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DESTINATIONS |
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KERALA - GOD'S OWN COUNTRY
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Backwaters
The network of rivers, streams, lagoons, canals and tanks that occupy the alluvial plain between the Indian Ocean and the Western Ghats runs the length along the coast from Kollam to Kochi, the northern section known as Kuttanad. It gives an almost uniquely quiet view of Kerala village life, impossible to get simply from the road. |
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With only two permanent outlets to the sea, one at Kodungallur in the north and the other at Koch, and a third opening during the southwest monsoon at Thottappally (where a cut was made to let the surplus stagnant freshwater out to sea), the lagoons are fed by a network of perennial rivers. These flush out the salts between May and September, but seawater rushes in at the end of the monsoon reaching up to 20 kilometres inland. The backwaters become increasingly brackish through the dry season. The alternation between fresh and saltwater has been essential to the backwater's aquatic life.
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| Along the back waters traditional punted boats or motorized ferries provide one of the most delightful tours in India. The typical journey on a motor boat between Kollam and Alappuzha lasts over eight hours but some people find this too long. A shorter trip is possible, either by doing a round trip from Kollam, or by picking up or getting off the boat closer to Alappuzha (for example Changanacheery or Kottayam). Nearer Kochi too, a quiet half-day can be spent on a traditional dugout or you can have an exclusive upmarket overnight trip in a kettuvallam style houseboat. |
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PALMLINED BEACHES
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Beaches are the most important tourist attraction in Kerala. The long coastline lined with the swaying coconut palms and dotted with an occasional fishing hamlet is fast developing into one of the world's best string of beaches. Though extremely popular worldwide, the beaches remain unspoilt and bewitching. The beaches of Kerala have a character unique to them. Kovalam, Varkala, Alleppey, Kappad and Bekal are the famous beaches of Kerala.
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| Papanasam Beach | |
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