Kerala is a city in India that is already filled with foliage, coconut groves, a diversity of flora and fauna, and warm temperatures. However, its Backwater Boat Rowing is one of the best activities that attracts tourists across the globe. Kerala's calm and cool water that extends through its coastline provides visitors with a tranquil and composed feeling as it comes with greenery and distinct marine life submerged in waters. There is a long historical tradition of boat rowing in Kerala that started around 1614 when disputes between local rulers were settled by boat races. Read the article to the end if you don't want to miss out on any of the information regarding this fabulous adventure.
Introduction to Kerala Backwaters
Kerala's Backwaters provide a peaceful and picturesque atmosphere of coastal topography, which includes lagoons, lakes, rivers, canals, and other features that support the rich landscape of Kerala. Traditionally used by locals for travelling, fishing, and agriculture, the backwaters have now become a major hub for Kerala Backwaters Boat Rowing events and provide a great source of entertainment for foreigners and locals alike. For tourists who are looking for either or both relaxed and adventurous activities, then the backwaters of Kerela would be a great place to travel. This is a must place to visit if you want a break from the twirl of the busy world by experiencing diverse wildlife, observing the exotic birds, and understanding the other village cultures on the slow rowing boats.
How to experience Kerala backwaters?
Kerala's backwaters provide a wholesome experience to its visitors. There are many ways to enjoy this astonishing place. You can embark on this enchanting voyage that goes beyond the ordinary visit, where you can enjoy each moment of exploring the rich culture, serene beauty, and exquisite cuisine of the region through:
- You can hire Kettuvallam, a traditional Kerala-style houseboat, to visit the backwaters.
- The distinguishedly delicious and freshly cooked Indian cuisine, along with beer, can make your journey to the region more delightful.
- You can enjoy your day by taking a thorough trip to the area and make your stay exciting by spending the night on the boat.
- You can organise your trip on a houseboat along with a stay at a resort or hotel around the backwaters. Normally, these stay houses have their own houseboats, which offer you overnight and sunset cruises.
- You can even opt for ferry services, which pass through myriad small canals and villages, where you can ask them to take you to the Nedumudy and Krishnspuran on your return journey.
- Many people also opt for country boat tours or canoe trips to villages to experience the backwaters and grasp the complete tradition and culture of the village people.
- You can also visit Kakkathuruthu Island on Vembanad Lake, which, according to some legends, was previously inhabited only by crows. Now, it is home to around 350 families, where you will be away from the hustle of daily life and thus able to comprehend the true nature and environment of the backwaters.
What is special about Kerala backwaters?
Kerala Blackwaters is famous locally and internationally, where it allows the local culture and nature to grow and cultivate at a great length. There are many specialities about the place that make it famous, which can be seen as:
- Captivating Experiences—In the Blackwaters, you will see and feel many captivating sights. Here, you will indulge yourself in the local culture as you visit their artistic villages, where artists create intricate handicrafts and art forms like Kathakali and Theyyam are performed along the way.
- Experience a vast transformation from farm to table- This place allows you to experience a vast transformation from farm to table. Here, you can witness or even experience organic farming on the one hand and have an authentic dining experience with nature on the other. This helps to make every feast in Kerala a celebration of vibrant culture.
- Inland Navigation—The Blackwaters of Kerala are connected by many artificial canals, which help to navigate inland transportation, support economic forms of transport, and facilitate large local trades, thus forming a great significance for Kerala.
Types of Boats in Kerala Backwaters
The Backwaters of Kerala offer a variety of boats, each with its own features and speciality. Thus, each boat provides great fun in its own way. The different types of boats that you will witness there can be seen as:
- Houseboats (Kettuvallam)—These are huge boats with large and luxurious floating houses. They are popular for overnight cruising, and if you want a comfortable trip, you can opt for this. However, they are a little big for some small passages and thus secluded those regions from their voyage.
- Shikara Boats—These are a bit smaller than houseboats and open. Though they are not good for overnight stays, they are considered good if you want a personalised and short trip in the Backwaters for some adventure.
- Snake Boats (Chundan Vallam)- These boats are popular for boat races in Kerala during Onam. They are crafted as a long and slim boat for a spectacular experience rather than for a relaxed journey.
The Allure of Kerala Backwaters for Foreigners
People visit the backwaters in Kerala in huge numbers to experience paradise on Earth. It is like a heaven for all nature lovers and people who love adventure. It keeps its audience spellbound by providing them captivating experience. The place allures foreigners to a great extent because of the following reasons:
- Vembanad Lake- This lake lies at the heart of the backwaters and forms an integral part of Kerala's identity. It is home to a diverse ecosystem comprising many species of flora and fauna, lagoons, palms, and vibrant bird sanctuaries.
- Traditional Houseboats—You will love conventional craftsmanship when you witness the beautifully crafted vessels entirely made of natural materials like bamboo and coir. The houseboats contain comfortable bedrooms, well-equipped bathrooms, and large decks where you can enjoy scenic views and sunsets.
- Tranquillity and Enjoyment- The melody of nature and the swaying sound of the boats create an atmosphere of relaxation and serenity, where you have the opportunity to rejuvenate every moment of your life.
Which month is the boat race in Kerala?
Kerala organizes several boat races in different regions of the state in the months of August and September. These races have their own significance and story. Some of the interesting boat races in the state include:
- The Aranmula Uthrattadi Vallamkali boat race- It is the oldest known boat race in Kerala and is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Arjuna. The event is conducted on a large scale, and huge boats, along with four helmsmen, 100 rowers, and 25 singers, are used for the rowing.
- The Sree Narayana Trophy boat race- It is conducted around the marketplace where thousands of oarsmen thrash their oars into the waters and sing along to the rhythm of their splashing oars as they come towards the finishing line. Thousands of people cheer for their team from both sides of the water thus making the event more cheerful and exciting.
- Champakkulam Boat Race- It is one of the iconic and oldest boat races in Kerala. This race marks the beginning of the boat race in the state and thus holds great significance. This race marks the placement of the idol of Lord Krishna at the Sree Krishna Swamy Temple in Ambalappuzha. This race is not merely a competition but a way to remember the rich maritime heritage of Kerala.
Why Choose Kerala Backwaters Boat Rowing?
Backwater boat rowing has been a significant part of Kerala's heritage for more than 650 years and has become a major tourist attraction. Though there are wide reasons for you to opt for the mentioned exciting activity, but some of the crucial things that make you choose to witness the event personally include:
- With the help of the small manoeuvre craft, which can easily navigate the water passage, you can witness and appreciate the surroundings with a closer and clearer look.
- Rowing the boats can give you a Pacific experience, as it allows you to listen to the birds chirping and the splash of clean water through the oars.
- Boat rowing is an eco-friendly activity that neither harms any creature nor creates any kind of pollution.
- It allows you to enjoy the scenic beauty of the area and a place where you can spend a few days of your life hustle-free.
Conclusion
Kerala's backwaters have always managed to lure thousands of tourists across the globe by providing them with a relaxed and clean atmosphere in which to breathe. The place promises its visitors a memorable and long-lasting life experience in whatever activity they choose, whether to participate in a traditional canoe trip through the narrow passage or witness the enthusiastic snake boat race. So don't forget to take fun photos with your loved ones in this lovely place.
