Backwaters Boating in Kerala

One of the top items on the to-do-list for every Kerala tourist is a trip on the Alleppy backwaters. The backwaters is actually a huge network of canals and lakes stretching some 20 km inland and perhaps 80 km along the coast. The network is both an ancient transport system and also a large fice-paddy irrigation system. We were suprised to see that the water-level is actually three feet higher than the fields which the water surrounds.

We were told that by some friends who had done one overnight on a house-boat that, although it was by far the most expensive item on their trip to India, it was also the most rewarding. Really? What kind of a treat is this? We hire a boat and a driver and a cook? We set out to enjoy the most relaxing pace of life in India? It sounded too good to be true, so we did two nights. From my journal entry on the boat:

"The expansive coconut and rice-paddy landscape unfurls before us at the most relaxing pace. People on the shore smile and wave. The breeze cuts the heat and the sounds of lapping water soothe the soul. I am rocked by the ebb and flow of life pushing all around, holding me gently." In hindsight I think I have never been so relaxed as I became on that journey down the backwaters. It was worth every rupee.

The photo below is of myself with Alby, the driver, who is a very sweet and gentle man. He and the captian and the cook took great care of us. In the background is the boat we five stayed on for two days.