Dhanya Damodaran

Jul 25, 20204 min read

Houseboat in Kumarakom

Visited In February 2015

Namskaram... Kumarakathilekku ningalkku swagatam!!

Kerala, the southern most state of the Indian Subcontinent is known as 'God's Own Country' - This is not just a caption to attract tourists, it truly means to be the God's very own lovely country. Nestled exotically between the mighty Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, Kerala marvels visitors with her beauty and charm. I am truly proud of my State, and love to write about her :)

Kerala has everything a tourist would love to enjoy - Warm and temperate climate, sandy beaches, historical and religious sites, dance forms like Kathakali and Mohiniyattam and martial art forms like Kalaripayattu which are deeply rooted to the traditions of Kerala, Ayurvedic massages, National parks and trek on the lush green mountains, houseboat ride and stay in the serenity of backwaters, yummy tapioca with spicy fish curry and fresh toddy from coconut palms...the list goes on and on...

We made a visit to Vaikom and Kumarakom with our family and cousins. A visit to enjoy the backwater is recommended during the months of November - February, when there is no monsoon rain. The days will be warm and nights cool and perfect to enjoy a stay in houseboat or resort. We started off early morning in a 14 seater van and the excitement was all over in the air for all the fun ahead!

After a drive of around 5 hours, we reached our destination - the resort at Vaikom by the banks of the backwaters. We checked in, explored the resort, had our meals, relaxed and enjoyed.

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The next day, we woke up early to catch the dawn views of the backwaters. The misty morning atmosphere was so calm; the ripples formed in the lake waters, chirping birds and fishermen riding small boats to catch fish... beautiful views and felt that I can spend any number of hours watching the scenery.

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After breakfast, we drove to Kumarakom to enjoy a full day ride in our house boat in the serene backwaters of Vembanad Lake. Exciting!!! We will have our lunch, evening tea and snacks in the boat, while we ride in the lake enjoying the greenery and beautiful views.

As we walked to the pier, there were several houseboats docked awaiting their guests to check in and commence the ride. We also got to see the locals clean the very much loved 'Karimeen' - a fresh water fish found in abundance in Kerala backwaters.

The interior of the boat is quite spacious and has all amenities like kitchen, dining and bedrooms, also a viewing deck in the front side to enjoy the backwater as we cruise the lake...We checked into the boat, made ourselves comfortable and the ride began.

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I could feel the tremendously gifted nature of Kerala standing in its full potential in front of us ready to cast the spell of her mesmerising charm on us for an entire day! The day was cool and weather clear, what more was needed to make our day?!

Endless stretch of backwater, acres of coconut palm groves with palm leaves dancing in the breeze, fishermen making their livelihood, huge fishing nets here and there, variety of birds catching fish, floating water lillies...the boat cruised its way in the backwater. There were many toddy shops on tiny islets and I am sure they serve local toddy with tapioca and spicy fish curry. A visit to one such is in my wish list!

The boat driver gave us a chance to steer the boat before he docked at one place for lunch break.

We tried something which I have never done anytime before in life - Fishing!! He gave us the fishing rod and tied a tiny worm and plunged it to water waiting for a fish to hook on its harp... it didn't work for anyone, so I too happily went for it, assuming no fish will get hooked. Unfortunately, it happened. I was so damn puzzled not knowing what to do, screamed and the driver helped me pull the fish out...so much was my dismay that he agreed to put the fish back to the water, and I hope it lived...I don't know. From then on, I swear, I will never try this anytime in life!

The tasty vegetarian lunch was ready and we had our meal, happily continued the ride.

There are several luxurious resorts and heritage homes on the lakeside for tourists to make their memorable stay. Not to forget the home stays run by locals here, a stay in one of those will be an exciting experience for the foreign tourists interested in knowing the local lives.

After an enjoyable cruise over the backwaters of Vembanadu Lake, by late evening, our driver docked the houseboat to its pier and we bid goodbyes and left for our resort. We drove back home the next morning to conclude the scenic trip to Kumarakom.