Cochin India - Backwaters of Alappuzha
Day 80 of 164 Days Around the World Cruise
Alappuzha, also known as Alleppey, is a beautiful city located in the southern Indian state of Kerala. The city is known for its serene backwaters and stunning network of canals, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
The waterways in Alappuzha are a unique and fascinating aspect of the city's culture and history. They are made up of a series of interconnected canals, lagoons, and lakes that stretch over 900 km, forming a vast network of waterways that provide transportation, irrigation, and fishing opportunities to the people of the region.
One of the main attractions of Alappuzha is the houseboat cruises that take visitors along the waterways, giving them a glimpse of the serene and picturesque countryside. These houseboats, which are locally called Kettuvallams, are traditionally made by tying together planks of jackwood and coated with a resin made from boiled cashew kernels. They were originally used as cargo boats to transport rice, spices, and other goods.
Today, the houseboats have been converted into comfortable floating accommodations that offer a unique way to explore the waterways of Alappuzha. The boats are equipped with all modern amenities, including bedrooms, bathrooms, and a kitchen, and are manned by a crew that takes care of all your needs while you sit back and relax.
The waterways in Alappuzha also offer a glimpse into the daily life of the people who live along its banks. You can see fishermen casting their nets, women washing clothes and dishes in the water, and farmers tending to their crops on the fertile riverbanks. The waterways also provide irrigation to the paddy fields, making it an essential part of the local agriculture.
In addition to houseboat cruises, visitors can also take a leisurely boat ride or a canoe trip through the smaller canals to explore the lush greenery and observe the local wildlife.
Overall, the waterways of Alappuzha are a unique and fascinating aspect of Kerala's culture and history, and they offer visitors a chance to experience the serene beauty and traditional way of life of this beautiful region.