"Kuttanad"
in Alappuzha ( Alleppey ) is one of few places in the world where farming
is done below sea level. Kuttanad is a land of lush paddy fields and is
called the 'Rice Bowl' of Kerela. Kuttanad stretches for 75 Km sandwiched
between the sea and the hills. Kuttanad is the most beautiful backwaters
region of Kerala.It is here that most of the snake boat races are conducted and a majority of the rice boat & houseboat cruises are scheduled. Kerala's network of navigable backwaters stretches to over 900km. These serene waterways are fringed by palm grove and paddy fields and offer a striking spectacle of the rustic life.
The local spring season emerges from August and coincides with the harvest festival of Onam. The lowest and highest temperatures recorded are 16.10 C and 37.80 C. There is always a cool, fresh breeze, which makes even the warmest weather readily agreeable.
The South West monsoon is from early June to early August. However, slight drizzles persist till early November. Average rainfall is 1100 mm per year. The peak tourist season is from November to March.
Today,
Alappuzha has grown in importance as a backwater tourist centre, attracting
several thousands of foreign tourists each year. Alappuzha is also famous
for its boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and coir
industry.A singular characteristic of this land is the region called Kuttanad. A land of lush paddy fields, Kuttanad is called the Rice Bowl of Kerala and is one of the few places in the world where farming is done below sea level.
