Enjoy a relaxing day floating along the backwaters of Kerala, visiting a traditional village along the way.

Drive about 90 minutes south from the pier to the jetty in Alleppey, in the heart of the backwaters of Kerala. Board a comfortable kettuvallom, a rice barge specially converted to carry visitors on a fascinating journey along the canals and tranquil backwaters still used to transport goods from town to city.

Slowly make your way past small villages and verdant countryside, keeping an eye out for the plentiful birdlife and aquatic flora and fauna. Families go about their daily routine, bathing and doing laundry along the shore. Other kettuvallom glide past, some propelled by pole, carrying goods to market or transporting guests on holiday. Fishermen and enterprising vendors also ply the waters. Learn a bit more about rural life among the rice paddies during a visit to a typical village, where students in the local school proudly demonstrate their burgeoning knowledge of English.

A skilled chef prepares a meal of traditional Kerala dishes aboard your boat, accompanied by a cold Indian brew or two. Before beginning the coach ride back to Cochin, visit a boat yard to see how these rather amazing crafts are built, using thick coir rope in lieu of nails to secure the lengths of wood together.

NOTE: Small gifts of pens, notebooks or candy for the children are much appreciated.

PRICE:

$ 80 20-29 participants

$ 90 15-19 participants

W1: Easy activity. Very light activity including short distances to walk; will include some steps in and out of the transportation.