സാഹസികര്‍ക്കു മാത്രം

 മലകളും താഴ്‌വരകളും താണ്ടി, മനം നിറഞ്ഞ്, മൂന്നാറിന്റെ തണുത്ത വഴികളിലൂടെ അതിര്‍ത്തി കടന്ന്,കൊടൈക്കനാലിലേക്കൊരു ട്രെക്കിങ്

മൂന്നാറില്‍ നിന്നും ടോപ് സ്റ്റേഷനിലേക്കുള്ള യാത്രയില്‍ ഇടതുപക്ഷക്കാരാവുന്നതാണ് നല്ലത്. ഇടതുവശം ചേര്‍ന്നിരുന്നാലേ കാഴ്ചകളാസ്വദിക്കാന്‍ കഴിയൂ. മനോഹരമായ മാട്ടുപ്പെട്ടി, കുണ്ടള ഡാമുകളും യെല്ലപ്പെട്ടി എന്ന കര്‍ഷകഗ്രാമവും ഈ വഴിയിലാണ്.

കേരള-തമിഴ്‌നാട് അതിര്‍ത്തിയില്‍ പാമ്പാടുംചോല നാഷണല്‍ പാര്‍ക്കിനടുത്താണ് മേഘങ്ങളുടെ കാതില്‍ കഥ പറയുന്ന ടോപ് സ്റ്റേഷന്‍. അവിടെ റെസ്റ്റോറന്റിലിരുന്ന് പൊരിച്ച മീനും കൂട്ടി, ചൂട് ചോറ് വാരി തിന്നുന്ന മിക്കല്‍ സായിപ്പിനെയും സൂസെന്‍ മദാമ്മയെയും പരിചയപ്പെട്ടു. കാട്ടിലൂടെ കൊടൈക്കനാലിലേക്ക് ട്രെക്കിങ്ങിന് പോവുകയാണെന്ന് പറഞ്ഞപ്പോള്‍, ഇരുവര്‍ക്കും കൂടെ വരണമെന്നായി. വൈകീട്ട് ടോപ്‌സ്റ്റേഷനില്‍ ചെറിയൊരു ട്രെക്കിങ്. രാത്രി ഗൈഡ് മനോഹരന്റെ വീട്ടിലെ ഒറ്റമുറിയില്‍, തണുപ്പിന്റെ കൈകളില്‍ മൂവര്‍ക്കും സുഖനിദ്ര.

കുളിരുമായി കുണുങ്ങി ഒഴുകുന്ന പെരിയാറിന്റെ തീരത്തു വെച്ചാണ് അമേരിക്കക്കാരി സൂസെനും ഡെന്‍മാര്‍ക്കുകാരന്‍ മിക്കലും കണ്ടുമുട്ടിയത്. സാഹസികത ഇഷ്ടപ്പെടുന്ന ഇരുവരും പിന്നെ ഒന്നിച്ചായി യാത്ര. അമേരിക്കയില്‍ നേഴ്‌സായിരുന്ന സൂസെന്‍ ജോലി ഉപേക്ഷിച്ച്, ഒരുവര്‍ഷം മുഴുവന്‍ ഇന്ത്യ കാണാനായി എത്തിയതാണ്. ആറുമാസം കഴിഞ്ഞിരിക്കുന്നു. പ്രത്യേകിച്ച് പ്ലാനിങ്ങൊന്നുമില്ല, വെറുതെ കറങ്ങി നടക്കുക. ഡെന്‍മാര്‍ക്കില്‍ ഐ-ഫോണിന് വേണ്ടി ഗെയിംസ് സോഫ്റ്റ്‌വെയര്‍ ഡെവലപ് ചെയ്യുന്ന മിക്കല്‍, കൃത്യമായ പ്ലാനിങ്ങുമായാണ് എത്തിയിരിക്കുന്നത്. മൂന്നാര്‍ കഴിഞ്ഞാല്‍ മധുരയ്ക്കാണ് യാത്ര. പിന്നെ തിരികെ ഡെന്‍മാര്‍ക്കിലേക്ക്.

