Kerala Backwaters

Rice Field

A network of lagoons, lakes, rivers and canals that hug the coastal state of Kerala, just inland from the Arabian Sea. They are referred to as simply “the backwaters.” The banks of these waters spill over with activity. Men wash after a day of labor, women prepare fires for the day’s catch while others wash clothes on the river rocks. Rice paddy fields are cultivated on this wet, low-lying landscape.

water baffalo joins the ritualA water buffalo joins the evening bath.