Kuttanad- the ‘Rice Bowl of Kerala’- the region with the lowest altitude in India- is famous for the beautiful locations close to nature and biosaline farming. Renowned as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS), it is one of the rare farming areas across the globe where farming is carried out below sea level, like Kilimanjaro in Africa. Situated at the heart of Alappuzha backwater, Kuttanadu is a must-visit destination for nature lovers tourists. The widespread paddy fields, traditional farming implements, the farmers, backwaters, the countryside with tall green trees on its embankments, local life, ducks quacking, and the flying birds hovering over the area are indeed a never-miss kind of enchanting visual treat that anyone could get in their entire life, especially in the harvest season.
Kids and young people jumping into the water in search of shells is no less than a humble reminder of one’s own childhood. The cuisines served here are a blend of Kerala’s world-famous tradition and the lovely behavior of the Kuttanadan people. Along with cuisines, one can also try the toddy available at the ‘Kallu Shappu’ which is a native alcoholic beverage. Kerala’s four major rivers, the Pamba, Meenachil, Achankovil, and Manimala, flow into this region.
This large, serene area can be explored on foot or by cruising in the canoes/houseboats that are often seen on the calm waters of Kuttanadu as decorations. Additionally, Kuttanadu is well known for the Boat Race, translated as ‘Vallamkali’ in Malayalam, held in the Punnamada Backwaters- a part of this region. The Kuttanad region is categorized into Lower Kuttanad, Upper Kuttanad, and North Kuttanad based on the areas covered, as Kuttanadu spans over multiple districts like Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta.
Getting there
Nearest railway station: Alappuzha
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 85 km
