Kuttanad-The water cascaded granary of Kerala
Kuttanad is situated in Aleppuzha dist of Kerala can be accessed from NH 47 from Haripad to Aleppuzha town and from Thiruvalla and Changanasseeri on the MC road going through the Kottayam dist.Some of the places worth visiting are Champakulam, Kavalam, Thakazhi, Nedumudi etc.
Kuttanad is known as the rice bowl of Kerala,it is one of the major rice granary with beautiful vast stretches of paddyfields, interlaced with enchanting backwaters and coconut lagoons create some unforgetable sights to any travelers.
It was a sunny afternoon when i take a journey to kuttanad from the route Changanassery- Alleppuzha. The road goes through the heart of Kuttanad, boardered with vast paddy fields and inlets of waters and this route is a better way to explore Kuttanad and can watch the many daily activities besides it. There are so many deviations from this road goes to many local villages predominantly consisiting of farmers . Noted for its cultivation below sealevel, Kuttanad possess an agrarian community striking a chord of harmony with its physical settings. The four major rivers of Kerala, namely Meenachil, Pampa, Manimala and Achenkovil flows into this region.
As I stopped my car and start exploring Kuttanad by one of its numerous canals that crisscross the region which are lined by tall coconut trees swaying in the breeze. The canal was busy with small boats which carry many household things such as vegetables, groceries etc by the local vendors. Large boats are carrying coconut and rice grains to local market in bulk. Large number of ducks are quacking and moving across the water with men in small boats- one of the most fascinating scene in Kuttanad. peoples fishing with nets and other traditional ways to catch the most precious thing in water-black pearlspot fish (karimeen), and some diving to collect lime shells.
The region is also rich in avian population- flock of birds howering in the paddy fields is a common scene.
Exploring Kuttanad will not complete without a visit to one of the wayside eateries which serves the delicious local dishes. Fish delicacies such as karimeen pollichatu, Meen curry, Meen mulakittathu with tapioca, non-veg dishes like Duck roast with appams and Toddy- a natural beverage extracted from coconut to wash down the hot etc are the specialties enjoyed by many.
I planned to conclude my visit by buying some fresh Karimeen (pearlspot fish) from theVendorswhich selling the fresh catch of the day in wayside. It was a fantastic journey , for sure the natural beauty of Kuttanad will nevern soar your eyes,and always we will decide to come back to this heaven on earth.
Recent Comments