Nov
29
Filed Under Exotic Locations | Leave a Comment
Sylvia Guarino asked:
Arriving home, I am thankful for the beauty of where we live year round and even more appreciative of our Sanibel retreat.
Although I have traveled to many continents and found beauty on them all, Sanibel and Captiva are iconic of America in their particular brand of beauty. The preservation of these islands despite the over-development of most of Florida and much of the USA is something worth evaluating as well as appreciating.
Among barrier islands, Sanibel and Captiva are unique. Their natural features, together with a climate that is subtropical in summer and temperate in winter, create unparalleled habitat for a diversity of birds, reptiles, mammals and aquatic life.
Sanibel is Southwest Florida’s only barrier island with a significant southern exposure. It formed from a lobe extending from Captiva. Along its south-facing shores, the currents of the Gulf of Mexico deposit countless shells with every tide. Sanibel is also Southwest Florida’s only remaining double-barrier island, in which two major sets of ridges catch rains to produce an extensive system of interior freshwater. Just beneath the surface, a rain-fed freshwater lens protects the interior wetlands from saltwater intrusion.
Vegetation is luxuriant. On the ridges, cabbage palm, strangler fig, gumbo limbo, wax myrtle, wild coffee and a host of indigenous shrubs and trees flourish. In the lower swales, sawgrass, spartina grass, leather ferns, sedges and purslanes dominate.
Captiva, with a high backbone of a ridge and rich with tropical growth, is the older of the two islands. Much of Sanibel was farmed in the 1880’s with crops of peppers, tomatoes, citrus, squash and melons. Forty families had settled the islands by 1890. Salty soil, as a result of storm overwashes, caused a shift to more saline-tolerant citrus by the 1920’s.
But the natural beauty of Sanibel and Captiva could have easily been lost or severely compromised were it not for a vision and commitment on the part of those entrusted with their care.
After months of public meetings in 1995 and 1996, the citizens of Sanibel reaffirmed their commitment to preservation of natural resources by adopting a vision statement that, in part, follows:
Sanibel is and shall remain a barrier island sanctuary, one in which a diverse population lives in harmony with the island’s wildlife and natural habitats. The Sanibel community must be vigilant in the protection and enhancement of its sanctuary characteristics.
The City of Sanibel will resist pressures to accommodate increased development and redevelopment that are inconsistent with the Sanibel Plan, including the vision statement. The City will guard against and, where advisable, oppose human activities in other jurisdictions that might harm the island’s sensitive habitats, including the island’s surrounding aquatic ecosystems.
Sanibel is and shall remain a small town community whose members choose to live in harmony with one another and with nature, creating a human settlement distinguished by its diversity, beauty, uniqueness, character and stewardship. The Sanibel community recognizes that its attractiveness to visitors is due to the islands quality as sanctuary and as community. The City of Sanibel will welcome visitors who are drawn by, and respectful of, these qualities; it will resist pressures to accommodate visitor attractions and activities that compromise these qualities.
Where I live is quite lovely. Where I play is even lovlier. The difference is in the intent as well as content. And both, in different ways, reflect ideals in American beauty. The former has created an emphasis on the manmade and the second has as its purpose conserving what God has created. I feel very fortunate to call both environments “home”.
BOYD
Arriving home, I am thankful for the beauty of where we live year round and even more appreciative of our Sanibel retreat.
Although I have traveled to many continents and found beauty on them all, Sanibel and Captiva are iconic of America in their particular brand of beauty. The preservation of these islands despite the over-development of most of Florida and much of the USA is something worth evaluating as well as appreciating.
Among barrier islands, Sanibel and Captiva are unique. Their natural features, together with a climate that is subtropical in summer and temperate in winter, create unparalleled habitat for a diversity of birds, reptiles, mammals and aquatic life.
