Cruising the Backwaters of Kerala

Saturday, April 5th, 2008

Filed Under Travel 

Kerala is known as God’s own country, for good reason. The luscious stretches of green paddy fields and plantations, serene beaches, beautiful hill stations, pristine waterfalls, tranquil backwaters and exotic wildlife all within just a couple of hours of driving distance from the other makes this beautiful state one of the most sought after tourist destinations of the world! Add the Ayurvedic spas, exotic cuisine and the equable climate, Kerala is truly a tourist’s paradise.   

No trip to Kerala will be complete without a cruise through the stretches of emerald backwaters - a network of exquisite channels, lakes, lagoons and deltas of approximately 44 rivers emptying in the Arabian sea. Kumarakom is the home of Vembanad Lake, the largest backwater lake in Kerala, and is only an hour away from my parents’ home. In my opinion Kumarakom is the most beautiful place in Kerala, a cruise through the Vembanad lake in a houseboat is an experience of a lifetime - the lush greenery along the coastline, the serenity of the water and the glimpses of life along the way - it is a trip you will never forget! Let me take you through a pictorial tour of my unforgettable houseboat experience from last week.

How many different shades of green are there in nature? Chances are that you will get to see all of them along the way. The luscious coconut trees lining the shore…Kumarakam 062

Certain parts of the lake is completely covered with a green weed called African Payal , even though it is a nuisance to the fishermen and the boats, you can’t help but marvel at its beauty!Kumarakam 059

Vembanad lake is home to Karimeen (pearl spot fish), prawns and lobsters, three of the most expensive marine crops in Kerala. So naturally fishing is the livelihood of many people. We found many couples laying the fishing nets in the water in the evening. Then they just wait in the small boats till morning, taking shifts sleeping. Hopefully the net is full of fish in the morning!    Kumarakam 098 Kumarakam 107

We came across some world famous Chinese fishing nets, a major tourist attraction in Kerala.Kumarakam 110

Three fishermen returning home in the morning with the night’s catch…Kumarakam 041

Kumarakom houseboats are luxuriously furnished, cozy floating homes that come with all necessities like running water, electricity and luxuries like air conditioning, home theater system and personal chefs! We had a three bedroom houseboat, all three bedrooms were nicely furnished with large almost king sized beds and attached bathrooms with nice working showers and clean European style toilets.

Kumarakam 023

We entered into the open living/dining room with a large dining table and chairs, and cushioned seating all around the room and a flat screen TV , a DVD player and surround sound system. A small narrow corridor from here took us to the three bedrooms at the end of which is a small but fully functional kitchen. Wish I took pictures of the bedrooms!

Kumarakam 021

We had three staff on the boat, a driver, a chef and an additional person to serve the dishes, help the driver, buy us things etc. That is our very talented personal chef in action. This guy was whipping out some seriously yummy food from this tiny kitchen!

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Our friendly driver also acted as the tour guide and gave us just enough information about the sights along the water, and answered all our questions very patiently.

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We were greeted with a Kerala style welcome drink of fresh tender coconuts, the most refreshing natural thirst quenchers. What is better than tender coconut water? A tender coconut martini of course! That is Siv pouring Grey Goose and freshly squeezed lime juice into then tender coconut.

Kumarakam 025 Kumarakam 026

Our trip was from 12 noon to 10 am next day. When we got into the boat, our lunch was being prepared in the kitchen. Kerala style thali- rice and a variety of vegetarian dishes with Karimeen fry on the side.

Kumarakam 152

Karimeen aka pearl spot is the tastiest backwater fish and no trip to Kumarakom is complete without a taste of this. The Karimeen was getting marinated in a red spicy masala when we got in, then they were fried in coconut oil, and served hot to the table.

Kumarakam 034 Kumarakam 072Kumarakam 083

While the lunch was being prepared, the boat took us to a toddy shop along the coast, from where we bought some lobsters fried on a stick for lunch, and fresh lobsters to be prepared later for dinner. Our chef took these lobsters, and cooked us a spicy lobster roast for drinks in the evening. Kumarakam 079 Kumarakam 134

Fresh coconut toddy served in an earthenware pot. There are plenty of toddy shops along the way, you can get the staff to get you some right to the boat. Kumarakam 149

The houseboat trip is relatively cheap, compared to a nice hotel. Our three bedroom boat for 6 people for a night (22 hours total) came to about $250 before tips. This includes lunch, dinner and breakfast and the personal services of three men completely on our beck and call. Where else in the world can you get such luxury for that prize? You can also get customizable tour packages that includes some sight seeing side trips, multiple nights stay etc.

