CGH Earth’s Spice Coast Cruises is a great way to experience the beauty and brilliance of Kerala’s backwaters on the Vembanad lake.
A holiday where you cruise through scenic vistas, hop off for local experiences and relax in luxury may sound too perfect to be true. However, you can get all this and more as you hop on to a traditional houseboat or Kettuvallam as they are locally called when you board the Spice Coast Cruises by CGH Earth.
The houseboat I boarded had two well-appointed rooms with attached bathrooms as well as a small kitchen at the back of the boat. The front had a living space complete with a dining table with a perfect view of the deck. What I personally loved was a book on the birds of the region that was on the table here – perfect for a bird lover like me.
Just before I boarded, I was treated to fresh coconut water – one of the sweetest I have had and soon after I am cruising, I have a fresh pineapple juice made on the houseboat. Settling down on the deck, I am treated to the bounties of the lake. There are several birds flying all around – from the green bee eater, darter bird, cormorants, kingfishers, and egrets. This is also the season for water lilies and there are stretches of the lake covered with the pink blooms.
The crew of the boat are from the region and a cook, and the driver makes sure the journey is comfortable. The menu on the cruise boats is prepared by the boatmen using traditional and local methods. I tried the vegetarian food and was impressed with the array of dishes all of which tasted fresh and were flavorful, with tangy spices and fresh coconut. Non vegetarians must try the fish here – if you are lucky, it may even be one caught fresh from the lake and is grilled with red chilies, ginger, and lime. The food experience is personal so if you share your preferences in advance, it will be taken care of by the attentive staff. There is also coffee/tea as well as snacks that will keep you happy and satiated.
Among the best things to do apart from soaking in the pleasures of slow life as you see the villagers go about their day is to stop for local experiences. The lush green paddy fields, narrow canals and more make the experience special. I took a stop at a local village where I had the chance to walk into the same and visit a local temple and interact with a few villagers. I also saw how fishermen caught fish and mussels as well. The Vembanad lake is a biodiversity hotspot with distinctive flora and fauna, so there is never really a dull moment when you are on the boat. A stop to see the coir rope production and the handicrafts made from it is also a great way to understand the local craft of the region. If you like anything, it is good to buy a souvenir as a way of supporting the local community as well. Take the time to interact with the native toddy tappers who you will find at work on the coconut trees and maybe you could even sample a glass of fresh toddy. Or if you wish to do nothing, sit back, and relax as you soak in the birdsong and gentle sound of the river dashing against the boat.
As the lake’s environs are fragile, CGH Earth ensures they do not dump any waste and dispose of it safely. Also, the houseboat docks in the evening and starts sailing in the morning. If you are looking for a holiday that is all about taking it slow and soaking in the sights and sounds of nature, a trip on this houseboat ticks all the checkboxes while giving you a memory for a lifetime.
Fact File
- Reach: the nearest airport is at Kochi about 70 km away. Nearest town is at Kottayam and rail head is at Cherthala.
- Carry light cottons and knit wear as this area is always humid.
- Sunglasses, a hat, insect repellents and sunblock will serve you well.
