Cruising the Kerala Backwaters

A visit to Kerala would be incomplete without cruising the backwaters.  We rented a houseboat in two different places, Allepey and Kumarakom, and enjoyed both experiences for different reasons.  Allepey is the most popular, with over 1,200 houseboats and prettier canals.  The downside to that popularity is more congestion on the canals — think nautical traffic jams!   With only 140 houseboats, Kumarakom is quieter and more laid back.  

Here’s the houseboat we rented in Allepey.  That room up top is for dining and afforded a great view of the surroundings.  The kitchen is in the back and the living quarters, air-conditioned no less, in the middle.  Quite comfy.  The overnight excursion came with a three man crew: pilot, cook and general helper.  Pampered as we were by the crew (and at a very affordable price!), it was the perfect way to end our trip to Kerala.

 

This is what the crowded canals looked like in Allepey – Boats, boats, everywhere…

 

One of the charms of the backwaters is the villages alongside the canals where locals go about their daily chores. 

 

 

Hauling in some fodder for their cows ..

 

And waiting for the school “bus” which happens to be a boat



 House boat dinners were scrumptious and since it is all cooked fresh for you on the boat by your own personal chef, he was kind enough to tone down the spices for us. (Authentic South Indian cooking can make you work up a serious sweat)

 

 

And how’s this for giant prawns?  Lobster-like in their taste and consistency.When we first spotted this, way up in the sky, we were wondering if it was a bald eagle. But no, it is a Brahminy Kite! They range from India to Australia and are very common in the Kerala backwaters.  This one was courteous enough to pose for us.

 

Altogether, cruising the backwaters proved to be the highlight of our journey to Kerala.