A Trip to Allepey.. :)
Day 1:
Started at 3.30 AM from Chennai with Vicky, amma and Charu in Car. Appa joined us in villupuram. The journey continued thru Salem, Coimbatore. We had our breakfast at Hotel Ananda Bhavan, Salem. Then the travel continued thru Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Cochin and Allepey. We booked 'Pathan's Home stay at Kainakary village, ALLEPEY thru Airbnb and that was one of the best decision we have ever made.
The most remarkable part of the trip was Praveen's(our host) Dad Mr. PATHAN'S food. It seems that he has been a professional cook at house boats for a longer period and has retired now. He cooked the complete meal for us throughout the trip. We reached our homestay at 4PM, Praveen guided us the way, and throughout our way we were soo refreshed to see the green paddy fields, White birds dotting the green paddy fields was an excellent sight.
The narrow roads beside the lake was an interesting cover. The sight of Schools at the bank of the river, the narrow bridge which can accommodate only one car at a time, Cute Authentic Houses on one side of the road and the clean calm backwaters at the other side, exquisite Houseboats travelling for their night rest with their guests and there we reached our home stay. Car Parking with 50 mts away from home, we walked with our luggages thru the cute narrow roads with coconut trees bordering the lake to our neat, calm villa.
We were graciously welcomed by Mr. Pathan and his wife. After refreshments-hot chai and pazham bajji we started for our evening walk alongside the backwaters. Dad was busy correcting his half yearly answer sheets and we had to leave him there. The backwaters claims an ecstatic view with calm coconut trees at the banks, hundreds of house boats with different styles, right from the normal ones to a grand posch cruise type Houseboats. They were anchored at the corners of the backwaters after 6 o clock. They were specially decorated with tingling lights for the new year weekend and it was an worthy watch for us. We were awaited with a delicious menu - chapathi, Pepper Chicken Curry, Beans poriyal, Dhal, Carrot Poriyal, Fresh Water Fish Fry and rice. Veg dishes were out of the mark, we have not tasted such delicious veg dishes at any hotels so far. We emptied all the dishes - a special hats off to Mr. PATHAN.
After a small chit chat we fell asleep as it was a tiring day of travel.
Day 2:
We started our day with the boat ride for the view of sunrise. The boat took us through the lambs river to the vembanad lake, the biggest one in kerela. We were so wanting to see the sunrise this time. As we rode thru, the guests at the anchored Houseboats were enjoying the nature's view. we were riding fast to the view point, when my sissy saw the hot orange ball of fire thru the coconut trees. That was a noteworthy sight.
The sun was in glowing orange and was in a complete 3D ball shape ready to spread out his elegant rays. The 2 mins watch of the bright orange hot ball was to be cherished forever. The captain of our boat took us to the bank of the backwater for the sun view with the green paddy fields. The sun god was so gracious that he accepted to pose with us along with the paddy fields before he started spreading his yellow rays.
We then continued our ride thru small canals with traditional houses on both sides. It was truly 'The Venice of South India'. Mind blowing sight they are - Words cannot match the feel that it gave. At both the sides of the canal people at their home were busily readying themselves for their day time activities.
After the cute ride we reached our place. The authentic taste of Kerela - Puttu, Idiyappam, Kadala Curry and hot milk.
We planned to visit the famous St. Mary's church - the vinnai thaandi varuvaya fame. The church stood elegantly beside the lake. Then we visited the Edathua Church were we had a chance to see the kerela Christian Wedding. Then we reached our home, had our lunch - I had to speak abt the menu :P. KARIMEEN, Mor kuzhambu, karikkai curry, soya curry(meal maker), beetroot poriyal, sambar, kerela Rice and Pine Apple pachadi. Everything was perfectly cuisined.
We then took a small nap, followed by lakeside walk in the evening. Tried some fishing with fishing nets as we walked by the lake.
We planned to celebrate the new year eve at allepey beach. Our host Praveen also joined us for the celebration. After the dinner at 9 we headed to the allepey beach. Though it was heavily crowded, we managed to find a parking lot and walked to the beach. It was a long coast and people were spread across the entire stretch. With the milaga bajji shops, sundal, ice creams, hot snacks shops and a musical show hosted , the place was full of fun and energy. When we reached the area near the stage there were thousands of people seated down listening and enjoying the show. It was so colorful to see helium balloons in each one's hand. We came to know that those balloons will be flown to the sky at 12 AM. We bought some red and yellow helium balloons for ourselves too and joined the celebration.
There were some peppy tamil songs which added to our excitement. The count down started from 10,9,8,7... And the new year is born. All the helium balloons were flown up and it was one awesome sight. Thousands of balloons were flying high, colorfully dotting the black sky.
They flew high and high and as they moved out from our sight we started walking towards our parking lot. With 'aaluma doluma' song on high volumes we drove back to our place with full of energy and excitement...:)
Day 3:
The new day of the new year started with the visit to the shivan temple, a few minutes walk from our place.
The homestay can be tagged as ' The Best', May it be the Location - a beautiful lake view in front of the house, serene interiors, calm sit out area, Dine Space with lake view and most lovely thing is Our host and his family. Praveen was an super excellent host, he assisted us with all the requisites,right from tracking us to the location, guiding us with trip planning, all preparations for the new year celebrations and the list goes on..
With breakfast served, followed by the cake cutting and photoshoots, we started our journey back with full of memories that are to be cherished for a lifetime. :)
