Jungle Boat
Well, I teased you in a previous post telling you that jungle is a Hindi word, so here are pictures to show you the reason. Kerala is an enchanting mosaic of rice paddy fields, coconut groves, wide beaches, backwater labyrinths and jungle. People of the three major religions, Hindus, Muslims, and Christians coexist peacefully. The Christian community is much larger in the south of India, than in the north. The politics of the region alternates between the left and far-left candidates. A pretty amazing statistic is that Kerala boasts the highest literacy rate ( nearly 100%) in all of India. The ancient boat-building industry grew from the plentiful supply of wood , the proximity to the Arabian Sea, and many backwater canals. The Snake Boat races of today are thought to be the world’s largest team sport. In ancient times, these boats were used to carry warriors.
images from public domain
There are a number of backwater tours available.
image by Kerala Backwater Tour
One is eight hours and takes you from Kollam to Alleppey where the bus is waiting. Some European students, who are also here at Cept, took that route and found it a rather long and repetitive. David decided on the three hour ride which was also more cost effective. It was a humid, hot day and the little boat was a sanctuary from the blazing sun. We had a guide who seemed disappointed that we all just wanted to flow quietly through the water. Enjoy your trip! 
We stopped for a drink and I made a new friend. This hawk was raised from a chick. 
One of the many houseboats for hire. The cost is about $200 per night which covers a staff of three, meals and an overnight… Not bad, huh? 
TalesAlongTheWay 
Anne, thanks for writing Kerala experience. I have never been there but its an amazing place and experience of being there. I love reading your blog. Namaste!
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My friend , I am so glad you enjoyed it. Add it to your bucket list. Do be sure and take a house boat over night. We didn’t but have it is marvelous! Namaste!
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incredible Kerala
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LOL! Incredible Kerala , indeed! Is it your home?
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Wow that looks so fun!
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It was indeed!
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🙂
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Beautiful shots – thanks for sharing.
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So glad you enjoyed it !
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A brilliant piece on Kerela. I have only once been to Kochi and loved it. Will certainly go back for an extensive visit. Some great pictures. I have also written some blogs on Kerala which you can check out. Meanwhile, I am reblogging this.
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Namasate<
I will enjoy reading your Kerala pieces. . . .I have four in March 2013 you might enjoy. . . 2 on Golden Temple, one on Jallianwala Bagh and one on Wagah Border .
I also have quit a number on Mr. Modi as we were stationed in Ahmedabad for the Cept architecture school. Love, love, love incredible India !
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This looks wonderful, draws you right in.
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You can see why this is a very, very popular vacation spot in India !
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Love Kerala and have posted much on my travels in India…..so your post awakened memories of our three hour cruise on the backwaters from Alleppey. Another boat pulled out directly into our path and we collided head-on, nearly pitching us off the top deck, then later we ran over the nets of two fishermen who were in tears. Our friend negotiated compensation on both occasions. Our three hour trip became five hours and we caught the most perfect sunset over the water…….eventful, but full of interest.
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What a great story to tell after a special day! Sorry about the extra money it cost you. . . . but of course you had to make it right. I am sure the fishermen’s tears turned to smiles. Thanks so much for sharing !
Anne
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No cost to us, but the boat owner had to pay those poor fishermen….even so we had a great day. India is so diverse and wonderful.
Regards,
John
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What is your favorite place to visit in India. For me, it is Varanasy. . . .other worldly. . . ancient. . . spiritual. . . . Like no where I have ever been before!
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That’s on my list to visit. I love Hampi, Badami and surrounding villages as well as the wonderful village temples around Hassan, but then I like architecture. Mahabalipuram south of Channai is pretty good. Pushkar, Chittorgarh, Sanchi in the north. Udaipur is a lovely city as is Mysore and Ooty in the mountains, and of course Fort Kochi. It would take a lifetime to see it all!
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You have been places that. I don ‘t recognize. My husband is professor of architecture and we were in India with architecture students. We visit many of temples in the south. They are amazing! Were you doing all that touring or working in India?
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We took a school sixth form group to Goa in 1996, they had a whale of a time and since then I have travelled solo mostly and then taken friends who’ve not been before. In fact both friends said ‘Never again!’ But have since asked if I’m going again. People expect trips abroad to be a holiday. India is rarely that….more of an adventure.
You may be familiar with the Hoysala period temples at Belur and Halebid with their beautiful sculpture. There are hundreds in this region with tiny places having real gems.
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Reblogged this on SinghCircle and commented:
Kerala is an awesome place to be. There is so much variety in India, it’s mind-boggling!
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This was the original post from India. I updated and added more picures. DId you see this one?
Thanks for the Reblog!
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