We rented a fully equipped houseboat and found ourselves sitting quietly on the deck taking in the beauty of the place. The books brought for entertainment, were left untouched. For hours we just watched. We watched the lush vegetation and the picturesque rice paddies. We watched the reflections of the coconut palms in the still waters and the birds as they flew low crossing the waters. Sometimes we were among other houseboats in a lagoon, sometimes we were completely isolated on a small canal. Peaceful and beautiful in nature's own simple form. The houseboat was designed like a Kettuvallam (rice barge):
Once in a while we drifted past small enclaves of houses and had front view to the local life along the rivers; Some washed their hair other their pots but most washed clothes.
Its always a treat for the eye to watch the vivid coloured clothes dry in the landscape, whether spread out on the ground or as here, hanging between palm trees:
People brushed teeth, were catching dinner or taking a playful and cooling dip. It seemed like the locals spend more time in or using the waters than they do on land.
We felt left with the impression that the rhythm of the area had been left unchanged for decades, until we started to notice the cell phones here and there.
From 6 pm. the waters are reserved for the fishermen, so the houseboats line up and park for the night. After a delicious dinner and a perfect sunset, we found our way to the bedroom and finally found time to open our books before falling a sleep to the quiet movements of the boat.
Spending time on the backwaters was a soothing soul pleasuring activity in its highest form intensified by the contrast to the often overwhelming crowds and noises we have found in the Indian cities.
Once in a while we drifted past small enclaves of houses and had front view to the local life along the rivers; Some washed their hair other their pots but most washed clothes.
Its always a treat for the eye to watch the vivid coloured clothes dry in the landscape, whether spread out on the ground or as here, hanging between palm trees:
People brushed teeth, were catching dinner or taking a playful and cooling dip. It seemed like the locals spend more time in or using the waters than they do on land.
We felt left with the impression that the rhythm of the area had been left unchanged for decades, until we started to notice the cell phones here and there.From 6 pm. the waters are reserved for the fishermen, so the houseboats line up and park for the night. After a delicious dinner and a perfect sunset, we found our way to the bedroom and finally found time to open our books before falling a sleep to the quiet movements of the boat.
Spending time on the backwaters was a soothing soul pleasuring activity in its highest form intensified by the contrast to the often overwhelming crowds and noises we have found in the Indian cities.
P.S.: Its always fun to see things outside their usual environment. Here is a 'road' sign...well, actually a 'water' sign.:
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