Kuttanad

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 toAlappuzha  town in the District of Alappuzha, and from places like Thiruvalla andChanganasserry 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 toKuttanad 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,  Champakkulametc. Getting there: Nearest railway station: Alappuzha. Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery, about 85 km from Alappuzha