For more information on Kerala and Kumarakom, check out these links:

http://www.ktdc.com/

http://www.kumarakomguide.com/



Comments

48 Responses to “Cruising the Backwaters of Kerala”

  1. Srivalli on April 5th, 2008 10:56 pm

    wowo.. :drool: ..just great…you guys had fun… :mrgreen:

  2. Kaykat on April 5th, 2008 11:35 pm

    *sigh*. *jealous*. Always wanted to go to Kumarakom. Sounds like you had a blast, can’t wait to hear detailed stories once you’re back :grin:

  3. Homecooked on April 5th, 2008 11:37 pm

    Lucky you !!!! Looking at the pics I am sure u had a great time.Thanks for sharing.Never knew the boats in Kerala were so luxurious! The fried fish looked delicious.Did u happen to not the recipe :razz: Just kidding…

  4. Padmaja on April 6th, 2008 2:00 am

    My bro and sis in law went after wedding to Alleppey’s backwaters Sig and from then we were planning a trip there. After seeing these pictures, I just can’t wait now!! Fantastic scenery and amazing food!!

  5. nanditha on April 6th, 2008 3:50 am

    though i am from kerala , have not visited the back waters… i know its a shame.. and you beautiful shots are making me yearn even more…
    i m sure you had a great time…

  6. indosungod on April 6th, 2008 4:03 am

    Beautiful Sig and the food delicious. We alwasys try to work a trip of Kerela into our schedule when we visit. Sometimes we don’t and the trip seems unsatisfying somehow.

  7. Swapna on April 6th, 2008 4:22 am

    Hi Sig…beautiful pics…I am from Kottayam and we too visited Kumarakom last year…I am sure you had a good time there….

  8. arundati on April 6th, 2008 4:55 am

    k and i stayed on a houseboat for 2 days during our honeymoon…..and it was the best part of a fabulous honeymoon in kerala…..brought back such beautiful memories!! pics are great!!

  9. richa on April 6th, 2008 5:05 am

    hey sig, thanks for sharing these gorgeous pictures! It was such a delight going thru them :grin:
    btw, what season is best suited to visit there? enjoy…..

    They don’t operate during monsoon season (June-August) at least that is what I remember them saying. Any other time is good, possibly Sept-December will be great…

  10. TBC on April 6th, 2008 5:38 am

    When did u go?!
    You’re taking too many vacations, u know… :roll:

  11. Mamatha on April 6th, 2008 5:55 am

    BEAUTIFUL pics Sig! I want to go there … NOW.

  12. Rachna on April 6th, 2008 8:22 am

    woooooow…. love the pics…..hope have a great time…

  13. Arundathi on April 6th, 2008 9:08 am

    Those photos were great. We’ve been trying to plan a trip over there for a while now and haven’t been able to. Now I’ve just gotta find a way! Thanks for sharing.

  14. Gowri on April 6th, 2008 9:14 am

    Hey Sig,
    Nice explanation… so wonderful.

  15. musical on April 6th, 2008 9:32 am

    Wow! Great scenery and yummy food! This really is fun! :party: I want some tender coconut :drool:

    Beautiful pictures, dear!

  16. A-kay on April 6th, 2008 9:34 am

    We did the houseboat / Kumarakom for our honeymoon - what an awesome trip it was. Would love to go there again!

  17. saswati on April 6th, 2008 11:16 am

    Wonderful pics sig!being a naval officers wife been in and out of Cochin and experienced the backwaters in a houseboat also…your pics rekindled some beautiful memories…thankx:)

  18. Revathi on April 6th, 2008 11:54 am

    What ? You are in India ? Oh my Goddd.. I am alll jealous here.

    Each picture is telling a tale of the glorious time you are having there. The fish fry and the lobster fry and simplyy superb. :drool:

  19. Pravs on April 6th, 2008 12:18 pm

    very nice pics and yummy food ! :drool:

  20. Manasi on April 6th, 2008 12:35 pm

    :party: U transported me back to my HM days! The houseboat onthe backwaters was AWESOME!!!!! :party:
    :(Flower): :(Flower): :(Flower):

  21. Inji Pennu on April 6th, 2008 1:13 pm

    ho! dushtteeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!! :cry: :cry: :cry:

  22. Uma on April 6th, 2008 2:55 pm

    Wow, lovely picutes with great narration. Yes, I can say Kerala is God’s own country by looking at the beautiful scenic pics. Glad you had so much fun.

  23. Chrisss on April 6th, 2008 4:18 pm

    Beautiful blog! Glad I stopped by. I would love to visit India someday, it seems like such a country to contrasts. That coconut juice sure look tasty!

  24. White On Rice Couple on April 6th, 2008 4:50 pm

    The seafood looking amazing! Your beautiful pictures remind me of my homeland, Vietnam.
    Thanks for the trip!