ടോപ് സ്റ്റേഷനില്‍ നിന്നും കൊടൈക്കനാലിലേക്കുള്ള 32 കി.മീ കാട്ടുപാതയിലൂടെയുള്ള യാത്ര ആസ്വദിക്കാന്‍ സാധാരണയെത്തുക വിദേശികളാണ്. ട്രെക്കിങ് വിവരങ്ങള്‍ അന്വേഷിക്കുന്നവരോട് ഗൈഡ് മനോഹരന്റെ ഡയലോഗുണ്ട്: 'Only for adventurous people'. സാഹസികത ഇഷ്ടപ്പെടുെന്നങ്കില്‍ ഈ റൂട്ടിലൂടെ ഒരിക്കലെങ്കിലും ട്രെക്കിങ് നടത്തണം. ആനകളും കാട്ടുപോത്തുകളും ഭാഗ്യമുണ്ടെങ്കില്‍, പുലിയും വഴിക്ക് കുറുകെയെത്തി 'ഹലോ' പറഞ്ഞു പോകും.

അതിരാവിലെ, മഞ്ഞിന്റെ വലയങ്ങള്‍ മാറുംമുമ്പേ, ടോപ്‌സ്റ്റേഷനില്‍ നിന്നും കോവിലൂര്‍ ഗ്രാമത്തിലേക്ക് ജീപ്പില്‍. കേരള-തമിഴ്‌നാട് അതിര്‍ത്തിയിലെ സുന്ദരഗ്രാമം. സഞ്ചാരികള്‍ അധികമെത്താറില്ല ഇവിടെ. പലരും മൂന്നാര്‍ കണ്ട് തിരിച്ചു പോവും. തീരത്ത് തിരവന്നൊഴിഞ്ഞ പോലെയുള്ള മലഞ്ചെരിവിലെ തട്ടുകളില്‍ കാരറ്റും കാബേജും വിളയുന്നു. ഒരു പക്കാ വെജിറ്റബിള്‍ ഗ്രാമം. ഇവിടെ നിന്ന് നോക്കിയാല്‍ കൊലുക്കുമല ചായത്തോട്ടങ്ങള്‍ കാണാം.

ലഗേജുകള്‍ കയറ്റാന്‍ രണ്ടു കുതിരകളെയും ഏര്‍പ്പാടാക്കി, അവിടെ നിന്ന് നടപ്പ് തുടങ്ങി, ബന്ധരവു മലയിലേക്ക്. കുത്തനെയുള്ള കയറ്റമാണ്. കുതിരകളും ഫോര്‍വീല്‍ ഡ്രൈവ് ജീപ്പുമാണ് ഈ വഴിയെ പോകാന്‍ ധൈര്യപ്പെടുക. ഒരിറക്കത്തില്‍ ഒരു ജീപ്പ് തകര്‍ന്നു കിടക്കുന്നു... മറുവശത്ത് വട്ടവട ഗ്രാമം കാണാം.

കഞ്ചാവു കൃഷിക്ക് പ്രശസ്തമായിരുന്ന കാട്ടിടങ്ങളിലൂടെയാണിപ്പോള്‍ യാത്ര. കഞ്ചാവിന് പകരം കാരറ്റാണ് തോട്ടങ്ങളില്‍. കൃഷിയിടത്തിലിറങ്ങി ഗ്രാമീണര്‍ ചാക്കില്‍ നിറയ്ക്കുന്ന കാരറ്റുകളില്‍ കുറച്ചെടുത്ത് പോക്കറ്റില്‍ നിറച്ചു. പിന്നെയുള്ള കാട് കയറ്റത്തിന് 24 കാരറ്റ് എനര്‍ജിയായിരുന്നു.

ആദ്യത്തെ ആവേശം തണുത്തപ്പോള്‍ കിതപ്പിന്റെ താളം ഏറി വന്നു. അമേരിക്കയില്‍ ട്രെക്കിങ് നടത്തി പരിചയമുള്ള സൂസെന്‍, വളരെ കൂളായി നടന്നു കയറുന്നു. വടിയും കുത്തി പിടിച്ച്, കിതച്ച് കിതച്ച് ആണ്‍ സംഘം പിന്നാലെയെത്താന്‍ പാടുപെട്ടു. ഇടയ്ക്ക് വിശ്രമിക്കാന്‍ ഇരുന്നപ്പോള്‍ സൂസെന്റെ ചോദ്യം: 'My name is khan കണ്ടോ...?' നമ്മുടെ തട്ടകത്തില്‍ കയറി മദാമ്മ ഗോളടിച്ചല്ലോ! ഷാരുഖ് ഖാന്റെയും ആമിര്‍ ഖാന്റെയും ആരാധികയാണ് സൂസെന്‍. അടുത്ത ചോദ്യം, 'ത്രീ ഇഡിയറ്റ്‌സ്' കണ്ടോ എന്നായിരുന്നു. കിതപ്പാറാതെ, മൂന്നാണുങ്ങള്‍ അവര്‍ക്ക് മുന്നില്‍ ഇഡിയറ്റ്‌സ് ആയി ഇരുന്നതല്ലാതെ ഉത്തരമൊന്നും പറഞ്ഞില്ല.

