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Why Kerala Holds a Special Place in My Heart
It all began with a split-second decision to board the bus to Alleppey. Otherwise, we were still in the midst of debating where to kickstart our journey. But you can always do this in Kerala. Not only is public transport readily available and dirt cheap, but you also get that safe vibe to follow your whims, even if it means arriving in Alleppey well past midnight and relying on the advice of a stranger for a lift and hotel recommendation.
This was my second visit to Kerala, the enchanting “God’s Own Country”. Having explored the coastal gems of Varkala and Kovalam on my previous trip, this time I wanted to discover other facets of this diverse region, commencing our adventure in Alleppey.
Known as the Venice of the East, Alleppey (or Alappuzha, as the Malayalam name goes) offers an iconic backwater experience. Our journey unfolded through a boathouse cruise, a captivating exploration of not just the picturesque house structures but also the vibrant lifestyle of the local residents. I must mention a special short lunch stop featuring crab curry on a banana leaf.
