If you happen to come across a sight of giant cobwebs suspended from what looks like enormous spider legs across the picturesque Vembanad Lake, then take a moment and stop to admire how these finely constructed Chinese fishing nets make a catch.
It is a hypnotic experience to observe the slow rhythmic movements of these Chinese fishing nets from the lakeshore. Four to six people operate them using the cantilever technique where the nets are first gently lowered into the still waters and then pulled back, a few minutes later, with the
If you happen to come across a sight of giant cobwebs suspended from what looks like enormous spider legs across the picturesque Vembanad Lake, then take a moment and stop to admire how these finely constructed Chinese fishing nets make a catch.
It is a hypnotic experience to observe the slow rhythmic movements of these Chinese fishing nets from the lakeshore. Four to six people operate them using the cantilever technique where the nets are first gently lowered into the still waters and then pulled back, a few minutes later, with the help of ropes. Don’t be surprised if you find the fresh seafood all sold out in the nearby market place even before you could realize. While modern techniques are slowly taking over this labour intensive technique, it still remains one of the most spellbinding views.
As the unsung flag bearers of Kerala’s backwaters, these Chinese fishing nets are one of the most photographed frames in the state. At sunrise or sunset, the silhouette of the giant nets, suspended mid-air from bamboo structures is a vision that is breathtakingly beautiful. So if you want to witness the fishermen fish using these Chinese nets at the Vembanad Lake, the best time to do so would be either in the morning or early evening.
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