Backwaters in Allepy

One of the highlights of the trip was the backwaters at Allepy.
Julia and I managed to hire a houseboat at the last minute - really lucky because at this time of year the prices are typically doubled or trippled. We got a good deal though and an OK boat!

We boarded the boat at 11am. The boats are beautiful. They are made from bamboo and palm tree leaves. You can get really luxurious boats that accomodate large families or you can get simple, one bedroom boats. We had a boat of the simple kind. A cute deck with a dining cum lounge area, a bedroom and bathroom and a kitchen.

On board we had a cook, an engine expert, and a "captain". At first we felt a little awkward being waited on but we kind of got used to it.
The cook made us the most delicious meals we had had since we arrived. It was great.

The backwaters are said to be the "Venice of India". Your boat sails through large areas and then down narrow canals. These are lined with rice paddies and palm trees which give the whole experience an exotic feel. It's also very quite - bar the one luxury boat that was pumping some hindi house music! As you cruise down backwaters you pass little villages. You can see women doing their laundry in the river or washing up the dinner plates, children playing or washing in the water, families travelling from their home to somewhere else in a little canoe. It is really interesting, although at times it does feel a little obtrusive.
In the evening we moored and were fed (again). We had a few locals pass us and stare. Which increases the guilt factor...especially when the little kids ask for "a pen madam". It's really quite sad. Here you really see the strong distinction between the "haves" and the "have nots".

Besides all that, the trip was incredible. We felt really chilled out when we got off the boat.

And then got a taxi to Eranakulum for Fort Cochi.
Another hell raiser of a cab ride - won't go into the details, as they are the same as every other driving experience I have had here. Hell. Two lanes become 6 then 4 then 5 - the same old mosh pit of vehicles all looking to take the next gap.