Sanibel is Southwest Florida’s only barrier island with a significant southern exposure. It formed from a lobe extending from Captiva. Along its south-facing shores, the currents of the Gulf of Mexico deposit countless shells with every tide. Sanibel is also Southwest Florida’s only remaining double-barrier island, in which two major sets of ridges catch rains to produce an extensive system of interior freshwater. Just beneath the surface, a rain-fed freshwater lens protects the interior wetlands from saltwater intrusion.
Vegetation is luxuriant. On the ridges, cabbage palm, strangler fig, gumbo limbo, wax myrtle, wild coffee and a host of indigenous shrubs and trees flourish. In the lower swales, sawgrass, spartina grass, leather ferns, sedges and purslanes dominate.
Captiva, with a high backbone of a ridge and rich with tropical growth, is the older of the two islands. Much of Sanibel was farmed in the 1880’s with crops of peppers, tomatoes, citrus, squash and melons. Forty families had settled the islands by 1890. Salty soil, as a result of storm overwashes, caused a shift to more saline-tolerant citrus by the 1920’s.
But the natural beauty of Sanibel and Captiva could have easily been lost or severely compromised were it not for a vision and commitment on the part of those entrusted with their care.
After months of public meetings in 1995 and 1996, the citizens of Sanibel reaffirmed their commitment to preservation of natural resources by adopting a vision statement that, in part, follows:
Sanibel is and shall remain a barrier island sanctuary, one in which a diverse population lives in harmony with the island’s wildlife and natural habitats. The Sanibel community must be vigilant in the protection and enhancement of its sanctuary characteristics.
The City of Sanibel will resist pressures to accommodate increased development and redevelopment that are inconsistent with the Sanibel Plan, including the vision statement. The City will guard against and, where advisable, oppose human activities in other jurisdictions that might harm the island’s sensitive habitats, including the island’s surrounding aquatic ecosystems.
Sanibel is and shall remain a small town community whose members choose to live in harmony with one another and with nature, creating a human settlement distinguished by its diversity, beauty, uniqueness, character and stewardship. The Sanibel community recognizes that its attractiveness to visitors is due to the islands quality as sanctuary and as community. The City of Sanibel will welcome visitors who are drawn by, and respectful of, these qualities; it will resist pressures to accommodate visitor attractions and activities that compromise these qualities.
Where I live is quite lovely. Where I play is even lovlier. The difference is in the intent as well as content. And both, in different ways, reflect ideals in American beauty. The former has created an emphasis on the manmade and the second has as its purpose conserving what God has created. I feel very fortunate to call both environments “home”.
BOYD
Nov
7
Filed Under Exotic Locations | Leave a Comment
Lucy asked:
Lets Say that you want to travel to kenya but you have a tight budget. And lets say also that you are tired of hearing stories of how exotic adventure in Kenya is and would wish to have an experience of your own. Here, i will explore five travel destinations across kenya that are both exiting and so affordable that you could start planning your getaway right now.
The Masai Mara National Reserve is on the lips of every tourist destined to Kenya. It was only recently declared the 7th Wonder of the World. This Reserve is a perfect example of Savanah grassland of the African plateau. It covers 1,500 square kilometers of grassland and shrubs with a variety of wild animals scattered strategically within the reserve. The most momorable attraction here is the annual migration of wilderbeast in August to the nothern expansive Serengeti Plains and October acrosss the the Mara river to the South in search of Pasture.
The Meru National Park rivals the Masai Mara National reserve. This is a 4,000 Square kilometer conservatory in the Cenytal Kenyan Highlands. This area experienses vast amount of rainfall and has numerous permanent springs crisscrossing all around it. The Meru National parks boasts green deep indegenous forests and tall grass and is home to a wider selection of wild animals and birds than any other national park. The Challenge though is in spotting game. So, basically, you need to stay here longer though your stay is complemented by the many hotels and lodges lining withing the park.
