KERALA
Can you
ever experience contentment?
We do not
know. But travelers who pass by this way linger. Many keep coming back. Some
just to be. A few to get married. Some to celebrate being together for years.
Many to surrender to Ayurveda.
It is
perhaps the rawness of this land, the friendly people, the greenery, the
monsoons that bless forty four rivers, the ancient art forms. Whatever it is,
they talk about a strange peace that engulfs them. A deep sense of contentment.
In these essays, we have tried to capture this intangible reality.
A few
sentences, a few notes from the heart. They are all yours now. The slower you
go, the further you reach. CONTENTMENT, they say is a journey to your own self.
The
backwaters today keep a float many a life – like that of the local oarsman.
Civilization once took away his live hood, but tourism restored it to him and
today, this network is his lifeline; the link to his sustenance and making sure
that this unique world of beauty and life remains unchanged are several initiatives
that respect the environment and ecology- right from the introduction of
inboard engines in houseboats to the use of ecofriendly materials in its
making.
No trip to
the backwaters is complete without a taste of kappa (tapioca) and karimeen (
pearispot) , washed down with a swig of today , freshly tapped from the coconut
tree.
DIFFERENT
STROKES
-Experience
life at 10km /hr on a kettuvallom (houseboat)
-set out on
a sunset, star night or island cruise
-opt for a
village or ethnic tour to savour the art, culture and traditions of Kerala.
-Sample
backwater delicacies like crab, mussel and karimeen ( pearlspot)
- Enjoy the
longest backwater cruise (8 hrs) from Kollam to Alappuzha.
The
houseboats of Kerala are rare specimen of excellent craftsmanship. Made by
tying together pieces of wood, not a single nail is used in its construction.
Once a good carrier, the houseboats today come with bath attached rooms, deck,
kitchenette.
No comments:
Post a Comment