One of the very first things that would come to your mind when you get to hear about Kerala would be the Backwaters. Tourism had flourished to a greater extent by this long stretch of serene water bodies, with the pleasurable houseboat sailing, angling, delicious recipes served on them and the picturesque views around. They are been influential in becoming of the temping things to do for the travellers vacationing in Kerala. Nevertheless, you would already know about them even if you are moderately updated on the travel things around you. Well, we are presenting you some facts and figures that most of you would rarely know about. Given below are the things nobody had told you about the backwaters.
Two of Its Backwaters Were Recognized as Ramsar Wetland
With the abundance of marshy flora and fauna that dwell in them or the places associated with them, the Ramsar Convention that functions for the sustainable utilization and conservation had enlisted the names of Ashtamudi Wetland and Vembanad-Kol Wetland, way back in 2002. They are an International Cooperation that provides prominence for the existence of Waterfowl habitat most notably.
Kerala Posses the Largest-Ever Inland Backwater Lake of the Country
Covering over an area of 2033 sq km, the Vembanad Lake constitutes the largest one not only in the state but in the entire country. Moreover, they also do possess the most connected network of canals that are centered on Kuttanad, which the low-lying coastal areas in Alappuzha. Also, when compared with all other lakes in the state, the most number of rivers around 5 of them drains out to the Vembanad Lake.
Only 2 Backwaters of the 27 are the Freshwater Resources
Most of the backwaters being situated close to the coastal region and their merging with the sea, the waters of the lake would get mixed up with them at some spots and hence the salted water gets in. Meanwhile, the lakes situated either at a landlocked area or anywhere at a higher altitude would obviously be comprising of fresh and cool waters respectively. Here, in Kerala, the only freshwater lakes are Sashthamkotta Lake in Kollam and Pookode Lake in Wayanad.
The Present-Day Houseboats Had Evolved out from Smaller Version of Cargo Ships
It might be shocking for many of you to accept that around 2000 houseboats would be seen plying across backwaters of Kerala. And if you had got entered to its interiors once booking any tour packages, you would be surprised with all those world-class facilities equipped within them right in the middle of a backwater. However, it would be more surprising for you to realize that these large boats were in olden days used as cargo ships, which was used to transport goods and sell them at an affordable price.
National Waterway-3 Passes Through Many Backwaters of Kerala
Known to be one of the oldest national Waterways of the country, they do pass through many areas of the backwaters of Kerala, namely Vembanad Lake and Ashtamudi. Moreover, measuring the length of 205 km, the starting and ending points of the waterways are Kollam and Kottapuram in Thrissur. The easily transportable waterways flow almost parallel to the Arabian Sea on the western side. Lately, rather than the movement of good, it is the Backwater Tourism that is prospering over its regions.
Backwaters had been the Backdrop of Various Popular Regional and Nationally Acclaimed Movies
This one could be predictable to most of you considering its spectacular views, yet one needs to delve deeper into it, as a whole lot of literature stuff was being produced with the backwaters as its central theme. And that constitutes not only the popular movies but also various novels such as God of Small Things by Arundhathi Roy. Furthermore, the scenery of Kuttanad Backwaters is the most favorite pick for photographers and videographers, as they perfectly blend with any mood of literature.
The Sights Around the Vembanad Backwaters will Look Astonishing Romantic in Dark Clouds
Dark clouds wherever they are brings a beautiful feeling to most of the nature lovers out there. Here amid the vast expansive lake of Vembanad, one could feel that they are at the top of the world, by staying closer to the mean sea level, instead of with the playful formations of dark clouds. Photographers rush into these spots at the time for clicking the endless boundary of the serene water body, naturally preparing a site for its glorious beckoning in the showers.
Now you may disclose that it has almost become inevitable for you to have temptations of visiting them and glide across those tranquil waters. Being at the lap of nature, in this calming form are bound to make you feel pleasant and cheerful at the end of the day. If all of these are excites you, you may get those tour packages of Dream Holiday, which could fulfill your wishes of acquiring these unique sorts of experiences from your holidaying in this God’s Own Country. Once you had planned to spend your vacations here, never miss dropping into those misty hills, lively beaches, and some historical monuments.