The Fort Jesus which was built in the 16th century by the portuguese during the battle for the control of the East African coast so as to enforce their rule on the Swahili. it is situated in Mombasa. This fort has long been declared a National meseum by the Kenya Government. Inside, you will find a showcase of exibits mainly ceramics, artifacts and pottery repesenting the history of the Swahili community that lived along the coast from Somalia all aong to the Tanzania Coastal town of Zanzibar. This fort also borders the Mombasa old town and its at the end of Nkurumah Street.
The Lake Nakuru National Park is home to thousands of Flamingos feeding on the algae that grows on the lake Surface. This is a salt water lake which almost got dry a few years ago due to defforestation of the water catchment areas on the Mau Ranges which feed the Lake. Due to the intervention of the Kenya government and Non-Governmental environmentalists, the Park is now coming to life. The Flamingos have flown back to their original habitation from Lake Bogoria where they had sought refuge for years. This park is also home to Acasia trees, dry grassland, variety of bird species and and wild animals mostly herbivorous.
The Tsavo National Park is the Largest National Park in Kenya running into a whoopping 22,000 square kilometers. The Park is devided into two by the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway. This area held the biggest amount of Game in kenya but were reduced considerably due to porching but the numbers are now rising due to incresed survaillance by the Kenya Wildlife Service Police Unit. Here you will notice a remarkable difference in vegatation between Tsavo National Park and the masai Mara Gave Reserve. The Grass is taller but its a far cry from the Vegatation on the Meru National Park. But this park is sure to treat you to wider variety of Game.
With all these options available, there is no excuse to put off that
life-long desire to travel to Kenyas’ exotic places at the far ends of the African Continent and deep into the African Jungle.
WILBURN
Lets Say that you want to travel to kenya but you have a tight budget. And lets say also that you are tired of hearing stories of how exotic adventure in Kenya is and would wish to have an experience of your own. Here, i will explore five travel destinations across kenya that are both exiting and so affordable that you could start planning your getaway right now.
The Masai Mara National Reserve is on the lips of every tourist destined to Kenya. It was only recently declared the 7th Wonder of the World. This Reserve is a perfect example of Savanah grassland of the African plateau. It covers 1,500 square kilometers of grassland and shrubs with a variety of wild animals scattered strategically within the reserve. The most momorable attraction here is the annual migration of wilderbeast in August to the nothern expansive Serengeti Plains and October acrosss the the Mara river to the South in search of Pasture.
The Meru National Park rivals the Masai Mara National reserve. This is a 4,000 Square kilometer conservatory in the Cenytal Kenyan Highlands. This area experienses vast amount of rainfall and has numerous permanent springs crisscrossing all around it. The Meru National parks boasts green deep indegenous forests and tall grass and is home to a wider selection of wild animals and birds than any other national park. The Challenge though is in spotting game. So, basically, you need to stay here longer though your stay is complemented by the many hotels and lodges lining withing the park.
The Fort Jesus which was built in the 16th century by the portuguese during the battle for the control of the East African coast so as to enforce their rule on the Swahili. it is situated in Mombasa. This fort has long been declared a National meseum by the Kenya Government. Inside, you will find a showcase of exibits mainly ceramics, artifacts and pottery repesenting the history of the Swahili community that lived along the coast from Somalia all aong to the Tanzania Coastal town of Zanzibar. This fort also borders the Mombasa old town and its at the end of Nkurumah Street.
The Lake Nakuru National Park is home to thousands of Flamingos feeding on the algae that grows on the lake Surface. This is a salt water lake which almost got dry a few years ago due to defforestation of the water catchment areas on the Mau Ranges which feed the Lake. Due to the intervention of the Kenya government and Non-Governmental environmentalists, the Park is now coming to life. The Flamingos have flown back to their original habitation from Lake Bogoria where they had sought refuge for years. This park is also home to Acasia trees, dry grassland, variety of bird species and and wild animals mostly herbivorous.
