India
The Kerala Backwaters are an extensive interconnecting series of waterways that run much of the length of the state of Kerala along the Arabian Sea. It includes lakes, natural rivers and manmade canals in an area lush with wetlands and forests. A very popular vacation destination, the Backwaters are home to hotels, resorts and houseboats.
The area of the Kerala Backwaters is one of the oldest continually inhabited regions of India. Indigenos peoples have fished here since time immemorial, an activity that led to a huge boating industry in the area today.
The Kerala Backwaters is a labyrinth of waterways that runs for over 125 miles along the Indian coast (but with over 500 miles total of lakes, rivers, streams and canals). The largest feature is Ashtamudi Lake, which is also th most visited part of the system. Interlaced with the sea, the Kerala Backwaters range from fresh to salt and support a very diverse ecology.
The Kerala Backwaters are among the most visited natural sites in Southern India, and are especially popular with boaters. Fleets of boats, from tiny fishing vessels to large tour boats, ply the waterways, and several major boat racing events take place here each year. Web: www.keralatourism.com/destination/backwater (official website).
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