If you ask me to tell me the story about one of my most memorable travel experiences, I would most definitely, without a doubt, tell you about the time I went to “God’s Own Country” – Kerala. Where exactly in Kerala you ask? Alleppey.
While in Kerala, I was too tired arranging for train and bus tickets and I knew that I wanted to opt for something more comfortable and convenient. So, a few days before I left for Alleppy, I decided to book a convenient Alleppey taxi-service. After the booking was successful, I went on to explore a little more of Kochi for the next couple of days.
The Breathtaking Backwaters
After exploring Kochi, it was time for me to leave for the much-awaited part of my journey – Alleppey. I booked a cab from Kochi to Alleppey and set out on my journey. I did not make many pit stops, apart from a tea break. The driving was smooth, the views serene and I was struggling to not doze off. Nevertheless, I kept awake and listened to a podcast instead. In about an hour to ninety minutes, I reached my destination.
Alleppy is famous for its backwaters and houseboats. You can’t visit Alleppey and not be on the backwaters. I had booked myself a houseboat through a travel agency online. For the next three hours, I was in heaven! The narrow canals, the palm trees and the coconut trees, the silence and serenity, the lagoons, everything looked like straight out of a picture! Only, it was reality, right in front of my eyes! Lunch was served on the houseboat itself. I had some karimeen, some rice, sambhar and some veggies! Everything was so fresh and tasty, I couldn’t stop myself from asking for a second helping!
After this memorable boat ride, I could fully comprehend the hype about Kerala and its backwaters! It’s something to experience at least once in your lifetime!
Exploring True Alleppey
After the houseboat, I made my way to the homestay where I was supposed to be staying in for the time I was there, and rested for an hour to rejuvenate my energy. I had some piping hot tea, and then, I made my way to Alappuzha Beach. It was almost evening by the time I was there. There were easily a hundred people on the beach, but I found myself a lonely spot, and watched the waves rise and fall for about an hour! No trip to any place can be complete without trying its street food. So, while on the beach, I tried some Kalukki Sherbat, Banana Fry and Shellfish. Everything was so cheap and authentic.
The next morning, I went to see the International Coir Museum in my cab. I love going to museums and learning about the art and culture of a particular place. In this particular museum, I learned how they make coir out of coconut trees. The number of handicrafts this coir is used in just blew my mind away! I also bought a few souvenirs for friends and family back home, from a shop there.
Ayurvedic Treatments and Putting an End to the Trip
Kerala and Alleppey, in particular, are famously known for their Ayurveda and Ayurvedic treatments. And I knew I had to get myself a good ayurvedic spa and massage once I am in Alleppy. So later that evening, I went to this Health and Wellness Centre where I had booked myself an appointment the previous day itself. The massage was too relaxing and I dozed off to sleep in a few minutes. After the ayurvedic spa, I felt muscles in my body I didn’t even know existed! I felt like a completely new person! I didn’t know I needed this so badly, until I did, and I have been recommending this to my friends ever since.
After the magical experience at the wellness centre, I went to the Alappuzha Zakariya Market. It had so many shops selling spices, handicrafts, coir items, fish and what not! I mostly strolled through it, and didn’t buy much, except for some authentic South Indian spices like the black pepper, for my mom and a few of my relatives.
I returned to my homestay, had some wholesome dinner, and went to bed. For days, I couldn’t stop thinking about the beautiful and refreshing time I had in those couple of days. I have been meaning to go visit the backwaters pretty soon!