വീണ്ടും നടപ്പു തുടങ്ങി. ഒരു മലയിറങ്ങിയപ്പോള്‍ മറ്റൊരു സാഹസിക സംഘം എതിരെ വരുന്നു. ടെന്റടിച്ച് കാട്ടില്‍ താമസിച്ചാണ് അവരുടെ യാത്ര.

കയറ്റം കഠിനം തന്നെയായിരുന്നു. വഴിയില്‍ പുലിയുടെയും, കാട്ടുപോത്തിന്റെയും കാല്‍പ്പാടുകള്‍... ആകാശം മുട്ടുന്ന പൈന്‍മരങ്ങള്‍ അതിരിടുന്ന വഴി. കുറച്ചു ചെന്നപ്പോള്‍, മരങ്ങള്‍ക്കിടയിലൂടെ കാട്ടിനുള്ളിലെ വലിയൊരു തടാകം. തടാകക്കരയില്‍ വെള്ളം കുടിക്കുന്ന കാട്ടുപോത്തുകള്‍. പതിവില്ലാത്ത ശബ്ദം കേട്ടതോടെ അവ തലയുയര്‍ത്തി നോക്കി. പിന്നെ മെല്ലെ കാടിനുള്ളില്‍ മറഞ്ഞു.

കയ്യില്‍ കരുതിയിരുന്ന വെള്ളം തീര്‍ന്നു. നടന്ന് അവശരാവാന്‍ തുടങ്ങി. മലയ്ക്ക് മുകളിലെത്തിയപ്പോള്‍ തമിഴ്‌നാടിന്റെയും മൂന്നാറിന്റെയും ആകാശക്കാഴ്ച്ച. മേഘങ്ങള്‍ക്കിടയിലൂടെ പര്‍വ്വതങ്ങള്‍, പച്ചപ്പിന് മീതെ ഓട്് പാകിയ കൊടൈ ഗ്രാമങ്ങള്‍...

ക്ഷീണം കീഴ്‌പ്പെടുത്താന്‍ തുടങ്ങിയതോടെ എല്ലാവരും മൗനികളായി. കാടിനുള്ളില്‍ ഹനുമാന്‍ കുരങ്ങുകള്‍ മരക്കൊമ്പുകള്‍ താണ്ടുന്ന ശബ്ദങ്ങള്‍. മനസ്സിലിരുന്ന് ആരോ പേടിയുടെ കൊമ്പ് പിടിച്ച് കുലുക്കി. പുലിയേയല്ല, ആനയെയാണ് പേടിക്കേണ്ടതെന്ന് മനോഹരന്‍ പറഞ്ഞെങ്കിലും പുലിപ്പേടിയായിരുന്നു കണ്ണുകളില്‍. പിന്നെയുള്ള വഴികളില്‍ സുഗന്ധം തൂവാന്‍ കറുകപ്പട്ടയും, യൂക്കാലി മരങ്ങളുമുണ്ടായിരുന്നു. ചിലയിടങ്ങളില്‍ ഗ്രാന്‍ഡിസ് മരങ്ങളുടെ തോട്ടം പോലെയുള്ള കാട്. പോസ്റ്റ് കാര്‍ഡുകളില്‍ കാണാറുള്ള പ്രകൃതി ദൃശ്യങ്ങള്‍.

ഒടുവില്‍ ക്ലാവര ഗ്രാമത്തില്‍... കാടിറങ്ങുമ്പോള്‍ കൊച്ചി സര്‍വ്വകലാശാലയിലെ ഒരു സംഘം വിദ്യാര്‍ഥികള്‍ ബൈക്കുകള്‍ ഓടിച്ച് കയറ്റുന്നു. സാഹസത്തിന്റെ മറ്റൊരു മുഖം. ഗ്രാമചന്തയില്‍ അവസാന കുട്ടിബസ്സ് പുറപ്പെടാനായി പുക തുപ്പുന്നു. അവിടെ നിന്നും പൂണ്ടിയും മന്നവന്നൂരും പൂമ്പാറയും പിന്നിട്ട് കവുഞ്ജി ഗ്രാമത്തില്‍ നിന്നും കൊടൈയിലേക്ക് ബസ്സ് കയറുമ്പോള്‍ സന്ധ്യകഴിഞ്ഞിരുന്നു.


