What, a
magnificent, tranquil and peaceful place, Alleppey backwaters is! On our Indian
travels there, we found it hard to leave and got drawn in by its beauty and
splendour, not to mention how incredibly quiet and relaxing it was.
If you have
heard of the famous houseboats, Allapey is the hub of where they are kept,
nestled in the heart of Kerela. The home of canals, lagoons, canoes and vast
palm tree greenery.
It was very
close to Christmas time when we thought we would treat ourselves to a one night
stay on one. I couldn’t think of anything more perfect and I am over the moon
that we did!
We boarded
our cosy houseboat in the early morning and were cheerily greeted by the
captain and our personal chef. Welcome beverages and fresh fruit were brought
to us and I was aghast at how gorgeous and luxurious the boat really was. The
pictures we viewed when booking it, looked good but I was not expecting this.
The boat was a light golden brown and a straw like curved roof. Inside was
decorated with a beautifully carved, glass topped dining table and a large
plasma television hung on the wall (not that we were interested in that). The
bed
As we
slowly cruised down the backwaters in the blissful sunshine, listening to music
(Ben E King and Rodrigo Y Gabriella I recall), sipping on rum (very Jack
Sparrow) life could not be more perfect. This experience was robbing my heart
and I still know to this day it can rob yours too.
The scenery
was outstanding and ever so peaceful, there was no sight nor sound. Occasionally a local would punt along in a
canoe, we would go past sweet little cultured villages and gaze over rice
paddies in the distance. Palm trees lined the banks as we slowly glided by.
The chef
put on a fantastic spread of food, with fresh fish, rice and fruit. It felt
quite bizarre, incredibly spoilt and unjust to be waited on like that, it is
not like we come from a wealthy background for those types of needs or requests
but all the same it was a rare and relaxing treat.
The day
drifted into night and we sat with the television on in the back ground and
playing cards. I can quite happily say that I did not find it hard to sleep
that night, it definitely helped that the boat gently rocked me into slumber.
Come
morning we had a lovely breakfast to set us up for another relaxing day, as we
made our way back to base.
If anyone
ever visits the south of India, I highly recommend this breath taking, romantic
experience. It is one thing you will not forget and that is why it captures the
hearts of so many.
I will be
dreaming of you tonight Alleppey, wishing you were rocking me to sleep.
Love Chlobo’s
Closet
Xxx
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