India 10/19/2009
Water taxi - the main mode of transport Kerala backwater - what an experience! Our trip along the Kerala backwater (March, 08) onboard the houseboat, traditionally called kettuvallam, is the most enchanting experience we had in India. I had read so much about this backwater and had watched numerous documentary shows and it's a great feeling to be on the houseboat moving slowly past water lilies, padi fields, villages & coconut groves. Three nights & four days of luxury living - served day and night and having our own aircon room with bathroom attached - really this is a luxurious lifestyle! The wonderful sights surrounding us and with the slow "rocking" movement of the boat, no one wanted to take a rest in the room. The first evening when we stopped for the night by the bank, we bought live chickens for the crew to cook extra meal for us - but have to chased after the chickens. We were served breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner. In the morning I woke up early to catch a glimpse of dawn of the backwater. It was a wonderful feeling - so serene. The surrounding scenery is fanstastic. Wonderful sunset  The end of our "luxurious water life-style" - SIGH!!! - Well everything has to come to an end and we were sad to leave the houseboat and the wonderful crew.  India 06/05/2008
   We went to Cochin, India early this year (March '08) Cochin is the gateway to Kerala backwater which is an inland waterway. From Kerala we continue our journey to Munnar which is a hill station. After spending a week up in the highlands, we went to Thekkady before heading home from Cochin.The trip along the backwater is very relaxing. We sailed slowly in a houseboat.The view along the waterway is fantastic. There are small villages scattered along the banks and the people travel across the waterway by small wooden boat or water taxi. Munnar is very green as there are tea plants almost everywhere. Here is cool and wet. We stayed in Club Mahindra which is about 6,000 ft. above sea level and most morning & evening the place is covered with mist.  This is the town of Cochin, the old town where the hotel is situated.  we passed by this place but did not go in  stalls selling handicrafts, etc.   Chinese fishing net - many such nets can be seen along the river side.  The Jew street - many shops selling handicrafts & art pieces, paintings, etc. 
Munnar    Munnar's tea plantation  Munnar - a beautiful lake  .  The town of Munnar   ThekkadyThis is the place about elephant and spice plantations. Another attraction is the Periyar Wild Life sanctuary where one can view large herds of wild elephant & other wild life from the boat on the lake - formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar river.        India North | ArchivesCategories |
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