Kochi Adventures: The Backwaters and beyond

Following the opening of the NMACC, many from our group made the pilgrimage down to Kochi to see the closing days of the Kochi Biennale. The city's diverse blend of architecture, cuisine, and customs is a testament to its cosmopolitan nature, forged over centuries of cultural interchange since its days as a prominent port in the spice trade.

We were welcomed there by the curator Tanya Abraham, who even hosted us at her family home in Fort Kochi for dinner. It was a delight to experience even just a taste of the charm of the southern region Kerala.

Brunton Boatyard Hotel

Kerala Backwaters

The Backwaters are a vast network of interconnected lagoons, canals, and lakes located along the Malabar Coast in southern India. These backwaters are a unique natural wonder, formed by the confluence of several rivers, including the Periyar, Pamba, and Achankovil.

The history of the Kerala Backwaters dates back to ancient times, when they were used as a transportation route for goods and people. The Backwaters were also an important source of livelihood for the local fishing and farming communities. In the 19th century, the British colonial rulers of India recognized the potential of the backwaters for trade and commerce and began developing them as a navigable waterway.

Today, the Backwaters are an important tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year, offering a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Kerala and explore its rich cultural heritage.

In recognition of their cultural, historical, and ecological importance, the Kerala Backwaters have been designated as a Ramsar Site, a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention.