Kanjippadam Backwaters
Kanjippadam Backwaters represent the quieter, more pristine side of the famous Kuttanad water network. Located slightly away from the primary houseboat routes of Alappuzha, this area offers an intimate look at the traditional life of the backwaters without the overwhelming crowd of tourists. The la ndscape here is a mesmerizing tapestry of narrow canals, vast lakes, and lush green paddy fields that lie below sea level. The primary attraction of Kanjippadam is its sheer tranquility; the only sounds you are likely to hear are the ripples of water against the hulls of country boats and the occasional call of a water bird. The village of Kanjippadam itself is a typical agrarian community where the local economy revolves around rice cultivation and fishing. Visitors can witness the "Toddy" tapping process, where sap is collected from coconut palms, a practice that is central to the local culture and economy. The backwaters here are dotted with small islets where traditional houses stand surrounded by water, reachable only by boat. This creates a unique lifestyle where every household has its own small canoe for daily transport. The water in Kanjippadam is relatively cleaner and less congested than the main canal systems, making it a preferred spot for those looking for a relaxing shikhara boat ride or a peaceful sunset. The area is also known for its local fish variety, particularly the Pearl Spot (Karimeen), which thrives in these brackish waters. For a traveler, Kanjippadam offers a "slow travel" experience, encouraging one to sit back and observe the changing colors of the sky reflected in the vast expanse of water. It is a place that reminds one of the old Kerala, before the advent of mass tourism, where the beauty lies in the simplicity of the everyday.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
2 to 3 HoursPlace Type:
Nature & LandscapeEntry Fees:
There is No Entry Fee to access the Kanjippadam Backwaters.
Boat Rentals: A Shikhara boat ride typically costs around Rs.600 to Rs.800 per hour.
Private Canoes: Local boatmen might take you for a short spin for as little as Rs.200 to Rs.30...There is No Entry Fee to access the Kanjippadam Backwaters.
Boat Rentals: A Shikhara boat ride typically costs around Rs.600 to Rs.800 per hour.
Private Canoes: Local boatmen might take you for a short spin for as little as Rs.200 to Rs.300, making it a very affordable destination for budget travelers.Timing:
The backwaters are accessible 24 Hours.
Regular Timings: Most boat operators work from 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: The best time to visit is during the late afternoon from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM to catch the sunset and the co...The backwaters are accessible 24 Hours.
Regular Timings: Most boat operators work from 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: The best time to visit is during the late afternoon from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM to catch the sunset and the cooler breeze. Early mornings at 6:30 AM are also spectacular for birdwatching and seeing the village wake up.Special Events:
The Kanjippadam Snake Boat Race is a local event that happens during the Onam season.
Local Pride: Unlike the major commercial races, this is a community-driven event where different "karas" (localities) compete with high spirit and traditional songs (Vanchippattu)...The Kanjippadam Snake Boat Race is a local event that happens during the Onam season.
Local Pride: Unlike the major commercial races, this is a community-driven event where different "karas" (localities) compete with high spirit and traditional songs (Vanchippattu).
Temple Festivals: The local Devi temple celebrates its annual festival with traditional art forms like Kathakali and Theyyam, which are performed throughout the night.Best Photo Spots:
The area is incredibly photogenic.
The Bund Walkway: A long shot of the straight bund with water on both sides creates a perfect leading line for photos.
Reflections: The early morning hours provide mirror-like reflections of the p...The area is incredibly photogenic.
The Bund Walkway: A long shot of the straight bund with water on both sides creates a perfect leading line for photos.
Reflections: The early morning hours provide mirror-like reflections of the palms in the still canals.
Fishermen at Work: Capturing a fisherman throwing his net against the backdrop of the rising sun is a classic Kuttanad shot that is easily achievable here.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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There are several ways to enjoy the beauty of Kanjippadam.
Shikhara Boat Ride: Rent a small, covered boat for a two-hour tour of the narrow canals.
Observe Farming: Watch the local farmers working in the fields that are several feet below the water level.
Visit a Boat Yard: See how traditional houseboats are constructed using coir ropes and wood without a single nail.
Fishing with Locals: Join a local fisherman for an hour to learn how to use a throw-net.
Village Walk: Walk along the narrow bunds to see the island houses and local shrines.
Birdwatching: Look out for the Siberian cranes and purple moorhens that frequent the fields.
Taste Local Food: Eat ...
Information
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Why Famous:
Kanjippadam is famous for being a pristine and less commercialized alternative to the Alappuzha backwaters.
Traditional Fishing: It is a major hub for traditional inland fishing and clam collection, providing a large portion of the local seafood supply.Kanjippadam is famous for being a pristine and less commercialized alternative to the Alappuzha backwaters.
Traditional Fishing: It is a major hub for traditional inland fishing and clam collection, providing a large portion of the local seafood supply.
Scenic Beauty: The area is also gaining fame as a preferred location for film shoots and landscape photography due to its vast, unobstructed views of the water and the traditional "Kettuvallam" (houseboat) building yards that still operate in the vicinity. -
Architecture:
Architecture and Engineering: The architecture of Kanjippadam is more about landscape engineering than traditional buildings.
Bund Systems: The most impressive "structures" are the massive mud and stone bunds that separate the rivers from th...Architecture and Engineering: The architecture of Kanjippadam is more about landscape engineering than traditional buildings.
Bund Systems: The most impressive "structures" are the massive mud and stone bunds that separate the rivers from the lower-lying paddy fields. These bunds are often 4 to 6 feet wide and run for several kilometers, acting as both flood barriers and walkways.
Local Houses: The residential architecture features small, raised-platform houses with tiled roofs, designed to stay dry during the monsoon floods. Many of these houses have a "Kadavu" or a private stone-stepped landing area on the canal for easy boat access. -
How To Reach:
Kanjippadam is located near the Alappuzha-Changanassery road.
By Air: Cochin International Airport is approximately 95 KM away. Taxis are the most convenient way to reach from the airport.
By Train: The nearest station is Alappuzh... -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple (5 KM), 2. Karumadikuttan Statue (8 KM), 3. Alappuzha Beach (15 KM), 4. Revi Karunakaran Museum (14 KM), 5. Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple (13 KM), 6. Punnapra Beach (10 KM), 7. Thakazhi Museum (12 KM), 8. Champakulam Church (10 KM), 9. Punnamada Lake (16 KM), 10. Marari Beach (25 KM).
Tourism Tips
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Stay prepared for the rural environment.
Health & Safety: Drink only bottled water and use sunblock.
Packing: Carry a small umbrella or raincoat, especially if visiting between June and October.
Accomm...
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