.<ref name = "Backwater3">{{cite web | url = http://www.keralabackwater.com/kerala-backwaters-travel/backwaters-in-kerala.html | title = Kuttanad Bacwaters | access-date = 2007-12-31 | publisher = Kerala Backwater}}</ref>

==Ecological significance==
Vembanad Wetland is included in the list of wetlands of international importance, as defined by the [[Ramsar Convention]] for the conservation and sustainable use of [[wetland]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ramsar.org/sitelist.pdf |title=The List of Wetlands of International Importances |access-date=2008-01-07 |publisher=The Secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar, Iran, 1971) Rue Mauverney 28, CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080102104335/http://www.ramsar.org/sitelist.pdf |archive-date= 2 January 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Boat races==
{{See also|Vallam Kali}}
[[Chundan Vallam|Chundan vallams]] or snake boats are narrowboats over {{convert|100|ft|m}} long, with a raised prow that stands {{convert|10|ft|m}} above water and resembles the hood of a snake. Traditionally these were used by local rulers to transport soldiers during waterfront wars. In modern times, it has spawned a new sport – the [[Vallam Kali]] (boat race). Each Chandan vallam accommodates about a hundred muscular oarsmen.<ref name = "Book"/>

Boat races are occasions of great excitement and entertainment with thousands gathered on the banks to watch and cheer. Most of these races are held in the Kuttanad Region<ref name = "Book"/>

[[File:Kerala boatrace.jpg|thumb|right|[[Aranmula Uthrattadi Vallamkali]]]]

The boat races starts with [[Champakulam Moolam Boat Race]] which is held on the [[Pamba River]] in the village [[Champakulam]] on Moolam day (according to the Malayalam Era M.E) of the Malayalam month Midhunam, the day of the installation of the deity at the Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple.

When [[Jawaharlal Nehru]] visited Kerala in 1952, four traditional Chundan valloms went to receive him. A snake boat race was organized for him. He was so impressed that when he went back to Delhi, he sent back a gleaming silver trophy for a boat race. Even today, the 1.5&nbsp; km [[Nehru Trophy Boat Race]] is the most prestigious.

The Thazhathangadi boat race held every year on the Meenachil river, at Thazhathangadi, Kottayam is one of the oldest and most popular boat races in the state. In 1956, emperor of Ethiopia, [[Haile Selassie]] visited Thazhathangadi during his imperial tour of India, and witnessed the boat race. Subsequently winners of the race were given the Haile Selassie Ever rolling trophy.

Other renowned boat races are: Indira Gandhi Boat Race, [[Champakulam Moolam Boat Race]], [[Aranmula Uthrattadi Vallamkali]], [[Payippad Jalotsavam]], [[Kallada Boat Race]] and [[Kumarakom Boat Race]].

==Backwater regions==

Important in the ancient history of South India, Kuttanadu is a region spanning the [[Alappuzha district|Alappuzha]] and [[Kottayam district|Kottayam]] districts; it is well known for its vast paddy fields and geographical peculiarities. The region is the lowest lying of any in India and is one of the few places in the world where farming is carried around 1.2 to 3.0&nbsp;metres (4 to 10&nbsp;ft) below sea level. Four of Kerala's major rivers—the Pamba, Meenachil, Achankovil, and Manimala—flow into the region, and it is well known for its boat races.

[[Vembanad Lake]], the largest lake in Kerala is at the heart of Backwater tourism, with hundreds of [[kettuvallams]] plying it and with numerous resorts on its banks. The [[Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary]] is located on the east coast of the lake.

The major occupation in Kuttanadu is farming, with rice the most important agricultural product; it is the major rice producer in the state. This activity gives the area its moniker of "The Rice Bowl of Kerala". Large farming areas near Vembanad Lake were reclaimed from the lake. In 2013, the [[Food and Agriculture Organization]] (FAO) of the United Nations formally declared the below-sea-level farming system in Kuttanad as [[Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems]] (GIAHS).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.keralatourism.org/kerala-article/heritage-status-kuttanad/455 |title=FAO Heritage Status to Kuttanad |access-date=2016-12-22 |website=Kerala Tourism}}</ref>

===Kollam===
[[File:House boat, Kollam.jpg|thumb|right|A houseboat - Scene from Trevally, [[Kollam]]]]
[[Kollam]] (earlier known as Quilon) was one of the leading trade centres of the ancient world, eulogised by travellers such as [[Ibn Battuta]] and [[Marco Polo]]. It is also the starting point of the backwater waterways. The [[Ashtamudi Lake|Ashtamudi Kayal]], known as the gateway to the backwaters, covers about 30 per cent of Kollam.<ref name = "Book"/> Sasthamcotta Kayal, the large freshwater lake is 28.5&nbsp; km from Kollam city.

