I arrive at Alleppey, center of backwaters district of Kerala
Alleppey, Kerala, India
I arrive at Alleppey, center of backwaters district of Kerala
I've arrived in Alleppey (Alappuzha), center of the backwaters region of Kerala.
The backwaters is the low-lying coastal area of Kerala. It is permeated by hundreds of kilometers of rivers and lakes, navigable by boat.
Navigating the backwaters of Kerala is the most lucrative tourist activity of the state, which is becoming one of the top tourist destinations in India.
The waters can be explored by ferry, traditional rice houseboat, or canoe. The houseboats are quite elaborate, with full sized bedrooms with bath and dining rooms.
I am staying at the Ashtamudi Home Stay, a partner guesthouse of Gowri Residence when the Residence is full. Today I will move to the Gowri Residence.
Today I will explore Alleppey by bicycle and find out about exploring it by water.
The train ride from Kannur (Cannanore) to Ernakulam to Alleppey yesterday was great. Train is so much better than the bus. I can spread out on the seats, watch the coconut trees and houses roll by, and even use my computer. Best of all, I can go to the end of the car and open the carriage door, look at the landscape, and take photos.
In Kannur I saw a theyyam dance. This is a religious dance done at a temple. The dancer is a man who wears and elaborate costume and makeup. In the course of the dance he is inhabited by the god that is being worshipped. It is one of the more unusual sights I have witnessed in my travels.
The weather in Alleppey is 28 C (82 F) during the day and 23 C (73 F) at night so it's not too bad. But the relative humidity is 95 percent and there are some mosquitos.
In Kannur I stopped at the Mascot Beach Resort for dinner. The food was good, and right on the water, and I met foreigners staying there taking courses in Ayurvedic medicine. I stayed at the Centaur Tourist Home near the railway station: very basic but cheap (225 rupees for single room with television and bath).
I arrive at Alleppey, center of backwaters district of Kerala
