Kuttanad - Kerala - India

Kuttanadu has some legend associated with the origin of its name! The epic Mahabharata mentions this place, as the place of stay of Pandava Princes during their exile which was then a dense forest. The epic also records the forest fire which destroyed this whole dense forest. So the place was called burnt land or Chuttanad which locally came to be known as Kuttanad. The presence of coal deep under the surface proves the point.

Kuttanad is not a small place. It is a vast land, scenic throughout. It was always an agricultural land where life revolved around rice cultivation.

The main occupation of the locals for centuries has been paddy cultivation. It is carried out in the kayal (which means lake in Malayalam) lands that are the lands reclaimed from the great Vembanad lake gradually over time. 

Kuttanad lies sandwiched between the hills and the sea. Famed as the rice bowl of Kerala, the long stretches of waterways consist of lakes , rivers and canals.The four main rivers traversing the land of Kuttanad include Manimala, Pampa, Achankovil and Meenachil.

Kuttanad backwaters are considered paradise for the backwaters and the tourist coming to this mesmerizing land are stunned by the natural beauty sprinkled in its vast landscapes. 

Let me tell you that the life is as slow flowing as the canals are. The best way to explore it is to take a ride in one of the tiny water ways.

Kuttanad is a likable mix of paddy fields, canals, lakes and villages.As you explore the villages, do not forget to take the many canals running through Kuttanad, which are lined with tall coconut trees swaying in the wind.

This is the only place in the world where backwater cultivation of rice is carried out below sea level (4ft-10 ft). Lush green paddy fields enthrall the tourists. The city also has a vast variety of birds to boast of. The crisscrossing canals are buzzing with activities in the morning hours where one can spot vegetable vendors, grocery and fish vendors, etc. These canals are embanked with a row of coconut trees on either side. 

Among the attractions here at Kuttanad backwaters, most fascinating, of course, is that the ducks quacking along with high decibels and moving across the backwaters in large numbers, men piled into small boats. It can also be transmitted from men to operate a pond, some dives up to collect lime shells from the deep, and fishing nets and other traditional cane basket called octal. 

How to Reach

By Air– Cochin International Airport located about 85 Km from Kuttanad is the nearest airport to the village town.

By Railways– Alappuzha railway Station is the nearest to the city.

By Road– Kuttanad can be easily reached via Alappuzha which is well connected by roads of The state and National highways.

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