The Tsavo National Park is the Largest National Park in Kenya running into a whoopping 22,000 square kilometers. The Park is devided into two by the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway. This area held the biggest amount of Game in kenya but were reduced considerably due to porching but the numbers are now rising due to incresed survaillance by the Kenya Wildlife Service Police Unit. Here you will notice a remarkable difference in vegatation between Tsavo National Park and the masai Mara Gave Reserve. The Grass is taller but its a far cry from the Vegatation on the Meru National Park. But this park is sure to treat you to wider variety of Game.
With all these options available, there is no excuse to put off that
life-long desire to travel to Kenyas’ exotic places at the far ends of the African Continent and deep into the African Jungle.
WILBURN
Sep
29
Filed Under Exotic Locations | Leave a Comment
Mark Marek asked:
If you are looking for an amazing African vacation try a Botswana Safari Holiday. The wildlife and landscape of this African country are simply awe inspiring. Watching wildlife safari on The Discovery Channel or on National Geographic is one thing, nice but ho hum. Seeing it with your own eyes, smelling it and hearing it in person is the ultimate travel experience.
There are many provinces in Africa where you can safari and take tours. The Botswana area is less overrun by tourists and gives a person much more freedom to explore on their own (or get in trouble if not careful). If you’re looking for ultimate in adventure, I recommend Botswana Safari Holidays, you will love it.
Botswana Hotels
Tourism is one of Botswana’s main economic industries and the government has been working to improve services. Quality hotel chains now have offerings in Botswana so that only the safari needs to be long, hot & dusty while accommodations can be clean and comfy. Many Botswana hotels have been built into the natural surroundings to bring the wildlife and scenery close adding to your holiday experience.
Let’s explore some of the best Botswana Safari Locations
Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta in Botswana is the largest inland delta in the world. The area’s waterways pass through the Kalahari Desert without flowing into the sea and irrigate the richly growing land creating a mosaic of palm islands. These islands are overgrown with lush grass and a variety of flora. While touring the Okavango Delta you might stumble upon any number of exotic birds and mammals, including elephant, buffalo, and giraffe. The Delta offers spectacular photo opportunities.
Moremi Reserve
Located in the heart of the Okavango Delta the Moremi Reserve bears the name of Chief Moremi of the BaTawana tribe. This reserve is regarded as one of the most beautiful on the entire African continent. At the Moremi Reserve you can get up close and personal with a huge variety of wildlife.
Xakanaxa Lagoon
The Xakanaxa Lagoon is right in the heart of Moremi and is known for its large herds of antelope, along with wild dogs and leopard. There is lodging available right on the lagoon for added interest and excitement. You can choose to “camp” according to your luxury expectations and your budget. There are several different private camps set-up along the edge of Xakanaxa. “Chiefs Safari Camp” and “Camp Moremi” are integrated into landscape in such a fashion that you can stay within the safety of the camp while still observing wild game in action.
Desert
If you go to Botswana during animal migration season – between March and May, you can hire a 4×4 and take it into the desert for some real safari sightseeing. There is no lodging in the desert, so you would be wilderness camping and sleeping underneath the stars. This can be amazing fun and very dangerous. Do not underestimate the desert. Sufficient supplies and a guide are a must. Hyena, jackal, antelope, lion, snakes and i countless species of birds and reptiles live in the desert. There is something to see any time of the year. Wisdom and caution are a must no matter when you go into the desert.
Safari in Botswana on the Cheap
Adventure travel packages are not the cheapest of holidays - often costing $4500 or more. This is the way to go for some people especially if your pockets are deep. However if you don’t like spending money there are less expensive ways. For a cheap Botswana Safari holiday, book nothing but the flight to Botswana. Then rent your 4×4 when you arrive. Do some studying before you go so that you will be able to book what you want to do and where you want to go when you arrive. It will be more adventurous than having everything prearranged. Although maybe a little more stressful if you are someone who likes to know everything is taken care of. You have more freedom to roam and enjoy the sights since you’re not stuck with someone else’s schedule. It’s easy to stay at a camp in Botswana and arrangements can be made on the spot, in person. If you travel this way, you’ll get your Botswana Safari trip for much less money, saving about 50% of an otherwise high cost adventure.
