Boasting the highest literacy rate in India (94%) and the highest life expectancy (74 years), Kerala is one of the two Indian states that regularly elects a Communist government (the other being West Bengal). I was drawn to it by my political curiosities, but there are many other reasons to go. Full of natural beauty, Kerala has grown into a destination for ayurvedic tourism, among other things. I did have an ayurvedic massage, and I’ll admit, it kind of sent my body into a tizzy—it was a pretty intense experience!
We spent Christmas of 2009 near the town of Alleppey, and given Kerala’s healthy-sized Christian population, our hotel put on a celebration for its guests. It also stuffed one of its skinny employees into a Santa suit (not entirely pleasant for him, I’m sure, since it hovers at around 84 degrees Fahrenheit at night).
With 400,000 hectares of inland water resources, one of the cool things you can do in Kerala is rent a houseboat and cruise the canals. They come equipped with crew, too, so all you have to do is sit back and wave at people as you drift on by. We booked through Beautiful Alleppey, and while you can depart from several different towns, Alleppey—also called Allapuzha—was also our point of embarkation.
While the on-board bed was hard as a rock, the meals were splendid, and of course, the people-watching completely made the day. There were lots of other houseboats on the water, but there are so many different canals that it’s easy to find quiet, open space.
Wherever you are this Christmas, I wish a merry holiday to you and yours!
Jagoda says
Friends of mine rented houseboats in Kerala a couple of years ago as part of their India vacation. They said it was one of their favorite parts of that trip for all the reasons you state. Spending Christmas in another country is a great idea–it gives you a different view of the world. I’m putting that on my bucket list.
Happy Holidays!
Laura Zera says
Yes, I wouldn’t want to be away every Christmas, but it’s an interesting thing to do once in a while. That, and visit a country during its national elections! Best to you for the holidays, too, Jagoda, and I look forward to catching up with you in the new year.
Chris James says
Sounds wonderful! Happy holidays to you as well Laura – looking for ward to reading more of you in 2013 🙂
Laura Zera says
Happy holidays to you, your beautiful family and the furry, four-legged kids as well, Chris!
Jo-Anne Teal says
Love reading about your amazing travels. The very best to you, Laura this holiday season. Have a happy, happy Christmas! Big, squishy hugs!
Laura Zera says
Thank you, Jo. Have enjoyed some wonderful time with my family this year, I must say. Hope yours has been full of peace and joy and giant hugs back to you!
Mary Yuhas says
Merry Christmas, Laura!
Laura Zera says
And to you, Mary! Hope you’re taking advantage of your recovering knee and having lots of loved ones dote on you. 🙂
Debbie Young says
Wow! Looks fabulous – and lovely to contemplate on the grey, wet English December day as we head towards the close of one of the wettest British years since records began. Wishing you a very merry Christmas, Laura, and a peaceful New Year full of more rich adventures.
Laura Zera says
Thank you, thank you! And to you as well, Debbie. It has been a pleasure getting to know you this year. All the best to you, your hubby and your Laura for 2013.
Rolando says
Sounds like a great place to lay back and relax Laura. Hope you had a great Christmas this year too!
Laura Zera says
So far, so good, Rolando! Just got back from a few days in Canada with the fam. Couldn’t ask for anything better, really. Wishing you a superb 2013!
Kern Windwraith says
Like Jo-Anne, I love reading about your travels. Hope your Christmas was delightful this year, Laura, with food equally as delicious as the meals on board that houseboat in Alleppey–but with a far more comfortable bed!
Laura Zera says
Thanks so much, Kern. My sister cooked, and she’s a FABULOUS chef, so my belly is veeeeeery content. She also got the new Vij’s cookbook for Christmas, so I’m hoping that she’ll be cooking me some fantastic Indian food soon, too! Wishing you the very best, Kern, and much joy for 2013.
Jodi from Heal Now and Forever says
Merry Christmas! I hope you enjoy! It looks splendid! Did you have Shirodhara? I love that!
Laura Zera says
Merry Christmas to you, too, Jodi! No Shirodhara in Kerala, but you’ve piqued my interest now. Might have to try that at some point. Enjoy the rest of the holidays, my dear!
Jeri says
Spending Christmas in another country is definitely on my bucket list! The only problem is deciding which one. Happy belated Christmas!
Laura Zera says
Hey there, Jeri! Belated greetings to you, too, and happy new year. We just have to hope that longevity is on our side in order to get through the growing bucket list. So many things to do!