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                    the story
               of an eternal harmonious
               dream....

   .....with sketches of
   picturesque landscape.....

......holding the aroma

of a culture...

     ....savoring subtle
     nuances in comfort!

The boat sailed gently down the stream,
the backwater of life,
life is but a dream reminisced we
yet here life is a dream
a virtual reality

where the senses are tempered to the flow of water and sail of boats to the chorus of birds to the play tones of children to the organic aroma of the land to the pure essence of spices and salts to the soothing rocking of the boat linking to blissful sleep what more can one ask for ?
for life to be an eternal harmonious dream

Backwater

 Alleppey, "Venice of the East" has a large network of canals that meander through the town. The Snake Boat Race held every year in August in the backwaters of Alleppey is a major attraction. The backwaters act as a vital waterway for the transport of goods, people and their produce are often the only link between isolated villages and crowded towns.

In Kerala, the total expanse of backwater stretches over 1500 kms., with a network of 44 rivers, lagoons and lakes from north to south. Alleppey which forms the main part of this network has the peculiar geographical feature of having the water in level with the land. This gives the advantage of getting a closer look at the village life on shore while on a backwater ride.

A glide in a "Kettuvallam" (Houseboat) through the enchanting backwaters of Alleppey is sure to rob your heart. Palm fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields and the neat tiny hamlets lined up along either sides of the canals are panoramic sights one can never forget. The Chinese fishing nets, the reminiscent of our past trade links, are also found on the way.

Flocks of ducks swimming around the banks and tiny birds flying across the sky remains as enduring pictures reflecting the charm of this unique land. The sparkling water and the caressing cool wind is a temptation too strong to resist. Country boats of various types crisscross the path with passengers from all walks of Kerala's rural life ranging from milkman and newspaper boy to local politicians, priests and wedding parties.

It is a unique experience as this is as close as one can get to feel the vibrant life in the countryside of god's own country.
 

NEHRU TROPHY BOAT RACE

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It is in the months of August and September that the moist, rain-drenched earth and the glorious everflowing backwaters burst into song together, as over hundred thousand men and women gather on the banks to witness a spectacular water regatta - the SNAKE BOAT RACES. Boat race crews begin to practice for the race months before the great day. They live together, eat together, toil together to work themselves into a smooth, co-ordinated team.

Like the neck of an angry snake it curves to a height of fifteen to twenty feet. The prow is pointed and stands four feet above the water with its glistening brass embellishments. The main steerman of the boat stands on the amaram with specially made long oars. The efficiency with which they handles the oar is what establishes the speed of the boat and its balance. They claim that a single strong plunge of the oar into the water can take the boat three leaps forward to a distance of thirsty feet.

On boat race day, the 'Chundan Valloms' as the greatest racing boats are called -are slicked down with a special oil to make them glide effortlessly through water. The crews then visit a shrine carrying the stroke and largest steering oar with them. And having offered prayers to the Almighty, they are now ready to war with their fellow men. The air crackles with excitement as the best of the 130 feet Chundan Valloms, each manned by over a hundred rowers, fly through the waters at break neck speed, egged on by the fierce competitive spirit that marks the event and the spectators lusty roars.

The most famous of these is the NEHRU TROPHY BOAT RACE on the Second Saturday of every August There are a dozen other Snake Boat Races. The latest addition is the one in connection with the GREAT ELEPHANT MARCH held on 19th of January every year. 'Champakkulam', 'Kavalam', 'Karichal', 'Jawahar Thayangari', 'Kallooparamban', 'Pacha', 'Pulinkunnu', 'Nadubhagam', 'Cheruthana', 'Kandangari' and 'Paippad' are the chief competitors for the trophies. Large and spectacular 'chundans' glide towards the finishing line like meteors in the sky with water splashing violently on both sides like streaks of lightning. An unforgettable and truly special scene. The fund of energy, spirit of competition and unerring co-ordination makes this sport one of the most dynamic.