====Islands of Kollam====
{{Main|Islands of Kollam}}
Islands are the eye-catching factors as well as the beauty of [[Ashtamudi Lake|Lake Ashtamudi]], [[Kollam]]. Most of these islands are potential tourism spots in the [[Kerala|state]]. The [[Indian Railways]] also planning to develop one of the islands in [[Kollam]] for a tourism project.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/Bhushi-dam-area-may-get-a-holiday-resort/articleshow/38503817.cms |title=Bhushi dam area may get a holiday resort - Times of India |website=[[The Times of India]] |date=17 July 2014 |access-date=11 March 2015}}</ref> There are big as well as small islands which are inhabited and uninhabited by human beings. There are more than 15 islands in [[Ashtamudi Lake]]. The important islands in [[Kollam]] are:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ashtamudilake.com/ |title=KOLLAM - THE PRINCE OF ARABIAN SEA - The Hindu |access-date=11 March 2015}}</ref>
[[File:A top view of Ashtamudi backwaters.jpg|right|thumb|Aerial view of [[Ashtamudi Lake|Ashtamudi backwaters]]]]
* [[Munroe Island]]
* [[Chavara Thekkumbhagom]]
* Perungalam
* St. Sebastian Island
* San Thome Island
* Pezhumthuruth
* [[Kakkathuruth]]
* Pattamthuruth
* Paliyanthuruthu (''Palliyamthuruthu'')
* Neettum thuruth
* Puthenthuruth
* Poothuruth
* Pannaykkathuruth
* Veluthuruth
* Neeleswaram thuruth

====Estuaries of Paravur====

[[File: Estuary in Paravur Thekkumbhagam.jpg|thumb|right|Estuary at [[Paravur Thekkumbhagam]]]]

{{Main|Estuaries of Paravur}}
[[Estuaries of Paravur|Paravur Estuaries]] lie near to the south-western coast of [[Kollam]].<ref name=Vishaw2007>{{cite web |last=Vishaw |title=Estuaries of India |url=http://www.indianofficer.com/topic/2152-estuaries-of-india/ |date=7 December 2007 |website=Indian Officer |access-date=25 April 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403064149/http://www.indianofficer.com/topic/2152-estuaries-of-india/ |archive-date=3 April 2015}}</ref> The place is world-famous for its natural beauties, backwater locations, white-sand beaches and concentration of temples in every square kilometer.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.paravurmunicipality.in/ml/history |title=Paravur Municipality |access-date=16 March 2015 |archive-date=10 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010082406/http://www.paravurmunicipality.in/ml/history |url-status=dead }}</ref> The peninsula of [[Paravur, Kollam|Paravur]] is one of the most visited in [[Kollam district]]. Both north and south tips of [[Paravur, Kollam|Paravur]] town have both peninsula and estuary. [[Pozhikara]] is north and [[Thekkumbhagam]] is south of [[Paravur, Kollam|Paravur]].<ref name=Vishaw2007/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iaeng.org/publication/WCE2009/WCE2009_pp694-699.pdf |title=Impact of Sea-Sand Filling in the Paravur-Kappil Backwaters, Southern Kerala with Special Reference to Phytoplankton Productivity |access-date=16 March 2015}}</ref> One more estuary mouth in [[Pozhikara]], which is very close to [[Pozhikara]] Devi Temple, which has breached in 2014 under the supervision of Water Resources Department (WRD), after a long gap of 14 years.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/paravur-estuary-breached/article5960820.ece |title=Paravur estuary breached :The Hindu |website=[[The Hindu]] |date=29 April 2014 |access-date=16 March 2015}}</ref>

===Munroe Island===
{{Main|Munroe Island}}
[[Munroethuruth]] or [[Munroe Island]] is a place surrounded by Kallada River, [[Ashtamudi Lake]] and [[Sasthamkotta Lake]] in [[Kollam district]], Munroe Island is a cluster of eight tiny islands, Blessed with a number of criss-cross canals and zigzag water channels, this Island plays a host to many migratory birds from various 
countries around the world. You can watch birds such as Kingfisher, Woodpecker, Egret, Bee-eater, Crow pheasant, and Paddy Birds. There is yet another rare chance to see the traditional Indian spice plants such as Pepper, Nutmeg and Cloves. ([http://southernbackwaters.com/village.htm])

The first community tourism programme in the State will start functioning from the MunroeThuruthu islands. Coir making is a
home industry to almost all the village living people. It is very interesting to watch the coir making by the village ladies with the help of weaving Wheels. They make the coir ropes by hand. In addition to this, on the way, you can see the process of extracting coconut oil from the "copra" [dried coconut]. Among the routine traditional engagements, duck, poultry farm and prawn breeding are common in all houses.

