Houseboat Memories from Alappuzha. Dr. Joshy K T

Often called the Venice of the East, Alappuzha is Kerala’s shimmering jewel, famous for its sprawling network of canals and, of course, its iconic houseboats. With thousands of these house boats; floating marvels gliding through the interconnected waterways, Alappuzha offers a great backwater experience.

The boat we hired was Royal Caribbian, a 14 bedroom house boat in Alapuzha back waters. Our journey began late in the morning, around 11:30 am. With a warm welcome drink, we boarded the houseboat. After a brief round of introductions and fun ice-breaking events, the mood quickly turned. It was one of the participants birthday and it was celebrated with cake cutting followed by songs, dances, and laughter echoing over the gentle waters.

The cruise took us deep into the heart of Kuttanad; a land of emerald paddy fields, swaying coconut groves, and tranquil villages. Along the way, we waved at fellow travelers on neighboring houseboats and watched speedboats zip past, adding a touch of excitement to the serene surroundings.

Around 1:30 pm, the boat gently docked for a much-awaited lunch. A sumptuous Kerala-style meal awaited us on the open deck; crispy karimeen (pearl spot) fry, spicy chicken masala, and traditional rice with an array of vegetarian dishes. Dining with the cool breeze and backwaters around us was truly a highlight of the day.

Post-lunch, the revelry continued with antakshari and other group games. The winners were cheered and rewarded, adding to the camaraderie. At 3:30 pm, tea and pazhampori (banana fritters) were served; the perfect local snack to wind down the afternoon.

As the sun began to dip, our boat slowly made its way back, wrapping up the cruise by 5 pm. Emotional reflections and heartfelt feedback from the group marked the end of a truly memorable day.

The charm of Kuttanad is something that must be felt; the gentle sway of the boat, the endless green vistas, and the warmth of shared joy. And there’s no better way to witness it than from the deck of a houseboat, gently drifting through paradise.

Dr. Joshy K T



Comments

  1. The charm of Kuttanad is something that must be felt; the gentle sway of the boat, the endless green vistas, and the warmth of shared joy. And there’s no better way to witness it than from the deck of a houseboat, gently drifting through paradise.

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