  25. Cynthia on April 6th, 2008 6:38 pm

    It is hard to explain and I don’t know if it makes sense but looking at Kerala gets me all choked up :cry: I would love to visit one day.

  26. sunita on April 7th, 2008 1:14 am

    Sig, those are some amazing pictures…I’ve heard so much about the backwaters of Kerala…maybe someday…

  27. Jayashree on April 7th, 2008 1:47 am

    Beautiful pics…..our honeymoon trip was to Allepey in a houseboat…..

  28. Anuzi on April 7th, 2008 7:40 am

    Wow the pics were amazing and the food looked tasty! Im so jealous but happy that you guys got to experience such an awesome trip. I am sending your blog link to Bhatji as a hint :evil: well ok not a hint but a very direct request hehe :mrgreen:

  29. Happy Cook on April 7th, 2008 8:06 am

    Sig are you trying to torture us.
    Love the pictures and not to mentiong the karimeen yumm.

  30. Kalai on April 7th, 2008 12:22 pm

    Sigh… Am sooo jealous, Sig!! This is definitely on my list of places to visit! :)

  31. Raji on April 7th, 2008 1:09 pm

    Sig, truly great pics…and nice article about kumarakam. Thank you,

  32. archana, mama of twins on April 7th, 2008 1:22 pm

    Hi Sig
    I did a similar trip in 98 and a rush of memories came flooding back. Of course, I was silly then and didnt think of your great coconut martini idea! Just beers. Perfect for that hot april weather.

    Glad to see you having a ball.
    A

  33. Shantanu on April 8th, 2008 2:26 am

    Very timely. I was looking at possible Kerala options for the summer… Nice pics, as usual.

  34. Miri on April 8th, 2008 2:41 am

    We stayed at Kumarakom for a dreamy 4 days in 2005….it was so beautiful I still remember the peace and tranquility. It rained one day - the way it doesn on the West coast - amazingly beautiful. The red earth and green everywhere just refreshed our senses! Our last holiday as a couple (before we became this mad threesome with my daughter) is forever etched in my mind! Thanks for the memories Sig - thats a nice travelogue you have written!

  35. rachel on April 8th, 2008 5:58 am

    :smile: brings back lovely memories…nice pics and nice write-up..

  36. Mona on April 8th, 2008 6:00 am

    Sig! Thnx for sharing the pictures with all of us. Those all look so beautiful and serene! Me wanting to visit kerela now!! :cry:

  37. Poonam on April 8th, 2008 10:15 am

    Wow!! must have been fun! Awesome pictures!

  38. sandeepa on April 8th, 2008 3:05 pm

    Are you in India ? This is so beautiful

    We had been to Kumarogam (spelling ??) about 6-7 years back and it was beautiful

  39. sandeepa on April 8th, 2008 3:08 pm

    Oh stupid me, your post is about “Kumarakom ” :)

    We had actually been to Thekkady where we were staying and made a day trip to Kumarakom. Took the boat ride but not the house boat

  40. Namratha on April 8th, 2008 5:54 pm

    ohh you stayed in the boat house, awesome! This seems to be the hottest vacation spot right now..atleast for my family…every other week I get pics from India of this very boat house..hehe..Beautiful Kerala!

  41. sia on April 9th, 2008 1:36 am

    I am soooooooo green with J sig… this is totally unfair of u :mrgreen:

  42. Nirmala on April 9th, 2008 2:21 am

    Wonderful! I planned for a trip and almost booked my tickets and then my elder one was on the way ;) After that am yet to plan again! Wonderful lobsters! u would have loved them :razz:

  43. geena on April 9th, 2008 11:12 am

    Sig, your pictures look awesome,that karimmen fry looks so yummy.I have been reading about the booming house boat businees in kerala.But your pictures gave a better idea.enjoy your vacation.

  44. Siri on April 10th, 2008 7:28 am

    Lovely travelogue Sig. :cool: the pics, description of each nitty details… Awesome post! :(Yes):

    Siri

  45. Meeta on April 16th, 2008 11:01 am

    Oh Sig this looks beautiful. My brother and Mum were in Kerala recently too and took amazing pictures too. Seeing yours here I think I am really missing out on God’s country.

  46. nandita on April 17th, 2008 10:25 pm

    Really enjoyed this virtual trip…i have never been to these places…and a houseboat stay is a must do, on my list :)
    Hugs
    N

  47. divyaprabhu on July 19th, 2008 4:46 am

    its realy amazing

  48. Doug DuCap on August 7th, 2008 1:08 am

    What a great post! I’m definitely adding Kerala and its riverboats to my dream destination/travel experiences list! :(Yes):

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