Travel Info
Munnar-Kodai Trek
There are several routes to Kodaikanal from Munnar for trekking. the most scenic route is through Topstation, Koviloor, Bandaravu Mala, Kilavara (32km). Its an adventurous route, for about 18 km through thick forest. Topstation, 34km from Munnar town is the highest point in the old Munnar-Kodai Route (1700m to 2300 m above sealevel).
Trekking Route: Topstation-Koviloor-Bandaravu Mala-Kilavara (32 km).

How to Reach
By air: Madurai (140 km), Kochi (190km)
By rail: Theni (60 km), Changanacherry (93 km)
By road: Kochi to Munnar (145 km, NH-49). There are regular bus services to Munnar from Ernakulam KSRTC Bus stand. From Munnar town to Topstation (34 km, SH-44). Since regular buses from Munnar are rare. It is better to hire a jeep. From Kilavara pick local vans to Kavunji village. There are bus services to Kodaikanal from Kavunji via Mannavannur, Poombarai (45 km). Kodaikanal is well connected by road to Madurai, Palani, Kodaikanal Road, Theni, Dinidigul, Kumili, Coimbatore, Chennai and Kanyakumari.

Distance chart: Munnar-Topstation (34 km), Topstation-Koviloor (10km), Koviloor - Kilavara (30 km), Kilavara-Kodaikanal (45 km), Kodaikanal-Palani (65 km).

Stay

At Top Station: STD: 04865
Mano's homestay, Ph: 214062, 09442783853
Periyar Residency, Ph: 214195

At kodaikanal: STD: 04542
Carlton Hotel, Ph: 240056
Hotel Astoria: Rs.700-1000, Ph: 240524
Hotel Palace: Rs.600-1000, Ph: 240411
Hamedia Lodge: Rs.400-700, Ph: 240108
Grand Palace: Rs.1600-2400, Ph: 243388
Hotel Sivapriya: Rs.1400-2000, Ph: 241226
Kaleeshwari cottages: Rs.500, Ph: 241329.


Contact
Manoharan (Forest Guide) 09442783853, 09447578134, E-mail: jmano.guide@ gmail.coma
Munnar wildlife warden: 04865-231587
Kodaikanal DFO: 04542-240287
Website: www.tamilnadutourism.org
KSRTC Ernakulam Enquiry: 0484-2372033.

Tips: There are only two restaurents in Top station. Advisable to reach Topstation before sunset.

Text: T J Sreejith, Photos: N A Naseer

Backwaters of Kerala

Here is a small explore to the main backwaters of Kerala

Kumarakom

Kottayam has a vast network of rivers and canals, which empty into the great expanse of water called the Vembanad Lake, 16 km from Kottayam town. 

The lake, an enchanting picnic spot and a fast-developing backwater tourism destination, provides boating, fishing and sightseeing experiences, which are truly exhilarating.

The Kumarakom Tourist Village offers houseboat cruises and holiday packages.

The serene lake comes alive during Onam with a spectacular water regatta- the snake boat races. It is indeed amazing to watch oarsmen, at least a hundred in one boat, slice their way through the waters to the fast rhythm of their own full throated singing.

Chandragiri

Situated on the banks of the Chandragiri river in Kasaragod district, this destination is known for its large 17th century fort. This fort offers a breathtaking view of the river and the Arabian Sea. It is also a vantage point to watch the sunset.

The ancient Kizhur temple nearby celebrates a grand annual festival called 'Pattutsavam'.

The Chandragiri Boat Club, run by the Bekal Resorts Development Corporation, conducts boat trips to nearby islands and palm groves on the river.

Getting there  Chandragiri is only a few minutes drive from Kasaragod town.
Nearest railway station : Kasaragod
Nearest airport : Mangalore about 50 km from Kasaragod.

