| Kerala the
southernmost state of India is blessed with 44 rivers which reach the
Arabian Sea within a short distance of its origin in the mountains. The
narrowness of the state sandwiches the most productive areas namely the
wetlands between the Western Ghats on the east and the sea on the west.
The rivers spread out as a complex system of backwaters and lagoons which
make the Kerala landscape scenic and green. The backwaters are inlaid with
an intricate network of man-made canals which are influenced by seasonal
rainfall, average rainfall being 3200 mm, and natural flooding. This
creates an ideal situation for alluvial deposits in the backwaters
justifying the highly productive paddy lands, fishing grounds and diverse
human culture. The economic, ecological and social integrity of Kerala is
largely influenced by this unique backwater system. The Alleppey District
of Kerala symbolizes the confluence of all the natural graces and beauty.
When you travel to Alleppey, the town built in 1752 as a trading centre,
also known as the 'Venice of the East', your eyes will feast on the sight
of unending coconut groves, the sea and limitless backwaters. The smiles
on the faces of the people and the sweat on their brow indicate the
enterprising, secular and highly hospitable inhabitants of this part of
Kerala. Alleppey is flanked by 2195 sq. km. Vembanad backwaters where one
witnesses the magnificent union of six major rivers which spread-out
extensively before joining the 80 km coast line of the district. The
Alleppey town itself is crisscrossed by a system of canals, which is part
of the navigational channel classified as National Waterway 3. The abundant
growth of coconut palms on the bunds reclaimed from backwaters has
contributed to a thriving coir industry with high quality export oriented
products. The richness of the coastal waters is expressed annually in the
blooming and consequent deposit of a huge quality of fishes and prawns on
the Alleppey coast called 'Chakara', this annual shifting sandbank which appears
during post monsoon period contributes to the local economy and is festive
season for the inhabitants. The engineering experiments of Thottappilly
spillway of 1955 and Thanermukkam bund of 1975 create conducive conditions
to check floods and regulate saltwater intrusion. The ancient rice bowl of
Kerala - Kuttanad, 55000hectares of unending paddy fields which very
endemic salt and flood tolerant rice varieties lies in Alleppey District .
The paddy fields lie 0.6-2 m below sea level and the practice of
cultivating at such risk is the key factor here. The lakes, lagoons and
channels are also witness to the brilliant and spirited boat-races, the
most famous of them being the Nehru Trophy Boat Race held every August.
This greatest festival of backwaters happen right in front of us. The
annual floods rejuvenate and cleanse the soil and water. This explains the
abundance of marine life - prawns, lobsters, fishes, turtles, mangroves
and other flora. The backwaters and wetlands host thousands of migrant
teals, ducks and cormorants every year who travel to reach this pristine
aqua refuge. The culture of this district is also resplendent with rich
and diverse ways of celebrating life - the boat races, songs and festivals
all hold the spirit of the people.
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Punnamada
Backwater Resort, a true copy of the ancient architecture and ambience rejoining
here to welcome the most modern amenities and thus to produce a wonderful,
luxurious resort for total relaxation, for the mind, the body
and the soul.
The resort enjoys
an ever-refreshing climate. Spread over 10.5 acres with the water frontage
expending over a kilometer, the breeze carries with it the warmth of the sun
and the coolness of the lake. The days are vibrant with glorious sunshine and
the frenzied crescendo of the waves, and nights balmy with subtle rhythm of
tiny waves meeting the banks.
Emerald paddy fields and the historic lighthouse of Munroe island basking
in the sun just meters away from the resort could inspire the Van Gouge in
you.
