Native as a Tourist

I was born and brought up in Alleppey, the home of Kerala's backwaters. How ironic would it be when I say that I had never been on a houseboat until the last week? Travelling in Kerala with a bunch of non-Malayalam speaking people was something of a different experience.

The sun hid behind the clouds to give Vembanad Lake a soft touch, a pleasure to my camera. Munnar received us with rain and mist but the sun shone pleasantly on the next morning. Kerala continues to fascinate me with its uniqueness. 

Houseboats lined up in one of the canals extending from Vembanad Lake at Kumarakom, near Alleppey.

Floating on India's longest lake!
Houseboats are luxurious versions of the traditional "Kettuvallam".  They were originally used to transport rice and spices from Kuttanad to the port in Kochi.

He passed our houseboat, probably rowing home after the day's catch

 Trying their luck with fishing.

Long exposed Vembanad Lake

Remains of the British influence in the tea estates of Munnar

The deep blue sky, the scattered clouds kissing the mountains, patches of green and the rugged mountains - a view from Top Station, Munnar. 

Top Station known for its mist cover, presented a clear frame on that day.