We drive up 4 hours north along the western coast from Kovalam’s beautiful beaches to Alleppey, where we embark on our very own private houseboat tour of the backwaters. They call Kerala, “God’s Own Country”. We’re beginning to see why…
The dinner our chef made on the houseboat tasted just like my grandmother’s cooking. Fish-fry, dahl and rice, greenbeans, cabbage with coconut and papadom. So delicious.
- As we sail through the backwaters, we observe everyday life for those who live on its banks. School kids decked out in their uniforms and backpacks, pile into a long tail boat as they travel back home after a day of lessons.
Brothers bike riding along the banks of the backwaters…
Our houseboat docks as we transfer into a little boat. A local takes us for a more intimate look at life along the backwaters.
Rowing through the backwaters, it almost feels cavernous with the lush vegetation surrounding us, creating a canopy.
You can sense the warmth of this woman from her smile as she graciously allows us to take a picture of her washing clothes along the banks of the backwaters.
Little girl all decked out with earrings, necklace, bindi, and a beautiful red dress. She looked like a little doll.
Even though this picture came out blurry as the sun was setting and we rowed past, I had to include it. He was just such a darling. The sweetest little thing posed for us and had the most innocent smile. Simply precious.
We make our way back to our houseboat for a glass of wine and then sleep in our rooms as the boat quietly rests on the edge of the backwaters.
Before heading off for Cochin, we stop to visit a Hindu temple. This stone cow sat in front, facing the temple. The layered brass bells with red and yellow thread, and flowers reflect the importance placed on this sacred animal. The cow is honored for all that it gives: Milk, curd and ghee (refined butter) to nourish families, and dung used for fuel. In early centuries AD, killing a cow was considered as severe as killing a Brahman.