Kadamakudy Backwaters

Where Rivers Meet Life

Kadamakudy, sits at a remarkable geographic confluence—where Kerala’s longest river, the Periyar, flows into the vast Vembanad Lake, locally known in this region as Veeranpuzha. This quiet meeting of freshwater and saltwater has given rise to a unique backwater ecosystem that not only sustains the local community but defines their very way of life.

The Journey of Water

The Periyar River, originating in the Western Ghats, makes its way westward, finally opening into the Vembanad Lake at Kadamakudy. From here, Veeranpuzha continues its course before eventually joining the Arabian Sea. This convergence creates a dynamic estuarine environment, rich in nutrients and biodiversity.

A Breeding Ground for Life

What makes Kadamakudy’s backwaters truly exceptional is the seasonal transition between freshwater and saline water. For six months of the year, typically during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons, the inflow from the Periyar brings freshwater, reducing salinity and supporting species like freshwater prawns and native fish. In the dry season, the sea pushes saltwater inland, turning the lake brackish and ideal for species like tiger prawns, crabs, and mullets.

This natural rhythm has created an ideal environment for fish breeding, making the region one of Kerala’s most fertile zones for small-scale and traditional fishing. It also supports the famed Pokkali-prawn integrated farming system, where the same land alternates between rice and shrimp cultivation without the use of synthetic inputs.

Cleaner Waters, Richer Experiences

Unlike the more static waters of Alleppey or Kumarakom, the backwaters around Kadamakudy benefit from the constant flow of water, making them significantly cleaner and more oxygen-rich. This not only enhances aquatic life but also offers visitors a refreshing and visually pristine experience of Kerala’s waterways.

The backwaters of Kadamakudy are not merely scenic—they are alive. With every tide and season, they nourish the land, support its people, and connect rivers to seas, tradition to sustainability, and visitors to something profoundly pure. Whether you’re cruising in a quiet electric boat or watching fishermen cast their nets at dawn, Kadamakudy invites you to witness how water shapes a way of life.