Calm Kochi backwaters - A regenerating glide into the serenity of village life

Hankering to take a regenerating glide into the serenity of village life? Nothing could be better than a boat ride caressed by the soft ripples of Kochi backwaters. The journey beneath the concrete bridges becomes all the more charming as it is sure not to play havoc with your budget. The mesmerizing journey that starts from High Court junction at Ernakulam provides a beautiful glimpse of the broad backwaters that embraces Kochi. In their journey to Varapuzha, the boats are anchored at more than twenty docks.

 The boat-ride provides a rapidly changing view of the vivacious cultural life against a natural backdrop. The solitary boat rider and the fisherman who thuds hard on his boat to attract customers from the distant island towards his catch are but a few stranded images that stay back in mind long after the trip. Barges that contain liquid ammonia gas too sail by.  You will have to agree with the Spanish traveler who scribed in his memoirs that no travel through India is complete without experiencing the rail travel through Ootty-Coonoor and boat ride through Kochi-Varapuzha water canal.  'Lonely Planet', widely acclaimed as the 'Traveler's Bible', contains vivid description of this relatively unexplored waterway. Despite its international recognition, the native folk often remain unaware of the unique experience offered by the journey that links fourteen lush green islands.

The meticulous eyes of foreign tourists have not evaded even the native boat travelers. It seems it was while traveling in these boats that they came across the largest number of 'half-clad men' in Kerala. The taste of toddy and the hot tinge of fish curry served at the riverside shops remained fresh in their taste-buds despite reaching the distant Egypt.

The boat resumes its ride through the islands of Pizhala, Kothadu and Chennoor before it reaches Varapuzha. The boat anchors beside the ancient St. Joseph Mount Carmel church. The cultural remnants of the work of early missionaries attract tourists to Varapuzha. Crematorium of twelve missionaries could also be seen here.  No wonder, the ride through the Kochi backwaters itself is the highlight in Fil Franperson's work 'Hidden Kerala', which has been written for KTDC.  The boat passes through Mulavukadu, Korumkotta and Vaduthala to reach Chittur where it stops for a refreshing break. The island of Moolambilly, seen at the other side, is famous for its earthen pots. So exquisite were those vessels moulded at Moolampilly that during the Indo-Chinese war, it was rumoured that these pots were manufactured in China itself.

The boat ride from Ernakulam to Varapuzha takes about one and a half hours. If your eyes long to have yet another glance of the picturesque backwaters you can return to Kochi by boat itself. Or else, you can get down at Cheranallor and catch a bus to Kochi. Taxi service is also available. Accommodation can be arranged at resorts in Korunkodu and Kothadu islands. Home-stay facility is available at Chenoor and Kothadu.

Monsoon arrives early in Kerala

The word monsoon itself makes one happy. The soaking smell of the dry Earth getting saturated, the splashing waters and the tiny paper boats sailing on the clogged water make monsoons the favourite season in India. After the long summer months when the heat and the dust ruled the roost, the monsoons are a welcome change. The farmers rejoice in the showers that promise to bring them prosperity. Feel the magic of monsoon.....

 Many parts of Kerala, particularly the central districts, had been enjoying summer showers through May, but the south-west monsoon officially hit the Kerala coast on Sunday, three days ahead of its arrival forecast.

The early arrival means the state can look forward to its traditional wet weather during the June-July months, and school children will have to arm themselves with raincoats and umbrellas as the showers come down right from the first week of their new academic year.

This year, the monsoon has reportedly set in three days ahead of projections, over most parts of Kerala, much of the south Arabian Sea, and some parts of Tamil Nadu, and conditions are being considered favourable for its advance.

For Kerala, a good and timely arrival of the monsoon not only means good news for the farming community across the state, but also brings cheer for the hydro-electricity generating sector, towards which the state's power generation is traditionally skewed.

A good monsoon is also vital for the state's tourism industry, both for the sustenance of the enticing greenery of the state and for the large number of tourism industry players who promote products that hinge around encouraging tourists to enjoy Kerala in the rain.

As nature recoups with the rains, it is rejuvenation time for humans too. According to Ayurveda, Monsoon is the best season for rejuvenation therapies. During the Monsoon season, the atmosphere remains dust-free and cool, opening the pores of the body to the maximum, making it most receptive to herbal oils and therapy.

Monsoon is the word itself makes one joyous! The intoxicating smell of the dry earth getting drenched, the splashing waters and the tiny paper boats sailing on the clogged water, make monsoons the favourite season in Kerala. After the long summer months of the heat and the dust having ruled the roost, the monsoon comes as a welcome change. The farmers rejoice in the showers that promise to bring them prosperity. The monsoon season makes the peacock fan out its plumes and dance with joy,the flowers of the golden mangoes bloom in plenty,the rivers and lakes to flow freely and the waterfalls to cascade majestically down the mountains! Kerala experiences the magic of the monsoon season in all its splendour,and tourists from across the state and country travel to this part to get a taste of the Kerala monsoon!