In alluring Alappuzha

It was our long cherished desire to stay in a houseboat at least for a day. Our wish was fulfilled when we visited Alappuzha in Kerala as part of a package tour recently.

Alappuzha is famous for its picturesque beaches, backwaters, canals, lagoons and houseboats. Therefore, the city is rightly described as the ‘Venice of India’.

Our day began in a houseboat with a journey on the backwaters for about five hours. The houseboat was well-furnished with a lounge, a separate dining place, air-conditioned bedroom and a kitchen.

All across, we could see the silent backwaters across miles and on it, houseboats and fishing boats moving .

Occasionally, we saw passenger boats, and local people waiting for these boats in selected places.

It was amazing to notice how the passengers armed with their belongings boarded and disembarked from the boat without making any noise. We noticed tall coconut, mango and jackfruit trees, banana plantations and flower bushes lined up on both sides of the canals.

Soon, it was lunch time and we were provided fresh food which was prepared in the houseboat itself.

It was quite exciting to have a delicious vegetarian lunch on board the boat. After lunch, the boat moved in a different direction. We returned to the place from where we boarded by 5 pm. Later that evening, we went for a walk all along the canal observing the lifestyle of the people. Majority of the locals lived in small houses. I got into a conversation with an elderly gentleman. Out of curiosity, I asked him about the lifestyle of the people who lived on the banks of these canals. He told us that the main occupation of the people was fishing while some worked in coconut gardens and fields. There were those who went to the city for business purposes or to work in offices. They ate very simple food.

Further, I asked him about the availability of potable water. He said they used borewell waters for drinking and cooking. But for washing, cleaning and bathing, canal water was used.

After walking for an hour, we came back to our boat and hired an autorickshaw to go to a nearby beach. Getting down from the auto, we noticed the vast clean sea and innumerable people strolling, hopping and flying kites there. The beach was safe for swimming and had the best scenic view.

It is said that through this beach, trade was carried out by the ancient Romans and Greeks. There is an ancient lighthouse situated near the beach. Due to shortage of time, we did not go to see it. This is an all-weather destination and the beach has everything to soothe one’s body and mind.

It was dark by the time we returned to our place. We could see boats moving through the darkness.

We had a sound sleep even though we could hear the sound of waves lashing the shores. The following morning, we got up early and were ready for the boating before 9 am. After breakfast, the boat started cruising for about two hours to a different direction. We then returned to the same spot from where we departed.

It was now time for us to leave. As our trip ended, we realised that this place is indeed heaven on earth.

Mathad V B
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