The
beautiful Vembanad
Lake in Kumarakom is famous
for its exceptional scenic beauty, lush green surroundings and exciting boat
cruises.
The Vembanad wetland system covers an area of over 1512 km and is bordered
by 3 districts. Several rivers flow into the lake and Canals link the lake to
other coastal lakes of the region.
A unique
characteristic of the lake is the location of the Thannermukkom salt water barrier which was
constructed as a part of the Kuttanad Development Scheme to prevent tidal
action and intrusion of salt water into the Kuttanad low-lands. It is the
largest mud regulator in India.
The
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary on the eastern banks of the Vembanad Lake
is a favorite haunt of migratory birds and shelters a wide variety of exotic
birds.
The
beautiful serene Vembanad
Lake comes alive during
the festive occasion of Onam when spectacular snake boat races and colorful
cultural programs are held.
If you truly want a feel of heaven on earth, take a Back Water Cruise
on the gloriously still waters of the Vembanand Lake.
Most of the luxury houseboat cruises start from the Vembanad Lake
jetty and travel down the enchanting Kerala backwaters. The wooden houseboats
are equipped with modern facilities like air conditioned and well appointed
bedrooms and a well equipped kitchen, complete with qualified staff.
As you sail down the lake, you are overwhelmed by the sheer beauty of
Nature. The boats moor at little islands where the crew serves you a piping hot
meal consisting of all the local specialties. You can ask the chef to cook up
some of the fresh fish that is sold by small fishing boats that ply on the lake
with their freshly caught fare ? a variety of fish and prawns. The people living
on the banks of Vembanad are directly or indirectly dependent upon the lake for
their livelihoods which include agriculture, fishing, tourism, inland
navigation, coir retting, lime shell collection, shrimp/ crab farming and sand
mining.
As the sun
sets over the lake, you are treated to the sounds of the water lapping against
your boat and the occasional cricket. The spectacular sunrise brings with it
fresh promise of further excitement. The houseboat sails by the famous Kuttanad
region, one of the few areas in the world where farming is done below the sea
level. As you pass small islands, you
get a glimpse of village life on the islands dotting the backwaters. A cruise
down this sometimes water hyacinth ridden lake is guaranteed to be a most
memorable and cherished one.
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