Backwaters
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Oct 10, 2008
Taking an overnight houseboat cruise of the backwaters of Alleppey in Kerala, India, is a magical experience. Known as the "Venice of the East", Alleppey is filled with canals that traverse the countryside. You meander across the waters past Hindu temples, rice paddies, and houses lining the shores. You glimpse all manner of Indian life: fishermen on the canal; women knee deep in the water, washing pots and pans or clothes; little children swimming and bathing; families waiting for a ferry on their way to church; men sitting on patios of local restaurants.
The houses were amazing. Perched between rice paddies and the canals, many of the houses sat on what could only have been a few feet of dry land. The paths between the houses were mainly narrow little tracts. I marveled as the locals navigated their way along the edge with an ease that could only come from a lifetime of practice.
The houseboat journey is very romantic. You are surrounded by lush green trees and water plants and you are lulled to sleep by the music of the insects, frogs and other creatures on the shore. It would be a great honeymoon destination. I happened to be traveling alone, so I had a one-bedroom houseboat to myself. My Captain and his two crew mates kept me company (when I wanted) and let me be (when I wanted). But I never felt lonely. There was a real sense of camaraderie amongst the passengers of all the houseboats. Every time one passed by, the occupants would smile and wave and I would smile and wave back. I saw relatively few other Westerners, which made the experience seem all the more unique and special.
The food on the houseboat was fantastic. The Chef cooked a feast of local cuisine for each meal. We stopped at a local fisherman's shack and I bought freshly caught Tiger Prawns which were served to me that night, fried in the most delicious coconut flavoring. It was exquisite. The accommodations were very comfortable and nice, I even had my own swinging settee. I felt like a Maharani queen.
My houseboat cruise was one of the most amazing experiences of my entire life. I would highly, highly recommend it.
The houses were amazing. Perched between rice paddies and the canals, many of the houses sat on what could only have been a few feet of dry land. The paths between the houses were mainly narrow little tracts. I marveled as the locals navigated their way along the edge with an ease that could only come from a lifetime of practice.
The houseboat journey is very romantic. You are surrounded by lush green trees and water plants and you are lulled to sleep by the music of the insects, frogs and other creatures on the shore. It would be a great honeymoon destination. I happened to be traveling alone, so I had a one-bedroom houseboat to myself. My Captain and his two crew mates kept me company (when I wanted) and let me be (when I wanted). But I never felt lonely. There was a real sense of camaraderie amongst the passengers of all the houseboats. Every time one passed by, the occupants would smile and wave and I would smile and wave back. I saw relatively few other Westerners, which made the experience seem all the more unique and special.
The food on the houseboat was fantastic. The Chef cooked a feast of local cuisine for each meal. We stopped at a local fisherman's shack and I bought freshly caught Tiger Prawns which were served to me that night, fried in the most delicious coconut flavoring. It was exquisite. The accommodations were very comfortable and nice, I even had my own swinging settee. I felt like a Maharani queen.
My houseboat cruise was one of the most amazing experiences of my entire life. I would highly, highly recommend it.
Jun 7, 2008
Whoa ... one of the most beautiful place I ever seen !
Go to Cochin. Take the bus to Allepey (60 km). Then, rent a local boat called "kettuvallam" and make up your own way on the backwaters. This place used to be called "The Venice of the East".
Watch the microcosm of life on the water side with breath taking views of the water, land, birds and human habitations.
It is really great !
Go to Cochin. Take the bus to Allepey (60 km). Then, rent a local boat called "kettuvallam" and make up your own way on the backwaters. This place used to be called "The Venice of the East".
Watch the microcosm of life on the water side with breath taking views of the water, land, birds and human habitations.
It is really great !
Oct 8, 2008
Cruising down the canals in a kettuvalam watching locals go about their daily life is just an amazing experience! People were washing clothes, taking baths, fishing, etc. We had a private boat on Xmas Eve, we fell asleep listening to the sounds of celebrations and watching fireworks reflect in the water. The old rice barges have become a popular tourist experience.
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