Alumkadavu

Alumkadavu, a picturesque little village near Karunagapally, hardly 23 km north of Quilon (travel time: 30 min) along the Kayamkulam Lake, has become a hot spot of Kettuvallam building, with more than a hundred people involved.

These huge boats were traditionally used to move tonnes of goods across kingdoms, with a portion, covered with bamboo and coir, serving as a rest room and kitchen for the crew.

A familiar sight on the waters, these vessels are built with planks of jack wood joined together with coir rope and coated with a caustic black resin made from boiled cashew kernels.

Kuttanad

Location
Spread over Kottayam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha districts.

Attractions
Kuttanad is an expanse of waterlogged land, lying below sea level. Often, the level of water here is higher than that of the green paddy fields on either side.

Kuttanad bears a strong resemblance to Holland in terms of geographical features. Three rivers- the Pamba, the Manimala and the Achankovil criss-cross this region, popularly called 'The Rice Bowl' of Kerala, before flowing into the Vembanad Lake.

Until a few years ago, water was the main mode of transport. Today, buses and trains ply in the region. However, the landscape is so unique that a boat trip through Kuttanad is an unforgettable experience, with bustling rural life on the banks of the rivers, green expanses of paddy fields and shady coconut groves.

Getting there
Alappuzha is the nerve centre of the backwaters of Kerala. There are frequent boat services in the Alappuzha-Edathua-Ambalappuzha route covering Kuttanad.
Nearest railway stations: Alappuzha and Changanacherry.
Nearest airports: Cochin International Airport, about 85 km to the north; Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 150 km to the south. 

Akkulam

Location

About 10 km from Thiruvananthapuram city, south Kerala.

Attractions   A backwater destination and a beautiful picnic spot.

The Akkulam tourist village has boating facilities, a well-equipped children’s park and a paddle pool. There is also a swimming pool for adults. The calm and serene atmosphere at Akkulam and its unique beauty are a fascination for tourists.

Timings and rates Boat rentals: 10:00 to 17:00 hrs; Safari boat : Rs.15 per head per cruise; Speed boat: Rs.150 for four persons per cruise.
Children’s park: 09:3019:30 hrs; Adults: Rs.2 ; Children: Re 1.
Swimming pool: 07:3018:30 hrs; Adults: Rs.15; Children: Rs 10.

Getting there Nearest railway station: Thiruvananthapuram, about 10 km from the tourist village.
Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 7 km from the tourist village.

Poovar

An innovative range of tourist accommodation, "Floats",  a cluster of 10 floating cottages, is getting ready for occupation at Poovar 30 km from Thiruvananthapuram.

The cottages are located at the meeting point of the Neyyar river, the Arabian Sea and a stretch of backwaters.They are built on platforms made of fibre, steel and ferrocement, in the traditional Kerala style of architecture.  

The resort also offers facilities like swimming pool, restaurant, conference hall etc., in addition to about 20 other ordinary cottages facing the water body.

Getting there
Nearest railway station: Thiruvananthapuram, about 30 km.
Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 30 km.

Mattupetty Lake

Location

About 13 km from Munnar.Altitude:1,700 m above sea level.

A nature lover's paradise, Mattuppetty Lake is nestled on the hills of Idukki, one of the most nature-rich districts of Kerala. The calm, tranquil waters of the Mattuppetty Lake, at an altitude of 1,700 m above sea level, lies along 13 km.

A boat cruise on the lake is the best way to experience the idyllic destination. The District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) at Idukki is providing speed boats, motor boats, pedal boats and row boat facilities at the lake.

Mattuppetty is noted for its IndoSwiss Livestock Project, where improved varieties of cattle are bred. The farm is open to visitors from morning till evening.

Getting thereMattuppetty is just a 13 km drive from Munnar, the most enchanting hill station of South India.
Nearest railway station : Kottayam, about  142 km from Munnar.
Nearest airport : Cochin International Airport, about 130 km.

Fort Kochi

Fort Kochi happens to be the only place where those elegant Chinese fishing nets could be spotted, other than China. Fishing nets that protrudes into the emerald backwaters is a characteristic feature unique to Fort Kochi. Locally known as 'Cheenavala', a whole stretch of the coast along Fort Kochi and Vypeen are dotted with these nets.

It is believed that Chinese nets were introduced by traders who came from the court of the Chinese king Kublai Khan. The sight of fishermen using these massive nets is worth seeing. However, the huge cost of maintenance and poor catch has forced many local fishermen to consider other alternatives for earning their livelihood.