===Thiruvananthapuram===
====Vellayani Lake====
{{main|Vellayani Lake}}
[[File:Harverting lotus leafs.jpg|thumbnail|[[Vellayani Lake]]]]
It is one of the freshwater lakes in Kerala.{{sfn|Chandran|2018|p=342}} It is located in the city of [[Thiruvananthapuram]], which is also Kerala's administrative headquarters.{{sfn|Chandran|2018|p=342}} It is located nearer to [[Kovalam]] beach.
====Thiruvallam====
[[Tourism in Thiruvananthapuram#Thiruvallam|Thiruvallam backwaters]] are just 6&nbsp; km from [[Thiruvananthapuram]], the state capital. Known for its canoe rides, Thiruvallam is becoming increasingly popular with tourists. Two rivers, the Killi and the [[Karamana River|Karamana]], come together at Thiruvallam. Not far from Thiruvallam is the [[Tourism in Thiruvananthapuram#Veli Lagoon|Veli Lagoon]], where there are facilities for water sports, a waterfront park and a floating bridge. The [[Akkulam]] Boat club, which offers boating cruises on Akkulam Lake and a park for children, is also a popular tourist attraction near Thiruvallam.

===Wayanad===
[[File:Chembra Peak seen from Pookode Lake.JPG|thumbnail|[[Pookode Lake]], one of the seven inland backwaters in Kerala.]]
====Pookode Lake====
{{main|Pookode Lake}}
[[File:Flower in Pookode lake.jpg|thumbnail|''[[Nelumbo nucifera]]'' in [[Pookode Lake]]]]
[[Wayanad]] is home to one of the state's freshwater lakes - [[Pookode Lake]].{{sfn|Chandran|2018|p=342}} It is also one of the 7 inland navigation backwaters in Kerala.{{sfn|Chandran|2018|p=342}} [[Panamaram]], the rivulet which ultimately becomes [[Kabani River]], originates from the Pookode lake.<ref>{{cite web|title=Waynad: Rivers | url=http://wayanad.nic.in/river.htm | work=Waynad District website | publisher=Collectorate, Wayanad, Kerala State | access-date=22 December 2011}}</ref> It is spread across an area of 8.5 hectares and with a maximum depth of 6.5 metres.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lakes and Islands|url=http://www.keralatourism.org/wayanad/lakes-islands.php}}</ref>

===Kannur===
[[Kavvayi Backwaters|Kavvayi backwater]] is a stunningly beautiful backwater destination tucked away near [[Payyannur]] in the district of [[Kannur]]. [[Kavvayi Backwaters]] form the biggest wetland in north [[Kerala]]. With its five rivers, the [[Kavvai puzha River|Kavvayi River]], and its tributaries- [[Kankole|Kankol]], Vannathichal, Kuppithodu, and [[Kuniyan River|Kuniyan]] – flows together to form the Kavvayi kayal.  Adorned with many small islands, a relaxing boat ride in these waters is the best way to enjoy the mesmerizing greenery of the surroundings.

===Kasargod===
[[Kasaragod district|Kasargod]] in north Kerala is a backwater destination, known for rice cultivation, coir processing and lovely landscape, it has the sea to the west and the [[Western Ghats]] to the north and east. Cruise options are Chandragiri and Valiyaparamba near [[Kavvayi Backwater]]. Chandragiri has situated 4&nbsp; km to the southeast of Kasargod town and takes tourists to the historic [[Chandragiri Fort, Kerala|Chandragiri fort]]. [[Valiyaparamba]] is a scenic backwater stretch near Kasargod. Four rivers flow into the backwaters near Kasargod and there are many small islands along these backwater stretches, where birds can be seen.

===Kozhikode===
[[Kozhikode]] (also known as Calicut) has backwaters which are largely unexplored by tourist hordes. [[Elathur, Kozhikode|Elathur]], the [[Canoly Canal]] and the [[Kallayi River]] are favourite haunts for boating and cruising. [[Korapuzha]], the venue of the Korapuzha Jalotsavam, is a popular water sports destination.

===Malappuram===
The coastal region of [[Malappuram district|Malappuram]] contains the backwaters like Biyyam, Manoor, [[Veliyankode]], Kodinhi, etc. Biyyam backwater which lies south of [[Bharathappuzha]] river (which is also the second longest river of Kerala) is the largest among them. Biyyam backwater and [[Conolly Canal]] together empties into [[Arabian Sea]] near [[Puthuponnani]] promontory.

==Literature==
Two prominent writers in the region are Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai and Arundhati Roy.

