Kerala Backwaters
The Kerala backwaters are a chain of brackish lagoons and lakes lying parallel to the Malabar Coast of Kerala. The kettuvallams (Kerala houseboats) in the backwaters are one of the prominent tourist attractions in Kerala. More than 600 kettuvallams ply the backwaters,120 of them in Alappuzha.
The backwaters have a unique ecosystem – freshwater from the rivers meets the seawater from the Arabian Sea. Many unique species of aquatic life including crabs, frogs and mudskippers, water birds such as terns, kingfishers, darters and cormorants, and animals such as otters and turtles live in and alongside the backwaters. Palm trees, pandanus shrubs, various leafy plants and bushes grow alongside the backwaters, providing a green hue to the surrounding landscape.
Locals ferrying their paddy around the backwaters. The backwaters are basiaclly the local streets of the area, forming the link and lifeblood for everything. Water taxis, street signs, transport, supplies, everything plies the waters.
One of the larger houseboats we passed, a floating palace with 2nd storey balcony and probably bunks for 8-10. Nice life and with the exchange, still very affordable. Beats a 5-star any day I say.
