We had 2 nights at Ripples Backwater Hotel with a room opening out directly on to Vembanad Lake Kumarakom Kerala. it was the most beautiful, peaceful place I have ever stayed. We had Indian buffet breakfasts and dinners (we didn't need lunches), this hotel was unlicensed but after late nights in Kolkata market drinking beers we didnt miss a stocked bar for a few days.
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After two nights here, we had a taxi to our rice boat (CGH Earth organised) where was spent 2 nights cruising the lake and small backwater canals. The boat was moored at night as the lake has to be safe for night fishermen Our crew of 3 slept on the boat with us, we had an aircon unit in our tiny bedroom with a bed, shower and toilet, the main area was open with a fan and small table and two chairs and an area the size of a double bed was a 'no shoes allowed zone' behind the captains steering seat, during the day we could sit and see everything then at night it was cleared and became captains bed so you can imagine it was compact. The kitchen was tiny, our cook made amazing curry meals and on the last day a 13 course thali meal of delicious vegetarian curries served straight on banana leaves which we stopped to cut down that morning. The crew all insisted we ate with our (right) hands! We had an amazing time with them and built a good rapport.
When we were docked we could get out and explore along the riverbank with one of the crew. We were very lucky one evening to hear drums and after a short walk found a village procession going on to the Hindu temple, there were no tourists there, just the village, and they loved performing to us! The month of March was full of celebrations for Spring/harvest and we came across several events like this.
On another day a crew member took me along the side of the lake on foot and stopped, he gave three low, long whistles and I could not believe my eyes - fish were swimming to him! He explained this is a skill his family have passed along for generations, he was working tourist boats for 3 months and then back to the family boat to be a fisherman again, I asked him to do the whistle again and the fish came, it was quite a strange moment to witness. The fish whisperer!
We saw children swimming in the backwaters, people bathing, washing their utensils and doing their laundry, all were friendly and waved. Passing fishermen also were friendly. Nobody minded being photographed.
More posts to come if Blogger allows me to put my pics up :)
id ok g
I loved reading this Betty and seeing your photos, they bring back memories of our trips to Kerala over the years. We stayed in Champakulam last time we were in the Backwaters, which wasn't far from you!
ReplyDeleteThere's something mesmerising about the backwaters, the slap of the oars from the fishermen's canoes, the distant sound of a radio, the splash of a housewife washing her clothes in the river and the quack of the hoards of ducks - absolute magic! xxx
wow reading this was like being part of your trip to such beautiful serene place dear Betty :)))
ReplyDeleteheartfelt thanks for exceptionally lovely post , we see in movies how lush and lovely is Kerala and seems like dream destination to me .i am so happy you could explore this extraordinary place my friend !
you found perfect place to stay ,how tranquil and gorgeous .Having water close by is treat to soul indeed.
what i found most interesting that how that temporary guide whistled and fish appeared wow must be so amazing moment :)))
second thing i loved knowing people were so friendly .
cruising in peaceful water must be a memorable experience :)
loved your photo at the last ,every time i would see your photo and felt i know someone looking like this from somewhere and tonight while watching Murder Mystery 2 i thought you look like Jennifer :)))
hugs and blessings
Crikey, nearly couldn't find the comment box!!Rick Stein stayed on a houseboat on the backwaters on one of his Indian shows and it looked so peaceful. He cooked with the basic equipment too. You certainly made the most of your hols, Betty. xxx
ReplyDeleteGlad everyone was friendly.
ReplyDeleteCoffee is on and stay safe.
Oh what an adventure Betty ! How exciting to stay on a boat. The banana leaf thali looks delicious. A fish whisperer ... well now I've heard it all! :) xXx
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