Backwaters and Beyond: Exploring Alleppey’s Hidden Gems
As the first rays of dawn stretched across the horizon, they painted the backwaters of Alleppey in hues of gold and amber. There, amidst the gentle lull of the waves and the soft chorus of nature, I found a piece of paradise hidden away in the ‘Venice of the East’. This is the story of my journey to Alleppey, Kerala, where the waters are not just a spectacle for the eyes but a passage to an experience that transcends the ordinary.
Leaving the emerald embrace of Munnar behind, my car wound its way towards the beckoning calm of Alleppey. The sun, a fiery orb in the zenith, cast a warm glow over the landscape. With each mile, the undulating hills gradually bowed out, making way for expansive plains. The verdant tea plantations, once a vibrant quilt over the hills, now waved a gentle farewell as I ventured forth into new terrains.
Typically, the journey from Munnar to Alleppey spans about 4 hours. As the road gradually unfolds, travelers are greeted by vast rubber plantations and an array of architectural marvels, including churches, mosques, and temples. What sets this route apart is its serene ambiance with minimal traffic congestion, allowing for a tranquil travel experience. Upon arriving at our destination in the evening, we discovered our resort was nestled on a secluded island, accessible only by boat. Embracing eco-friendliness in its entirety, the resort left a lasting impression on me. After a delightful dinner, we retired for the night, content and rejuvenated.
In the tranquil dawn of Alleppey’s backwaters, I embarked on a captivating journey aboard a traditional Shikara boat, propelled gently by an engine that hummed in harmony with the surrounding serenity. As the first rays of sunlight kissed the horizon, casting a golden hue upon the glassy waters, I found myself enveloped in a world of timeless beauty and tranquility.
The Shikara boat, with its elegant curves and ornate design, glided effortlessly across the labyrinthine waterways, navigating through a network of interconnected canals and serene lakes. The gentle hum of the engine provided a soothing soundtrack to the journey, blending seamlessly with the natural symphony of bird calls and rustling palm fronds.
As we set out on our voyage, I was captivated by the ever-changing panorama of sights and sounds that unfolded before me. Along the verdant banks, coconut palms swayed gracefully in the breeze, their fronds casting intricate patterns of shadow and light upon the water’s surface. The air was alive with the melodious chirping of birds, their vibrant plumage adding splashes of color to the lush green landscape. I completely agree with Harriet O’Brien, as she said about Kerala:
Whether you want to cruise the backwaters, sip tea in a plantation, or relax on a beach, this alluring Indian state has it all and more.
As we ventured deeper into the heart of the backwaters, I was greeted by scenes of everyday life that seemed to unfold like a series of tableaux vivants. Fishermen cast their nets into the tranquil waters, their weathered faces illuminated by the soft glow of dawn. Women in brightly colored saris went about their morning rituals, washing clothes by the water’s edge and chatting animatedly with one another.
Along the way, we encountered a colorful array of houseboats, their ornate designs and vibrant paintwork standing out against the backdrop of the serene backwaters. These floating homes were a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the local people, who had adapted to life on the water with grace and resilience.
As we continued our journey, I marveled at the incredible diversity of wildlife that called the backwaters home. Flocks of egrets and herons soared gracefully overhead, their wings catching the first light of dawn as they searched for their morning meal. Kingfishers darted across the water’s surface in a flash of brilliant blue, their sharp eyes scanning for fish below.
One of the highlights of the journey was the opportunity to witness the traditional way of life along the backwaters. We passed by small villages nestled along the water’s edge, where children played in the shallows and fishermen repaired their nets on the banks. The simple rhythm of life here seemed to harken back to a bygone era, untouched by the hustle and bustle of the modern world.
As the morning sun rose higher in the sky, casting a warm glow upon the water, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of profound gratitude for the opportunity to experience the beauty of Alleppey’s backwaters. In a world filled with noise and chaos, this tranquil sanctuary offered a glimpse of a simpler way of life, where time seemed to slow down and worries melted away with each passing moment.
After breakfast we checked out from our resort and planned to visit Marari and Alleppey beach. Nestled in the heart of Kerala, Marari Beach unfurls along the coast of Alleppey, a hidden gem away from the clamor. Its golden sands are a secret parchment where the sea’s whispers are inscribed by gentle waves. Fishermen’s boats dot the horizon, their sails catching the blush of dawn. In this tranquil alcove, nature hums a lullaby of tides and breezes, inviting weary souls to pause and bask in the simplicity of a village embrace. Marari, with its rhythmic sea-song, remains an undisturbed haven, a serene retreat cradled by the lap of the Arabian Sea.
Our next destination was Alleppey Beach, where the Arabian Sea’s blue fingers caress Kerala’s coast, is a place of solace. Here, the ancient pier stretches like a dozing python into the sea, bearing witness to history. The lighthouse stands tall, a silent sentinel. As the sun dips, painting the sky in hues of fire, the beach, with its rhythmic waves and whispering palms, is a symphony of peace, a canvas where every grain of sand tells a story of timelessness.
Then we started heading towards Varkala, which is mainly known for serene atmosphere, golden sands and dramatic cliffs. As our Alleppey journey drew to a close, I found myself reluctant to leave behind the peace and serenity of the backwaters. But as we returned to shore, I knew that the memories of this magical experience would stay with me forever, a testament to the timeless beauty of Kerala’s enchanting waterways.
If you enjoyed this journey through the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey, don’t miss out on the beginning of my Kerala adventures where I explored the misty hills of Munnar. Catch up on the first part of my travel series here. Don’t forget to follow me if you want to know about the rest of my Kerala trip.
Happy Travelling!!! 🌟🚗🌴
