by Debbie Ross
Womens Travel Network founder

Day 10 India tour – Houseboat tour of Kerala`s lush waterways.

Today we boarded a traditional houseboat, our transportation and floating hotel.  The boats are well equipped and our rooms extremely comfortable. We meandered through Kerala’s waterways to view the lush green tropical wonderland. From our comfortable vantage point we observed the rituals of village life; farmers working in the rice paddies, women washing laundry on the rocks, people bathing, ladies washing dishes and children splashing in the water. We saw shallow, palm-fringed lakes studded with coconut and banana trees in abundance.  Kerala means land of coconuts. i’ve never seen so many coconuts trees in one place.

What a magical experience, sitting in our outdoor covered living room and quietly cruising along observing life on the river.  Lunch is served in our private dining room . It’s delicious!

After cruising for a while our fabulous crew tied up the boat and we walked along the canal, past beautiful homes into town.  The streets are busy with women and children heading to St Mary’s church, this historical church dates back to 427 A.D.  It’s the beginning of the St Thomas festival and it is our great fortune to be here during mass. The chanting is hauntingly beautiful and the church is filled with men one side and women on the oter. Their saris are so colourful.On the way back to our 3 houseboats Anne-Marie poked arrround in a local shop.

We continued our relaxng cruise, coktails in hand. At sunset our houseboat tied up at the water’s edge and we enjoyed a peaceful night on the water. Dinner was excellent and our sleep restful.

The following morning we woke early to catch the sunrise.  Birds were chirping, a large flock of ducks were quacking and the local fishermaen were out in the boats hoping for a good catch. We enjoyed cofee and masal chai while our crew prepared a delicious breakfast.  Our cruise continues as we return bak to the dock, th children wave as we pass by. The bird life and flowers are spectacular this morning.

Overnight on a traditional a Houseboat