Kuttanad Diaries : February 2014

The Backwaters Of Kollam

For all the beauty that only summers in the backwaters of Alleppey can provide, Kollam too is an attractive spot for tourists looking for similar getaways (see Kuttanad). The waters there, are part of the Southern backwater channels that have for many centuries now connected the major post cities of the ancient times.

Famous as the abode of Matha Amritanandamayi, her various establishments are strewn across the state like Amritha University, Amrita School of Engineering etc., the beaches of Kollam are worth mentioning. The white surf like those in Kovalam beach and native fishing boats, lined up on the shores are reminiscent of some of the most famous fishing villages from around the world. The shores are even dotted with Chinese nets! This was something new to me, as I had thought that they were characteristic of uptown Kochi (Cochin).

Well, as I traveled down the highway linking Alappuzha to Kollam, I just laid back to enjoy the beach sun and the white sandy beaches. The sands of time, lulled me to sleep but not before I had taken a couple of snaps. Enjoy;)

Fishing boats docked near Kollam

The Scenic Shoreline

Chinese Fishing Nets :Like a painting

Back Water Evenings

In my previous posts,we talked about the travelling to Alalppuzha via the Alappuzha -Changancherry Route (see here: www.kuttanaddiaries.blogspot.in/2014/02/picture-postcards-from-alappuzha.html). But, what I didn't mention is that bus rides during the evenings through the Alappuzha -Changanasherry Road, more popular as the AC Road, are a breath taking experience.

As the sun prepares to plunge into the water logged paddy fields, one wonders if that is why the rice from the region is slightly golden yellow in color. As farmers retire from a busy day on the fields to the comforts of their little traditionally tiled houses far off the coconut trees that surround the fields sway to the little cold yet pleasant wind blowing in from the sea.

As the http://www.keralatourism.org/ site will tell you the Alappuzha Tourism Department have many laid-back villas in these serene locations that provide comfortable accommodations at affordable rates to the tourist. Or if you prefer the way of the locals, long-drive in, have a cool dip in the canal, and lay back to enjoy the view on your car hood. Monsoons can be spectacular but a bit uncomfortable for those not particularly into rain-dances, as you can see here www.kuttanaddiaries.blogspot.in . So as night falls, if you are lucky to be in on a clear day, you can witness the widest and most remarkable night sky that a human eye can see.

For now, enjoy these photographs from God's own holiday spot. :)

Picture postcards From The Alappuzha-Changancherry Route

I have traveled many a time through the Alappuzha-Chanagcherry Route that connects the relatively urban town of Changansherry with the beautiful and exquisite back water town of Alappuzha. Often mesmerized by the view and lulled to sleep by the cool winds of the canal on one side and and water logged paddy fields on the other I have wondered how I was lucky enough to be brought up in this beautiful part of the world.

In this post today, I will take you with me through this route. Albeit my little mobile camera does no justice to the true elegance of the place, I have tried my best to give you, my traveler friend what it is like to be on a journey through this well laid smooth road that connects Alappuzha (Alleppey) and Changansherry.

So, here we go!