Kuttanadu

Kuttanadu, the major rice granary of Kerala, India, is the region with the lowest altitude in India, with 500 square kilometres of the region below sea level. Its elevation ranges from 0.6 m above to 2.2 metres below sea level. Most of the area is covered with water throughout the year.

Kuttanadu is one of the few places in the world where farming is carried out below sea level.

The Greater Kuttanad region spread across the districts of Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, and Kottayam. The Lower Kuttanad region itself has a population of 1.8 million and comes under the Alappuzha district.

Kuttanad possesses a socio-cultural fabric of its own.

The Kuttanad region is broadly classified into three divisions:

    * Lower Kuttanad
    * Upper Kuttanad
    * North Kuttanad

Lower Kuttanad comprises taluks of Ambalapuzha, Kuttanad (excluding Edathua, Thalavady and Muttar), and the northern half of Karthikapally taluk in Alappuzha district.

Upper Kuttanad comprises Veeyapuram village in Karthikapally taluk, Edathua, Thalavady, Kidangara and Muttar in Kuttanad taluk; Chennithala village in Mavelikkara Taluk, Mannar, Kuruttissery, Budhanur, Ennakkad villages in Chengannur taluk of Alappuzha district; and Parumala, Kadapra, Niranam, Pulikeezhu, Peringara, Chathenkeri, Nedumpuram, villages of Tiruvalla taluk in Pathanamthitta district.

North Kuttanad comprises Vaikom taluk, western parts of Kottayam taluk, and western parts of Changanacherry taluk in Kottayam district.

Attractions  
Kuttanad is an expanse of waterlogged land, lying below sea level. Often, the level of water here is higher than that of the green paddy fields on either side.

Kuttanad bears a strong resemblance to Holland in terms of geographical features. Four major rivers in Kerala viz. Pampa, Meenachil, Achankovil and Manimala flow into this region, popularly called ’The Rice Bowl’ of Kerala, before flowing into the Vembanad Lake.

As you explore the villages, don't forget to take a walk by the numerous canals that crisscross Kuttanad, which are lined by tall coconut trees swaying in the breeze. During most part of the day, these canal stretches would be abuzz with different activities. There will be vendors on boat selling vegetables, grocery and fish to households on the banks of these canals. You would also come across big country boats called Kettu Vallams on which goods like coconut husk, rice grains etc. are transported to nearby markets in bulk. Among the sights on the backwaters here at Kuttanad, the most fascinating obviously is that of the ducks, quacking together in high decibels and moving across the backwaters in large numbers;shepherded by men on small boats. One can also catch men plying on the backwater;some diving down to collect lime shells from the depths and others fishing with their nets and traditional cane basket called Ottal.

For those interested in trying out few local dishes may do so by dropping at the small traditionally built wayside eateries, which are quite famous for backwater fish delicacies and tapioca. A popular naturally extracted beverage is the toddy, which is available in plenty and enjoyed by many for its speciality.

Until a few years ago, water was the main mode of transport. Today, buses and trains ply in the region. However, the landscape is so unique that a boat trip through Kuttanad is an unforgettable experience, with bustling rural life on the banks of the rivers, green expanses of paddy fields and shady coconut groves.

You may also find Kuttanad, a bit more exciting, if you hire a boat. You can hire motorboats, houseboats etc. from the boat jetty operated by the government as well as private groups near the KSRTC Bus Station at Alappuzha or else may get on one from places like Kidangara, which is on the Alappuzha-Changanasserry road. Some of the places worth visiting in the Kuttanad area are Nedumudy, Kaavalam, Champakkulam etc.

Getting there   
Kuttanad can be accessed from places on the National Highway- 47 from Harippad to Alappuzha town in the District of Alappuzha, and from places like Thiruvalla and Changanasserry on the Main Central (MC) Road going through the District of Kottayam. Alappuzha is the nerve centre of the backwaters of Kerala. There are frequent boat services in the Alappuzha-Edathua-Ambalappuzha route covering Kuttanad.

The most popular route taken to get close and explore Kuttanad is the Alappuzha-Changanasserry road. This road goes through the heart of Kuttanad and gives visitors plenty of options to watch the day-to-day life at Kuttanad. The best thing for a visitor to Kuttanad is that, one can take deviations from either side of the Alappuzha-Chanaganasserry road to reach villages, predominantly consisting of farmers. During the harvest season the vast expanse of paddy fields, at some places dotted with islets of coconut trees, will be busy with farmers engrossed in different farming activities;done in the traditional manner. Quite early in the morning itself one can sight the women folk heading towards the paddy fields carrying their lunch box and sickle, and on the other hand men could be seen already on the fields till the land, sowing the seeds, getting rid of weeds, diverting water channels etc.

Nearest railway stations: Alappuzha and Changanacherry.
Nearest airports: Cochin International Airport, about 85 km to the north; Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 150 km to the south.