Sunset Cruise


Having settled into our island paradise, we were given the opportunity to explore the local backwaters by canoe.  We simply could not pass up the opportunity for a lovely sunset backwater cruise!

Since we were in the “Venice of the East“, we climbed aboard our “gondola”, eager with anticipation. Our vessel was a 15 foot wooden canoe, and our gondolier was a spry older gentleman who had clearly grown up on the backwaters.  He looked at home on both land and in his canoe.

As we climbed aboard, we were offered paddles to assist with propelling our craft through the waters, and Katina, who loves to get in a workout anytime she can, took up the challenge as our family paddler while I operated the camera.

As we set off, I was struck by just how quiet and peaceful it was here.  There were no honking horns, no need to worry about getting hit by a random scooter or tuk-tuk…just peace, calm, and tranquility.

We were all immediately captured by the pure beauty of the nature here.  Picturesque coconut trees, lily pads, mangroves, and other aquatic plants set a scene of serenity.

There were a wide variety of birds we saw flitting from tree to tree,or moving among the lily pads and mangroves.

Great Egret
Great Egret

 

Stork Billed Kingfisher
Stork Billed Kingfisher

There was some traffic on the main river as houseboats made their way to dock for the evening.  I was surprised to see that there weren’t more of these huge boats on the river.

However, the most interesting things we saw were the human interactions we witnessed along the riverbanks.  Day to day life happened while we floated silently past.

Cooling off on a hot day.
Cooling off on a hot day.
Making the rounds
Making the rounds
Learning to walk
Learning to walk
A fantastic smile!
A fantastic smile!
Returning from a day of fishing

 

Playing cricket by the water's edge
Playing cricket by the water’s edge
Doing the dishes
Doing the dishes
Doing the laundry
Doing the laundry

Our tour ended with some rewarding sunsets, which will factor among the most spectacular we have seen to date.

Sunrise, sunset...
Sunrise, sunset…

After a peaceful and rewarding time spent in lush Kerala, it was time for us to head back to the hustle and bustle of New Delhi to our newly adopted Indian family!


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Comments

13 responses to “Sunset Cruise”

  1. Doreen Avatar

    Absolutely lovely to see that daily life is the same no matter where you are! And those smiles. Your photos say it all Oliver..travel safely, Love to all, Doreen

    1. It’s been a while since I’ve beaten my laundry on a rock, but yes…it doesn’t matter where you go, you need to do laundry, wash the dishes etc!

  2. Beverley Avatar
    Beverley

    The pictures are wonderful and the imagery excellent. I felt like I was floating along with you. My list of travel must-sees grow each day with your adventure. By the time you are finished, I too, might have to take a year off! Best, Beverley

    1. Hi Beverley, I’m glad I was able to bring you along on our adventure! It was a canoe equivalent of being a fly on the wall, watching life just happen around us.

  3. Your photos are wonderful. Of course there had to be peaceful county and riversides in India, but we just don’t think of this when we think of India. Thank you for showing us this beautiful side of this country. The colours of their nature must inspire the colours of their clothing.
    Well done Katina getting a good upper body workout in there as well!!

    1. Herta, there wasn’t a honking horn to be heard, nor the fear of being run over by a tuk-tuk! It was so beautiful and peaceful!

  4. Hi, Oliver, this is just the perfect posting to read on a Sunday morning. Love the photos and matching commentaries. Very peaceful, what a beautiful place.

    1. Hi Oma, glad you were able to enjoy our adventure with your Sunday morning coffee! That sounds peaceful, too!

  5. Hi Oliver,
    I joined all of you on the sunset cruise and enjoyed all the tranquility of the ride!!!! It was so peaceful!!! Thank you for sharing your great photos!!!
    Love, Mom P.

    1. Hello Baba,

      So glad you enjoyed the photos! It was very enjoyable to see how life is lived on the river…

  6. nicole Avatar

    GReat pictures, looks lovely…though I watch too much River Monsters to not wonder what lurks in the water….on a different note..seems your banner has been hacked somehow….

    1. Nicole, we were assured that there weren’t any crocs or other monsters under the surface, though we did see some birds dive in, grab some fish, and then swim along eating them.

      Re the banner, can you send me a screenshot? I don’t see what you’re seeing.

  7. It seems that everyone you passed by had a smile for you guys 🙂 What a wonderful way to experience day to day living!