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Young World
Riveting scene
SAROJINE CHOPRA
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There are several things to see and enjoy during a holiday in coastal Kerala. A cruise in the houseboat is likely to be an unforgettable experience.
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Inviting boat and fetching green all around.
Eco-tourism generally means that a tourist can enjoy what is best in the region,yet not disturb the ecology, the social fabric, the tradition or the way of life of the local people.
Kerala seems to have achieved this, inviting visitors to enjoy themselves and not leave behind a trail of the litter that usually accompanies the ubiquitous tourist.
A boat ride in the backwaters is a must. Near the coastline is a strip of land where various streams and rivers that flow down the Western Ghats, into fresh water lakes most of which are interconnected. These stretches of water — the backwaters — are serene and peaceful, making the land on the banks fertile. Well-equipped boats take small groups of tourists, usually for a day-long cruise. The tourist can also stay in a houseboat which is made of bamboo (the base is broad, which makes the boat stable. The sides consist of cleverly made blinds).
Visitors are encouraged to sit on a suspended plank which gives them a feeling of skimming over the water. They get to have a wonderful view.
All the while the boat has been moving at an even pace. Tensions ease. They seem to belong to another world altogether. Here you lie back and watch the darters (snake birds) sit on impossible perches over the water's edge. An occasional kingfisher flashes by with the bluest wings that catch the sunlight in a shower of light. Far in the distance the coconut fronds wave gently in the breeze. The fruit lies studded on the stem.
Ingenious device to catch fish... Chinese nets.
On the banks are village huts in unending lines. People go about their lives unconcerned that they may be watched or even photographed. At regular intervals by the bank can be seen the Chinese fishing nets. A light hangs suspended, caught by a set of long bamboo poles. A heavy stone is balanced to keep the poles aloft.
Further along the pole is a net caught by a stiff frame. It looks like a giant sieve.
The houseboat occasionally parks at the bank. You may get to watch the complete cycle of production of coir and its end products. An amazing amount of labour goes into the making of a single hank of coir. The whole village takes part in the production and profits are equally shared.
The houseboat docks at the appointed place. The ride is over. You seem to have had a full day and night, yet not much has been done except to see a flight of birds or happy children wave across the water.
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