RAYMOND
If you are looking for an amazing African vacation try a Botswana Safari Holiday. The wildlife and landscape of this African country are simply awe inspiring. Watching wildlife safari on The Discovery Channel or on National Geographic is one thing, nice but ho hum. Seeing it with your own eyes, smelling it and hearing it in person is the ultimate travel experience.
There are many provinces in Africa where you can safari and take tours. The Botswana area is less overrun by tourists and gives a person much more freedom to explore on their own (or get in trouble if not careful). If you’re looking for ultimate in adventure, I recommend Botswana Safari Holidays, you will love it.
Botswana Hotels
Tourism is one of Botswana’s main economic industries and the government has been working to improve services. Quality hotel chains now have offerings in Botswana so that only the safari needs to be long, hot & dusty while accommodations can be clean and comfy. Many Botswana hotels have been built into the natural surroundings to bring the wildlife and scenery close adding to your holiday experience.
Let’s explore some of the best Botswana Safari Locations
Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta in Botswana is the largest inland delta in the world. The area’s waterways pass through the Kalahari Desert without flowing into the sea and irrigate the richly growing land creating a mosaic of palm islands. These islands are overgrown with lush grass and a variety of flora. While touring the Okavango Delta you might stumble upon any number of exotic birds and mammals, including elephant, buffalo, and giraffe. The Delta offers spectacular photo opportunities.
Moremi Reserve
Located in the heart of the Okavango Delta the Moremi Reserve bears the name of Chief Moremi of the BaTawana tribe. This reserve is regarded as one of the most beautiful on the entire African continent. At the Moremi Reserve you can get up close and personal with a huge variety of wildlife.
Xakanaxa Lagoon
The Xakanaxa Lagoon is right in the heart of Moremi and is known for its large herds of antelope, along with wild dogs and leopard. There is lodging available right on the lagoon for added interest and excitement. You can choose to “camp” according to your luxury expectations and your budget. There are several different private camps set-up along the edge of Xakanaxa. “Chiefs Safari Camp” and “Camp Moremi” are integrated into landscape in such a fashion that you can stay within the safety of the camp while still observing wild game in action.
Desert
If you go to Botswana during animal migration season – between March and May, you can hire a 4×4 and take it into the desert for some real safari sightseeing. There is no lodging in the desert, so you would be wilderness camping and sleeping underneath the stars. This can be amazing fun and very dangerous. Do not underestimate the desert. Sufficient supplies and a guide are a must. Hyena, jackal, antelope, lion, snakes and i countless species of birds and reptiles live in the desert. There is something to see any time of the year. Wisdom and caution are a must no matter when you go into the desert.
Safari in Botswana on the Cheap
Adventure travel packages are not the cheapest of holidays - often costing $4500 or more. This is the way to go for some people especially if your pockets are deep. However if you don’t like spending money there are less expensive ways. For a cheap Botswana Safari holiday, book nothing but the flight to Botswana. Then rent your 4×4 when you arrive. Do some studying before you go so that you will be able to book what you want to do and where you want to go when you arrive. It will be more adventurous than having everything prearranged. Although maybe a little more stressful if you are someone who likes to know everything is taken care of. You have more freedom to roam and enjoy the sights since you’re not stuck with someone else’s schedule. It’s easy to stay at a camp in Botswana and arrangements can be made on the spot, in person. If you travel this way, you’ll get your Botswana Safari trip for much less money, saving about 50% of an otherwise high cost adventure.
