the many rivers flowing down from the Western Ghats range.
Forty one west flowing and 3 east-flowing rivers along with its
tributaries are the lifeline of evergreen Kerala. The river banks
which are rich in flora fauna are ideal spots for a rejuvenating
sojourn. A tourist coming to Kerala will not like miss a cruise along
the backwaters here. A cruise along the backwaters gives the
tourist the taste of the culture, history, lifestyle and the scenic
beauty of Kerala. In Alappuzha, not only the tourists but the locals
too enjoy the cruise along the backwaters. Many of the carnivals
here are associated with backwaters. The Nehru Trophy Snake
Boat race held here every year is one of such carnival. The unique
feature of Kuttanad, the rice bowl of Kerala is that the fields are
below sea level. These paddy fields are barricaded from the
surrounding backwaters by earthen bunds. Kumarakom is another
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