This day was the kind of day that makes you feel like you are the luckiest person alive to be exploring the world. Everything about it was simply perfect. Kochi has been nicknamed the “Venice of the East” and we were going to be finding out why on a cruise of the Alleppey backwaters.
A view of Fort Cochin on our way to the backwaters.
My 1st sighting of the backwaters.
Once we arrived at Alleppey, which was about an hours drive from Fort Cochin, we boarded a houseboat that was formerly a rice barge used for transporting goods from isolated villages to the towns.
Me, the houseboat, and the captain.
The backwaters are a series of rivers and canals along the Kerala coastline. It is one of the very few places on earth where farming is done below sea level. I knew that it was going to be a serene ride, but I had no idea just how stunning the scenery would be along the way. Alleppey is a haven to migratory birds and is fringed by palms and patty fields. Life there revolves around the water. Children are raised to learn how to swim before they walk and how to row a boat before riding a bicycle. My idea of Paradise!
For some reason, as we began to float down the backwaters, the following song played in my head. I thought it would be good background music while you enjoy the picturesque ride.
And so the ride begins!
Where would the houseboat take us next. . .
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Jason Webb, Andrea Maria Perullo. Andrea Maria Perullo said: Check out my picturesque post on exploring the Venice of the East, otherwise known as the Alleppey backwaters in India: http://tiny.cc/3r81r [...]
As always, your photos are captivating and draw you in……….the soundtrack was a bonus.
These pictures! Your photos are always amazing, but these really impressed me I think because they reminded me of Kyle’s Amazon pictures, and I didn’t know that India had this kind of scenery. What a beautiful place.
Once again your photos are amazing! I’m a little obsessed with water and that looks amazing!
The idea that you learn to drive a boat before a car was the thing I loved so much about Venice, and this is so cool. The same idea but in a different country and representing a different culture. A must-see for me!
P.S. Good song choice!
Gorgeous photos! Very cool sound effects
What a simple kind of place! I agree with Annie; I loved the boats in Venice. The photos are amazing. One day, I have to see India. I had my heart set on a travel contest a few years ago and not winning made me obsess with Kerala!
There is nothing quite like a peaceful day on a boat. These photos are getting me psyched for my week canoe trip in the Canadian wilderness in three weeks. As always the photos are superb. Like the egret pictures and the wildflowers along the river.
wonderful pics. the first pic specially stands out. absolutely amazing.
Your pictures are always so amazing. I love how they capture a slice of life.
Playing that song was perfect.
[...] India’s Venice of the East Andi from My Beautiful Adventures shares with us a photographic journey along the Alleppey backwaters of Kochi in India. Be sure to press the play button for a cool soundtrack that will put you in the river floating mood. [...]
Absolutely beautiful pictures! I’ve always wanted to go to Kerala, and these pictures bring it to life.
The backwaters of Kerala are our favourite place in the world. People think of India as stressful but this part is so chilled out and relaxed. We stayed at a village homestay on an island with no roads and we have never been more blissed out! A highlight was a moonlit canoe road with our host serenading us with folk songs. Glad you enjoyed it to.
it was very interesting to read mybeautifuladventures.com
I want to quote your post in my blog. It can?
And you et an account on Twitter?
Gorgeous photos as always Andi! It’s pretty remarkable kids learn to swim before they walk there! Loved being a part of your experience too with images and sound. Great idea!
Oh wow. Perfection.
I would like to exchange links with your site mybeautifuladventures.com
Is this possible?
[...] we continued to sail along the Alleppey backwaters, we took excitement in the constantly changing [...]
[...] had a lot of positive feedback on an India post where I included some accompanying music to listen to while reading. Thus, I thought for my [...]
Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!
Beyond amazing!
Great post!
Love this!
Perfection!!!
Great post!
Thanks for such a great post, I am totally impressed!
Thanks for the excellent post, I love reading it!
Superb post, I really like it.
Thank you!
Great post, you are very good writer!
Fabulous post!
Three words.. I love it!
extreme blog you’ve designed!
Wow great photos – makes me want to go back so bad!
Gorgeous!
wow andi! i always say that my life has a soundtrack, so i definitely appreciate the song here- nice choice and i’d never heard it. your photos are wonderful- you’ve got me dreaming!
Great post!
Keep working ,fantastic job!
Just discovered this, what a pleasant surprise!
Wow, this is very fun to read. Have you ever considered submitting articles to magazines?
Thanks for providing this blog post, love it!
Oh my goodness! An incredible article darling.
I have to visit here some day.
What a fabulous post!
Truly awesome blog post!
I couldn’t have asked for an better blog.
Oh, Andi! I am still enjoying reading your posts about India. Kochi looks like a wonderful place and a great incentive to return to India. It will take me time to catch up on your adventures, but it’s so much fun!
: ) Nancy