RAYMOND
Jul
18
Filed Under Exotic Locations | Leave a Comment
Radhika Jain asked:
Backwaters is a special feature of God’s own country – Kerala and always remain one of top priorities in tourists’ itinerary. Kerala backwaters are located close to the sea, comprise of a network of canals, lakes, lagoons and deltas. The backwaters manily receive water from the sea waves that travel beyond the shoreline, in addition, monsoons also contribute in maintaining the water level. The boat cruise across the backwaters is the ideal way to explore the Kerala backwaters. The houseboats locally called ‘Kettuvalloms’ is used to explore the backwaters. While on boat cruise you can see the fishing communities, aquatic life and many waterbird species including rare birds. Besides, the lush vegetation lined with coconut and palm groves add more to your cruising experience. Some of the famous backwaters of Kerala include :
Alleppey Backwaters - A picturesque coastal township, Alleppey is criss-crossed by a network of canals and lagoons. Often referred to as the ‘Venice of East’, Alleppey has a special place in the maritime history of Kerala. A boat cruise on the Alleppey backwaters is once in a lifetime experience. One can also enjoy one night cruise on the backwaters, which is a wonderful experience. The boat cruise takes you through the clear waters of the Punnamada Lake. Apart from backwaters, Alleppey has other attractions as well namely the 400 year old Champakkulam church, Chavara Bhavan, Ambalappuzha temple and the Alleppey Beach.
Kottayam backwaters - One of the most exotic backwater destinations in Kerala, Kottayam is called as the ‘land of lakes, latex and letters.’Also famous for its toddy tappers, Kottayam is interspersed with a network of canals and lakes. A boat cruise from Alleppey through Kottayam backwaters will certainly spellbound you. You may go on one night houseboat trip that takes you across the Punnamada lake, the venue for the popular Nehru trophy snake boat race. While on cruise you can see amazing sights like paddy being grown many feet below sea level. In fact, you can even enjoy angling with the rods provided on your request. Toddy tappers place and Vembanad Lake are other attraction in Kottayam.
Kumarakom Backwaters - Situated 10 km from Kottayam, Kumarakom is a small village known for its tranquil backwaters. With mangrove forests and coconut grooves dotting the banks of the waterways, Kumarakom offers a paradise like look. Though Kumarakom appears like a cluster of islands, but in reality is just one island formed due to the backwaters. For an exhilarating experience take a boat cruise from Alleppey to Kumarakom. En-route you will wonderful sights like women fishing with their toes or in the night you can see fishermen with torches gliding over the dark waters. As you pass the Ashtamudi lake, you can see interesting species of water birds like the wild duck, waterfowl etc. Some of the interesting sights in and around Kumarakom are Punnamada lake, Champakkulam Church, 11th Century Buddha Image, Chavara Bhavan and Ancient Ambalappuzha temple.
Kochi Backwaters - Referred as the commercial capital of Kerala, Kochi or Cochin is also a famous backwater destination in the state. The backwater stretch in Kochi is a very beautiful as the palm trees line the banks and spread across the islands. You can go for a backwater cruise in Kochi that covers the famous islands such as Bolgatty, Vyppin, Gundu and Vallarpadam. The backwater cruise in Kochi is filled with rich experience of the places and other attractions. Mattancherry Palace, St.Francis Church, Marine Drive and Shiva Temple are other attractions of Kochi.
Kollam Backwaters - A coastline district, Kollam lies about 71 kms from capital city Trivandrum. Situated close to the famous Ashtamudi lake, Kollam is renowned for its Cashew industry and historical monuments. Besides, Kollam is also known for picturesque backwaters. With lush green vegetation and crystal clear water, Kollam backwaters make the gateway to the beautiful backwaters of Kerala. A boat cruise trip from Alleppey to Kollam provide a wonderful chance to observe the nature at its best. En-route you will see the shores lined with tropical trees providing shelter to many exotic bird species like cuckoos, egrets, ducks, etc. The water is also provides a natural habitat for water plants like water lilies and lotus.
