jan-arend van Boeijen's video: Exploring Kerala s famous Backwaters by houseboat

In January-February 2023, after several years of forced absence due to the covid epidemic, we were finally able to visit our beloved India again. We make an extensive tour through South India; the states of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The trip was organized by our special friend in India, Samar Pradhan (Email: bubu@heritagetoursorissa.com / yugabrat@gmail.com). South India is breathtaking. Famous for its fantastic UNESCO World Heritage Sites, varied cuisines, verdant landscapes and cosmopolitan cities. South India is a rhapsody in green. On this tour you will discover the many facets of this region: from the beautiful temples, ancient folk art with the power to be exciting, a surprisingly rich Jewish history, impressive panoramic views of lush hill stations, interactions with the locals and of course the scenic backwaters . In this video report we share some images of our cruise over Kerala's Backwaters By Houseboat The 'backwaters' is the name of the enchanting palm-lined waterways that are synonymous with Kerala. This 900-odd kilometre labyrinth of canals connects large regions of Kerala and was constructed centuries ago for transporting cargo, such as spices and rice. Traditional boats called kettuvallam (made by tying pieces of wood together with coir rope, made from coconut fibres) collected the cargo from isolated villages along the waterways and carried it to traders in town. However, use of the boats fell as a preference for modern forms of transport grew. The vessels are now being used for houseboat trips on Kerala's backwaters and have become one of the region's most popular attractions. Kerala's backwaters still function as an important hub of local life. Commuting, fishing and farming are frequently undertaken on the backwaters and a Keralan houseboat trip provides a fascinating glimpse into these everyday activities. It feels like a journey through another world as you glide past homes, paddy fields, coconut groves, churches, temples, toddy shops and wildlife.