Kerala always reminds me of our deep-rooted connection with water. Science tells us that our bodies are 70% water and so is mother earth. If you take an aerial view of Kerala, you would see water bodies criss-crossing the state landscape, as if like the earth it is also trying to contain as much water as possible. Water remember is the very basis of existence of life.
On the western side of Kerala is the coast kissing the Arabian sea, with many of its beaches lined up with tourists enjoying the serene beauty between sand and the waves hitting this sand. From Kovalam beach at the southern edge of the state to the Bekal Fort beach in the north, there are many options for the visitors to choose from. For example, Varkala, a little north of Kovalam, continues to be favorite for its red laterite cliffs that let you observe the ocean from a vantage point, as the waves play with the shore. At Kollam beach, I remember the Thangassery lighthouse with red and white stripes going around it, imitating the waves of the sea. Standing there, I wondered how many sailors would have found solace when they sighted this after a long journey.
Then, who can forget the enchanting Kerala backwaters with their lush greenery reflecting in the peaceful waters while they are balancing the flow between the rivers and the ocean. They are the signature elements of Kerala’s landscape attracting tourists from across the world. Interestingly these also act as waterways and you can travel on them. These waterways in Kerala are formed by curious paths formed by the intersection of 40+ west flowing rivers that fall into Arabian sea and the backwaters. These waterways carry both the people and freight on them. Once upon a time, most of India was full of such waterways as a major mode of transportation. Kerala has managed to keep this legacy living by keeping it in active use. It is also a perfect way to enjoy Kerala on a slow mode.
I remember on my first visit to Fort Kochi decades ago, I took the water ferry that costed me less than one Rupee. It has become a memory that continues to bring a smile to my face. I would visit Fort Kochi again in my subsequent visits, always looking forward to this ride on water. I am happy to know that a water metro is something I can enjoy on my next trip. When you travel on water, it is like a boat being a moving bridge that takes you across. Over time I would take many ferry rides across the world, but the first one always remains special.
Water bodies in Kerala also turn into sports grounds when they become the venue for the famous snake boat race. I would highly recommend everyone to witness this race at least once in your lifetime. The long narrow boats with rows of oars cutting through the waters race on the sound of drums being played on the boats themselves. It is an adrenaline rush that passes from participants to spectators in a way that you become a part of it. Imagine these boat races have been part of the temple festivals as well as warfare in the past. Now the teams compete for the coveted trophy. When you walk around the villages around Punnamada Lake near Alleppey, you see boats being lovingly maintained by painting them or coconut wood oars being sharpened so that they can literally make you fly in your boat.
Memories of my first visit to Ashtamudi lake are still fresh in my mind. We looked at a long boat ride on the lake, enjoying Kerala food as the boat took us to quieter alleys. It is one of the most soothing experiences of my life. It felt as if the whole world had faded and it was only greenery reflecting in the quiet waters of the lake. Here and there the Chinese fishing nets remind you of life that this lake sustains, both on water and the land. It nudges you to slow down and soak in all the beauty that nature has bestowed us with.
Living on houseboats is something every traveller to Kerala looks forward to. Simple yet aesthetic boats let you experience luxury on water. The slight sway of water is like a lullaby when you sleep, a sensation that continues to be with you even after you have disembarked the boat. To enjoy the coconut laden, spice flavoured local cuisine sitting on a houseboat while watching the sun go down after kissing the quiet waters is like experiencing Kerala in all its authenticity. It is also a great way for families to spend some quality time together when all of you are on a houseboat, surrounded by nature and nurtured by the hospitality industry.
Years ago, I read the book Chasing the Monsoon by Alexander Frater. I thought it was such a unique way to travel with the monsoon starting from its place of landing in the Indian Peninsula, which is Kerala. Since then, I have always followed the monsoon landing in Kerala as the country awaits it with bated breath every summer. Once it lands in Kerala, we know it will slowly move northwards and quench the thirst of parched earth.
At the famous Padmanabhaswamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Sri Vishnu is sleeping peacefully in the Ksheersagar as the lotus emerges from his navel earning him the name Padmanabhaswamy. He has also chosen to be in the form where he is surrounded by water in this land that lives with water in such a harmony.
Living in harmony with the element that is the basis of our very existence can be seen in the Kerala landscape. It is like a beautiful symphony of water, earth, nature, and life.
For more information on Kerala Tourism, check out Maya – The Kerala Tourism Chatbot, that in a jiffy can give you all that you need to know about God’s own country.
This post has been written in collaboration with Kerala Tourism.
