Canoeing In Kerala

Kerala with its diverse landscape and natural terrains facilitate the growth of adventure sports in the region. The seething rivers of the state, their deltas and estuaries, the five large lakes, the many creeks and brooks, lagoons and canals that crisscross the region make canoeing an automatic choice for the thrill seeking tourists. The unique backwaters have influenced the lives and tastes of those who inhabit their banks. Since canoes were used in everyday life to transport people and trade items, canoe races started to develop locally as a sport. Soon the tourists to the region caught on to the exhilaration of this sport.

The favorite route of the canoeists is from the serene backwaters of Alappuza through the canals irrigating the rich agricultural fields of Kuttanad right up to the culture rich and divinely beautiful port of Kochi. Alternatively you could paddle through the picturesque Vembanad Lake to the exotic region of Kumarakom, enjoying the coconut groves, sighting vividly colored plumage at the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and resting off at the misty Pathiramanal Island. Another route you may wish to trace is the water way from Alappuzha to Kollam. Enroute you will have to brave the gushing Pampa River. You may wish to enjoy the rustic charms of Champpakkulam, an island hamlet of fisher folk. Spend the hot afternoons canoeing down the Karumadi Canal enjoying the height of the Karumadikuttan statue, and then paddle past Trikunnapuzha, traverse the Kayamkulam and Ashtamudi lakes to enjoy the ancient historic ambience of Kollam or Quilon. The canoes are made traditionally with locally available wood and treated with a black resin made by boiling cashew nut shells to make them buoyant.

Canoeing apart from being a strenuous adventure sport can be relaxing to the mind and spirit at the same time. The pleasure of the sport is derived from the lush green surroundings and the rustic dwellings on the banks of the backwaters, the quaint hamlets and the diverse flora and fauna. 2-5 day long canoeing expeditions are undertaken by the tourists.

The locals take their sport rather seriously and a Malayali almost always features among the top three winners of the canoeing event in the National games. Most such stalwarts represent India in international canoeing competitions too.

Last Updated on 26 May 2011