[[Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai]], (1912–1999), the Padmabhusan and [[Jnanpith Award|Jnanpith]] and [[Sahitya Akademi Award|Sahitya Akedemi]] award-winning writer, was born in Thakazhi village in [[Alappuzha district]].<ref>{{cite web | url =http://www.india9.com/i9show/Thakazhi-Sivasankara-Pillai-26060.htm | title = Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai | access-date = 2007-12-31 | publisher = india9.com}}</ref> He wrote in Malayalam. His novel ''[[Chemmeen]]'' has been translated into most Indian languages and several foreign languages.

[[Arundhati Roy]] (born 1961) was brought up in Ayemenem near Kottayam, and her [[Booker Prize]]–winning ''[[The God of Small Things]]'' is set in Kerala.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chitram.org/mallu/ar.htm |title=Arundhati Roy – a life full of beginnings and no ends |access-date=2007-12-31 |publisher=chitram.org |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928095039/http://www.chitram.org/mallu/ar.htm |archive-date=28 September 2007 }}</ref>

==Movies==
A number of movies were filmed in the backwaters around Alleppey and other parts of the state.
* Numerous Malayalam movies
Some other major movies include 
* Most scenes of Tamil movie [[Autograph (2004 film)|Autograph]] and Kannada movie [[My Autograph]]
* Crucial scenes in Tamil movie [[Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa]] and its remakes in Hindi [[Ekk Deewana Tha]], Telugu [[Ye Maaya Chesave]]
* Song "Jiya jale" and Scenes in Hindi movie [[Dil Se..]]
* Hindi movie [[Tashan (film)|Tashan]]
* Hindi film [[Alone (2015 Hindi film)|Alone]]
* Tamil movie [[Kuselan]]

==Photo gallery==
<gallery>
Image:Photos taken from a boat ride along the Kavvayi backwaters, Payyannur, Kannur (79).jpg|[[Kavvayi Backwaters]], [[Kannur district|Kannur]]
Image:Paravur backwaters & beaches.jpg|Estuary in [[Paravur, Kollam|Paravur]]
Image:Kerala Water Transport DS.jpg|Public transport boat service in Kerala
Image:Around Alappuzha backwaters Kerala.jpg|[[Kerala]] Backwaters
Image:Kadaloondi puzha.jpg|Estuary in [[Kadalundi]]-[[Vallikkunnu]] border
Image:Puthuponnani (2).JPG|[[Puthuponnani]] promontary
Image:House Boat View DSW.jpg|[[Kettuvallam|Houseboats]] on Kerala water-ways
Image:C1common (16).jpg|Kerala Backwaters
Image:Tvm-veli-akkulam-backwaters3.jpg|Lagoon at Veli - [[Akkulam]] stretch, [[Trivandrum]]
Image:Paravur Lake, Kollam - An evening scene.jpg|An evening view of [[Paravur Kayal|Paravur Lake]], City of [[Kollam]]
Image:Tvm-veli-backwaters2.jpg|Veli Lake and Backwaters, [[Trivandrum]]
Image:Kerala backwater.jpg|Backwater in [[Ashamudi Lake]]
Image:Kerala Backwaters Cricket.JPG|Children play cricket in a narrow stretch along the backwaters
Image:Cherai Lagoon1.jpg|Lagoon near the [[Cherai Beach]] in [[Ernakulam]]
Image:Cherai Lagoon2.jpg|Lagoon near the [[Cherai Beach]] in [[Ernakulam]]
Image:Kerala backwater 20080218-11.jpg|A boat in a canal near [[Vembanad]] lake
Image:Kerala Backwaters Tour.JPG|Boats
Image:Kerala Backwaters, India.JPG|Local villagers
</gallery>

==See also==
* [[List of dams and reservoirs in Kerala]]
* [[List of mountains in Kerala]]
* [[List of rivers of Kerala]]

==References==
{{reflist}}
==Notes==
{{refbegin}}
* {{Cite book|title=Mathrubhumi Yearbook Plus - 2019|publisher=P. V. Chandran, Managing Editor, Mathrubhumi Printing & Publishing Company Limited, Kozhikode|year=2018|location=Kozhikode|last=Chandran |first=VP|edition=Malayalam }}
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{commons|Kerala backwaters|Kerala Backwaters}}

* {{Wikivoyage-inline}}
{{Waters of South Asia}}
{{Waters of Kerala}}
{{Kerala topics}}
{{Tourism in Kerala}}

{{coord|9.86348|N|76.3594|E|source:kolossus-nlwiki|display=title}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kerala Backwaters}}
[[Category:Tourism in Kerala]]
[[Category:Estuaries of India]]
[[Category:Ramsar sites in India]]
[[Category:Landforms of Kerala]]
[[Category:Lagoons of India]]
[[Category:Water transport in Kerala]]

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