Kuttanad – World’s largest area under cultivation below sea level
Kuttanad, situated in south-central Kerala is most known for its paddy cultivation below sea level. Areas in upper and lower Kuttanad were reclaimed from the backwaters, and so, the land is metres below sea level.
The only other place in the world where such cultivation is done is in the Netherlands. But, the difference is that they have only a few thousand acres under cultivation below sea level. In Kuttanad, the total area cultivated likewise is more than 1,30,000 acres!
On a houseboat trip, you can see these paddy fields on either side. The farmers there will explain to you the vagaries they face in terms of sea water flowing into the fields, interfering with the harvest. But, besides this, the place is one of the most visited in Kerala. There are over 600 houseboats plying on the Vembanad Lake from Cochin to Kumarakom and Kuttanad. Speed boats, too, find a place there. You can visit fields, backwaters, island resorts, watch sunset and even stay overnight on the houseboats.
VERY NICE. BUT INCLUDE THE SITUATION OF KUTTNAD NOW