 |
| A Keralan sunrise, just outside of Thekkady | |
As promised I am going to share some pictures and memories of the third day of our trip to Kerala. I was excited to wake up in a tree house high on the hillside and even took time to capture a picture of the sunrise.
The reason for the excitement was that we were going out on the water, something that we have really missed during our stay here in India. Not only was it water, it was called the backwaters of Kerala. Now most people who visit this area take a ride on a houseboat for the day, enjoying a relaxing time on the water, looking at the flora and fauna of this beautiful area. Not us! No, were stayed on a houseboat from 12:00 noon on Thursday until 9:00 a.m. Friday. It was so fine, that we thought we had been there for a week. And here is where it met us!
 |
| Our home away from home, looking at the stern |
|
|
We learnt that there are more than 900 of these vessels travelling on the backwaters. They come in all shapes and sizes, from our tiny one bedroom (very private) to up to eight bedrooms. There is a working kitchen, a main area on deck with comfy chairs and a dining table and, of course, the requisite number of ring buoys and life jackets.
Upon arrival we met our captain and our cook and proceeded out on to the water. The motor put-putted along and we were pleased with the accommodation. It was a privilege to be on board. And we did not lift a finger! I was totally relaxed.
 |
| The bow of the boat |
 |
| Looking out from the dining area |
 |
| Here is a map of the area... |
 |
| On our way... | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
|
|
|
 |
| Diving for mussels |
 |
| Fishing for dinner |
 |
| A typical church building |
 |
| A smaller Christian place of worship |
The total time on motoring around the back waters was only five or six hours, but we saw many interesting sites, including other boats, birds, temples, churches and mosques. Kerala's population is approximately 60% Christian, 30 % Muslim and !0% Hindu. We actually had to dock by 5:30 p.m. so that the fishermen could fish without the encroachment of the houseboats. We "camped" across from a mosque that played music at 6 a.m.
 |
| Another houseboat |
 |
| We saw plenty of these work vessels, carrying goods to the homes and work sites along the way. |
 |
| The wildlife was beautiful... |
After sighting many more houseboats, we began to realize that we were not alone on the water. We were treated like royalty with a delicious lunch, a mid-afternoon snack, a candlelight dinner, and lovely breakfast on board. It was calm and relaxing for most of the trip.
In the morning, we headed to Alleppey, the centre of the houseboat economy. It was more crowded and we had some difficulty finding a parking place. We left the boat and headed back to Cochin or Kochi for our flight back to Bangalore, filled with pleasant memories and many pictures!
 |
| Sunrise on the back waters. |
 |
| Clarke testing the Keralan toddy, a quick fermenting drink from the coconut tree. |
 |
| Loving the sights, sounds and smells |
 |
| Farewell to the waters! |
|
|
|
All in all, it was our best holiday yet, thanks to the careful planning of my wonderful husband, the warmth of the people, and our fantastic driver.
Until next time,
Bee Rich