The sight of these fishing nets, supported by teak and bamboo poles, attracts large number of tourists. With the help of these fixed installations, fishermen are able to catch the fish, by operating the nets from the shore itself. The massive structure is operated in a gradual manner by a team of six fishermen.

Usually, the catch is a modest one, that gets sold to the passers by itself within no time.  You can even ask for the fish to be fried on the spot. 

Veli Tourist Village

Location About 8 km from Thiruvananthapuram city.

The long, undulating shoreline of Kerala is broken by lagoons that merge into inland lakes to form some of the most picturesque picnic spots. One such is the Veli lagoon, separated from the Arabian Sea by a narrow sand bar.

The Veli Tourist Village, built at the point where the lagoon meets the Arabian Sea, is replete with fish ponds, wading pools and landscaped gardens, along with facilities for boating and water sports and a children's park around the floating bridge that connects the village to the beach.

The youth hostel takes care of your food and accommodation at Veli. Nearby is the Shankhumukham beach skirting theThiruvananthapuram International airport.

Visiting hours7:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Getting there Nearest railway station: Thiruvananthapuram Central, about 8 km.
Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 3 km.

Pookot Lake

Location Three km south of Vythiri town, Wayanad district, North Kerala.
Altitude: 2,100 metres above sea level.
Tourist season:August to May.

It's not just a natural fresh-water lake on the Western Ghats. The Pookot Lake is the only one of its kind in Kerala. It sports a fresh-water aquarium with numerous varieties of fish. At 2,100 metres above sea level the Pookot Lake is a tourist's paradise.

Boating facilities, a children's park and a spices and handicrafts emporium add to the attraction of the place. Located 700- 2,100 metres above sea level, Wayanad district, home to the Pookot Lake, has some of the highest hill ranges in the State in its Vythiri taluk (a taluk is a sub division of a district).

Winding hairpin bends and ridges make the journey up the ranges an exciting experience.

With vast stretches of tropical forests and hilly terrain yet untainted by civilisation, Wayanad is also home to the largest number of tribal settlements in Kerala.

Getting there   Nearest railway station: Kozhikode, about 60 km from Vythiri.
Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode, about 23 kms from Kozhikode town.

Malampuzha

View of Dam and Garden

Location 10  km  from  Palakkad   town,  North   Kerala.

Attractions Dam, amusement park, boating facilities, rock garden and ropeway.

Malampuzha, a little township on the foothills of the Western Ghats takes its name from the river Malampuzha. Nurtured by this tributary of Kerala's longest river, the Bharathappuzha, Malampuzha is a lush green town and has been a major tourist attraction for its trekking trails and the large irrigation dam.

Around the reservoir of the dam are beautiful gardens and amusement parks. Boating facilities are available on the lake.

Other attractions in the Malampuzha garden are the beautiful rock garden, the fish-shaped aquarium, the snake park, the ropeway that takes you on an aerial tour of the park, and the gigantic Yakshi (an enchantress) sculptured by Kanai Kunhiraman, the leading sculptor of Kerala.

The most interesting feature of the rock garden is that the whole place is made of unwanted and broken pieces of bangles, tiles, used plastic cans, tins and other waste materials. The garden is a master work of sculptor Padmasree Nek Chand Saini. His rock garden in Chandigarh is world famous and attracts thousands of tourists every year. 

Getting there   Nearest railway station: Palakkad.
Nearest airport: Coimbatore,  about 55 km from Palakkad town.

Valiyaparamba

Location Valiyaparamba, about 30 km from Bekal, Kasaragod, north Kerala.

Valiyaparamba is perhaps the most scenic backwater stretch in Kerala. Fed by four rivers and dotted with numerous little islands, Valiyaparamba is fast turning into a much favoured backwater resort that offers enchanting boat cruises.

Valiyaparamba, a hinterland separated from the mainland, is a noted fishing centre in the district and is just an hour's drive from Bekal, one of the most enchanting beaches of Kerala. The Bekal Fort, which stands on a headland that runs into the sea, offers a spectacular view of the surroundings.

Getting there
Nearest railway station: Kasaragod, on the Kozhikode-Mangalore-Mumbai route, about 46 km from Valiyaparamba.
Nearest airports: Mangalore in Karnataka State, about 50 km from Kasaragod; Karipur international airport, Kozhikode, about 200 km from Kasaragod.

