Kuttanad Backwaters - Kerala's Unique Below Sea Level Farmlands

Alleppey, KeralaNATURE

Explore Kuttanad, the 'Rice Bowl of Kerala', a unique region where farming is done below sea level amidst a scenic network of backwater canals and lakes.

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Multiple days

Accessibility

Not Wheelchair Friendly

Parking

No Parking

Photography

No Photography

About the Destination

Overview

Kuttanad is a unique region in the heart of Kerala's backwaters, recognized for its vast paddy fields that are cultivated up to two meters below sea level. It's a sprawling area crisscrossed by a network of rivers, canals, and lakes, with Vembanad Lake at its core. The main experience here is gliding through these waterways on a traditional houseboat, known as a 'kettuvallam', or a smaller canoe. From the water, you get a direct view into the local life: children going to school by boat, vendors selling vegetables on canoes, and families going about their daily chores along the banks.

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Location & Address

Kuttanad Taluk, accessible from Alappuzha town, Kuttanad, Alleppey, Kerala, India

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Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Kuttanad is from September to March. During these months, the weather is pleasant and comfortable for houseboat cruises and sightseeing, with less humidity and minimal rainfall. The post-monsoon period (September-November) offers the greenest landscapes. The monsoon season (June to August) presents a different experience with lush surroundings and fewer tourists, but heavy rains can disrupt travel plans. Summer (April-May) can be very hot and humid.
Peak Crowd: December to January, public holidays, and long weekends, due to peak tourist season and ideal weather.
Moderate Crowd: September to November and February to March, offering a good balance of pleasant weather and manageable crowds.
Low Crowd: April to August, encompassing the hot summer and heavy monsoon seasons, which deters many visitors.

How to Reach

Air

Cochin International Airport (COK) is the nearest airport, located about 85 km away. It takes approximately 2-2.5 hours to reach Alappuzha by taxi.

Train

Alappuzha Railway Station (ALLP) is the primary railhead. It is well-connected to major cities like Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and Chennai. The station is just a few kilometers from the main boat jetties.

Road

Alappuzha is well-connected by National Highway 66 (NH 66). Regular government and private buses run from nearby cities like Kochi (60 km), Thiruvananthapuram (150 km), and Kottayam (48 km).

Local Transport

Auto-rickshaws and taxis are widely available in Alappuzha to get to the finishing points and jetties. The government-run ferry service is the main mode of transport for locals within the Kuttanad region.