DENIS
Backwaters is a special feature of God’s own country – Kerala and always remain one of top priorities in tourists’ itinerary. Kerala backwaters are located close to the sea, comprise of a network of canals, lakes, lagoons and deltas. The backwaters manily receive water from the sea waves that travel beyond the shoreline, in addition, monsoons also contribute in maintaining the water level. The boat cruise across the backwaters is the ideal way to explore the Kerala backwaters. The houseboats locally called ‘Kettuvalloms’ is used to explore the backwaters. While on boat cruise you can see the fishing communities, aquatic life and many waterbird species including rare birds. Besides, the lush vegetation lined with coconut and palm groves add more to your cruising experience. Some of the famous backwaters of Kerala include :
Alleppey Backwaters - A picturesque coastal township, Alleppey is criss-crossed by a network of canals and lagoons. Often referred to as the ‘Venice of East’, Alleppey has a special place in the maritime history of Kerala. A boat cruise on the Alleppey backwaters is once in a lifetime experience. One can also enjoy one night cruise on the backwaters, which is a wonderful experience. The boat cruise takes you through the clear waters of the Punnamada Lake. Apart from backwaters, Alleppey has other attractions as well namely the 400 year old Champakkulam church, Chavara Bhavan, Ambalappuzha temple and the Alleppey Beach.
Kottayam backwaters - One of the most exotic backwater destinations in Kerala, Kottayam is called as the ‘land of lakes, latex and letters.’Also famous for its toddy tappers, Kottayam is interspersed with a network of canals and lakes. A boat cruise from Alleppey through Kottayam backwaters will certainly spellbound you. You may go on one night houseboat trip that takes you across the Punnamada lake, the venue for the popular Nehru trophy snake boat race. While on cruise you can see amazing sights like paddy being grown many feet below sea level. In fact, you can even enjoy angling with the rods provided on your request. Toddy tappers place and Vembanad Lake are other attraction in Kottayam.
Kumarakom Backwaters - Situated 10 km from Kottayam, Kumarakom is a small village known for its tranquil backwaters. With mangrove forests and coconut grooves dotting the banks of the waterways, Kumarakom offers a paradise like look. Though Kumarakom appears like a cluster of islands, but in reality is just one island formed due to the backwaters. For an exhilarating experience take a boat cruise from Alleppey to Kumarakom. En-route you will wonderful sights like women fishing with their toes or in the night you can see fishermen with torches gliding over the dark waters. As you pass the Ashtamudi lake, you can see interesting species of water birds like the wild duck, waterfowl etc. Some of the interesting sights in and around Kumarakom are Punnamada lake, Champakkulam Church, 11th Century Buddha Image, Chavara Bhavan and Ancient Ambalappuzha temple.
Kochi Backwaters - Referred as the commercial capital of Kerala, Kochi or Cochin is also a famous backwater destination in the state. The backwater stretch in Kochi is a very beautiful as the palm trees line the banks and spread across the islands. You can go for a backwater cruise in Kochi that covers the famous islands such as Bolgatty, Vyppin, Gundu and Vallarpadam. The backwater cruise in Kochi is filled with rich experience of the places and other attractions. Mattancherry Palace, St.Francis Church, Marine Drive and Shiva Temple are other attractions of Kochi.
Kollam Backwaters - A coastline district, Kollam lies about 71 kms from capital city Trivandrum. Situated close to the famous Ashtamudi lake, Kollam is renowned for its Cashew industry and historical monuments. Besides, Kollam is also known for picturesque backwaters. With lush green vegetation and crystal clear water, Kollam backwaters make the gateway to the beautiful backwaters of Kerala. A boat cruise trip from Alleppey to Kollam provide a wonderful chance to observe the nature at its best. En-route you will see the shores lined with tropical trees providing shelter to many exotic bird species like cuckoos, egrets, ducks, etc. The water is also provides a natural habitat for water plants like water lilies and lotus.
DENIS