Chithari

Green and beautiful, Chithari is still a virgin destination. This island, which is effaced by the historic Bekal Fort and beach, is accessible only by boat. A part of the Bekal Tourism Project, this backwater area has all it takes to become a mega tourist destination.

Getting there
Nearest railway station: Kanhangad, about 5 km.
Nearest airport: Mangalore, about 50 km; Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode, about 200 km.

Q S T & R Block

This is perhaps the most interesting name for an idyllic tourist spot.

Located at Kuttanad in Alleppey district, QST & R Block Kayal is a backwater destination.

The rice fields here are four to ten feet below sea level. Extensive track of fertile land is reclaimed from the backwaters, for which, the water is held at bay with the help of dykes resembling those in Holland. This is a unique illustration of the indigenous agricultural engineering skills of the ancients.

A cruise on the canals and backwaters here on a rice boat (kettuvallam) is a one-of-its-kind experience. Serene waterways, quiet life on the shores, water fowl, palm grove and paddy fields… there is no other place like Kuttanad. 

Getting there
Nearest railway station : Alappuzha
Nearest airport : Cochin International Airport about 85 km from Alappuzha

Ashramom

Location The Picnic Village is at Ashramom, about 3 km from Kollam town. Located on the backwaterfront, the Picnic Village is one of the main centres of recreational activities in Kollam. A 200 year old Government Guest House, an adventure park, a Tourist Boat Club, a Children’s Traffic Park and a Yatri Nivas provide accommodation and entertainment facilities in the village.The District Tourism Promotion Council conducts regular backwater cruises in houseboats, luxury boats and speedboats from the Boat Club. Getting thereNearest railway station : Kollam Junction, about 3 km from the Picnic Village.Nearest airport : Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 75 km from Kollam.

Pathiramanal

Location
One and a half hour drive by motor boat or 30 minutes by speed boat from Alappuzha, Alappuzha district, south Kerala.

Pathiramanal, a small island on the backwaters of Alappuzha, is a haven for hundreds of rare birds migrating from different parts of the world.

Surrounded by the Vembanad Lake,stretching from Alappuzha to Kochi and the Kayamkulam lake, Pathiramanal is accessible only by boat. The green island thus forms an ideal place for a break in the journey while on a backwater cruise.

The mainland Alappuzha has a vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers criss-crossing it and is a district of immense natural beauty.

Getting there
Nearest railway station : Alappuzha
Nearest airports : Cochin International Airport, about 85 km north of Alappuzha; Thiruvananthapuram International Airport ,about 150 km towards the south.

Harippad

Harippad is known for the Champakulam snake boat race, the oldest and most popular snake boat race in Kerala.

The Champakulam boat race is an event closely connected to the Sree Krishna Temple at Ambalappuzha. The race is held on the Champakulam Lake on the Moolam day of the Malayalam month Midhunam, the day of the installation of the deity at the temple. The annual boat race is held in June-July.

According to legend, Maharaja Devanarayana of Chempakasseri, as instructed by the royal priest, built a temple at Ambalappuzha. Unfortunately, just before the installation of the deity, he was informed that the idol was not auspicious.

The king was disturbed, but his minister suggested an inspired solution- to bring down the beautiful idol of Sree Krishna  presented to Arjuna by the Lord himself, from the Karikulam temple in Kurichi.

A delegation went to Kurichi, met the authorities there and returned with the idol. On the way back they stopped at Champakulam to spend the night and perform a pooja.

The next morning, boats from the entire region assembled to escort the idol in a colorful, ceremonial procession through the lake to the temple. Thus began the tradition.

The pageant is re-enacted even today with the same enthusiasm. An exotic procession of water floats, boats decorated with colorful parasols and performing arts greets the spectator before the race.

Kettuvallam

Kerala's backwaters stretch over 1,500 km with a network of over 40 rivers, lagoons and lakes. Palm-fringed canals wind through vast paddy fields with tiny hamlets lined on either side.The breathtaking natural beauty of the backwaters makes it a rewarding travel experience.

Kerala's heartland is a network of lagoons, canals, lakes, palms and paddy stretches, eyecatchingly green all the way. The serene ambience entwines you with the beauty and the elements of nature.

