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Rush Hour in the Kerala Backwaters

Trundling through the backwaters of Kerala, I was surprised how many people live there. In my mind, I imagined it to be this pristine natural environment, and we’d be more apt to see birds and monkeys than people. I couldn’t be more wrong, and it made the experience all the better.


Transportation around the world is fascinating, isn’t it? This is a commuter boat taxi taking most of the workers to a bus station where they will then go on road to their place of employment.

Kerala Backwaters taxi boat carries passengers to the bus station.

Commuting to Work!

We were on the water for about two and a half days. How relaxing! The staff did everything from the moment they carried our bags to our rooms. They drove the boat, cooked, decided where we’d stop, and all we did was luxuriate and watch real life pass us by. Waking early was the best, as like in this shot, we were witness to everyone getting ready for their day. There were plenty of people bathing in the rivers, doing their washing, delivering goods, and herding ducks! It was mesmerizing. I loved every minute of it!

I would recommend any of the tours you can find on the web. Just double check that it is the company that is the right fit for you, but honestly they all do exactly the same thing.  You don’t have to go with the most expensive one.

You will fly into Fort Kochi, where there are plenty of great things to see as well, and there you will be picked up by the tours.  You can add on to any of the backwater tours and hire a driver or  join a tour group to explore the entire region.  This is what we did with only a portion of the trip devoted to the backwater.  Two and a half days was plenty.  Even though you do make a few stops, it’s pretty relaxing and you don’t get much exercise.

Have you ever thought of doing the boat stays on the backwaters of Kerala?

Author Bio: Corinne Vail is a travel photographer, food lover, and a perpetual traveler who has been travel writing for over 14 years. For many years she lived overseas in Germany, Japan, Turkey, South Korea, and the Netherlands teaching the children of the US. military. She’s visited over 90 countries, and she’s not stopping anytime soon.

rhonda albom

Wednesday 24th of September 2014

We still haven't been to India. Maybe some day.

Corinne Vail

Thursday 25th of September 2014

Rhonda, That kind of surprises me. You need to go!

Emily

Saturday 13th of September 2014

If we have the time and can make it down to that area of India, we will certainly be doing a backwaters houseboat trip. I think we may just 'wait and see' and book it when we're there rather than book online, just in case it doesn't pan out.

Corinne Vail

Sunday 14th of September 2014

Emily, I highly recommend it. Northern India can be frentic, and once you get on the backwaters life calms down. It's a great relaxing part to add on.

Muza-chan

Thursday 11th of September 2014

Beautiful...

Corinne Vail

Thursday 11th of September 2014

Thanks Muza-chan!

Corinne Vail

Thursday 11th of September 2014

Steve, It does look more fun, but I'm sure it's like anything else, do it too often and it loses its appeal.

Jameela Deen

Wednesday 10th of September 2014

Lovely picture really captures a little bit of life. I'm sure you have encountered many interesting means transportation during your travels around the world.

Corinne Vail

Wednesday 10th of September 2014

Jameela, Definitely have...and I love to try them all out if at all possible. Too fun!