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Punnamada,
Alappuzha - 688 006, Kerala, India.
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Punnamada Backwater Resort, a true copy of
the ancient architecture and ambience rejoining here to welcome
the most modern amenities and thus to produce a wonderful, luxurious
resort for total relaxation, for the mind, the body and the
soul. The resort enjoys an ever-refreshing climate. Spread over
10.5 acres with the water frontage expending over a kilometer,
the breeze carries with it the warmth of the sun and the coolness
of the lake. The days are vibrant with glorious sunshine and
the frenzied crescendo of the waves, and nights balmy with subtle
rhythm of tiny waves meeting the banks. Emerald paddy fields
and the historic lighthouse of Munroe island basking in the
sun just meters away from the resort could inspire the Van Gouge
in you.
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| Kerala the southernmost state of India is
blessed with 44 rivers which reach the Arabian Sea within a
short distance of its origin in the mountains. The narrowness
of the state sandwiches the most productive areas namely the
wetlands between the Western Ghats on the east and the sea on
the west. The rivers spread out as a complex system of backwaters
and lagoons which make the Kerala landscape scenic and green.
The backwaters are inlaid with an intricate network of man-made
canals which are influenced by seasonal rainfall, average rainfall
being 3200 mm, and natural flooding. This creates an ideal situation
for alluvial deposits in the backwaters justifying the highly
productive paddy lands, fishing grounds and diverse human culture.
The economic, ecological and social integrity of Kerala is largely
influenced by this unique backwater system. The Alleppey District
of Kerala symbolizes the confluence of all the natural graces
and beauty. When you travel to Alleppey, the town built in 1752
as a trading centre, also known as the 'Venice of the East',
your eyes will feast on the sight of unending coconut groves,
the sea and limitless backwaters. The smiles on the faces of
the people and the sweat on their brow indicate the enterprising,
secular and highly hospitable inhabitants of this part of Kerala.
Alleppey is flanked by 2195 sq. km. |
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Vembanad backwaters where
one witnesses the magnificent union of six major rivers
which spread-out extensively before joining the 80 km
coast line of the district. The Alleppey town itself is
crisscrossed by a system of canals, which is part of the
navigational channel classified as National Waterway 3.
The abundant growth of coconut palms on the bunds reclaimed
from backwaters has contributed to a thriving coir industry
with high quality export oriented products. |
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| The richness of the coastal
waters is expressed annually in the blooming and consequent
deposit of a huge quality of fishes and prawns on the Alleppey
coast called 'Chakara', this annual shifting sandbank which
appears during post monsoon period contributes to the local
economy and is festive season for the inhabitants. The engineering
experiments of Thottappilly spillway of 1955 and Thanermukkam
bund of 1975 create conducive conditions to check floods and
regulate saltwater intrusion. The ancient rice bowl of Kerala
- Kuttanad, 55000hectares of unending paddy fields which very
endemic salt and flood tolerant rice varieties lies in Alleppey
District . The paddy fields lie 0.6-2 m below sea level and
the practice of cultivating at such risk is the key factor here.
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| The lakes, lagoons and channels are also
witness to the brilliant and spirited boat-races, the most famous
of them being the Nehru Trophy Boat Race held every August.
This greatest festival of backwaters happen right in front of
us. The annual floods rejuvenate and cleanse the soil and water.
This explains the abundance of marine life - prawns, lobsters,
fishes, turtles, mangroves and other flora. The backwaters and
wetlands host thousands of migrant teals, ducks and cormorants
every year who travel to reach this pristine aqua refuge. The
culture of this district is also resplendent with rich and diverse
ways of celebrating life - the boat races, songs and festivals
all hold the spirit of the people. |
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