It
is the major rice granary of Kerala, where
vast stretches of verdant paddy
fields are interlaced with enchanting
backwaters create some of the
unforgettable sights.
Kuttanad,
the rice bowl of Kerala
is all about an agrarian community, striking a chord of
harmony with its
physical setting. Noted for its farming below sea level (about
4 to 10
feet) the land of Kuttanad possesses a socio-cultural fabric of its
own.Four major rivers in Kerala viz.
Pampa, Meenachil, Achankovil and
Manimala flow into the
region.
Kuttanad
can be accessed
from places on the National Highway- 47 from Harippad to
Alappuzha
town in the District of Alappuzha, and from places like
Thiruvalla and Changanasserry
on the Main Central (MC)
Road going through the District of Kottayam.
The
most
popular route taken to get close and explore Kuttanad is the
Alappuzha-Changanasserry
road. This road goes through the heart
of Kuttanad and gives visitors
plenty of options to watch the
day-to-day life at Kuttanad. The best
thing for a visitor to
Kuttanad is that, one can take deviations from
either side of the
Alappuzha-Chanaganasserry road to reach villages,
predominantly
consisting of farmers. During the harvest season the vast expanse
of
paddy fields, at some places dotted with islets of coconut trees, will be
busy with farmers engrossed in different farming activities;done in the
traditional manner. Quite early in the morning itself one can sight the
women
folk heading towards the paddy fields carrying their lunch box and
sickle, and
on the other hand men could be seen already on the fields
till the land, sowing
the seeds, getting rid of weeds, diverting water
channels etc.
The
Kuttanad area
is also rich in avian population, and one can easily find
flocks of
parrots hovering in the paddy fields, especially those fields with
rice
stalks in bloom. You may also come across a black blanket sweeping across
the sky, which on close look will reveal as yet another flock of
birds.And this time its is the
darter birds, which haunt the backwaters in and
around Kuttanad
and the adjoining Vembanad Lake.
As
you explore the
villages, don't forget to take a walk by the numerous canals
that
crisscross Kuttanad, which are lined by tall coconut trees swaying
in the breeze. During most part of the day, these canal stretches would
be abuzz
with different activities. There will be vendors on boat
selling vegetables,
grocery and fish to households on the banks of these
canals. You would also come
across big country boats called Kettu
Vallams on which goods like coconut
husk, rice grains etc. are
transported to nearby markets in bulk. Among the
sights on the
backwaters here at Kuttanad, the most fascinating obviously
is
that of the ducks, quacking together in high decibels and moving across the
backwaters in large numbers;shepherded by men on small boats. One can
also catch
men plying on the backwater;some diving down to collect lime
shells from the
depths and others fishing with their nets and
traditional cane basket called Ottal.
For
those interested in trying out few local dishes may do so by dropping at
the
small traditionally built wayside eateries, which are quite famous
for backwater
fish delicacies and tapioca. A popular naturally extracted
beverage is the toddy,
which is available in plenty and enjoyed by many
for its speciality.
You
may also find
Kuttanad, a bit more exciting, if you hire a boat. You can
hire
motorboats, houseboats etc. from the boat jetty operated by the government
as well as private groups near the KSRTC Bus Station at Alappuzha
or else
may get on one from places like Kidangara, which is on
the Alappuzha-Changanasserry
road. Some of the places worth
visiting in the Kuttanad area are Nedumudy,
Kaavalam,
Champakkulam etc.
Getting
there:
Nearest railway station:
Alappuzha.
Nearest
airport: Cochin
International Airport, Nedumbassery, about 85 km from
Alappuzha.
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