The districts of Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Pathanamthitta in the state of Kerela come under the region of Kuttanad. The region of Kuttanad provides mesmerizing views of lakes, canals, backwaters, and picturesque landscapes, and is also known as the Rice Bowl of Kerela. Kuttanad is the main rice producer of Kerela and has the lowest altitude in India. Kuttanad is famous for its paddy fields and also comprises more than 200 houseboats. There are four main rivers of Kuttanad, Manimala, Pampa, Achankovil, and Meenachil.

The Pamba River or the Pampa River is the third largest river in the state of Kerela. However, it is also famous by the name of Dhakshina Bhageerathi and was known by the name of River Baris in ancient times. The holy river of Pampa is also considered as Ganga of Kerela, and devotees of Lord Ayyappan believe that bathing in this holy river is equal to bathing in the holy river Ganga and all your sins wash away after immersing oneself in this holy river.

Location: Peerumedu plateau, Idukki District, Kerala
Time required: 2-3 hours
Distance from Kuttanad: 52.3 KM

The Punnamada Lake reaches several parts of Kerala, so it is called by different names and is also referred to as Punnamada Kayal. Punnamada Kayal is a part of the biggest river of Kerela, the Vembanad Lake. This mesmerizing lake is spread across the Alapuzzha district in the Kuttanad region. To witness the beauty of this lake at an extreme level, people from all over the world come during the month of the Onam celebration. The famous Nehru Trophy boat race is also held here.

Location: Extension of Vembanad river, Alleppey, Kerala
Time required:- 3-4 hours
Distance from Kuttanad: 25.6 KM

The world-famous Vembanad Lake is the longest lake in Kerela, and India as well. The Vembanad lake stretches around 96.5 km long. The lake borders three districts of Kerela: Alapuzzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam. The Punnamada lake is the extension of this lake. In ancient times, the backwaters of Vembanad lake were used as navigational channels for the transfer of goods from place to place. To fully witness this enchanting and longest lake in India you can use the traditional cargo boats called Kettuvallams.

Location: Kottayam district, Kerala
Time required: 4-5 hours
Distance from Kuttanad: 59.6 KM

By Air: 
<ul>
<li>The nearest airport to reach Kuttanad is Cochin and Thiruvananthapuram International airport. Both airports are located at a convenient distance of 85 km to the North and 150 KM to the South, respectively. Upon reaching the airport, the visitors can hire a taxi to reach the centre of Kuttanad.</li>
</ul>

By Road: 
<ul>
<li>The Kuttanad region can easily be travelled from the district of Alappuzha, which is connected by roads and national highways.</li>
</ul>

By Rail: 
<ul>
<li>The Changanacherry and Alappuzha are the two major railway stations that join Kuttanad to the rest of India. Frequent trains from all the major cities are available to reach the station.</li>
</ul>

The Rice Bowl of Kerela, the Kuttanad region serves as the major producer of rice in the state of Kerela. This region has the lowest altitude in India. The lush green paddy fields, backwaters, houseboats, and rivers, all provide enchanting views and leisure to make your trip memorable and enjoyable. The unique agriculture feat of Kuttanad farmers where they practice agriculture 4 to 10 ft below sea level is commendable and a sight to witness. One must definitely visit the region of Kuttanad if he sets foot in Kerela.&nbsp;

The region of Kuttanad has 3 districts under it. The districts of Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Pathanamthitta. Kuttanad is the leading producer of rice and is known for its paddy fields. It also has a geographical title under its name as it has the lowest altitude in India. Kuttanad is considered for its beauty and attracts a lot of tourists from all over the world. The region of Kuttanad is popularly known as the Rice Bowl of Kerala. It also has a pristine view and landscape.

Location: Kuttanad Alappuzha Kerala
Timings: 12 AM - 12 PM
Entry Fees: Free

The village of Champakulam is located in the Alappuzha district and is part of the Kuttanad region. The village of Champakulam splits into two parts by the holy river Pampa. While looking at any of the split sides, the view of lush green scenery, and picturesque landscape is witnessed. This village is also home to one of the oldest churches in India the St. Mary’s Basilica (Champakulam Valia Palli in the local language). Another major attraction of Champakulam is the famous Moolam boat race.

Location: Alappuzha District, Kerala
Time required: 5 hours
Distance from Kuttanad: 16.5 KM

The town of Chengannur is located in the Alappuzha district and lies on National Highway 220. Chengannur is often visited by people from all over the world and is specially visited by Hindu pilgrims as the town of Chengannur has the ancient Chengannur Mahadeva Temple. This temple is known as Dakshina Kailasam and is a popular site of pilgrimage. Chengannur also has an old Syrian Church established by the Syrian Christian community. Anyone can visit this place to enjoy temples at this place.

Location: Thiruvanvandur, Alappuzha District, Kerela
Time required: 1-2 days
Distance from Kuttanad: 31 KM

The farmers of Kuttanad mastered the art of below-sea-level cultivation over 150 years ago. The altitude of Kuttanad is the lowest in India and is on the elite list of the few places in the world where farming is carried below sea level. Farming is done 4 to 10 ft below sea level. These paddy fields are one of the main reasons why the region of Kuttanad attracts tourists from all over the world. This region is best explored by boat ride.

Famous for: boat rides on the field
Location: Thrissur district, Kerala
Time required: 1 hours

A Guide to Kuttanad Rice Bowl of Kerala

12 Jun 2026

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