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The Kerala Backwaters are a chain of brackish lagoons
and lakes lying parallel to the Arabian Sea coast (known
as the Malabar Coast) of Kerala state in southern India.
The network includes five large lakes (including Ashtamudi
Kayal and Vembanad Kayal) linked by 1500 km of canals,
both manmade and natural, fed by 38 rivers, and extending
virtually half the length of Kerala state. The backwaters
were formed by the action of waves and shore currents
creating low barrier islands across the mouths of the
many rivers flowing down from the Western Ghats range.
Vembanad lake is the largest of the lakes, covering
an area of 200 km², and bordered by Alappuzha (Alleppey),
Kottayam, and Ernakulam districts. The port of Kochi
(Cochin) is located at the lake's outlet to the Arabian
Sea. Alleppey, "Venice of the East" has a
large network of canals that meander through the town.
The Vallam Kali (the Snake Boat Race) held every year
in August is a major attraction.
Ashtamudi Lake is located in Kollam District, and the
town of Kollam (Quilon) lies at its outlet.
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