I’m participating in the #AtoZBloggingChallenge 2016 with the theme – Pins on the Map of my Memory – which is about places that bear a special connection with me for reasons mostly personal!
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V for Vembanad
At a short distance from Kochi on the West of Kumarakom, a vast network of rivers and canals empty into a great expanse of water that forms the Vembanad Lake, the largest in the state of Kerala!
Located in the heart of the Kerala Backwaters, with hundreds of kettuvallams plying on it and numerous resorts on its banks, this beautifully serene lake is an enchanting picnic spot and a fast developing backwater tourism destination, which provides boating, fishing and sightseeing experiences for thousands of tourists every year.
The lake is bordered by Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam districts. Situated at sea level, it is divided into two halves by a saltwater barrier and one can see the difference between the brackish and the fresh water. Just cruising along the lake can make your trip worthwhile, as you can see parts of all the three districts which surround the lake.
The one time when this serene lake becomes the hub of all action is during Onam when the spectacular snake boat races take place. It is indeed amazing to watch oarsmen, at least a hundred in one boat, slice their way through the waters to the fast rhythm of their own full-throated singing.
If you fancy a cruise in the cool waters of this placid lake and a stay in a houseboat to enjoy the heavenly views around, while dining on freshly cooked ethnic dishes, then this is the perfect place for you. There couldn’t be a better time than September to March to put your feet up and enjoy a perfect break.
So the snake boat races happen here? Cool! I’ve heard of vembanad but good you shared more. Should go that side too 🙂
Ideally a 3-day weekend trip from Bangalore is a good time to explore that area!
I have always wanted to visit the Kerala Backwaters -noted the ideal season to visit. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Do visit Shantala…I can guarantee you a wonderful time!
Irony. I have been in Kerala for the past 2.5 decades… have not been here.
Don’t tell me…with that veritable treasure house of tourist spots your state is, how come you didn’t spot all that beauty in your very own backyard? Do visit Vembanad and Alleppey and rediscover your roots, doc…you’ll love it 🙂
The backwaters of Kerela are always stunning … sounds like a gorgeous and a peaceful place.
You absolutely must do this trip, Raj! Or you’ll have missed out on something really special!
Yet another post bringing back mermories of a wonderful holiday this time with children and husband – a rare one indeed
Lovely, isn’t it, to look back fondly at a wonderful time with your loved ones…I’m so glad my post did that for you…so grateful for the appreciation, as always 🙂
This is one place which I had been dreaming since long to feel.. Hope some day I get to be in heaven…
http://serendipityofdreams.blogspot.in/2016/04/virtual-world.html
Thanks for stopping by, Deepti! Vembanad soothes the heart and the soul and is a perfect place to relax in the lap of nature…you’ll absolutely love it!
Again, Kumarakom is near my home.. we usually go for day trips and they are fun too.
Oh, is it, Lata? Lucky you…You know the place better than me then…It is so calming to the senses…and so soothing to the soul!
Yes definitely. Even the one day trip is very enjoyable and peaceful.
The Kerala backwaters are something I have heard much about, but never managed to do one! The kettuvellams are so cool aren’t they? I stayed in a houseboat on the Dal lake and had a fantastic time! The serene images of the backwaters beckon me…!
@KalaRavi16 from
Relax-N-Rave
Oh, yes, Kala…Kettuvellams are just the ideal place to let your hair down and chill…Great to recharge once in a while. My dream is to go for the Dal Lake houseboats and those gorgeous shikaras…awesome, aren’t they?
Vembanad sounds like a happening place. Watching the snake boat races live must be an exciting and a fascinating experience!
It is, Shilpa. Nothing to beat the fabulous variety of ways in which you can relax by the Vembanad! Happening it is 🙂