"The lake Vembanad is largest strech of Backwaters in Kerala measuring 83 kilometers length, and crosses three zones before reaching the sea with the port of Kochi. The lake Ashtamudi, significance, having eight arm, are the larger second strech and are the passage to the backwaters. These lagoons and the lake Kayamkulam were formed in 1866 A.D, when the large flood envasé to the top of the old ports. These backwaters in the keralahave become roads between the interior ground and the sea. "- Visit the Kerala Backwater website by clicking on the caption for this post.
Snake Boat Races of Kerala
"The snake boat races of Kerala. Magnificent fiestas that brings alive the tranquil backwaters. Snake boat races are held in connection with Onam, the harvest festival in August/September. Scores of long snake boats and other smaller crafts participate in these events. The largest team sport in the world, the snake boat races are preceded by colourful water parades.
Usually, a snake boat is manned by four helmsmen, 25 singers and 100-125 oarsmen, who row in unison to the fast rhythm of vanchipattu (song of the boatman). Thousands of people crowd the water's edge to cheer the huge black crafts as they slice through the waters to a spectacular finish. The oldest of these events have curious legends and myths attached to their origin. Myths closely linked to the rustic people and their beliefs. " - Excerpt from a website on Kerala Tourism
"Established in 1930, this unique institution, devoted to classical performing arts, is situated near the majestic river Bharathapuzha, celebrated in literature as Nila, in the village of Cheruthuruthy in Trissur district in the State of Kerala in the south west part of India."...( Please visit their official website by clicking on the caption for this post.)