A cruise along the backwaters in the traditional 'kettuvallam' rice boats prove to be the right choice for a long lazy cruise. One can travel from Thiruvananthapuram along Kollam, Alappuzha, Kuttanad, Kumarakom and Kochi up to Kozhikode. Hundreds of interlinked canals spill into palm-fringed lakes.

Kettuvallam, the country riceboat, was used formerly to transport goods from remote villages to the mainland and towns. With the advent of technology and passage of time, these ceased to be in use and Kettuvallams became a forgotten story, to be revived again with the growth of tourism.

A traditional Kettuvallam is almost 70 feet long and 15 feet wide. The boat is made of bamboo pole, coconut fibres and ropes. The main wood used is 'Anjili'. The modern cruise boats are fully equipped with state-of-the-art comforts and facilities.

Embark on your journey in the morning and watch the sun kissing the sky. There are many delightful sights to treasure as memories on the cruise. As one passes the thatched-roof houses, one can see the people geared up for their daily chores.

Kids prance around in gay abandon while the men of the fisher folk community can be seen trudging along the path carrying fishing nets, baskets and angling rods. Boats swish past carrying coconut husk, sand, et al. The wind whispers a tale of solitude and the birds chirp in symphony.

Alappuzha, the Venice of the East, is an idyllic spot to commence a dream holiday. The route is replete with interesting stopovers offering a leisurely break from the mundane. Calicut  Elathur, the Canoli canal and the Kallai river are favourite destinations for boating, Kadalundi with its beautiful bird sanctuary abounds in charm.

It's what you've been longing for. Escape the city at the villages by the backwaters. Hire fishing boats and fish all day long; visit the shrimp farms. Take your picture with ducks waddling in the stream. If you love to eat, don't miss the irresistible seafood at the many restaurants, where the atmosphere is laid back and relaxed.

Kochi Backwaters

Longing to take a rejuvenating glide into the serenity of village life? Nothing could be better than a boat ride caressed by the soft ripples of Kochi backwaters.  The journey beneath the concrete bridges becomes all the more charming as it is sure not to play havoc with your budget.

You will have to agree with the Spanish traveler who scribed in his memoirs that no journey through India is complete without experiencing the rail journey through Ootty-Coonoor and boat ride through Kochi-Varapuzha water canal.

The mesmerizing journey that starts from High Court junction at Ernakulam provides a beautiful glimpse of the broad backwaters that embraces Kochi. In their journey to Varapuzha, the boats are anchored at more than twenty docks.

'Lonely Planet', widely acclaimed as the 'Traveler's Bible', contains vivid description of this relatively unexplored waterway. Despite its international recognition, the native folk often remain unaware of the unique experience offered by the journey that links fourteen lush green islands.

The boat-ride provides a kaleidoscopic view of the vibrant cultural life  against a natural backdrop. The solitary boat rider and the fisherman who thuds hard on his boat to attract customers from the distant island towards his catch are but a few isolated images that stay back in mind long after the trip. Barges that contain liquid ammonia gas too sail by.

The meticulous eyes of foreign tourists have not evaded even the native boat travelers. It seems it was while traveling in these boats that they came across the largest number of 'half-clad men' in Kerala. The taste of toddy and the hot tinge of fish curry served at the riverside shops remained fresh in their taste-buds despite reaching the distant Egypt.

No wonder, the ride through the Kochi backwaters itself is the highlight in Fil Franperson's work 'Hidden Kerala', which has been written for KTDC.

The boat passes through Mulavukadu, Korumkotta and Vaduthala to reach Chittur where it stops for a refreshing break.

The island of Moolambilly, seen at the other side, is famous for its earthen pots. So exquisite were those vessels moulded at Moolampilly that during the Indo-Chinese war, it was rumoured that these pots were manufactured in China itself.

The boat resumes its ride through the islands of Pizhala, Kothadu and Chennoor before it reaches Varapuzha. The boat anchors beside the ancient St. Joseph Mount Carmel church. The cultural remnants of  the work of early missionaries attract tourists to Varapuzha. Crematorium of twelve missionaries could also be seen here.

The boat ride from Ernakulam to Varapuzha takes about one and a half hours. If your eyes long to have yet another glance of the picturesque backwaters you can return to Kochi by boat itself. Or else, you can get down at Cheranallor and catch a bus to Kochi. Taxi service is also available.

Accommodation can be arranged at resorts in Korunkodu and Kothadu islands. Home-stay facility is available at Chenoor and Kothadu.