Kerala

Kerala backwaters: with hindsight, certainly the only moment in India when and the only place where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the time (and the other boats) slowly pass by.

The houseboat is rented with its team of a captain and two cooks. It is fully equipped with a kitchen, two bedrooms, and a big open lounge. It is a welcome surprise that each houseboat has a different look/shape, the bigger ones having even two floors.

The boat is also a perfect way to get introduced to the everyday life of locals, who make the most of the water for their daily routine - and when I say the most, I mean the most... Along the banks of the canals, there are small houses, schools, hospitals, and further lush rice fields. In a small village, there was a political rally by the local Communist party - well, it was more a monologue by a local representation in front of a small and surprisingly quiet crowd. It seems that in these relatively remote areas there are no extreme poverty. It would tend to confirm that Kerala has the best quality of life in India.

Kerala has plenty of natural wonders. The first excursion was at the Athirappilly Falls, a very refreshing stop. Here, we were the only foreign visitors, with many Indian tourists discovering the area.

Further to the north is the Munnar, famous for its extensive tea plantations, which cover an extensive hilly region. The only drawback is that this major tourist destination - popularised thanks to many Bollywood movies - is reached after driving slowly on narrow, windy, and potholed roads. Even locals become car sick on these roads... There are still immense infrastructure needs.

The last major tourist destination - and no, I am not talking about the newest commercial center Lulu Mall - the beach at Cherai. The sand and the water are very inviting, while the comfort on the beach is quite basic. It was surprising to see that almost nobody brought beach towels and that people are walking in jeans and not shorts. Most of all, there are many many many people. As rare foreigners, we were also part of the attraction with lots of pictures taken of us on the beach. In general, Indians were friendly, polite, and curious.

Besides its natural wonders, Kerala has also a rich history. A long line of Maharajas ruled from Kochi, including from the Hill Palace. This palace is however relatively modest in size and in ornaments.

There are also many external influences in Kerala, with the Portuguese a prominant one. Vasco de Gama was buried in the Church of Saint Francis, the oldest Christian church in India. The old part of the town called Fort Kochin is nice to walk around with some narrow streets and ancient mansions.

Last exotic sights in Kochi are the Chinese fishing nets. I am not sure that there are still in use, but it is part of the charm of the city.