The second part to our Kerela visit was a night on a houseboat near Alleppey - south of Kochi. Being 6 people we opted for a large houseboat having 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and a large open-air living/dining space. I was amazed at just how many houseboats there were on the water - in particular, large ones. I had read reports that the backwaters of Kerela had become so overloaded with houseboats and pollution that the 'magic' was disappearing. I can safely say, even with SO many people there it was still a special thing to do and I would put it on the 'must do' if coming to India for a period of time.
We departed Alleppey at 11.30am and cruised the main lake (Vembanadu Lake) before stopping for lunch. Onboard were 3 young indian men as our 'staff' for the night - driver, cook and 'general helper'. We were treated to a huge Indian seafood, chicken and vegetarian buffet - so much good it was too much!!
We then cruised some more and went off the lake into the real backwaters. We stopped and bought some fresh tiger prawns for dinner - just a shop on the riverbank. The serenity whilst drifting along the water was wonderful - even with Jack and Max providing the 'not so quiet' entertainment. They put on quite the disco and even tried to put on some light entertainment for us - not so funny really.
On dusk we docked and went for a stroll along the bank into one of the small villages. We had children running by and riding bikes that were too big for them, all smiles and 'hello madam's'. They are so happy with the little that they have and why wouldn't they when they live in such a serene place. The water is their life. They men and women use it for everything - it is their transport, they source of food, their livelihood, they drinking and washing water. It is part of the reason that the pollution issues will have such a devastating effect on these people.
I took SO many photos - but hope you enjoy a few of the many :)
We then cruised some more and went off the lake into the real backwaters. We stopped and bought some fresh tiger prawns for dinner - just a shop on the riverbank. The serenity whilst drifting along the water was wonderful - even with Jack and Max providing the 'not so quiet' entertainment. They put on quite the disco and even tried to put on some light entertainment for us - not so funny really.
On dusk we docked and went for a stroll along the bank into one of the small villages. We had children running by and riding bikes that were too big for them, all smiles and 'hello madam's'. They are so happy with the little that they have and why wouldn't they when they live in such a serene place. The water is their life. They men and women use it for everything - it is their transport, they source of food, their livelihood, they drinking and washing water. It is part of the reason that the pollution issues will have such a devastating effect on these people.
I took SO many photos - but hope you enjoy a few of the many :)
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| A small houseboat being repaired |
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| Peak hour !! |
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| Dinnertime |
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| Backwater life |
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| you hear the washing as you cruise along - the banging of clothes on rock |
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| Boys taking a dip |
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| sunset in Kerela |
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| This small bridge was built resting on two boats - gorgeous |
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| What you looking at ? |
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| This was one of the ferries - safety not an issue |
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| These sweet girls were scaling and gutting the small fish for the family for dinner. |
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| Sunrise |
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| This guy cruised passed the houseboat asking if we wanted snacks - he knows the expats :) |
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| just chillin' |
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| Lunchtime !! |
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| Cheers ! |
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| Gone fishing |
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| Love this - on the mobile while canoeing….. |
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