People often ask me what’s there in Kerala that keeps calling me back? Why do I frequent that place when ever I feel like? Doesn’t it seem all the same and monotonous? And the moist weather, doesn’t it feel suffocating after a few days? The answer to all these lies in the people of that beautiful place. A place where God resides in every lane, in every house, and in every smiling face that stops by to greet you.
My recent visit to Alapuzzha, introduced me to this essence. A visit that was almost two months back, a throwback; that must be shared. More so now, when the state is coming back to meet terms with life. So, here I bring to you all, my experience in Alapuzzha; where water and love can be found in abundance.
An Instagram friend who took me around
Day 1 was meant to be spent with Sachin; a friend that Instagram gifted me. A humble, helpful, and extremely talented photographer, who came down from Kochi.
On his bike, talking and singing, we travelled to the Marrari beach and clicked some amazing pictures.
He bargained the rates for our boat-ride. It was a sight watching him bargain.
We stopped for lunch at a small restaurant by the bank. Karimeen pollichathu, so well cooked and a huge spread of fish thali on plantain leaf; I had the most sumptuous lunch after a very long time. All that in an extremely pocket friendly rate.
The restaurant was also home for a beautiful Brahmini Kite. Putting it on my shoulder, felt exciting and scary. My buddy didn’t forget to capture the moment.
A beach full of grandeur and the roaring sea
I found the Alleppey beach, almost always crowded; morning till evening. Happy faces, ice-cream vendors, toy sellers, soccer lovers, and a gang of boys practicing for their band.
Monsoon dresses the sea in a different attire. Black soil, mighty waves, and brushes of rain on and off; I found the sea more beautiful than usual.
Travelling solo has its perks. Abundance of time tops the list. When in hand, I prefer observing people. And with the broken bridge in the background, this time it felt dreamy. I watched the people around and my mind floated to the bygone time of the broken bridge; only to be brought back by the sudden pours of rain. The rain smelled so common. Why not? It flourished with emotions of my beloved Kerala.
A stranger who became my travel guide
Walking down to the main beach every morning, was my regular event for the three days I stayed in Alleppey. The second morning as I was walking back to Zostel, a dog followed me. It didn’t belong to the territory that I was heading to and hence wasn’t welcomed by the ones from that area. I was petrified seeing the angry pack. All I heard the next moment was a loud cry from behind.
There stood a man with a smiling face calling me Didi, sending off the pack, and guiding me to Zostel. He happened to be an auto driver and obliged to take me around.
Telling me stories about the place, his life, and people of Alleppey, he made me experience the true vibe.
• The famous Pulincunnu church
• The rice basket of India, Kuttanad
• The Choir Museum of Alleppey
• The St. Andrew’s Basilica of Arthunkal
He was super excited to see me all enchanted by Kerala. So much so that he stopped by at any given location that I felt could be a perfect frame for my next picture.
Food that was made with love and only love
People here celebrate life with food. Needless to say, that they are prepared with lots of love. The lunch thali by the backwater, morning tea and appam from the little store near the beach, evening snacks at Indian Coffee House, and few more items that I had there.
My auto driver bhaiya took me to this famous place near the Lighthouse, named Balu’s hotel. A small hotel with extremely clean indoors and a smiling owner, served the most delicious appam and chana masala in the entire town of Alleppey.
He also suggested me the beach side restaurant named, Dreamer’s café. Overlooking the sea and the thatched roof keeping me safe from the rain, I sat there enjoying prawn masala, Kerala parotta, and a glass of ice-tea. The taste was so impeccable that I came back the next day too. They made a plate of perfectly grilled butterfish and served it with mashed potato and lemon rice.
Zostel, a home away from home
I reached Zostel Alleppey, as early as 5:30 am in the morning. Having already informed Varun, the host of Zostel, he had made all arrangements for me. And with a smiling face, my little brother Adi welcomed me in.
Varun took me around the property telling me every bit about how the property was built up. The paintings on the walls, the stories behind them, and the upcoming plans. Adi on the other hand was the little brother that Zostel gifted me. With Mia (the beautiful cat of Zostel; who unfortunately passed away last month) playing around, it was fun listening to his experiences at Alleppey and the ones that he brought from other places.
Special mention calls for a group of friends I met there. Mala, a solo traveler from Bangalore, couple of girls from London (shared their experience of travelling across India), the trio from Bangalore, a gang of engineering students, together we all had a beautiful time.
Not to forget the delicious pancake that Adi made after a few failed attempts. Varun did love eating it. How could he not? For Adi had put in such big efforts to create the art of beauty.