A Backwater Cruise

It was one of the finest days in my life. 03rd February 2007. As part of the client visit in my company, I happend to go for a back water cruise. We have started our cruise in a rented house boat. Houseboat is a mini - canvas to the travelle the backwaters. This is unique about Kerala. The houseboats are renovated cargo boats, say kettuvallams in malyalam and are provided with all modern conveniences and comforts to make it a pleasant experience. To complement the traditional way of rowing using large poles, outboard engines are also provided. The boats are designed to facilitate a most eco-friently functioning. Houseboat was provided with a sun deck, spacious living / dining area. A portion of the kettuvallom was covered with bamboo and coir. We have planned for the cruise in Kollam, historic coastline district known for its marine and cashew industries was one of the oldest ports on the Malabar coast. Kollam is standing on the banks of the Lake Ashtamudi, which is the gateway to the exceeding beautiful backwaters of Kerala. The backwater cruise passes through lakes, canals water-bound villages. The famous “Cheenavala” or Chinese fishing nets can also be seen along the backwaters. We have gone almost half the way to Alleppy. It was a 6 hour long journey. Our meals was cooked on board and supplemented with fresh fish from the backwaters. That was a typical Kerala Cuisine. It was very spicy and delicious. During this journey, we have enjoyed the panoramic view of paddy fields. Seeing the beautiful sceneries on the bank of the lakes just from the deck of the houseboats really scintillates us. The backwater was serene and calm with lush green surroundings and exotic fragrance strewing in the air all over the area. We could hear the exotic chirping birds flying in the clear blue sky. We could see the flocks of graceful ducks calling from the banks and women selling tender coconuts in small boats. Touring the backwater in that houseboat was definitely a breathtaking experience. That too happens once in a life time.. I have enjoyed those delightful moments….