Kuttanad Backwaters

Kuttanad backwater is also known as the “Rice Bowl of Kerala” because of the rich harvest of rice in the area made possible by the distinguished climate supportive of the rice plantations and of course the underwater farming. The scenic countryside here is a rich crop of bananas, yams and cassava.

Best time to visit : August to October

Kuttanad is the heart of the exotic backwaters of the fascinating costal region of Kerala. The place is unique in the sense as it is the only place where farming is done below the sea level, which is about 1.5 to 2 meters below sea level. The wondrous landscape of Kuttanad is amazingly sandwiched between the sea and the hills, stretching across a distance of 75 Km, plainly justifying its reputation as one of the best Backwaters of Kerala.

The experience of sailing lazily on a vast stretch of labyrinthine water world in a Kettuvollam (the local term for a houseboat), sitting on the deck of the huge traditional houseboat of Kerala, is simply a ravishing experience. Watching villagers usually going on with their life and work, swarthy children swaying their hands to render their heart-felt greetings and oneself feasting the soul on the serenity and purity of the beauty of nature offered here, is just the experience anticipated when a visit to this part of the Indian peninsula is planned in winters of India.