Kerala - Picture Gallery
Allappuzha is also known for its spectacular snake - boat races held on the second Saturday of August, every year. This competition - the Nehru boat race takes its name from India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru, who inaugurated in 1952. It is excitement all around as snake - boats , each manned by over a hundred oarsmen, cut through the waters like wind. The event is a tremendous success with tourists and the local population alike.
The boat cruise along the backwaters of Allappuzha give one first hand experience of the life style; toddy tapping, fishing for small fry, Coir-making, prawn farming etc., which remains more or less unchanged over the years.
The backwaters act as a vital waterway for the transport of goods, people and their produce are often the only link between isolated villages and crowded towns. In Kerala, the total expanse of backwater stretches over 1500 kms, with a network of 44 rivers, lagoons and lakes from north to south. Allappuzha which forms the main part of this network has the peculiar geographical feature of having the water in level with the land. This gives the advantage of getting a closer look at the village life on shore while on a backwater ride.
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A glide in a "Kettuvallam"
(Houseboat) through the enchanting backwaters of Allappuzha is sure to
rob your heart. Palm fringed narrow canals winding through the vast
expanse of paddy fields and the neat tiny hamlets lined up along either
sides of the canals are panoramic sights one can never forget. The
Chinese fishing nets, the reminiscent of our past trade links, are also
found on the way. Flocks of ducks swimming around the banks and tiny
birds flying across the sky remains as enduring pictures reflecting the
charm of this unique land. The sparkling water and the caressing cool wind is a temptation too
strong to resist. Country boats of various types crisscross the path |
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with passengers from all walks of Kerala's rural life ranging from milkman and newspaper boy to local politicians, priests and wedding parties. It is a unique experience as this is as close as one can get to feel the vibrant life in the countryside of god's own country |
